Birdline North Queensland Weekly Update

Birdline North Queensland Published sightings for the week ending 4 Jan 2015. Fri 2 Jan Banded Honeyeater Wondecla State Forest including Springvale Rd Several Banded Honeyeater were feeding on blossom being protected by a Noisy Friarbird. The honeyeaters called loudly and were repeatedly chased off by the friarbird. At least 3 were seen and others heard. This species is very rarely recorded on the Tableland being more usual in inland areas and Cape York Peninsula. The blossom included a red flowering mistletoe being used by many honeyeater species at the moment and some eucalypt blossom also. ID photo provided with the mistletoe flowers. Peter Valentine Sat 27 Dec White-browned Crake (2) Cattana wetlands (Cairns) Observed a pair of White-browed Crakes foraging on the lily pads and along the edges of Jabiru Pond (the large pond). Seen near the island in the north-west of the pond. Paul Dodd & Ruth Woodrow Sat 20 Dec Southern Boobook (lurida ssp.), Masked Owl Mt. Lewis Rd–Lower part 5.9 K up Mt Lewis from the main road, first located and saw a Southern Boobook of the lurida subspecies. Had excellent views (and only 1 photo). Also heard incessant screeching of Masked Owl, at least 2 birds. Call matched that of playback and was a harsh cockatoo-like screeching. Birds would not come close though. The only other time I have heard Masked Owl constantly screech was at The Conondale Ranges with Chris Corben years ago and we saw dependent young of Masked Owl then. I am very confident that these were Masked Owl and not Lesser Sooty Owl or Barn Owl, ( Lesser Sooty Owl have a higher screech). It is thick forest next to the road where I encountered both species here. Kevin Bartram