Hi All,
Earlier this month whilst conducting surveys at Ashmore Reef we found a Yellow-browed Warbler, Phylloscopus inornatus, (the first Australian record) and a Pallas?s Grasshopper Warbler, Locustella certhiola, (the second Australian record) on West Island. Other goodies at the reef included a Middendorff?s Warbler and a small flock of naturally occurring Tree Sparrows. At sea in transit to and from the reef a single Abbott?s Booby and three separate Jouanin?s Petrels were observed.
Photos of the Yellow-browed Warbler and Pallas?s Grasshopper Warbler are here: http://www.pbase.com/wildlifeimages/yellow_browed_warbler (first 5 pics) http://www.pbase.com/wildlifeimages/pallass_grasshopper_warbler (all 4 pics)
This year the Ashmore Reef birding tour run by Kimberley Birdwatching will take place 17-24 October 2011. Given the spate of rarities at Ashmore Reef and in the Indian Island territories in the past 6-7 months this trip is shaping up to be a good one. Best to contact George Swann or Mike Carter (pterodroma@bigpond.com) for info.
Cheers, Rohan
