Author: Mick Jerram

Hi Folks

I was asked to survey a small block in Palmerston in the Buscall Ave drainage channel from Sanctuary Lakes. It is a really nice bit of habitat, especially for a Rufous Owl I found enjoying some prey (Bar-shoudered Dove possibly). Sad thing is that this small amount of land has a proposal for development/clearing for an Optus/Vodafone tower. Its the last option from 3 proposed sites, the others discounted because of what seems like access issues, i.e. no-track! The submission period has expired, as usual, the development sign put up with less than 2 weeks for people to notice and make submissions. Some submissions were forwarded, but there is a hope of community meetings occurring soon.
I don’t know about everyone else, but I am concerned about how easily we are succumbing to the destruction of of our local green belts? If you are a Palmerston resident or share the same concerns, Id be happy for you to contact me.
Sorry to make this great sighting quite a negative report.
Sincerely Mick

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Upon having a look through records, I’ve confirmed that there are very few records of PSnipe anywhere in the NT. The closest sighting to the Barkley is probably Normanton Qld in 2012 and Petrocarb (Jervois Dam) NE of Alice. If anyone else is aware of other sightings I would be interested. I’ve attached one of the images FYI Regards Mick PS My apologies for incorrect spelling of B-A-R-K-L-Y initially (as a local in the NT for 30years I should know this) and also apologies for omitting precise details re the location on this National forum. Next time I will ‘slow down a bit’ and be careful when making posts

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My apologies folks I’ve omitted the whereabouts of Barkely Homestead. It is in the Northern Territory, Halfway along the Barkely Highway, (the main road from Three ways/Tennant Creek across to Mt Isa). its actually a bit of a delineation (unofficially) of the Top End and the Red Centre. Its Junction at the Stuart Highway is 9ookm South of Darwin and 600-7ookm North of Alice. Apologies for ant confusion. Sincerely Mick

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Yesterday evening (6PM 12th Jan) I was fortunate enough to happen upon a female and male Painted Snipe in the boundary of the campground, directly behind the Barkley Homestead. They were feeding in a puddle formed by very recent rain, it was about 8m long by 4m wide. This morning (6AM 13th), there was no puddle…and no Snipe. I had a look at Google earth satellite pic and it shows no permanent water directly behind that area, although it was thickly grassed and Im guessing stays pretty ‘swampy’ during the wet. Is anyone aware of other sightings at this location? Mick

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Just wanted to report that there are still reports coming in from local birders, that the Phalarope is still present after 13 days from finding. The ponds are still closed, however scoping from the outside is still possible as the bird favours one particular area. I am assuming that due to the change in condition of the bird that Gus and myself observed him very soon after his arrival, a very lucky circumstance indeed. Who knows when another ‘twitch-able’ occurrence of this species will happen? Best Mick _______________________________________________ Birding-Aus mailing list Birding-Aus@birding-aus.org To change settings or unsubscribe visit: http://birding-aus.org/mailman/listinfo/birding-aus_birding-aus.org