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Trip Reports 2015

List of sightings and reports from recent tours  

Ashmore Reef Trip

see 2016 trip reports


Best of Top End Birding September 2015
Guide Mike Jarvis, Guests Lyn and Sandy from Queensland, Ann from NSW, Robin from Canada, Robin and Rupert from Victoria and Marg from Victoria.

Map showing the route covered in the 'Best of Top End Birding' tour (photo copyright Mike Jarvis)
Map showing the route covered in the 'Best of Top End Birding' tour  (photo copyright Mike Jarvis)
Rufous Owl at Darwin Botanical Gardens (photo copyright Marg Lacey)
Rufous Owl at Darwin Botanical Gardens  (photo copyright Marg Lacey)

Click here for the Best Of Top End Birding September 2015 trip highlights and sightings. Please click here to see the photos from this trip.


 

 

 

 

 

     

 

                 
     




Top End Photography Tour, August 29-Sept 5, 2015
Guide Mike Jarvis, Guests Antony and Ann from the UK, Geoff and Liz from Spain.

Spotted Harrier crossing the Marrakai Track (photo copyright Mike Jarvis)
Spotted Harrier crossing the Marrakai Track  (photo copyright Mike Jarvis)

 

Highlights

Day 1 Darwin to Mary River
Great day with Rainbow Pitta, Bush and Beach Stone-curlew at East Point. Red-headed Honeyeater at Rapid Creek. Mangrove Boardwalk was busy with Little Kingfisher, LBFR on nest, ShiningFC on nest, BBFC and MGWh. RPitta, Brush Cuckoo, Sh Flycatcher and Emerald Dove in the carpark at Fogg Dam
Picnic lunch at Rapid Creek.
Dinner and bird call at Mary River Wilderness Retreat, 87 species seen.
Day 2 Explore Mary River
Bush breakfast on the Marrakai Track. Black-tailed Treecreepers and Varied Sittellas in abundance at our breakfast location. After breakfast we had views of about 20 Gouldian Finches, mostly juvenile but at least one mature pair of Black-headed and three cosy Little Woodswallows. Glimpse of a Spotted Harrier, lunch at Margaret River with great views of Buff-sided Robin.
Dinner accommodation and bird call at Mary River Wilderness Retreat, 63 species seen.
Day 3 Mary River to Kakadu
Bush breakfast at South Alligator River. Several Canary White-eyes, Black-shouldered Kite, Australian Hobby and Spotted Harrier. Zitting and Golden-headed Cisticolas. At Mamukala we saw all the usual waterfowl including 100+ Purple Swamphen. Many bush birds on the path including Red-backed Fairy-wrens in breeding plumage. Lunch at Manggarre. Lots of crocs. Fruit bats in the hundreds, Azure Kingfisher at Cahill’s Crossing. Chestnut-quilled Rock-Pigeon at the Bardedjilidji Sandstone Walk, Forest Kingfishers building a nest in arboreal termite mound. Accommodation and dinner at Aurora. 79 species seen.
Day 4 Explore Kakadu
Breakfast at Anbangbang. Lots of waterfowl. Lunch at Mardagul. Yellow Water Cruise yielded 44 bird species, no new ones but great views of many birds including White-bellied Sea-eagle and Azure Kingfisher.
Dinner and bird call at the Aurora Resort. 74 species seen.
Day 5 Kakadu to Katherine
We helped out some countrymen with a flat tyre at Jabiru. Bush breakfast at Gungurul. Lovely location. Arafura Fantail had wash in the creek (see video), Antony got great shots of Blue-winged Kookaburra tending a nest hollow. Stopped at Harriot Creek and saw the Silver-backed Butcherbirds and a Brown Goshawk on its nest. Saw Pink-eared Duck and other waterfowl at Pine Creek STP. Lunch at Copperfield Dam, several Cockatiels come in to drink, put out a raging campfire. We continued on to the Katherine Gorge and saw Australian Bustard on the way in. Also saw five more Australian Bustard on the track in to Donkey Camp Weir.
Dinner and bird call at Mahogany Restaurant and accommodation at Pine Tree Hotel. 70 species seen.
Day 6 Katherine and Pine Creek
Bush breakfast at Edith Falls road, hundreds of Gouldian Finches and about 12 Hooded Parrots came to drink. At Katherine we saw Apostlebirds, Fairy Martins, Chestnut-breasted Mannikins and two Pictorella Mannikins!! Picnic lunch near the Fergusson River. Afternoon rest at Pine Creek and then walked around Pine Creek. Saw Grey-crowned Babblers, Northern Rosellas and more Hooded Parrots. Dinner and accommodation at the Lazy Lizard at Pine Creek.
55 species seen.
Day 7 Pine Creek to Darwin
Bush breakfast at Bridge Creek Dam. Having seen most target species we spent the day sightseeing at Litchfield. Interesting sightings included a female Common Bronzewing at the Lost City. We had lunch at Wangi Falls and returned to Darwin via the unsealed back road through Berry Springs. We saw a family of Yellow-throated Miners trying to rescue a stunned member off the road. Stopped to move the dead bird only to find it intact, no breaks to its legs or wings, so placed it safely off the road to hopefully revive and rejoin the group. This was also a new species for the list. Stopped at Fishermen’s Wharf in Darwin and saw a few waders and other waterfowl including Eastern Curlew and Whimbrel. Looked for a Barking Owl at the Deckchair Cinema, heard it but failed to see it. 63 species seen.


Total of 166 bird species for the trip.

Click here for more photos from this trip

 

Sightings and locations

Orange-footed Scrubfowl Megapodius reinwardt

Brown Quail Coturnix ypsilophora

Magpie Goose Anseranas semipalmata

Plumed Whistling-Duck Dendrocygna eytoni

Wandering Whistling-Duck Dendrocygna arcuata

Radjah Shelduck Tadorna radjah

Pink-eared Duck Malacorhynchus membranaceus

Green Pygmy-goose Nettapus pulchellus

Grey Teal Anas gracilis

Pacific Black Duck Anas superciliosa

Hardhead Aythya australis

Australasian Grebe Tachybaptus novaehollandiae

Emerald Dove Chalcophaps indica

Common Bronzewing Phaps chalcoptera

Crested Pigeon Ocyphaps lophotes

Partridge Pigeon Geophaps smithii

Chestnut-quilled Rock-Pigeon Petrophassa rufipennis

Diamond Dove Geopelia cuneata

Peaceful Dove Geopelia striata

Bar-shouldered Dove Geopelia humeralis

Rose-crowned Fruit-Dove Ptilinopus regina

Pied Imperial-Pigeon Ducula bicolor

Tawny Frogmouth Podargus strigoides

Australasian Darter Anhinga novaehollandiae

Little Pied Cormorant Microcarbo melanoleucos

Little Black Cormorant Phalacrocorax sulcirostris

Pied Cormorant Phalacrocorax varius

Australian Pelican Pelecanus conspicillatus

Black-necked Stork Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus

White-necked Heron Ardea pacifica

Intermediate Egret Ardea intermedia

Great Egret Ardea alba

Cattle Egret Ardea ibis

Striated Heron Butorides striata

Pied Heron Egretta picata

White-faced Heron Egretta novaehollandiae

Little Egret Egretta garzetta

Eastern Reef Egret Egretta sacra

Nankeen Night-Heron Nycticorax caledonicus

Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus

Australian White Ibis Threskiornis molucca

Straw-necked Ibis Threskiornis spinicollis

Royal Spoonbill Platalea regia

Eastern Osprey Pandion cristatus

Black-shouldered Kite Elanus axillaris

Black-breasted Buzzard Hamirostra melanosternon

White-bellied Sea-Eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster

Whistling Kite Haliastur sphenurus

Brahminy Kite Haliastur indus

Black Kite Milvus migrans

Brown Goshawk Accipiter fasciatus

Collared Sparrowhawk Accipiter cirrocephalus

Spotted Harrier Circus assimilis

Nankeen Kestrel Falco cenchroides

Brown Falcon Falco berigora

Australian Hobby Falco longipennis

Brolga Grus rubicunda

Purple Swamphen Porphyrio porphyrio

Eurasian Coot Fulica atra

Australian Bustard Ardeotis australis

Bush Stone-curlew Burhinus grallarius

Beach Stone-curlew Esacus magnirostris

Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus

Greater Sand Plover Charadrius leschenaultii

Black-fronted Dotterel Elseyornis melanops

Red-kneed Dotterel Erythrogonys cinctus

Masked Lapwing Vanellus miles

Comb-crested Jacana Irediparra gallinacea

Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus

Eastern Curlew Numenius madagascariensis

Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos

Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia

Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres

Australian Pratincole Stiltia isabella

Gull-billed Tern Gelochelidon nilotica

Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybrida

Crested Tern Thalasseus bergii

Silver Gull Chroicocephalus novaehollandiae

Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo Calyptorhynchus banksii

Galah Eolophus roseicapillus

Little Corella Cacatua sanguinea

Sulphur-crested Cockatoo Cacatua galerita

Cockatiel Nymphicus hollandicus

Red-collared Lorikeet Trichoglossus rubritorquis

Varied Lorikeet Psitteuteles versicolor

Red-winged Parrot Aprosmictus erythropterus

Northern Rosella Platycercus venustus

Hooded Parrot Psephotus dissimilis

Pheasant Coucal Centropus phasianinus

Little Bronze-Cuckoo Chalcites minutillus

Brush Cuckoo Cacomantis variolosus

Azure Kingfisher Ceyx azureus

Little Kingfisher Ceyx pusilla

Blue-winged Kookaburra Dacelo leachii

Forest Kingfisher Todiramphus macleayii

Red-backed Kingfisher Todiramphus pyrrhopygius

Sacred Kingfisher Todiramphus sanctus

Collared Kingfisher Todiramphus chloris

Rainbow Bee-eater Merops ornatus

Rainbow Pitta Pitta iris

Black-tailed Treecreeper Climacteris melanura

Great Bowerbird Ptilonorhynchus nuchalis

Red-backed Fairy-wren Malurus melanocephalus

Weebill Smicrornis brevirostris

Green-backed Gerygone Gerygone chloronota

Striated Pardalote Pardalotus striatus

White-gaped Honeyeater Lichenostomus unicolor

Yellow-tinted Honeyeater Lichenostomus flavescens

Yellow-throated Miner Manorina flavigula

Bar-breasted Honeyeater Ramsayornis fasciatus

Rufous-banded Honeyeater Conopophila albogularis

Rufous-throated Honeyeater Conopophila rufogularis

Dusky Honeyeater Myzomela obscura

Red-headed Honeyeater Myzomela erythrocephala

Banded Honeyeater Cissomela pectoralis

Brown Honeyeater Lichmera indistincta

White-throated Honeyeater Melithreptus albogularis

Blue-faced Honeyeater Entomyzon cyanotis

Helmeted Friarbird Philemon buceroides

Silver-crowned Friarbird Philemon argenticeps

Little Friarbird Philemon citreogularis

Grey-crowned Babbler Pomatostomus temporalis

Varied Sittella Daphoenositta chrysoptera

Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike Coracina novaehollandiae

White-bellied Cuckoo-shrike Coracina papuensis

White-winged Triller Lalage sueurii

Varied Triller Lalage leucomela

Mangrove Golden Whistler Pachycephala melanura

Rufous Whistler Pachycephala rufiventris

Little Shrike-thrush Colluricincla megarhyncha

Grey Shrike-thrush Colluricincla harmonica

Australasian Figbird Sphecotheres vieilloti

Yellow Oriole Oriolus flavocinctus

Olive-backed Oriole Oriolus sagittatus

White-breasted Woodswallow Artamus leucorynchus

Black-faced Woodswallow Artamus cinereus

Little Woodswallow Artamus minor

Silver-backed Butcherbird Cracticus argenteus

Pied Butcherbird Cracticus nigrogularis

Spangled Drongo Dicrurus bracteatus

Arafura Fantail Rhipidura dryas

Northern Fantail Rhipidura rufiventris

Willie Wagtail Rhipidura leucophrys

Torresian Crow Corvus orru

Broad-billed Flycatcher Myiagra ruficollis

Leaden Flycatcher Myiagra rubecula

Shining Flycatcher Myiagra alecto

Paperbark Flycatcher Myiagra nana

Magpie-lark Grallina cyanoleuca

Apostlebird Struthidea cinerea

Lemon-bellied Flycatcher Microeca flavigaster

Buff-sided Robin Poecilodryas cerviniventris

Zitting Cisticola Cisticola juncidus

Golden-headed Cisticola Cisticola exilis

Rufous Songlark Cincloramphus mathewsi

Yellow White-eye Zosterops luteus

Fairy Martin Petrochelidon ariel

Tree Martin Petrochelidon nigricans

Mistletoebird Dicaeum hirundinaceum

Double-barred Finch Taeniopygia bichenovii

Long-tailed Finch Poephila acuticauda

Masked Finch Poephila personata

Crimson Finch Neochmia phaeton

Gouldian Finch Erythrura gouldiae

Chestnut-breasted Mannikin Lonchura castaneothorax

Pictorella Mannikin Heteromunia pectoralis

Butterflies ( 3 )

Common Crow Euploea core

Lesser Wanderer Danaus chrysippus

Blue Argus Junia orithya

Insects ( 1 )

Graphic Flutterer Rhyothemis graphiptera

Mammals ( 5 )

Common Brushtail Possum Trichosurus vulpecula

Agile Wallaby Macropus agilus

Dingo Canis lupis dingo

Horse Equus caballus

Pig Sus scofa

Reptiles ( 4 )

Johnstone's Crocodile Crocodylus johnstoni

Estuarine Crocodile Crocodylus porosus

Gilbert’s Dragon Lophognathus gilbert

Green Tree Snake Dendrelaphis punctulata

 


Map showing the route covered in the 'Best of Top End Birding' tour (photo copyright Mike Jarvis)
Map showing the route covered in the 'Best of Top End Birding' tour  (photo copyright Mike Jarvis)

Best of Top End Birding  7 – 14 August 2015

Weather: Temp range from 10 to 35 Celcius, low humidity

Guide Mike Jarvis, Guests Trevor and Lynne Rackstraw from the UK, Andrew and Anna Knowlson and Neil McKinlay and Pam Hazelwood from NSW.

Trip Highlights

Day 1 Darwin to Pine Creek
Bush breakfast at Dudley Point. Great day with Rainbow Pitta, Bush and Beach Stone-curlew at East Point. Red-headed Honeyeater at Rapid Creek. Picnic lunch at Rapid Creek. Pink-eared Duck and Red-kneed Dotterel at Pine Creek STP. About 50 Hooded Parrots flying over at Pine Creek plus great close-up views.
Dinner and bird call at Railway Resort, 82 species seen.

Pine Creek Sewerage Treatment Ponds always yield some good sightings (photo copyright Mike Jarvis)
Pine Creek Sewerage Treatment Ponds always yield some good sightings  (photo copyright Mike Jarvis)
Pink-eared Duck at Pine Creek STP (photo copyright Mike Jarvis)
Pink-eared Duck at Pine Creek STP  (photo copyright Mike Jarvis)
Male Hooded Parrot near Pine Creek (photo copyright Mike Jarvis)
Male Hooded Parrot near Pine Creek  (photo copyright Mike Jarvis)

 


 Day 2 Pine Creek to Victoria River Roadhouse
Bush breakfast at Fergusson River. Not many Gouldians but those we saw were brilliantly coloured mature Red and Black-headed male and female. Amazing volume and intensity of birds. We had great views of Yellow-rumped Mannikins in a flock of about forty with some Purple-crowned Fairy wrens at Victoria River Roadhouse. 
Dinner accommodation and bird call at Victoria River Roadhouse, 58 species seen.

Priceless capture! Red headed morph male Gouldian Finch (photo copyright Mike Jarvis)
Priceless capture! Red headed morph male Gouldian Finch  (photo copyright Mike Jarvis)

Late afternoon birding in the Victoria River district (photo copyright Mike Jarvis)
Late afternoon birding in the Victoria River district  (photo copyright Mike Jarvis)

 

Day 3 Victoria River Roadhouse to Timber Creek
Bush breakfast at Escarpment lookout carpark. White-browed Woodswallows at Escarpment Lookout. Great view of Blue-winged Kookaburra in lovely light. Lunch and dinner at Policeman’s Point. Gouldian Finches showed up on Escarpment Lookout location while we were looking for Grey-fronted Honeyeater. Cockatiels and Red-backed Kingfisher at the airfield. Two Black-necked Storks at Policeman’s Point. Accommodation at Wirib. Dinner and bird call at Policeman’s Point, 50 species seen.

Victoria River Escarpment Walk (photo copyright Mike Jarvis)
Victoria River Escarpment Walk  (photo copyright Mike Jarvis)

 

Brown Honeyeater and juvenile Banded Honeyeater facing off at Dingo Springs, near Timber Creek (photo copyright Mike Jarvis)
Brown Honeyeater and juvenile Banded Honeyeater facing off at Dingo Springs, near Timber Creek  (photo copyright Mike Jarvis)

 

Day 4 Timber Creek to Katherine
Breakfast at Bullita access waterhole. Saw quite a range of birds including a Black-necked Stork. Stopped at Dingo Springs Creek, greeted by a very friendly pair of Hooded Robins. Saw Chestnut-breasted and Yellow-rumped Mannikins, Crimson Finches and a Buff-sided Robin. Saw an Australian Magpie on Victoria Highway between Dingo Springs and Flora River NP. Picnic lunch at Flora National Park and then we continued on to Katherine and Nitmiluk. Had great views of a Great-billed Heron on the Katherine River. Trevor yelled out 'Bustard!!' and  we turned around to see two Australian Bustards on the side of the road on returning to Katherine. This inspired a bit of friendly banter between the Aussies and Brits on board, resulting in the following limerick composed by Trevor....

If you see an Australian Bustard
Be thoughtful just what you howl
If you're tempted to shout
To point it out
Be glad of the fortunate vowel! 

Trevor (the Pommie bustard).

Dinner and bird call at the Pine Tree Hotel. 50 species seen.

Watching for Yellow-rumped Mannikins at Dingo Springs, near Timber Creek (photo copyright Mike Jarvis)
Watching for Yellow-rumped Mannikins at Dingo Springs, near Timber Creek  (photo copyright Mike Jarvis)

 

Hooded Robin at Dingo Springs (photo copyright Mike Jarvis)
Hooded Robin at Dingo Springs  (photo copyright Mike Jarvis)
Australian Bustard on the Gorge Road near Katherine (photo copyright Mike Jarvis)
Australian Bustard on the Gorge Road near Katherine  (photo copyright Mike Jarvis)

 

'Best of Top End Birding' group relishing the moment, having just had great views of Australian Bustards (photo copyright Mike Jarvis)
'Best of Top End Birding' group relishing the moment, having just had great views of Australian Bustards  (photo copyright Mike Jarvis)
Day 5 Katherine to Kakadu
Bush breakfast at Edith Falls road. Many Gouldians and other finches came to drink. Red-winged Parrots and Black-necked Stork. Nesting White-breasted Woodswallows at Pine Creek. Lunch at Harriot Creek, Pheasant Coucals, Brown Goshawk and Silver-backed Butcherbirds were seen. We continued on to the Warradjan Centre, looked at the display, and had ice-creams. Then we joined the 4.30 Yellow Water Cruise, highlights were Black Bittern, Azure Kingfisher, Glossy Ibis and Comb-crested Jacana. 
Dinner and bird call at Aurora and accommodation at Anbinik. 82 species seen.



Day 6 Explore Kakadu
Bush breakfast at Anbangbang, About six Partridge Pigeons were on the road and in the grass on the way to Burrunggui. Rock Art and Rainbow Pitta on the circuit walk around the rock. Lunch at Jabiru Lake. Rainbow Pitta at Burrungui. Several Chestnut-quilled Rock-Pigeons at Ubirr and a Rainbow Pitta at Manngarre.
Dinner and bird call at Aurora. 60 species seen.

Wilkin's Rock Wallaby chomping on a pandanus nut at Ubirr (photo copyright Mike Jarvis)
Wilkin's Rock Wallaby chomping on a pandanus nut at Ubirr  (photo copyright Mike Jarvis)

Day 7 Kakadu to Mary River
Bush breakfast at Mamukala, Bar-Breasted Honeyeaters and Red-backed Fairy-wrens were sighted. Views out over the wetland revealed thousands of birds and was a breathtaking sight. We stopped at South Alligator River where we saw the Canary White-eye and broadbilled flycatcher. More Australian Bustards were sighted as we turned off the main road. Lunch was at the Bark Hut where we sighted an emu at last. Unfortunately it was a captive! Then on to Mary River, where some went on a river cruise and saw a Great-billed Heron. Others went walking and saw a white morph Grey Goshawk and a dead Cane Toad.
Dinner and bird call was enjoyed at the Mary River Wilderness Retreat restaurant. 86 species seen.

Canary White-eye on Bombax flower at South Alligator River boat ramp (photo copyright Mike Jarvis)
Canary White-eye on Bombax flower at South Alligator River boat ramp  (photo copyright Mike Jarvis)

Magpie Geese at Mamukala (photo copyright Mike Jarvis)
Magpie Geese at Mamukala  (photo copyright Mike Jarvis)


(photo copyright Mike Jarvis)
  (photo copyright Mike Jarvis)
Day 8 Mary River to Darwin
Our last bush breakfast was on the Marrakai track, and we had about 100 Gouldians join us, plus a brief showing of Northern Rosellas. Our main target for the Marrakai was the Blacktailed Treecreeper, which we heard at breakfast but didn’t see. Searched up and down, saw Buff-sided Robin at Margaret River but still no treecreeper. We stopped and took photos of a Spotted Harrier not far from the Arnhem Highway T-junction, and then had great views of Black-tailed Treecreeper! Lunch was at Corroboree Park and then we continued on to Fogg Dam. Here we had several Australian Pratincoles and 1000’s of Pied Heron, as well as nearly every other water bird. We spent about an hour at Charles Darwin National Park, saw Varied Lorikeets and Red-headed Honeyeaters. Return to Palm City Resort. 83 species seen.

 


 

Sightings and locations

Orange-footed Scrubfowl Megapodius reinwardt
East Point, Manngarre walk, Ubirr, Charles Darwin National Park

Brown Quail Coturnix ypsilophora Vic Highway, Timber Creek Airfield

Magpie Goose Anseranas semipalmata
Yellow Water, Anbangbang, Mamukala, Fogg Dam

Plumed Whistling-Duck Dendrocygna eytoni Yellow Water, Anbangbang, Mamukala

Wandering Whistling-Duck Dendrocygna
arcuata Yellow Water, Anbangbang, Mamukala, Fogg Dam

Radjah Shelduck Tadorna radjah Bridge Creek Dam, Pine Creek STP, Katherine, Yellow Water, Anbangbang, Mamukala and Mary River, Fogg Dam

Pink-eared Duck Malacorhynchus membranaceus Pine Creek STP

Green Pygmy-goose Nettapus pulchellus Yellow Water, Anbangbang, Mamukala, Mary River, Fogg Dam

Grey Teal Anas gracilis Pine Creek STP

Pacific Black Duck Anas superciliosa Pine Creek STP, Yellow Water, Mamukala, Fogg Dam

Hardhead Aythya australis Pine Creek STP

Australasian Grebe Tachybaptus novaehollandiae Pine Creek STP, Anbangbang, Mamukala

Crested Pigeon Ocyphaps lophotes Timber Creek Airfield, Katherine, Pine Creek

Partridge Pigeon Geophaps smithii Anbangbang

Chestnut-quilled Rock-Pigeon Petrophassa rufipennis Ubirr

Diamond Dove Geopelia cuneata Pine Creek STP, Fergusson River, Edith Falls road

Peaceful Dove Geopelia striata Everywhere, every day

Bar-shouldered Dove Geopelia humeralis 1 Everywhere, every day

Pied Imperial-Pigeon Ducula bicolor East Point

Tawny Frogmouth Podargus strigoides Rapid Creek

Australasian Darter Anhinga novaehollandiae East Point, Bridge Creek Dam, Policeman's Point, Yellow Water, Anbangbang, Mamukala, Mary River, Fogg Dam

Little Pied Cormorant Microcarbo melanoleucosEast Point, Fergusson River, Victoria River, Fergusson River, Policeman's Point, Bullita Access Road, Yellow Water, Anbangbang, Mamukala, Mary River, Fogg Dam

Little Black Cormorant Phalacrocorax sulcirostris Bridge Creek Dam, Yellow Water, Anbangbang, Mamukala, Marrakai Track, Fogg Dam

Pied Cormorant Phalacrocorax variusYellow Water, Mary River, Marrakai track

Australian Pelican Pelecanus conspicillatusYellow Water, Anbangbang, Mary River

Black-necked Stork Ephippiorhynchus asiaticusStuart Highway, Bullita Access waterhole, Yellow Water

Black Bittern Ixobrychus flavicollis Yellow Water

White-necked Heron Ardea pacificaBullita Access road, Yellow Water,

Intermediate Egret Ardea intermediaAnbangbang, Mamukala, Mary River

Great-billed Heron Ardea sumatrana Nitmiluk, Mary River 

Great Egret Ardea alba Bridge Creek Dam, Mamukala, Marrakai track, Yellow Water, Anbangbang, Mamukala, Fogg Dam

Cattle Egret Ardea ibis Yellow Water, Fogg Dam

Striated Heron Butorides striata East Point

White-faced Heron Egretta novaehollandiae Katherine, Victoria River Roadhouse

Little Egret Egretta garzetta Bridge Creek Dam, Fogg Dam

Eastern Reef Egret Egretta sacra East Point Grey and White morphs.

Nankeen Night-Heron Nycticorax caledonicus Yellow Water, Mamukala, Fogg Dam

Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus Yellow Water, Anbangbang, Mamukala, Mary River, Fogg Dam

Australian White Ibis Threskiornis molucca Everywhere, every day

Straw-necked Ibis Threskiornis spinicollis Everywhere, every day

Royal Spoonbill Platalea regiaBridge Creek Dam, Yellow Water, Mamukala

Black-breasted Buzzard Hamirostra melanosternon Bullita Access waterhole, Vic Highway, Kakadu Highway, Marrakai track

Whistling Kite Haliastur sphenurus Everywhere, every day

Black Kite Milvus migrans Everywhere, every day

Brown Goshawk Accipiter fasciatus Fergusson River, Edith Falls road, Harriot Creek, Mamukala

Grey Goshawk Accipiter novaehollandiaeMary River Park, white morph seen by Trevor and I

Spotted Harrier Circus assimilis Marrakai track

Wedge-tailed Eagle Aquila audax Vic River Escarpment Walk, Marrakai track

Nankeen Kestrel Falco cenchroides Vic Hway, Arnhem Highway, Marrakai track

Brown Falcon Falco berigora Stuart Highway, Arnhem Highway, Marrakai track

Brolga Grus rubicunda Yellow Water, Fogg Dam

Purple Swamphen Porphyrio porphyrio Yellow Water, Mamukala, Fogg Dam

Buff-banded Rail Gallirallus philippensis East Point

Eurasian Coot Fulica atra Anbangbang, Mamukala

Australian Bustard Ardeotis australis Katherine Gorge Road, South Alligator River floodplain

Bush Stone-curlew Burhinus grallarius East Point, heard most nights

Beach Stone-curlew Esacus magnirostris East Point rocks, four birds

Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus Pine Creek STP, Mamukala, Fogg Dam

Black-fronted Dotterel Elseyornis melanops Bridge Creek Dam, Pine Creek STP, Fogg Dam

Red-kneed Dotterel Erythrogonys cinctus Pine Creek STP

Masked Lapwing Vanellus miles Almost everywhere, every day

Comb-crested Jacana Irediparra gallinacea Bridge Creek Dam, Yellow Water, Anbangbang, Mamukala, Fogg Dam

Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos East Point

Grey-tailed Tattler Tringa brevipes East Point

Red-necked Stint Calidris ruficollis East Point

Gull-billed Tern Gelochelidon nilotica East Point, Yellow Water, Mamukala

Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybrida Yellow Water, Fogg Dam

Crested Tern Thalasseus bergii East Point

Silver Gull Chroicocephalus novaehollandiae East Point

Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo Calyptorhynchus banksii Everywhere, every day

Galah Eolophus roseicapillus Most places, most days

Little Corella Cacatua sanguinea Everywhere, every day

Sulphur-crested Cockatoo Cacatua galerita Everywhere, every day

Cockatiel Nymphicus hollandicus Pine Creek, Stuart Highway, Timber Creek Airfield, Edith Falls

Red-collared Lorikeet Trichoglossus rubritorquis Everywhere, every day

Varied Lorikeet Psitteuteles versicolor Fergusson River, Escarpment Walk, Marrakai track, Charles Darwin National Park

Red-winged Parrot Aprosmictus erythropterus Most places, most days

Northern Rosella Platycercus venustus Marrakai track

Hooded Parrot Psephotus dissimilis 50+ Pine Creek

Pheasant Coucal Centropus phasianinus Escarpment Walk heard, Harriot Creek, Mamukala

Brush Cuckoo Cacomantis variolosus Yellow Water, Mamukala

Azure Kingfisher Ceyx azureus Yellow Water

Blue-winged Kookaburra Dacelo leachii Most places, most days

Forest Kingfisher Todiramphus macleayii East Point, Rapid Creek, Yellow Water, Ubirr, Mamukala, Marrakai, Fogg Dam

Red-backed Kingfisher Todiramphus pyrrhopygius Timber Creek Airfield, Marrakai, Fogg Dam

Sacred Kingfisher Todiramphus sanctus East Point, Mamukala, Marrakai track

Rainbow Bee-eater Merops ornatus Everywhere, every day

Rainbow Pitta Pitta iris East Point, Burrunggui, Manngarre walk

Black-tailed Treecreeper Climacteris melanura Marrakai track

Great Bowerbird Ptilonorhynchus nuchalis Most places, everyday

Purple-crowned Fairy-wren Malurus coronatusEscarpment Walk, Vic River Roadhouse

Red-backed Fairy-wren Malurus melanocephalus Timber Creek Airfield, Bullita Access Road, Dingo Springs, Mamukala, Marrakai track

Weebill Smicrornis brevirostris Edith Falls road, Marrakai track

Green-backed Gerygone Gerygone chloronota East Point, Adelaide River bridge

Striated Pardalote Pardalotus striatus Rapid Creek, Fergusson River, Marrakai track

White-gaped Honeyeater Lichenostomus unicolor Everywhere, every day

Grey-fronted Honeyeater Lichenostomus plumulus Timber Creek Escarpment

Yellow-tinted Honeyeater Lichenostomus flavescens Timber Creek Airfield, Flemington Yards, Policeman's Point, Bullita Access Road, Dingo Springs

Rufous-banded Honeyeater Conopophila albogularis Mamukala, Fogg Dam

Rufous-throated Honeyeater Conopophila rufogularis Fergusson River, everywhere in the drier, southern parts

Dusky Honeyeater Myzomela obscura East Point, Rapid Creek, Fergusson River, Burrunggui, Mary River, Marrakai

Red-headed Honeyeater Myzomela erythrocephala Rapid Creek, Charles Darwin National Park

Banded Honeyeater Cissomela pectoralis Fergusson River, Dingo Springs Creek, Edith Falls Road, Marrakai track

Brown Honeyeater Lichmera indistincta Everywhere, every day

White-throated Honeyeater Melithreptus albogularis Everywhere, every day

Blue-faced Honeyeater Entomyzon cyanotis Most places, most days

Helmeted Friarbird Philemon buceroides Burrunggui (Sandstone race), Charles Darwin National Park

Silver-crowned Friarbird Philemon argenticeps Fergusson River, Escarpment Walk, Vic River, Burrunggui, Mary River, Marrakai, Charles Darwin National Park

Little Friarbird Philemon citreogularis Most places, most days

Grey-crowned Babbler Pomatostomus temporalis Pine Creek, Fergusson River, Mamukala, Marrakai track

Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike Coracina novaehollandiae Most places, most days

White-bellied Cuckoo-shrike Coracina papuensis Everywhere, every day

White-winged Triller Lalage sueurii Everywhere, every day

Varied Triller Lalage leucomela East Point, Ubirr, Mary River, Fogg Dam, Charles Darwin National Park

Brown (Grey) Whistler Pachycephala simplex East Point

Rufous Whistler Pachycephala rufiventris Most places, most days

Little Shrike-thrush Colluricincla megarhyncha East Point

Sandstone Shrike-thrush Colluricincla woodwardi Timber Creek Airfield

Australasian Figbird Sphecotheres vieilloti East Point and Pine Creek

Green Oriole Oriolus flavocinctus East Point, Fergusson River, Katherine, Burrunggui, Ubirr, South Alligator, Mary River Park

Olive-backed Oriole Oriolus sagittatus Burrunggui, Mary River Park

White-breasted Woodswallow Artamus leucorynchus Many places, most days

White-browed Woodswallow Artamus superciliosus Escarpment Walk

Black-faced Woodswallow Artamus cinereus Pine Creek STP, Vic Highway, Dingo Springs Creek, Edith Falls road,

Little Woodswallow Artamus minorUbirr, Mary River, Marrakai track

Silver-backed Butcherbird Cracticus argenteus Harriot Creek

Pied Butcherbird Cracticus nigrogularisFergusson River, Katherine, Stuart Highway

Spangled Drongo Dicrurus bracteatus Rapid Creek, Ubirr, Mary River Park, Fogg Dam

Arafura Fantail Rhipidura dryas East Point, Mary River Park, Marrakai track

Grey Fantail Rhipidura albiscapa Fergusson River

Northern Fantail Rhipidura rufiventris East Point, Yellow Water, Burrungui, Mary River Park

Willie Wagtail Rhipidura leucophrys Everywhere, every day

Torresian Crow Corvus orru Everywhere, every day

Broad-billed Flycatcher Myiagra ruficollis South Alligator River, Mary River, Marrakai track, Charles Darwin National Park

Leaden Flycatcher Myiagra rubecula Fergusson River, Adelaide River bridge

Shining Flycatcher Myiagra alecto East Point, Yellow Water, Burrunggui, Mary River

Paperbark Flycatcher Myiagra nana Most places, most days

Magpie-lark Grallina cyanoleuca Everywhere, every day

Apostlebird Struthidea cinerea Katherine

Jacky Winter Microeca fascinans Flemington Yards sign Vic Hwy

Lemon-bellied Fly-robin Microeca flavigaster East Point, Rapid Creek, Anbangbang, Manngarre, Marrakai track, Fogg Dam, Charles Darwin National Park

Hooded Robin Melanodryas cucullata 2 Dingo Springs Creek, pair

Buff-sided Robin Poecilodryas cerviniventris Dingo Springs Creek and Margaret River

Horsfield's Bushlark Mirafra javanica Marrakai track

Rufous Songlark Cincloramphus mathewsi Marrakai track

Fairy Martin Petrochelidon ariel Katherine

Tree Martin Petrochelidon nigricans East Point, Pine Creek, Fogg Dam

Mistletoebird Dicaeum hirundinaceum Most places, most days

Double-barred Finch Taeniopygia bichenovii Rapid Creek, Fergusson River, Vic River, Policeman's Point, Dingo Springs, Edith Falls road, Mamukala

Long-tailed Finch Poephila acuticauda Most places, most days

Masked Finch Poephila personata Most places, most days

Crimson Finch Neochmia phaeton Fergusson River, Timber Creek Airfield, Dingo Springs, Edith Falls road, Ubirr, Mamukala, Fogg Dam

Gouldian Finch Erythrura gouldiae Fergusson River, adult male red and black morphs, about 5 birds, Timber Creek Escarpment Lookout, Edith Falls road-dozens, Marrakai track- 100+

Yellow-rumped Mannikin Lonchura flaviprymna 40+ Victoria River Roadhouse, Timber Creek Escarpment walk, Dingo Springs 

Chestnut-breasted Mannikin Lonchura castaneothorax Dingo Springs Creek 

Butterflies
Orange Lacewing
Cethosia penthesilea East Point

Mammals
Agile Wallaby
Macropus agilus Most places, most days

Euro Macropus robustus Escarpment Lookout Timber Creek

Wilkin's Rock Wallaby Petrogale brachyotis Ubirr

Horse Equus caballus Yellow Water

Pig Sus scofa Anbangbang

Reptiles 
Johnstone's Crocodile Crocodylus johnstoni Day 1 Bridge Creek Dam

Estuarine Crocodile Crocodylus porosus Yellow Water, Mary River

Gilbert’s Dragon Lophognathus gilbert Rapid Creek

 


Kakadu Nature's Way tour July 20-24. Guests Mike and Nancy from the US, Mike and Helen from the UK and Maggie from Tasmania.

Meet and greet at the Seafood on Cullen Bay on Sunday night.

Whistling Kite harassing Wedge-tailed Eagle (photo copyright Mike Samuel)
Whistling Kite harassing Wedge-tailed Eagle  (photo copyright Mike Samuel)

Day 1

6am pick up from Darwin and bush breakfast on the Marrakai track. Black-tailed Treecreepers, Little Woodswallows and Red-winged Parrots. Raptors on the floodplain included Nankeen Kestrel, three Wedge-tailed Eagles and a Little Eagle. later we had great views of a Spotted Harrier. Quite a variety of birds at the lunch spot on the Margaret River.

We continued on to the Mary river Wilderness Retreat and did the Bamboo Walk. Here we saw Arafura Fantail and many other species.

Dinner at the resort restaurant.

Bush breakfast on the Marrakai track, 'Kakadu Nature's Way' tour (photo copyright Mike Samuel)
Bush breakfast on the Marrakai track, 'Kakadu Nature's Way' tour  (photo copyright Mike Samuel)

Day 2

Bush breakfast at Mamukala. Grey-crowned Babblers building a nest neart the carpark. Blue-faced Honeyeater chasing off a Torresian Crow. Then we did the loop walk down to the wetlands and saw a fully coloured Red-backed Fairywren, Sacred and Forest Kingfishers, Masked, Long-tailed, Crimson and Double-barred Finches. At the hide several Comb-crested Jacanas had chicks.

We then went to Ubirr and had a picnic lunch near Manngarre. Rose-crowned Fruit-Doves chased each other amorously through the folaige of the ficus next to the picnic. On the Manngarre walk we saw large Estuarine Crocodiles jostling with each other for position with the incoming tide. We viewed the rock art at Ubirr and then went to the Bardedjildji Sandstone Walk. Found a Chestnut-quilled Rock -Pigeon at the last leg of the walk.

Returned to Jabiru and had dinner at Aurora.

(photo copyright Mike Jarvis)
  (photo copyright Mike Jarvis)

Day 3

Bush breakfast at Anbangbang, light was magic, great for photography, water birds were there in good numbers and variety. From there we went to Burrunggui and did the circuit walk. Heard White-lined Honeyeater but didn't see it. We had good views Sandstone Helmeted Friarbird and Red-winged Parrot. Rock art, habitation areas and natural features were enjoyed by all.

Picnic lunch at Mardugal, great views of Blue-winged Kookaburra and Northern Fantail.

From there we went to the Waradjan Cultural centre and spent some time learning more about Aboriginal culture and history of the area and checked out the souvenir shop as well.

We joined the 4.30pm sunset cruise on Yellow Water. Saw biggest mobs of birds, many crocs including Max the boss. Black-necked Stork, Nankeen Night Heron and great, close-up views of an Azure Kingfisher.  There were alot of Comb-crested Jacanas including one with very small chicks. White-breasted Sea-eagles were on teh nest. Saw a Swamp Harrier.

Dinner at Aurora.

Bush breakfast at Anbangbang Billabong, 'Kakadu Nature's Way' tour (photo copyright Mike Jarvis)
Bush breakfast at Anbangbang Billabong, 'Kakadu Nature's Way' tour  (photo copyright Mike Jarvis)

Day 4

Bush breakfast at the South Alligator River. We walked along the river, observed flood debris 9-10 metres up some trees, saw numerous animal tracks. Galahs, Forest Kingfisher pair, Green Oriole family, male Mistlebird.

Had a coffee break at Harriot Creek and saw Red-collared Lorikeets (at nest hollow) and Silver-backed Butcherbird. Lunch at Copperfield Dam, Cockatiels flying in for a quick drink drink, Galahs, interesting behavior as pair fed in the long grass and flew up to a nearby branch and commenced allopreening. Black Kite waded into the water and bathed. Nymphoides indica (lily) growing on the water's edge.

At the Edith Fall's Road site we saw juvenile and female Gouldians, Masked, Long-tailed, Double-barred and Crimson Finches. Paperbark Flycatcher and Rainbow Bee-eaters. There were several Archer Fish.

At Pine Creek we saw Grey-crowned Babblers, Blue-faced Honeyeaters, Little Friarbirds, Crested Pigeon and Hooded Parrots.

Checked in at the Pine Creek Hotel and had dinner at the Lazy Lizard.

(photo copyright Mike Jarvis)
  (photo copyright Mike Jarvis)

Day 5

Breakfast at Fergusson River with Gouldian's coming down to drink intermittently from about 8am on. Eventually a male Red-headed Gouldian showed as well as Northern Rosella and many other species. We returned to Pine Creek to check out and watched the Great Bowerbird put on a performance near his bower in the campground. We had lunch at a disused dam just off Stuart Highway and watched a Royal and a Yellow-billed Spoonbill work the edges of the dam together. From there we went to Fogg Dam, saw and photographed a good many waterbirds from the vehicle as we slowly made our way between the floodplain and the dam. We did about half of the monsoon forest walk in the hopes of seeing a Rainbow Pitta until Nancy spotted one! We watched it for about ten minutes until it disappeared from view. We had a brief stop at the magnetic termite mounds at Lampbell’s Lagoon and returned to Darwin.

 

Total of 107 bird species seen.

 

 

 

 



 


Sightings 

Day 1: Monday, 20 July 2015 

Location: Marrakai Track 

Diamond Dove Geopelia cuneata 

Peaceful Dove Geopelia striata 

Bar-shouldered Dove Geopelia humeralis 

Little Pied Cormorant Microcarbo melanoleucos 

Intermediate Egret Ardea intermedia 

Great Egret Ardea alba 

Straw-necked Ibis Threskiornis spinicollis 

Pacific Baza Aviceda subcristata 

White-bellied Sea-Eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster 

Whistling Kite Haliastur sphenurus 

Black Kite Milvus migrans 

Collared Sparrowhawk Accipiter cirrocephalus 

Spotted Harrier Circus assimilis 

Wedge-tailed Eagle Aquila audax 

Little Eagle Hieraaetus morphnoides 

Nankeen Kestrel Falco cenchroides 

Brown Falcon Falco berigora 

White-winged Black Tern Chlidonias leucopterus 

Sulphur-crested Cockatoo Cacatua galerita 

Red-winged Parrot Aprosmictus erythropterus 

Pheasant Coucal Centropus phasianinus 

Forest Kingfisher Todiramphus macleayii 

Red-backed Kingfisher Todiramphus pyrrhopygius 

Rainbow Bee-eater Merops ornatus 

Black-tailed Treecreeper Climacteris melanura 

Weebill Smicrornis brevirostris 

Striated Pardalote Pardalotus striatus 

Dusky Honeyeater Myzomela obscura 

Banded Honeyeater Cissomela pectoralis 

Brown Honeyeater Lichmera indistincta 

Varied Sittella Daphoenositta chrysoptera 

Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike Coracina novaehollandiae 

White-bellied Cuckoo-shrike Coracina papuensis 

Rufous Whistler Pachycephala rufiventris 

Little Woodswallow Artamus minor 

Arafura Fantail Rhipidura dryas 

Willie Wagtail Rhipidura leucophrys 

Torresian Crow Corvus orru 

Shining Flycatcher Myiagra alecto 

Rufous Songlark Cincloramphus mathewsi 

Fairy Martin Petrochelidon ariel 

Tree Martin Petrochelidon nigricans 

Mistletoebird Dicaeum hirundinaceum 

Masked Finch Poephila personata 

Mammals ( 2 ) 

Agile Wallaby Macropus agilus 

Antilopine Wallaroo Macropus antilopinus 

Location: Mary River Park 

Diamond Dove Geopelia cuneata 

Peaceful Dove Geopelia striata 

Bar-shouldered Dove Geopelia humeralis 

White-bellied Sea-Eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster 

White-winged Black Tern Chlidonias leucopterus 

Sulphur-crested Cockatoo Cacatua galerita 

Red-collared Lorikeet Trichoglossus rubritorquis 

Rainbow Bee-eater Merops ornatus 

White-gaped Honeyeater Lichenostomus unicolor 

Dusky Honeyeater Myzomela obscura 

Little Friarbird Philemon citreogularis 

White-bellied Cuckoo-shrike Coracina papuensis 

Varied Triller Lalage leucomela 

Spangled Drongo Dicrurus bracteatus 

Arafura Fantail Rhipidura dryas 

Northern Fantail Rhipidura rufiventris 

Leaden Flycatcher Myiagra rubecula 

Paperbark Flycatcher Myiagra nana 

Double-barred Finch Taeniopygia bichenovii 

Day 2: Tuesday, 21 July 2015 

Location: Kakadu, Mamukala 

Brown Quail Coturnix ypsilophora 

Magpie Goose Anseranas semipalmata 

Plumed Whistling-Duck Dendrocygna eytoni 

Wandering Whistling-Duck Dendrocygna arcuata 

Green Pygmy-goose Nettapus pulchellus 

Pacific Black Duck Anas superciliosa 

Peaceful Dove Geopelia striata 

Bar-shouldered Dove Geopelia humeralis 

Intermediate Egret Ardea intermedia 

Pied Heron Egretta picata 

Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus 

Australian White Ibis Threskiornis molucca 

Straw-necked Ibis Threskiornis spinicollis 

Whistling Kite Haliastur sphenurus 

Black Kite Milvus migrans 

Purple Swamphen Porphyrio porphyrio 

Masked Lapwing Vanellus miles 

Comb-crested Jacana Irediparra gallinacea 

Australian Pratincole Stiltia isabella 

Gull-billed Tern Gelochelidon nilotica 

Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybrida 

White-winged Black Tern Chlidonias leucopterus 

Little Corella Cacatua sanguinea 

Pheasant Coucal Centropus phasianinus 

Little Bronze-Cuckoo Chalcites minutillus 

Sacred Kingfisher Todiramphus sanctus 

Rainbow Bee-eater Merops ornatus 

Red-backed Fairy-wren Malurus melanocephalus 

White-gaped Honeyeater Lichenostomus unicolor 

Bar-breasted Honeyeater Ramsayornis fasciatus 

Rufous-banded Honeyeater Conopophila albogularis 

Dusky Honeyeater Myzomela obscura 

White-throated Honeyeater Melithreptus albogularis 

Blue-faced Honeyeater Entomyzon cyanotis 

Grey-crowned Babbler Pomatostomus temporalis 

White-bellied Cuckoo-shrike Coracina papuensis 

Rufous Whistler Pachycephala rufiventris 

Willie Wagtail Rhipidura leucophrys 

Leaden Flycatcher Myiagra rubecula 

Lemon-bellied Flycatcher Microeca flavigaster 

Golden-headed Cisticola Cisticola exilis 

Mistletoebird Dicaeum hirundinaceum 

Double-barred Finch Taeniopygia bichenovii 

Long-tailed Finch Poephila acuticauda 

Masked Finch Poephila personata 

Crimson Finch Neochmia phaeton 

Location: Kakadu, Manggarre Monsoon Forest Walk

Orange-footed Scrubfowl Megapodius reinwardt 

Rose-crowned Fruit-Dove Ptilinopus regina 

Striated Heron Butorides striata 

Whistling Kite Haliastur sphenurus 

Little Corella Cacatua sanguinea 

Varied Triller Lalage leucomela 

Australasian Figbird Sphecotheres vieilloti 

Butterflies 

Common Crow Euploea core 

Reptiles 

Estuarine Crocodile Crocodylus porosus 

Location: Kakadu, Bardedjilidji Sandstone Walk 

Chestnut-quilled Rock-Pigeon Petrophassa rufipennis 

Day 3: Wednesday, 22 July 2015 

Location: Kakadu, Anbangbang 

Magpie Goose Anseranas semipalmata 

Plumed Whistling-Duck Dendrocygna eytoni 

Wandering Whistling-Duck Dendrocygna arcuata 

Radjah Shelduck Tadorna radjah 

Green Pygmy-goose Nettapus pulchellus 

Pacific Black Duck Anas superciliosa 

Australasian Darter Anhinga novaehollandiae 

Little Pied Cormorant Microcarbo melanoleucos 

White-necked Heron Ardea pacifica 

Intermediate Egret Ardea intermedia 

Australian White Ibis Threskiornis molucca 

Straw-necked Ibis Threskiornis spinicollis 

Eurasian Coot Fulica atra 

Masked Lapwing Vanellus miles 

Comb-crested Jacana Irediparra gallinacea 

Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybrida 

Sulphur-crested Cockatoo Cacatua galerita 

Forest Kingfisher Todiramphus macleayii 

Magpie-lark Grallina cyanoleuca 

Lemon-bellied Flycatcher Microeca flavigaster 

Magpie Goose Anseranas semipalmata 

Plumed Whistling-Duck Dendrocygna eytoni 

Wandering Whistling-Duck Dendrocygna arcuata 

Radjah Shelduck Tadorna radjah 

Green Pygmy-goose Nettapus pulchellus 

Pacific Black Duck Anas superciliosa 

Australasian Darter Anhinga novaehollandiae 

Little Pied Cormorant Microcarbo melanoleucos 

White-necked Heron Ardea pacifica 

Intermediate Egret Ardea intermedia 

Australian White Ibis Threskiornis molucca 

Straw-necked Ibis Threskiornis spinicollis 

Eurasian Coot Fulica atra 

Masked Lapwing Vanellus miles 

Comb-crested Jacana Irediparra gallinacea 

Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybrida 

Sulphur-crested Cockatoo Cacatua galerita 

Location: Kakadu, Anbangbang 

Forest Kingfisher Todiramphus macleayii 

Magpie-lark Grallina cyanoleuca 

Lemon-bellied Flycatcher Microeca flavigaster 

Location: Kakadu, Burrunggui 

Dusky Honeyeater Myzomela obscura 

Helmeted Friarbird Philemon buceroides 

White-bellied Cuckoo-shrike Coracina papuensis 

Rufous Whistler Pachycephala rufiventris 

Leaden Flycatcher Myiagra rubecula 

Mistletoebird Dicaeum hirundinaceum 

Day 4: Thursday, 23 July 2015 

Location: Kakadu Highway, Sth Al River, 

Peaceful Dove Geopelia striata 

Bar-shouldered Dove Geopelia humeralis 

Australian White Ibis Threskiornis molucca 

Brown Goshawk Accipiter fasciatus 

White-winged Black Tern Chlidonias leucopterus 

Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo Calyptorhynchus banksii 

Galah Eolophus roseicapillus 

Sulphur-crested Cockatoo Cacatua galerita 

Red-collared Lorikeet Trichoglossus rubritorquis 

Red-winged Parrot Aprosmictus erythropterus 

Forest Kingfisher Todiramphus macleayii 

Rainbow Bee-eater Merops ornatus 

Great Bowerbird Ptilonorhynchus nuchalis 

White-gaped Honeyeater Lichenostomus unicolor 

Rufous-banded Honeyeater Conopophila albogularis 

Rufous-throated Honeyeater Conopophila rufogularis 

Dusky Honeyeater Myzomela obscura 

White-throated Honeyeater Melithreptus albogularis 

Yellow Oriole Oriolus flavocinctus 

Spangled Drongo Dicrurus bracteatus 

Torresian Crow Corvus orru 

Broad-billed Flycatcher Myiagra ruficollis 

Lemon-bellied Flycatcher Microeca flavigaster 

Golden-headed Cisticola Cisticola exilis 

Mistletoebird Dicaeum hirundinaceum 

Double-barred Finch Taeniopygia bichenovii 

Crimson Finch Neochmia phaeton 

Location: Harriot Creek 

Whistling Kite Haliastur sphenurus 

Galah Eolophus roseicapillus 

Sulphur-crested Cockatoo Cacatua galerita 

Red-collared Lorikeet Trichoglossus rubritorquis 

Brown Honeyeater Lichmera indistincta 

Silver-backed Butcherbird Cracticus argenteus 

Location: Copperfield Dam 

Green Pygmy-goose Nettapus pulchellus 

Peaceful Dove Geopelia striata 

Bar-shouldered Dove Geopelia humeralis 

Australasian Darter Anhinga novaehollandiae 

Great Egret Ardea alba 

Whistling Kite Haliastur sphenurus 

Black Kite Milvus migrans 

Galah Eolophus roseicapillus 

Cockatiel Nymphicus hollandicus 

Rainbow Bee-eater Merops ornatus 

Brown Honeyeater Lichmera indistincta 

Rufous Whistler Pachycephala rufiventris 

Willie Wagtail Rhipidura leucophrys 

Location: Edith Falls Road 

White-necked Heron Ardea pacifica 

White-winged Black Tern Chlidonias leucopterus 

Rainbow Bee-eater Merops ornatus 

Varied Sittella Daphoenositta chrysoptera 

Little Woodswallow Artamus minor 

Paperbark Flycatcher Myiagra nana 

Masked Finch Poephila personata 

Crimson Finch Neochmia phaeton 

Gouldian Finch Erythrura gouldiae 

Location: Pine Creek 

Crested Pigeon Ocyphaps lophotes 

Red-collared Lorikeet Trichoglossus rubritorquis 

Hooded Parrot Psephotus dissimilis 

Blue-faced Honeyeater Entomyzon cyanotis 

Little Friarbird Philemon citreogularis 

Grey-crowned Babbler Pomatostomus temporalis 

White-breasted Woodswallow Artamus leucorynchus 

Magpie-lark Grallina cyanoleuca 

Day 5: Friday, 24 July 2015 

Location: Ferguson River 

Bar-shouldered Dove Geopelia humeralis 

Sulphur-crested Cockatoo Cacatua galerita 

Cockatiel Nymphicus hollandicus 

Varied Lorikeet Psitteuteles versicolor 

Northern Rosella Platycercus venustus 

Striated Pardalote Pardalotus striatus 

White-gaped Honeyeater Lichenostomus unicolor 

Rufous-throated Honeyeater Conopophila rufogularis 

White-throated Honeyeater Melithreptus albogularis 

Pied Butcherbird Cracticus nigrogularis 

Grey Fantail Rhipidura albiscapa 

Masked Finch Poephila personata 

Gouldian Finch Erythrura gouldiae 

Location: Bridge Creek 

Australasian Grebe Tachybaptus novaehollandiae 

Australasian Darter Anhinga novaehollandiae 

Great Egret Ardea alba 

Little Egret Egretta garzetta 

Royal Spoonbill Platalea regia 

Yellow-billed Spoonbill Platalea flavipes 

Brown Honeyeater Lichmera indistincta 

Paperbark Flycatcher Myiagra nana 

Location: Fogg Dam 

Orange-footed Scrubfowl Megapodius reinwardt 

Magpie Goose Anseranas semipalmata 

Wandering Whistling-Duck Dendrocygna arcuata 

Radjah Shelduck Tadorna radjah 

Green Pygmy-goose Nettapus pulchellus 

Pacific Black Duck Anas superciliosa 

Black-necked Stork Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus 

Intermediate Egret Ardea intermedia 

Great Egret Ardea alba 

Cattle Egret Ardea ibis 

Pied Heron Egretta picata 

Little Egret Egretta garzetta 

Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus 

Australian White Ibis Threskiornis molucca 

Straw-necked Ibis Threskiornis spinicollis 

Royal Spoonbill Platalea regia 

White-bellied Sea-Eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster 

Whistling Kite Haliastur sphenurus 

Swamp Harrier Circus approximans 

Brown Falcon Falco berigora 

Brolga Grus rubicunda 

Masked Lapwing Vanellus miles 

Comb-crested Jacana Irediparra gallinacea 

Australian Pratincole Stiltia isabella 

Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybrida 

Forest Kingfisher Todiramphus macleayii 

Rainbow Pitta Pitta iris 

Grey Whistler Pachycephala simplex 

Willie Wagtail Rhipidura leucophrys 

Shining Flycatcher Myiagra alecto 

Magpie-lark Grallina cyanoleuca 

Trip Report – Best of Top End Birding, July 1-8, 2015

PRE-TOUR DINNER - Meet and greet
6.30pm at Palm City Resort and dinner at Darwin Hotel. Gerrie, Alan and Di, Andrew, Marianne, Suzi, Rae

DAY 1 - DARWIN to PINE CREEK

6.30am Pick up from Palm City Resort - Bush Breakfast at Dudley Point (East Point).

Bush Breakfast Dudley Point, start of the 'Best of Top End Birding' tour (photo copyright Mike Jarvis)
Bush Breakfast Dudley Point, start of the 'Best of Top End Birding' tour  (photo copyright Mike Jarvis)

We started off exploring East Point monsson forest, rocky coast line and mangrove boardwalk. 

Broad-billed Flycatcher at East Point (photo copyright Alan Kydd)
Broad-billed Flycatcher at East Point  (photo copyright Alan Kydd)

We had a picnic lunch at Rapid Creek after exporing and finding Long-tailed Finches, Striated Pardalotes and various mangrove species. From there we headed down to Pine Creek.

Dinner at Lazy Lizard, Railway Resort no longer open for dinner. Accommodation at Pine Creek Hotel and Lazy Lizard

Highlights – Rainbow Pitta and Mistletoebird at East Point, a juvenile Rose-crowned Fruit-Dove at the rocks, Broad-billed Flycatcher at the mangroves, Tawny Frogmouth, White-throated Honeyeater, Rufous-banded Honeyeater,  and Long-tailed Finch at Rapid Creek, Red-backed Kingfisher, Great Bowerbird, Blue-faced Honeyeater and Great Bowerbird, and bower, at Pine Creek.

DAY 2 - PINE CREEK to KATHERINE - breakfast with Gouldian Finches!

Breakfast at a vantage point overlooking a waterhole, watching Gouldian Finches and others coming in to drink. Birding around Katherine and Nitmiluk.

Dinner at Regent Court, Chinese Restaurant and accommodation at the Beagle Inn and Knott’s Crossing campground, Katherine.

Highlights – Breakfast with Gouldians at Edith Falls waterhole, Crimson Finches, Striated Pardalotes (nesting), Collared Sparrowhawk also. Pheasant Coucal at Katherine Town Centre.

DAY 3 - KATHERINE to TIMBER CREEK - real outback country!

Bush breakfast at a creek off Victoria Highway, explored some great birding locations between Katherine and Timber Creek.

Bird call, dinner and accommodation at Wirib Tourism Park, Timber Creek.

Highlights – Breakfast at Chainman Creek, on the old highway, Andrew fell down a hole, guests led the vehicle through long grass back to the highway. Silver-crowned Friarbird. Flemington Yards saw Black-tailed Treecreeper, Varied Sittella and Cockatiel. Lunch at Victoria River Roadhouse, saw Black-fronted Dotterel. Star Finches, Rufous-throated Honeyeater at Policeman’s Point. Memorable dinner at Timber Creek Hotel. 

DAY 4 - TIMBER CREEK to KATHERINE

July 2015 'Best of Top End Birding' group at Policemans Point (photo copyright Mike Jarvis)
July 2015 'Best of Top End Birding' group at Policemans Point  (photo copyright Mike Jarvis)

We had a bush breakfast at Policeman's Point, four kilometres from Timber Creek, where Buff-sided Robin was seen

Next we headed back towards Katherine along the Victoria Highway, stopping at more good birding locations along the way.

Bird call, dinner and accommodation at Katherine. 

Highlights – Breakfast at Policeman’s Point, Buff-sided Robin. Sandstone Shrike-thrush and Grey-fronted Honeyeater on the escarpment. Bar-breasted and Banded Honeyeaters in Timber Creek. Lunch at the Vic River access. Crackers and dip at Chinaman’s Creek. Dinner at the Regent Chinese Restaurant. 

DAY 5 - KATHERINE to KAKADU

Guests on the July 2015 Best of Top End Birding tour, crossing the bridge at Yurmikmik, Kakadu (photo copyright Mike Jarvis)
Guests on the July 2015 Best of Top End Birding tour, crossing the bridge at Yurmikmik, Kakadu  (photo copyright Mike Jarvis)

We left early for Pine Creek and had good views of Hooded Parrots and Cockatiels.

Continued on to Kakadu, explored the Yumikmik walk at Boulder Creek and then Warradjan Cultural Centre and Yellow Water Cruise.

Yellow Water cruise (photo copyright Mike Jarvis)
Yellow Water cruise  (photo copyright Mike Jarvis)

 

Accommodation - Anbinik Kakadu Resort

Highlights – Quick breakfast at Pine Creek oval, saw a couple of Hooded Parrots flying over and then drove around Pine Creek and had several more good sightings. Saw Cockatiels at the Water Garden. Green ant medicinal remedy served for Gerrie and sampled by all. Stopped at Harriot Creek and saw the Silver-backed Butcherbird and Yellow-throated Miner. Lunch was at Yurmikmik and we walked Boulder Creek. Enjoyed the Warradjan Cultural Centre and souvenir shop (and ice-creams). Continued on to do the Yellow Water cruise. This was the highlight of the day. Pleasant dinner at Aurora Lodge, Jabiru. Accommodation at Anbinik.

Cockatiels at Pine Creek (photo copyright Alan Kydd)
Cockatiels at Pine Creek  (photo copyright Alan Kydd)

 

DAY 6 - EXPLORE KAKADU

Bush breakfast at Anbangbang Billabong and then explored Burrunggui, whee we saw Rainbow Pitta and Black Wallaroo. On to Ubirr, more rock art, crocodiles and endemic birds.

Accommodation - Anbinik Kakadu Resort

Highlights – Breakfast at Anbangbang Billabong, first Pacific Black Duck, did the Burrunggui walk, great views of a Rainbow Pitta near the Anbangbang Gallery. Good view of a Sandstone Helmeted Friarbird and Silver-crowned Friarbird together. A female Black Wallaroo with joey came into view while we were sitting at an observation point near Gunwarrddewardde lookout. Rock art enjoyed by all. Lunch at Jabiru Lake and then off to Ubirr. Climbed the Nadab lookout with great views of the Nadab Floodplain and saw a Black-shouldered Kite. Also saw a Black-necked Stork positioned like a statue on top of the escarpment. Stopped briefly at Cahill’s Crossing and saw a big croc. Did the Bardedjilidji Sandstone Walk and saw Chesnut-quilled Rock-Pigeon. Dinner at the Crocodile Inn and bird call back at the Anbinik.

Female Black Wallaroo with joey, at Burrunggui, Kakadu. The male of the species is larger, very powerfully built, and black. They are only found in the Arnhem Land Escarpment. (photo copyright Alan Kydd)
Female Black Wallaroo with joey, at Burrunggui, Kakadu. The male of the species is larger, very powerfully built, and black. They are only found in the Arnhem Land Escarpment.  (photo copyright Alan Kydd)

 

DAY 7 - JABIRU to MARY RIVER

We checked out early and head down to Mamukala wetlands for a bush breakfast, did the walk and then viewed waterbirds from the hide. 

Then we continued on to the Mary River area, have a picnic lunch at Mary River billabong and then on to Mary River Wilderness Retreat. 

Dinner and accommodation at Mary River Wilderness Retreat.

Highlights – Breakfast at Mamukala and then the walk. Hundreds of Purple Swamphens and Hardheads. Great views of at least three Horsfield’s Cuckoo. Baby Comb-crested Jacana and Brown Quail. Long-tailed Finches building a nest on the ground in the grass. South Alligator River, fiddler crabs, mud skippers and Estuarine Crocs going with the flow with the rapid incoming tide. Lunch at Mary River Wilderness Retreat. Bamboo Walk was very birdy, nice views of Arafuru Fantail and a very showy immature Paperbark Flycatcher. Dinner at Mary River Wilderness Retreat. 

DAY 8 - MARY RIVER to DARWIN

Bush breakfast at a lookout on the Marrakai track and then we spent the rest of the morning exploring savannah woodland country along the track. 

Continued on to Fogg Dam and made a last stop at Fisherman's Wharf in Darwin before returning to Palm City Resort.

Highlights – Breakfast at lookout on Marrakai track. Coloured up male Red-backed Fairy-wren, White-throated Gerygone, male red-headed Gouldian Finch and Red-winged Parrots and Northern Rosellas. Raptors on the floodplain including Wedge-tailed Eagle, Black-breasted Buzzard, Nankeen Kestrel and Brown Falcons. Buff-sided Robin, Arafura Fantail and Little-bronze Cuckoo at Margaret River. Lunch at the Purple Mango. Fogg Dam was looking great with an abundance of water birds. Our last stop before returning to Palms City Resort was Fisherman’s Wharf, where we saw an Eastern Curlew and a Beach Stone-curlew!

A total of 155 bird species were seen over the eight days.

Most of the photos uploaded here were generously shared by Alan Kydd and all are from this tour. Thanks Alan! 

Sightings 

Orange-footed Scrubfowl Megapodius reinwardt
Brown Quail Coturnix ypsilophora
Magpie Goose Anseranas semipalmata

Plumed Whistling-ducks (photo copyright Alan Kydd)
Plumed Whistling-ducks  (photo copyright Alan Kydd)
Plumed Whistling-Duck Dendrocygna eytoni
Wandering Whistling-Duck Dendrocygna arcuata
Radjah Shelduck Tadorna radjah
Green Pygmy-goose Nettapus pulchellus
Pacific Black Duck Anas superciliosa
Hardhead Aythya australis
Australasian Grebe Tachybaptus novaehollandiae
Emerald Dove Chalcophaps indica
Common Bronzewing Phaps chalcoptera
Crested Pigeon Ocyphaps lophotes

Chestnut-quilled Rock Pigeon at Ubirr. This very restricted species is only found in the Arnhem Land escarpment habitat (photo copyright Alan Kydd)
Chestnut-quilled Rock Pigeon at Ubirr. This very restricted species is only found in the Arnhem Land escarpment habitat  (photo copyright Alan Kydd)
Chestnut-quilled Rock-Pigeon Petrophassa rufipennis
Diamond Dove Geopelia cuneata
Peaceful Dove Geopelia striata
Bar-shouldered Dove Geopelia humeralis
Rose-crowned Fruit-Dove Ptilinopus regina

Female Australasian Darter on Yellow Water (photo copyright Alan Kydd)
Female Australasian Darter on Yellow Water  (photo copyright Alan Kydd)
Australasian Darter Anhinga novaehollandiae
Little Pied Cormorant Microcarbo melanoleucos
Little Black Cormorant Phalacrocorax sulcirostris
Pied Cormorant Phalacrocorax varius
Australian Pelican Pelecanus conspicillatus

Black-necked Stork, the female has golden eyes and male has brown eyes. Still sometimes incorrectly called 'Jabiru' which is a Portugeses word for 'stork' and is a South American species. (photo copyright Alan Kydd)
Black-necked Stork, the female has golden eyes and male has brown eyes. Still sometimes incorrectly called 'Jabiru' which is a Portugeses word for 'stork' and is a South American species.  (photo copyright Alan Kydd)
Black-necked Stork Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus
White-necked Heron Ardea pacifica
Great Egret Ardea alba
 Intermediate Egret Ardea intermedia
Cattle Egret Ardea ibis
Striated Heron Butorides striata
Pied Heron Egretta picata
White-faced Heron Egretta novaehollandiae
Little Egret Egretta garzetta
Eastern Reef Egret Egretta sacra

Juvenile Nankeen Night Heron on Yellow Water, Kakadu (photo copyright Alan Kydd)
Juvenile Nankeen Night Heron on Yellow Water, Kakadu  (photo copyright Alan Kydd)
Nankeen Night-Heron Nycticorax caledonicus
Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus
Australian White Ibis Threskiornis molucca
Straw-necked Ibis Threskiornis spinicollis
Royal Spoonbill Platalea regia
Eastern Osprey Pandion cristatus
Black-shouldered Kite Elanus axillaris
Black-breasted Buzzard Hamirostra melanosternon
White-bellied Sea-Eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster
Whistling Kite Haliastur sphenurus
Brahminy Kite Haliastur indus
Black Kite Milvus migrans
Brown Goshawk Accipiter fasciatus
Collared Sparrowhawk Accipiter cirrocephalus
Wedge-tailed Eagle Aquila audax
Nankeen Kestrel Falco cenchroides
Brown Falcon Falco berigora
Brolga Grus rubicunda
Purple Swamphen Porphyrio porphyrio
Eurasian Coot Fulica atra
Bush Stone-curlew Burhinus grallarius
Beach Stone-curlew Esacus magnirostris
Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus
Masked Lapwing Vanellus miles
Comb-crested Jacana Irediparra gallinacea
Eastern Curlew Numenius madagascariensis
Gull-billed Tern Gelochelidon nilotica
Caspian Tern Hydroprogne caspia
Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybrida
Silver Gull Chroicocephalus novaehollandiae
Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo Calyptorhynchus banksii

Galahs pair bonding (photo copyright Alan Kydd)
Galahs pair bonding  (photo copyright Alan Kydd)
Galah Eolophus roseicapillus
Little Corella Cacatua sanguinea
Sulphur-crested Cockatoo Cacatua galerita
Cockatiel Nymphicus hollandicus

Red-collared Lorikeet in Fern-leaved Grevillea - (shouting as usual) (photo copyright Alan Kydd)
Red-collared Lorikeet in Fern-leaved Grevillea - (shouting as usual)  (photo copyright Alan Kydd)
Red-collared Lorikeet Trichoglossus rubritorquis
Varied Lorikeet Psitteuteles versicolor
Red-winged Parrot Aprosmictus erythropterus
Northern Rosella Platycercus venustus
Hooded Parrot Psephotus dissimilis
Pheasant Coucal Centropus phasianinus
Horsfield's Bronze-Cuckoo Chalcites basalis
Little Bronze-Cuckoo Chalcites minutillus
Azure Kingfisher Ceyx azureus
Blue-winged Kookaburra Dacelo leachii
Forest Kingfisher Todiramphus macleayii
Red-backed Kingfisher Todiramphus pyrrhopygius
Sacred Kingfisher Todiramphus sanctus
Collared Kingfisher Todiramphus chloris
Rainbow Bee-eater Merops ornatus

Rainbow Pitta near Anbangbang Gallery, Kakadu (photo copyright Alan Kydd)
Rainbow Pitta near Anbangbang Gallery, Kakadu  (photo copyright Alan Kydd)
Rainbow Pitta Pitta iris
Black-tailed Treecreeper Climacteris melanura
Great Bowerbird Ptilonorhynchus nuchalis
Red-backed Fairy-wren Malurus melanocephalus
Weebill Smicrornis brevirostris
Mangrove Gerygone Gerygone levigaster
Large-billed Gerygone Gerygone magnirostris
Green-backed Gerygone Gerygone chloronota
White-throated Gerygone Gerygone albogularis
Red-browed Pardalote Pardalotus rubricatus (h)
Striated Pardalote Pardalotus striatus
White-lined Honeyeater Meliphaga albilineata
White-gaped Honeyeater Lichenostomus unicolor
Grey-fronted Honeyeater Lichenostomus plumulus
Yellow-tinted Honeyeater Lichenostomus flavescens
Yellow-throated Miner Manorina flavigula
Bar-breasted Honeyeater Ramsayornis fasciatus
Rufous-banded Honeyeater Conopophila albogularis
Rufous-throated Honeyeater Conopophila rufogularis
Dusky Honeyeater Myzomela obscura
Red-headed Honeyeater Myzomela erythrocephala
Banded Honeyeater Cissomela pectoralis
Brown Honeyeater Lichmera indistincta
White-throated Honeyeater Melithreptus albogularis
Blue-faced Honeyeater Entomyzon cyanotis
Helmeted Friarbird Philemon buceroides
Silver-crowned Friarbird Philemon argenticeps
Little Friarbird Philemon citreogularis
Grey-crowned Babbler Pomatostomus temporalis
Varied Sittella Daphoenositta chrysoptera
Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike Coracina novaehollandiae
White-bellied Cuckoo-shrike Coracina papuensis
White-winged Triller Lalage sueurii
Varied Triller Lalage leucomela
Grey (Brown) Whistler Pachycephala simplex
Rufous Whistler Pachycephala rufiventris
Little Shrike-thrush Colluricincla megarhyncha
Sandstone Shrike-thrush Colluricincla woodwardi
Grey Shrike-thrush Colluricincla harmonica
Australasian Figbird Sphecotheres vieilloti
Green Oriole Oriolus flavocinctus
White-breasted Woodswallow Artamus leucorynchus
Black-faced Woodswallow Artamus cinereus
Little Woodswallow Artamus minor
Black Butcherbird Cracticus quoyi
Pied Butcherbird Cracticus nigrogularis

Silver-backed Butcherbird near Pine Creek (photo copyright Alan Kydd)
Silver-backed Butcherbird near Pine Creek  (photo copyright Alan Kydd)
Silver-backed Butcherbird Cracticus argenteus
Spangled Drongo Dicrurus bracteatus
Arafura Fantail Rhipidura dryas
Northern Fantail Rhipidura rufiventris
Willie Wagtail Rhipidura leucophrys
Torresian Crow Corvus orru
Broad-billed Flycatcher Myiagra ruficollis

Paperbark Flycatcher, buff wash on the breast reveals this bird to be immature (photo copyright Alan Kydd)
Paperbark Flycatcher, buff wash on the breast reveals this bird to be immature  (photo copyright Alan Kydd)
Paperbark Flycatcher Myiagra nana
Shining Flycatcher Myiagra alecto
Paperbark Flycatcher Myiagra nana
Magpie-lark Grallina cyanoleuca
Apostlebird Struthidea cinerea
Jacky Winter Microeca fascinans
Lemon-bellied Flyrobin Microeca flavigaster
Buff-sided Robin Poecilodryas cerviniventris
Golden-headed Cisticola Cisticola exilis
Rufous Songlark Cincloramphus mathewsi
Fairy Martin Petrochelidon ariel
Tree Martin Petrochelidon nigricans
Mistletoebird Dicaeum hirundinaceum
Double-barred Finch Taeniopygia bichenovii
Long-tailed Finch Poephila acuticauda
Masked Finch Poephila personata
Crimson Finch Neochmia phaeton
Star Finch Neochmia ruficauda
Gouldian Finch Erythrura gouldiae

Lesser Wanderer butterfly (photo copyright Alan Kydd)
Lesser Wanderer butterfly  (photo copyright Alan Kydd)

 

Merton's Water Monitor at the Yellow Water Cruise dock (photo copyright Alan Kydd)
Merton's Water Monitor at the Yellow Water Cruise dock  (photo copyright Alan Kydd)

 

 


 
 
Trip Report – Chestnut Rail Expedition, 29 May 2015

Our search for the elusive Chestnut Rail begins with a 6am hotel pick-up and a short drive down to the dock at Stokes Hill Wharf. By 6.30 we were boarded on the ‘Snubfin’ and ready to go.

Chestnut Rail Expedition, first light (photo copyright Sea Darwin)
Chestnut Rail Expedition, first light  (photo copyright Sea Darwin)

 

The passengers were a mix of local and visiting birders and tour industry people. Jim Smith, owner and operator of Sea Darwin, skippered and guided while I pointed out various bird species and provided some additional information about some of the species we were seeing. Being on the water at sunrise is an incredibly peaceful way to start the day and all on board were able to absorb that to the full as we cruised slowly along, searching the banks for our main target and any other species we could come across. 

Our first bird sighting, called by Jim from the helm, was a Striated Heron perched in typical hunting pose on the mooring line of a classic sailing vessel, with golden glow of sunrise illuminating its profile.

Chestnut Rail Expedition (photo copyright Sea Darwin)
Chestnut Rail Expedition  (photo copyright Sea Darwin)

 


There were plenty of bird calls coming out of the mangroves but we didn’t hear the raucous ‘waark waark waark’ of the Chestnut Rail. Collared Kingfishers were the noisiest. There were big numbers of Australasian Figbird, Little Friarbird and some Helmeted Friarbirds. We saw a group of Pied Imperial-pigeons take off from their night roost in the mangroves and head for their day’s feeding in the city area. This is part of the resident population that have chosen Darwin as their home while the vast majority of their species return to New Guinea and Indonesia for the dry season. 

Jim steered the Snubfin through some stands of mangroves away from the main channel and brought us up to Sadgroves Creek, where we had views of mudbanks all around. We waited quietly for a while, searching the banks and listening for calls…. no Chestnut Rail… then it was time to leave and we cruised back along the channel, and on the last section of mudbank there was a Rail! It ignored the boat and foraged along the bank in the open, giving everyone on board good views.

Chestnut Rail in Darwin Harbour (photo copyright Sea Darwin)
Chestnut Rail in Darwin Harbour  (photo copyright Sea Darwin)

  

After this delightful start to the morning I took my guest, Margaret, to East Point where our target was the Rainbow Pitta. We proceeded along the monsoon forest walk and within a minute or so there was a very obliging Pitta, affording us great views as it hopped in the understorey, searching the leaf litter for food. From there we went to East Point Rocks and had a great view of a Beach Stone-curlew. 

Rainbow Pitta at East Point (photo copyright Marie Holding)
Rainbow Pitta at East Point  (photo copyright Marie Holding)

 

Next we walked the mangrove boardwalk and had a coffee on the landing at the end. The Apple Mangrove was flowering and Little and Helmeted Friarbirds were very noisy in their efforts to make the most of it. Margaret had great views of Red-headed Honeyeater and Broad-billed Flycatcher.

Red-headed Honeyeater (photo copyright Marie Holding)
Red-headed Honeyeater  (photo copyright Marie Holding)

 

Our last stop for the morning was Rapid Creek, where the target was Long-tailed Finch. We saw them as well as Masked and Double-barred Finches, Striated Pardalotes and Rainbow Bee-eaters, all in the same tree, finches coming down to feed on the ground.

Long-tailed Finch (Poephila acuticauda) - moderately common and widespread resident, woodlands, edge of wetlands and floodplains, parks and gardens. Taken at Rapid Creek (photo copyright Kay Parkin)
Long-tailed Finch (Poephila acuticauda) - moderately common and widespread resident, woodlands, edge of wetlands and floodplains, parks and gardens. Taken at Rapid Creek  (photo copyright Kay Parkin)

 

Local birder, John Rawesthorne’s take on the Chestnut Rail Expedition…

I tagged along on the Chestnut Rail boat tour this morning.  Very easy going and friendly mob, the Sea Darwin crew along with Mike Jarvis – clearly they enjoy what they do. 

Anyway, we pottered about in Sadgroves Ck for an hour or so, seeing nary a Rail, but a nice suite of other birds.  As we headed back to Stokes Hill Wharf through the moored yachts near Dinah Beach, quite literally on the very last square metre of mud we had left to look at (on the mangrove corner opposite Dinah Beach boat ramp, for those more familiar) there was a rail! Walking around out in the open foraging.  Doing rail stuff.  Except the “run away” bit – it didn’t run away, which was nice. 

(I suppose another way to look at it was that this was also the very first square metre of mud we looked at on the way in, so we could have just sat there for the morning and saved fuel…) 

JR

 

 

Sightings

Date:Friday, 29 May 2015

Location: Darwin Harbour
Birds ( 23 )
Pigeons and Doves Columbidae
Bar-shouldered Dove Geopelia humeralis
Pied Imperial-Pigeon Ducula bicolor 20+ leaving the mangroves

Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns Ardeidae
Great Egret Ardea alba
Striated Heron Butorides striata
Little Egret Egretta garzetta
Ibises and Spoonbills Threskiornithidae
Australian White Ibis Threskiornis molucca
Hawks, Eagles, and Kites Accipitridae
White-bellied Sea-Eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster
Brahminy Kite Haliastur indus
Black Kite Milvus migrans
Rails, Gallinules, and Coots Rallidae
Chestnut Rail Eulabeornis castaneoventris 1 sustained view in the open on a muddy bank

Parrots Psittacidae
Red-collared Lorikeet Trichoglossus rubritorquis
Kingfishers Alcedinidae
Azure Kingfisher Ceyx azureus
Kingfishers Halcyonidae
Collared Kingfisher Todiramphus chloris
Bee-eaters Meropidae
Rainbow Bee-eater Merops ornatus
Honeyeaters Meliphagidae
White-gaped Honeyeater Lichenostomus unicolor
Red-headed Honeyeater Myzomela erythrocephala
Helmeted Friarbird Philemon buceroides
Little Friarbird Philemon citreogularis
Old World Orioles Oriolidae
Australasian Figbird Sphecotheres vieilloti
Woodswallows Artamidae
White-breasted Woodswallow Artamus leucorynchus
Bellmagpies and Allies Cracticidae
Black Butcherbird Cracticus quoyi
Monarch Flycatchers Monarchidae
Magpie-lark Grallina cyanoleuca
Australasian Robins Petroicidae
Lemon-bellied Flycatcher Microeca flavigaster 

 

Location: East Point Reserve
Birds ( 21 )
Megapodes Megapodiidae
Orange-footed Scrubfowl Megapodius reinwardt
Pigeons and Doves Columbidae
Peaceful Dove Geopelia striata
Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns Ardeidae
Eastern Reef Egret Egretta sacra
Hawks, Eagles, and Kites Accipitridae
Black Kite Milvus migrans
Thick-knees Burhinidae
Beach Stone-curlew Esacus magnirostris
Plovers and Lapwings Charadriidae
Masked Lapwing Vanellus miles
Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers Laridae
Gull-billed Tern Gelochelidon nilotica
Kingfishers Halcyonidae
Forest Kingfisher Todiramphus macleayii
Bee-eaters Meropidae
Rainbow Bee-eater Merops ornatus
Pittas Pittidae
Rainbow Pitta Pitta iris
Honeyeaters Meliphagidae
White-gaped Honeyeater Lichenostomus unicolor
Brown Honeyeater Lichmera indistincta
Cuckoo-shrikes Campephagidae
Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike Coracina novaehollandiae
White-bellied Cuckoo-shrike Coracina papuensis
Varied Triller Lalage leucomela
Old World Orioles Oriolidae
Yellow Oriole Oriolus flavocinctus
Fantails Rhipiduridae
Northern Fantail Rhipidura rufiventris
Monarch Flycatchers Monarchidae
Magpie-lark Grallina cyanoleuca
Swallows Hirundinidae
Tree Martin Petrochelidon nigricans
Flowerpeckers Dicaeidae
Mistletoebird Dicaeum hirundinaceum
Waxbills and Allies Estrildidae
Double-barred Finch Taeniopygia bichenovii 

 

Location: East Point Mangrove Boardwalk
Birds ( 12 )
Hawks, Eagles, and Kites Accipitridae
Black Kite Milvus migrans
Kingfishers Halcyonidae
Sacred Kingfisher Todiramphus sanctus
Honeyeaters Meliphagidae
White-gaped Honeyeater Lichenostomus unicolor
Red-headed Honeyeater Myzomela erythrocephala
Helmeted Friarbird Philemon buceroides
Little Friarbird Philemon citreogularis
Cuckoo-shrikes Campephagidae
Varied Triller Lalage leucomela
Drongos Dicruridae
Spangled Drongo Dicrurus bracteatus
Monarch Flycatchers Monarchidae
Broad-billed Flycatcher Myiagra ruficollis
Magpie-lark Grallina cyanoleuca
Australasian Robins Petroicidae
Lemon-bellied Flycatcher Microeca flavigaster
Flowerpeckers Dicaeidae
Mistletoebird Dicaeum hirundinaceum

 

Mammals ( 1 )
Brushtail Possums, Cuscuses, Scaly-tailed
Possum Phalangeridae
Common Brushtail Possum Trichosurus vulpecula 

 

Location: Rapid Creek
Birds ( 9 )
Pigeons and Doves Columbidae
Peaceful Dove Geopelia striata
Bar-shouldered Dove Geopelia humeralis
Bee-eaters Meropidae
Rainbow Bee-eater Merops ornatus
Pardalotes Pardalotidae
Striated Pardalote Pardalotus striatus
Honeyeaters Meliphagidae
Rufous-banded Honeyeater Conopophila albogularis
Cuckoo-shrikes Campephagidae
Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike Coracina novaehollandiae
Waxbills and Allies Estrildidae
Double-barred Finch Taeniopygia bichenovii
Long-tailed Finch Poephila acuticauda
Masked Finch Poephila personata

 

Trip Report – Woodland and Wetland Experience, 25-26 May 2015

We started out from Darwin at 6.00 am to get to the Marrakai Road as early as possible.

 

 

 

Sightings

Date:Monday, 25 May 2015

Location: Marrakai Track
Birds ( 54 )
Pigeons and Doves Columbidae
Diamond Dove Geopelia cuneata
Peaceful Dove Geopelia striata
Little Pied Cormorant Phalacrocoracidae
Little Pied Cormorant Microcarbo melanoleucos
Pelicans Pelecanidae
Australian Pelican Pelecanus conspicillatus
Storks Ciconiidae
Black-necked Stork Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus
Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns Ardeidae
White-necked Heron Ardea pacifica
Intermediate Egret Ardea intermedia
Great-billed Heron Ardea sumatrana
Hawks, Eagles, and Kites Accipitridae
Black-breasted Buzzard Hamirostra melanosternon
White-bellied Sea-Eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster
Whistling Kite Haliastur sphenurus
Black Kite Milvus migrans
Brown Goshawk Accipiter fasciatus
Falcons and Caracaras Falconidae
Brown Falcon Falco berigora
Cranes Gruidae
Brolga Grus rubicunda
Cockatoos Cacatuidae
Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo Calyptorhynchus banksii
Galah Eolophus roseicapillus
Sulphur-crested Cockatoo Cacatua galerita
Parrots Psittacidae
Red-collared Lorikeet Trichoglossus rubritorquis
Red-winged Parrot Aprosmictus erythropterus
Cuckoos Cuculidae
Pheasant Coucal Centropus phasianinus
Pallid Cuckoo Cacomantis pallidus
Kingfishers Halcyonidae
Blue-winged Kookaburra Dacelo leachii
Red-backed Kingfisher Todiramphus pyrrhopygius
Bee-eaters Meropidae
Rainbow Bee-eater Merops ornatus
Australasian Treecreepers Climacteridae
Black-tailed Treecreeper Climacteris melanura
Thornbills and Allies Acanthizidae
Weebill Smicrornis brevirostris
Honeyeaters Meliphagidae
Banded Honeyeater Cissomela pectoralis
White-throated Honeyeater Melithreptus albogularis
Silver-crowned Friarbird Philemon argenticeps
Little Friarbird Philemon citreogularis
Cuckoo-shrikes Campephagidae
Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike Coracina novaehollandiae
White-bellied Cuckoo-shrike Coracina papuensis
White-winged Triller Lalage sueurii
Whistlers and Allies Pachycephalidae
Rufous Whistler Pachycephala rufiventris
Grey Shrike-thrush Colluricincla harmonica
Old World Orioles Oriolidae
Yellow Oriole Oriolus flavocinctus
Woodswallows Artamidae
White-breasted Woodswallow Artamus leucorynchus
Little Woodswallow Artamus minor
Bellmagpies and Allies Cracticidae
Pied Butcherbird Cracticus nigrogularis
Drongos Dicruridae
Spangled Drongo Dicrurus bracteatus
Fantails Rhipiduridae
Northern Fantail Rhipidura rufiventris
Willie Wagtail Rhipidura leucophrys
Crows, Jays, and Magpies Corvidae
Torresian Crow Corvus orru
Monarch Flycatchers Monarchidae
Broad-billed Flycatcher Myiagra ruficollis
Shining Flycatcher Myiagra alecto
Magpie-lark Grallina cyanoleuca
Australasian Robins Petroicidae
Jacky Winter Microeca fascinans
Lemon-bellied Flycatcher Microeca flavigaster
Swallows Hirundinidae
Fairy Martin Petrochelidon ariel
Tree Martin Petrochelidon nigricans
Waxbills and Allies Estrildidae
Long-tailed Finch Poephila acuticauda
Masked Finch Poephila personata
Gouldian Finch Erythrura gouldiae 

Location: Mary River Park
Birds ( 29 )
Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl Anatidae
Radjah Shelduck Tadorna radjah
Pigeons and Doves Columbidae
Bar-shouldered Dove Geopelia humeralis
Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns Ardeidae
Intermediate Egret Ardea intermedia
Ibises and Spoonbills Threskiornithidae
Australian White Ibis Threskiornis molucca
Straw-necked Ibis Threskiornis spinicollis
Royal Spoonbill Platalea regia
Hawks, Eagles, and Kites Accipitridae
White-bellied Sea-Eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster
Whistling Kite Haliastur sphenurus
Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers Laridae
White-winged Black Tern Chlidonias leucopterus
Cockatoos Cacatuidae
Sulphur-crested Cockatoo Cacatua galerita
Parrots Psittacidae
Red-collared Lorikeet Trichoglossus rubritorquis
Red-winged Parrot Aprosmictus erythropterus
Cuckoos Cuculidae
Pheasant Coucal Centropus phasianinus
Kingfishers Halcyonidae
Forest Kingfisher Todiramphus macleayii
Bee-eaters Meropidae
Rainbow Bee-eater Merops ornatus
Honeyeaters Meliphagidae
Dusky Honeyeater Myzomela obscura
White-throated Honeyeater Melithreptus albogularis
Little Friarbird Philemon citreogularis
Cuckoo-shrikes Campephagidae
White-bellied Cuckoo-shrike Coracina papuensis
Varied Triller Lalage leucomela
Whistlers and Allies Pachycephalidae
Rufous Whistler Pachycephala rufiventris
Old World Orioles Oriolidae
Australasian Figbird Sphecotheres vieilloti
Olive-backed Oriole Oriolus sagittatus
Drongos Dicruridae
Spangled Drongo Dicrurus bracteatus
Fantails Rhipiduridae
Northern Fantail Rhipidura rufiventris
Crows, Jays, and Magpies Corvidae
Torresian Crow Corvus orru
Monarch Flycatchers Monarchidae
Leaden Flycatcher Myiagra rubecula
Paperbark Flycatcher Myiagra nana
Swallows Hirundinidae
Tree Martin Petrochelidon nigricans 

Date: Tuesday, 26 May 2015 

Location: Mary River Billabong
Birds ( 16 )
Pigeons and Doves Columbidae
Peaceful Dove Geopelia striata
Storks Ciconiidae
Black-necked Stork Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus
Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns Ardeidae
Great Egret Ardea alba
Hawks, Eagles, and Kites Accipitridae
White-bellied Sea-Eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster
Cranes Gruidae
Brolga Grus rubicunda
Plovers and Lapwings Charadriidae
Masked Lapwing Vanellus miles
Jacanas Jacanidae
Comb-crested Jacana Irediparra gallinacea
Cockatoos Cacatuidae
Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo Calyptorhynchus banksii
Parrots Psittacidae
Red-collared Lorikeet Trichoglossus rubritorquis
Kingfishers Halcyonidae
Blue-winged Kookaburra Dacelo leachii
Bee-eaters Meropidae
Rainbow Bee-eater Merops ornatus
Honeyeaters Meliphagidae
White-throated Honeyeater Melithreptus albogularis
Cuckoo-shrikes Campephagidae
White-winged Triller Lalage sueurii
Drongos Dicruridae
Spangled Drongo Dicrurus bracteatus
Fantails Rhipiduridae
Willie Wagtail Rhipidura leucophrys
Monarch Flycatchers Monarchidae
Magpie-lark Grallina cyanoleuca 

Location: Bird Billabong
Birds ( 32 )
Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl Anatidae 
Plumed Whistling-Duck Dendrocygna eytoni
Wandering Whistling-Duck Dendrocygna arcuata
Radjah Shelduck Tadorna radjah
Green Pygmy-goose Nettapus pulchellus
Grebes Podicipedidae
Australasian Grebe Tachybaptus novaehollandiae
Pigeons and Doves Columbidae
Diamond Dove Geopelia cuneata
Bar-shouldered Dove Geopelia humeralis
Australasian Darter Anhingidae
Australasian Darter Anhinga novaehollandiae
Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns Ardeidae
Intermediate Egret Ardea intermedia
Pied Heron Egretta picata
Little Egret Egretta garzetta
Nankeen Night-Heron Nycticorax caledonicus juv

Ibises and Spoonbills Threskiornithidae
Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus
Royal Spoonbill Platalea regia
Hawks, Eagles, and Kites Accipitridae
Whistling Kite Haliastur sphenurus
Black Kite Milvus migrans
Brown Goshawk Accipiter fasciatus
Plovers and Lapwings Charadriidae
Black-fronted Dotterel Elseyornis melanops
Red-kneed Dotterel Erythrogonys cinctus
Pratincoles and Coursers Glareolidae
Australian Pratincole Stiltia isabella
Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers Laridae
White-winged Black Tern Chlidonias leucopterus
Cockatoos Cacatuidae
Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo Calyptorhynchus banksii
Little Corella Cacatua sanguinea
Parrots Psittacidae
Varied Lorikeet Psitteuteles versicolor
Pardalotes Pardalotidae
Striated Pardalote Pardalotus striatus
Honeyeaters Meliphagidae
Brown Honeyeater Lichmera indistincta
Whistlers and Allies Pachycephalidae
Rufous Whistler Pachycephala rufiventris
Fantails Rhipiduridae
Northern Fantail Rhipidura rufiventris
Willie Wagtail Rhipidura leucophrys
Swallows Hirundinidae
Fairy Martin Petrochelidon ariel
Tree Martin Petrochelidon nigricans 

Waxbills and Allies Estrildidae
Masked Finch Poephila personata

Mammals ( 3 )
Kangaroos, Wallabies, Tree 

Kangaroos Macropodidae
Agile Wallaby Macropus agilus
Antilopine Wallaroo Macropus antilopinus 

Pigs Suidae
Pig Sus scofa 

Reptiles ( 1 )
Crocodiles Crocodylus
Johnstone's Crocodile Crocodylus johnstoni 

Location: Corroboree Wetlands
Birds ( 30 )
Goose Anseranatidae
Magpie Goose Anseranas semipalmata
Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl Anatidae
Radjah Shelduck Tadorna radjah
Pigeons and Doves Columbidae
Bar-shouldered Dove Geopelia humeralis
Australasian Darter Anhingidae
Australasian Darter Anhinga novaehollandiae
Little Pied Cormorant Phalacrocoracidae
Pied Cormorant Phalacrocorax varius
Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns Ardeidae
White-necked Heron Ardea pacifica
Intermediate Egret Ardea intermedia
Cattle Egret Ardea ibis
Striated Heron Butorides striata
Pied Heron Egretta picata 

Ibises and Spoonbills Threskiornithidae
Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus
Australian White Ibis Threskiornis molucca
Straw-necked Ibis Threskiornis spinicollis
Royal Spoonbill Platalea regia
Hawks, Eagles, and Kites Accipitridae
Black-breasted Buzzard Hamirostra melanosternon
White-bellied Sea-Eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster
Black Kite Milvus migrans 

Pratincoles and Coursers Glareolidae
Australian Pratincole Stiltia isabella
Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers Laridae
Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybrida
Parrots Psittacidae
Red-collared Lorikeet Trichoglossus rubritorquis
Cuckoos Cuculidae
Little Bronze-Cuckoo Chalcites minutillus
Kingfishers Alcedinidae
Azure Kingfisher Ceyx azureus
Kingfishers Halcyonidae
Forest Kingfisher Todiramphus macleayii
Bee-eaters Meropidae
Rainbow Bee-eater Merops ornatus
Honeyeaters Meliphagidae
Rufous-banded Honeyeater Conopophila albogularis
Cuckoo-shrikes Campephagidae
White-bellied Cuckoo-shrike Coracina papuensis
Monarch Flycatchers Monarchidae
Paperbark Flycatcher Myiagra nana
Magpie-lark Grallina cyanoleuca
Swallows Hirundinidae
Tree Martin Petrochelidon nigricans
Waxbills and Allies Estrildidae
Crimson Finch Neochmia phaeton 

Reptiles ( 1 )
Crocodiles Crocodylus
Estuarine Crocodile Crocodylus porosus 

Location: Fogg Dam
Birds ( 27 )
Megapodes Megapodiidae
Orange-footed Scrubfowl Megapodius reinwardt
Goose Anseranatidae
Magpie Goose Anseranas semipalmata 1000+

Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl Anatidae
Wandering Whistling-Duck Dendrocygna arcuata
Australasian Darter Anhingidae
Australasian Darter Anhinga novaehollandiae
Little Pied Cormorant Phalacrocoracidae
Little Pied Cormorant Microcarbo melanoleucos
Little Black Cormorant Phalacrocorax sulcirostris
Pelicans Pelecanidae
Australian Pelican Pelecanus conspicillatus
Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns Ardeidae
Intermediate Egret Ardea intermedia
Great Egret Ardea alba
Pied Heron Egretta picata
Little Egret Egretta garzetta
Ibises and Spoonbills Threskiornithidae
Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus
Australian White Ibis Threskiornis molucca
Straw-necked Ibis Threskiornis spinicollis
Royal Spoonbill Platalea regia
Hawks, Eagles, and Kites Accipitridae
White-bellied Sea-Eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster
Stilts and Avocets Recurvirostridae
Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus
Plovers and Lapwings Charadriidae
Masked Lapwing Vanellus miles
Pratincoles and Coursers Glareolidae
Australian Pratincole Stiltia isabella 100+

Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers Laridae
Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybrida
Kingfishers Halcyonidae
Forest Kingfisher Todiramphus macleayii
Red-backed Kingfisher Todiramphus pyrrhopygius
Sacred Kingfisher Todiramphus sanctus
Honeyeaters Meliphagidae
Rufous-banded Honeyeater Conopophila albogularis
Monarch Flycatchers Monarchidae
Shining Flycatcher Myiagra alecto
Magpie-lark Grallina cyanoleuca
Waxbills and Allies Estrildidae
Crimson Finch Neochmia phaeton

Butterflies ( 1 )
Nymphs Nymphalidae
Swamp Tiger Danaus affinis 

Reptiles ( 2 )
Crocodiles Crocodylus
Johnstone's Crocodile Crocodylus johnstoni
Side-necked Freshwater Turtles Cheluidae
Northern Snake-necked Turtle Chelodina oblonga

Trip Report – Gouldians on the Marrakai, 22 May 2015

Notes: with Jenny and John,  Sue and Ben from Sydney, one day private charter

We started out from Darwin at 6.00am and drove straight out to the Adelaide River area. First light was at Beatrice Lagoons, but we didn't stop as we wanted to get as good a chance as possible to see our main target - Gouldian Finch!

 

Sightings

Date:Friday, 22 May 2015

Location: Marrakai Track
Birds ( 49 )
Pigeons and Doves Columbidae
Diamond Dove Geopelia cuneata 200+

Bar-shouldered Dove Geopelia humeralis
Storks Ciconiidae 
Black-necked Stork Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus
Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns Ardeidae 
White-necked Heron Ardea pacifica
Intermediate Egret Ardea intermedia
Great Egret Ardea alba
Ibises and Spoonbills Threskiornithidae
Australian White Ibis Threskiornis molucca
Hawks, Eagles, and Kites Accipitridae 
Whistling Kite Haliastur sphenurus
Black Kite Milvus migrans
Brown Goshawk Accipiter fasciatus
Falcons and Caracaras Falconidae 
Nankeen Kestrel Falco cenchroides
Brown Falcon Falco berigora
Plovers and Lapwings Charadriidae 
Masked Lapwing Vanellus miles
Cockatoos Cacatuidae 
Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo Calyptorhynchus banksii 
Parrots Psittacidae 
Red-collared Lorikeet Trichoglossus
Rubritorquis
Red-winged Parrot Aprosmictus erythropterus
Cuckoos Cuculidae s
Pallid Cuckoo Cacomantis pallidus
Kingfishers Halcyonidae 
Blue-winged Kookaburra Dacelo leachii
Forest Kingfisher Todiramphus macleayii
Red-backed Kingfisher Todiramphus
pyrrhopygius
Bee-eaters Meropidae
Rainbow Bee-eater Merops ornatus
Fairywrens Maluridae 
Red-backed Fairy-wren Malurus melanocephalus
Thornbills and Allies Acanthizidae 
Weebill Smicrornis brevirostris
Green-backed Gerygone Gerygone chloronota
Honeyeaters Meliphagidae 
Banded Honeyeater Cissomela pectoralis
Brown Honeyeater Lichmera indistincta
Black-chinned Honeyeater Melithreptus gularis 2

Silver-crowned Friarbird Philemon argenticeps
Little Friarbird Philemon citreogularis
Cuckoo-shrikes Campephagidae 
Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike Coracina
novaehollandiae
White-winged Triller Lalage sueurii

Varied Triller Lalage leucomela
Whistlers and Allies Pachycephalidae 
Rufous Whistler Pachycephala rufiventris
Old World Orioles Oriolidae 
Yellow Oriole Oriolus flavocinctus
Woodswallows Artamidae 
White-breasted Woodswallow Artamus leucorynchus
Little Woodswallow Artamus minor
Fantails Rhipiduridae
Northern Fantail Rhipidura rufiventris
Crows, Jays, and Magpies Corvidae 
Torresian Crow Corvus orru
Monarch Flycatchers Monarchidae 
Broad-billed Flycatcher Myiagra ruficollis
Leaden Flycatcher Myiagra rubecula
Magpie-lark Grallina cyanoleuca
Australasian Robins Petroicidae 
Jacky Winter Microeca fascinans
Lemon-bellied Flycatcher Microeca flavigaster
Buff-sided Robin Poecilodryas cerviniventris
Swallows Hirundinidae 
Tree Martin Petrochelidon nigricans
Waxbills and Allies Estrildidae 
Double-barred Finch Taeniopygia bichenovii
Long-tailed Finch Poephila acuticauda
Masked Finch Poephila personata
Gouldian Finch Erythrura gouldiae

 

 

Private Charter with Alan and Linda from the UK 
Bush Breakfast on the Marrakai in the wet season (photo copyright Mike Jarvis)
Bush Breakfast on the Marrakai in the wet season  (photo copyright Mike Jarvis)

Tuesday 24th February, 2015

- After a 7am pick up we made our first stop at East Point. The main target here was the Rainbow Pitta. We had glimpses but not great views. We walked through to the grassy break and saw Mistletoebirds feeding in an Amyema Mistletoe in a Milkwood Tree. Green-backed Gerygones obliged with some curious responses to our pishing efforts. Agile Wallabies seemed to be watching our every move. 

Next we went to the East Point rocks area where Alan was happy to see some old friends eg Ruddy Turnstone, Whimbrel etc. even though the tide was a bit too high for ideal wader conditions. There was also one Terek Sandpiper. 

At the nearby access track to the mangrove boardwalk we saw another Rainbow Pitta and Brown (Grey) Whistlers. We had a cup of coffee at Lake Alexander and a friendly Little Friarbird checked was doing some ‘people watching’. 

From there we went to the Rapid Creek and saw a good range of finches including Double-barred, Long-tailed, Masked and Chestnut-breasted Mannikin. 

Next we travelled out to Fogg Dam and had lunch. Water birds were not in big numbers due to the seasonal dispersal which takes place at this stage of the wet season. Paperbark Flycatchers were there as usual plus Comb-crested Jacana and Horsfield’s Bushlark. 

We looked for Mangrove Golden Whistlers at Adelaide River bridge, and with them calling strongly we had brief glimpses, until mosquitos got the better of us. 

Djukbinj National Park is looking lovely and green and we drove just past the Scott’s Creek crossing and back. We had great views of Red-winged Parrot and White-bellied Sea-eagle.

There were 64 bird species for the day.

Wednesday 25th February, 2015

– After a 6.00am pick-up in Darwin we headed out along Arnhem Highway. First we stopped at Corroboree Park and made our acquaintance with Brutus, the 4.5 metre Estuarine Crocodile. 

Next we headed down the Marrakai track and almost immediately had two or three Northern Rosellas in the bushes close to the road. Further down the track we pulled over and had breakfast. Here we heard Black-tailed Treecreepers but didn’t see any. 

On returning to Corroboree we had fish and chips for lunch in a typical Aussie outback pub. (Incident involving my vehicle and mud has been edited from the record to protect my reputation…) 

Driving back to Darwin along Arnhem Highway we saw a large, very dark Wedge-tailed Eagle feeding on some carrion. It flew up as we passed, always an awesome bird to see and not seen very often here at this time of the year. Within metres of this sighting a Channel-billed Cuckoo flew across in front of us and a few kilometres further on a Black Bittern crossed the road in front of us as we passed through paperbark forest habitat. 

We did the loop walk at Howard Springs and had a view of a Rainbow Pitta perched in Pandanus briefly. From there we went to the shoreline near Baffalo Creek and saw Beach Stone-curlew and various waders including Far Eastern Curlew. 

We saw a total of 85 bird species for the two days.

Crimson Finches at Fogg Dam (photo copyright Mike Jarvis)
Crimson Finches at Fogg Dam  (photo copyright Mike Jarvis)

Sightings

Date: Tuesday, 24 February 2015

Location: East Point Reserve
Birds 
Magpie Goose Anseranas semipalmata
Bar-shouldered Dove Geopelia humeralis
Eastern Reef Egret Egretta sacra
Pacific Golden Plover Pluvialis fulva
Lesser Sand Plover Charadrius mongolus
Greater Sand Plover Charadrius leschenaultii
Masked Lapwing Vanellus miles
Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus
Terek Sandpiper Xenus cinereus
Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos
Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia
Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres
Red-necked Stint Calidris ruficollis
Forest Kingfisher Todiramphus macleayii
Rainbow Bee-eater Merops ornatus
Rainbow Pitta Pitta iris
Green-backed Gerygone Gerygone chloronota
Rufous-banded Honeyeater Conopophila albogularis
Blue-faced Honeyeater Entomyzon cyanotis
Little Friarbird Philemon citreogularis
Brown (Grey) Whistler Pachycephala simplex
Green Oriole Oriolus flavocinctus
Spangled Drongo Dicrurus bracteatus
Northern Fantail Rhipidura rufiventris
Magpie-lark Grallina cyanoleuca
Lemon-bellied Flyrobin Microeca flavigaster
Mistletoebird Dicaeum hirundinaceum

Mammals 
Agile Wallaby Macropus agilus 

Location: East Point Mangrove Boardwalk
Birds
Bar-shouldered Dove Geopelia humeralis
Red-collared Lorikeet Trichoglossus rubritorquis
Rainbow Pitta Pitta iris
White-gaped Honeyeater Lichenostomus unicolor
White-throated Honeyeater Melithreptus albogularis
Grey Whistler Pachycephala simplex
Lemon-bellied Flycatcher Microeca flavigaster

Butterflies 
Varied Eggfly Hypolymnus bolina
Common Crow Euploea core
Swamp Tiger Danaus affinis
Blue Argus Junia orithya 

Location: Rapid Creek
Birds 
Orange-footed Scrubfowl Megapodius reinwardt
Peaceful Dove Geopelia striata
Caspian Tern Hydroprogne caspia
Little Corella Cacatua sanguinea
Little Bronze-Cuckoo Chalcites minutillus
Forest Kingfisher Todiramphus macleayii
Striated Pardalote Pardalotus striatus
White-gaped Honeyeater Lichenostomus unicolor
Brown Honeyeater Lichmera indistincta
Australasian Figbird Sphecotheres vieilloti
Magpie-lark Grallina cyanoleuca
Long-tailed Finch Poephila acuticauda
Masked Finch Poephila personata
Chestnut-breasted Mannikin Lonchura castaneothorax 

Location: Fogg Dam
Birds 
Magpie Goose Anseranas semipalmata
Australasian Darter Anhinga novaehollandiae
Intermediate Egret Ardea intermedia
Great Egret Ardea alba
Eastern Cattle Egret Bubulcus coromandus
Little Egret Egretta garzetta
White-bellied Sea-Eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster
Whistling Kite Haliastur sphenurus
Black Kite Milvus migrans
Comb-crested Jacana Irediparra gallinacea
Red-backed Fairy-wren Malurus melanocephalus
Brown Honeyeater Lichmera indistincta
Paperbark Flycatcher Myiagra nana
Horsfield's Bushlark Mirafra javanica
Crimson Finch Neochmia phaeton 

Location: Adelaide River Bridge
Birds 
Radjah Shelduck Tadorna radjah
Mangrove Golden Whistler Pachycephala melanura  

Location: Djukbinj National Park
Birds 
Radjah Shelduck Tadorna radjah
Little Egret Egretta garzetta
White-bellied Sea-Eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster
Sulphur-crested Cockatoo Cacatua galerita
Blue-winged Kookaburra Dacelo leachii
Dollarbird Eurystomus orientalis

Reptiles 
Green Tree Snake Dendrelaphis punctulata  

Location: Arnhem Highway
Birds 
Green Pygmy-goose Nettapus pulchellus
Pied Imperial-Pigeon Ducula bicolor
Black-necked Stork Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus
Whistling Kite Haliastur sphenurus
Black Kite Milvus migrans
Torresian Crow Corvus orru  

Date: Wednesday, 25 February 2015

Location: Marrakai Track
Birds 
Galah Eolophus roseicapillus
Red-collared Lorikeet Trichoglossus rubritorquis
Varied Lorikeet Psitteuteles versicolor
Northern Rosella Platycercus venustus
Pheasant Coucal Centropus phasianinus
Blue-winged Kookaburra Dacelo leachii
Dollarbird Eurystomus orientalis
Red-backed Fairy-wren Malurus melanocephalus
Weebill Smicrornis brevirostris
White-throated Honeyeater Melithreptus albogularis
Little Friarbird Philemon citreogularis
Varied Sittella Daphoenositta chrysoptera
White-bellied Cuckoo-shrike Coracina papuensis
Leaden Flycatcher Myiagra rubecula
Golden-headed Cisticola Cisticola exilis
Double-barred Finch Taeniopygia bichenovii

Mammals 
Agile Wallaby Macropus agilus
Antilopine Wallaroo Macropus antilopinus 

Location: Arnhem Highway
Birds 
Black Bittern Ixobrychus flavicollis
Wedge-tailed Eagle Aquila audax
Channel-billed Cuckoo Scythrops novaehollandiae
Torresian Crow Corvus orru  

Date: Thursday, 26 February 2015

Location: Howard Springs
Birds 
Orange-footed Scrubfowl Megapodius reinwardt
Australian White Ibis Threskiornis molucca
Rainbow Pitta Pitta iris
White-gaped Honeyeater Lichenostomus unicolor
Australasian Figbird Sphecotheres vieilloti
Shining Flycatcher Myiagra alecto  

Location: Buffalo Creek
Birds 
Beach Stone-curlew Esacus magnirostris
Red-capped Plover Charadrius ruficapillus
Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica
Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus
Eastern Curlew Numenius madagascariensis
Sanderling Calidris alba
Silver Gull Chroicocephalus novaehollandiae
Long-tailed Finch Poephila acuticauda

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