Birdline Northern Territory Weekly Update

Birdline Northern Territory Published sightings for the week ending 14 Sep 2014. Sat 13 Sep Red-necked Avocets Katherine Wastewater Treatment Plant 7 birds seen in central rear pond (with every other bird in the ponds!!) A first on my KWTP list Mick Jerram Wed 10 Sep Rufous Owl Kakadu National Park–Cooinda 1 Rufous Owl adult perched in dead tree at Home Billabong boat ramp, Cooinda at 20:30. Also Large-tailed Nightjar. Darcy Ginty and Felicity Hatton Mon 8 Sep Black bittern Palmerston–Marlow Lagoon Late afternoon two Black Bittern were observed. One flushed from under a foot bridge onto an island and the second bird was observed shortly afterwards on the second island at the southern end. Both spotted by Tim Collins. Tim Collins, Anne Collins Gouldian Finch Policemans Pt. (Timber Creek) Repeated sightings of flocks of up to 80-90 birds over the past three days. First sighting 5.30pm 06/09 comprised mixed mature and juv. birds feeding on bare ground beside track to Point. Second and third sightings yesterday and today appears to be different flock comprised solely of Juv. birds and one mature ( or matures have separated for whatever reason). Long-tailed Finches and Chestnut-breasted Mannikins intermingled. My target bird, YR Mannikin not to be seen. Jean & Paul Newman Wed 3 Sep Chestnut Rail Buffalo Creek, Darwin After six failed efforts at four different NT and WA sites this year, a third attempt at Buffalo Creek produced no fewer than five Chestnut Rails during the last hour of daylight from the boat ramp to approx 600m upstream. It is notable that conditions included a very low tide at dusk, which precluded any boat activity. The two birds in image appeared at dark, right across creek from boat ramp, after I’d loaded the car and was preparing to leave. John Weigel Wed 20 Aug Pacific Baza Mary River Wilderness Retreat Saw 2 in the morning on the Wallaby track. Then saw one in the afternoon at the start of the Bamboo walk. Kerry Allen