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A few scenes from the tour including sunset near Alice Springs; patterned skies of Little Desert; and scenic Sugarloaf Rock. (Photos by guide Chris Benesh)
Weather is so often a topic of discussion these days. Our first few days featured some unseasonably warm conditions. Our second day in Sydney, for example, saw temperatures soar to 100 degrees F, far warmer than typical for this date. And things were even worse on our first afternoon in Melbourne. For the first time in the history of the tour, we were unable to visit the Western Treatment Plant due to a Fire Danger Closure. Temperatures near 100 degrees and 30 mph winds gave things a bit of an end-of-times feel. Nevertheless, we were able to get in some birding and see some target species and, thankfully, the weather improved dramatically for the remainder of the tour. It was one of the warmer trips to the south, but we were mostly rain-free (our early morning at Cheyne Beach being a notable exception).
This was also the first year visiting the Great Ocean Road as part of the revised itinerary. It was great adding Rufous Bristlebird to the bird list, and the views along the way were spectacular. Our morning along the Kennett River proved to be a fantastic spot for Koalas. It was great to see this iconic Australian mammal so well.
Another positive change to our itinerary was the addition of a second full day in Alice Springs. This allowed us to visit the Santa Teresa Road, which hosted a number of very special birds otherwise missing from the trip.
Our visit to the west included old friends seen in new light. First, there was the Gilbert’s Honeyeater, a recent split from the White-naped Honeyeater of the southeast, and second, the Golden Whistler that the IOC has recently split as Western Whistler. Three papers published over the past seven years support this split. We also had great views of virtually all of the western specialties.
I want to thank all of our great drivers: Jeff in Sydney, Paul in the south, and especially Dianne in the southwest. Thanks also to Mark Carter for tips in Alice Springs and to Geoff Groom for sharing his patch in Perth at the end of the trip.
Jesse and I had a great time birding with you on this trip. Thanks to all of you for coming along and making the tour a success!
--Chris
KEYS FOR THIS LIST
One of the following keys may be shown in brackets for individual species as appropriate: * = heard only, I = introduced, E = endemic, N = nesting, a = austral migrant, b = boreal migrant
BIRDS
Dromaiidae (Emu)
One of several Freckled Ducks seen near Geelong. (Photo by guide Chris Benesh)
Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl)
CAPE BARREN GOOSE (Cereopsis novaehollandiae) – We saw a family group at Serendip Sanctuary near Geelong. [E]
FRECKLED DUCK (Stictonetta naevosa) – Great looks at a few at Eynesbury and then another five at Lake Purrumbete. This is perhaps the scarcest of Australia's waterfowl. [E]
BLACK SWAN (Cygnus atratus) [E]
AUSTRALIAN SHELDUCK (Tadorna tadornoides)
A wonderful female Malleefowl. (Photo by guide Chris Benesh)
PACIFIC BLACK DUCK (Anas superciliosa)
AUSTRALIAN SHOVELER (Anas rhynchotis) – We finally connected with this species at Lake Parrumbete.
GRAY TEAL (Anas gracilis)
CHESTNUT TEAL (Anas castanea) [E]
PINK-EARED DUCK (Malacorhynchus membranaceus) – Our first were at Lake Hattah. Quite a few were in Alice Springs though the lighting was poor there. [E]
WHITE-EYED DUCK (Aythya australis)
BLUE-BILLED DUCK (Oxyura australis) – Small numbers were at Lake Purrumbete. [E]
Just a couple of the many Banded Stilts seen near Adelaide. (Photo by guide Chris Benesh)
Megapodiidae (Megapodes)
AUSTRALIAN BRUSHTURKEY (Alectura lathami lathami) – One seen strolling along Devlin Creek in Lane Cove National Park. This species is pretty uncommon this far south.
MALLEEFOWL (Leipoa ocellata) – Thanks to Graeme, we had great views of a female bird attending her mound area south of Nhill. [E]
Podicipedidae (Grebes)
AUSTRALASIAN GREBE (Tachybaptus novaehollandiae)
HOARY-HEADED GREBE (Poliocephalus poliocephalus) [E]
This Common Bronzewing looks stunning in morning sunlight. (Photo by guide Chris Benesh)
Spheniscidae (Penguins)
LITTLE PENGUIN (Eudyptula minor) – A great show of this species at the harbour in St. Kilda.
Diomedeidae (Albatrosses)
YELLOW-NOSED ALBATROSS (Thalassarche chlororhynchos) – Kathy spotted a couple of these at Sugarloaf Rock that we were able to see pretty well. One eventually came in pretty close.
Procellariidae (Shearwaters and Petrels)
One of the rarer raptors on the tour route is this Black-breasted Kite (Buzzard). (Photo by guide Chris Benesh)
Sulidae (Boobies and Gannets)
AUSTRALASIAN GANNET (Morus serrator) – A few were well seen along the Great Ocean Road, at Torndirrup NP, and Sugarloaf Rock.
Phalacrocoracidae (Cormorants and Shags)
LITTLE BLACK CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax sulcirostris)
GREAT CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax carbo)
PIED CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax varius)
BLACK-FACED CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax fuscescens) – Small numbers were present in the outer harbour channel in Adelaide. [E]
This Pallid Cuckoo showed up at Dryandra much to the disapproval of nearby songbirds. (Photo by guide Chris Benesh)
Anhingidae (Anhingas)
AUSTRALASIAN DARTER (Anhinga novaehollandiae)
Pelecanidae (Pelicans)
AUSTRALIAN PELICAN (Pelecanus conspicillatus)
Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns)
PACIFIC HERON (Ardea pacifica) – Doug spotted one at the waterhole in Ormiston Gorge. A few more were seen in wetlands in the southwest.
GREAT EGRET (AUSTRALASIAN) (Ardea alba modesta)
We saw lots of cool parrots on the tour, including the colorful Pink Cockatoo (also known as Major Mitchell's Cockatoo). (Photo by guide Chris Benesh)
LITTLE EGRET (Egretta garzetta)
PACIFIC REEF-HERON (Egretta sacra) – Seen by some of the group at Cape Leeuiwin.
CATTLE EGRET (Bubulcus ibis) – A couple of the groups seen in southern Victoria.
Threskiornithidae (Ibises and Spoonbills)
GLOSSY IBIS (Plegadis falcinellus)
AUSTRALIAN IBIS (Threskiornis moluccus) [E]
STRAW-NECKED IBIS (Threskiornis spinicollis) – Quite common in the southern parts of the country. [E]
ROYAL SPOONBILL (Platalea regia) – A couple of these were present at St. Kilda near Adelaide.
A Western Corella screams at our presence. (Photo by guide Chris Benesh)
Pandionidae (Osprey)
OSPREY (Pandion haliaetus) – Seen at a few sites including a couple of nesting birds at Cheyne Beach and at Alfred Cove in Perth.
Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)
AUSTRALIAN KITE (Elanus axillaris) – Closely related to the Black-shouldered Kite of the Old World. [E]
BLACK-BREASTED KITE (Hamirostra melanosternon) – Known as Black-breasted Buzzard in Australia, we had great looks at one west of Alice Springs. [E]
LITTLE EAGLE (Hieraaetus morphnoides) – We finally got a decent look at one on the final day of the trip with a dark morph bird seen near Cape Naturaliste.
One of the last new species of the trip was Rock Parrot. (Photo by guide Chris Benesh)
SWAMP HARRIER (Circus approximans) – Very few seen. One near Melbourne and another near Bunbury.
BROWN GOSHAWK (Accipiter fasciatus)
COLLARED SPARROWHAWK (Accipiter cirrocephalus) – A couple of nice views of this species around Alice Springs.
BLACK KITE (Milvus migrans)
WHISTLING KITE (Haliastur sphenurus)
WHITE-BELLIED SEA-EAGLE (Haliaeetus leucogaster) – One poor view at Royal NP.
Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)
A colorful Crimson Rosella. (Photo by guide Chris Benesh)
AUSTRALIAN CRAKE (Porzana fluminea) – After a bit of work, we had a great look at one at St. Kilda near Adelaide. A couple more well seen at the Alfred Cove Nature Reserve in Perth. [E]
AUSTRALASIAN SWAMPHEN (Porphyrio melanotus) – A recent split-up of the Purple Swamphen complex based on a 2015 paper resulting in a six-way split.
DUSKY MOORHEN (Gallinula tenebrosa)
BLACK-TAILED NATIVE-HEN (Tribonyx ventralis) – We finally caught up with these at Lake Hattah where there was a pair present. More were near Adelaide in St. Kilda. [E]
EURASIAN COOT (Fulica atra)
Recurvirostridae (Stilts and Avocets)
PIED STILT (Himantopus leucocephalus)
We had a couple of great encounters with Gang-gang Cockatoo. (Photo by guide Chris Benesh)
RED-NECKED AVOCET (Recurvirostra novaehollandiae) – Big numbers near Melbourne and again at Alice Springs. [E]
Haematopodidae (Oystercatchers)
PIED OYSTERCATCHER (Haematopus longirostris) [E]
SOOTY OYSTERCATCHER (Haematopus fuliginosus) – Nearly a dozen of these were near St. Kilda. [E]
Charadriidae (Plovers and Lapwings)
BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER (Pluvialis squatarola)
BANDED LAPWING (Vanellus tricolor) – A few seen in the high winds along Beach Road north of Geelong. Another three or so were near the Little Desert Lodge. [E]
These wonderful Tawny Frogmouths were outside our rooms at the Little Desert Lodge. (Photo by guide Chris Benesh)
RED-CAPPED PLOVER (Charadrius ruficapillus) – Some of these handsome birds were at the Alice Springs STP. [E]
RED-KNEED DOTTEREL (Erythrogonys cinctus) – A couple of these were present at the Alice Springs Sewage Ponds.
HOODED PLOVER (Thinornis cucullatus) – Great views of a pair of birds at Pt. Roadknight. [E]
BLACK-FRONTED DOTTEREL (Elseyornis melanops)
Scolopacidae (Sandpipers and Allies)
COMMON SANDPIPER (Actitis hypoleucos)
COMMON GREENSHANK (Tringa nebularia)
MARSH SANDPIPER (Tringa stagnatilis)
We encountered this wonderful Australian Owlet-Nightjar. (Photo by guide Chris Benesh)
RED KNOT (Calidris canutus) – Two of these were present at the Alfred Cove Nature Reserve in Perth.
SHARP-TAILED SANDPIPER (Calidris acuminata)
RED-NECKED STINT (Calidris ruficollis)
SANDERLING (Calidris alba) – One hanging out at the beach near Pt. Roadknight.
PECTORAL SANDPIPER (Calidris melanotos) – Jesse spotted one in a small group of mixed shorebirds. A relatively rare bird in Australia.
Turnicidae (Buttonquail)
PAINTED BUTTONQUAIL (Turnix varius) – Great spotting by Kathy of a female at Dryandra Woodland that Dianne relocated for us. Super views of this hard to see species. [E]
Glareolidae (Pratincoles and Coursers)
A juvenile Powerful Owl created some excitement in Sydney. (Photo by guide Chris Benesh)
Laridae (Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers)
SILVER GULL (Chroicocephalus novaehollandiae)
PACIFIC GULL (Larus pacificus) – Some nice studies in southern Victoria and again around Albany. One adult at Cheyne Beach had surprisingly little black in the tail. [E]
BRIDLED TERN (Onychoprion anaethetus) – Jesse spotted some 20 or so Bridled Terns flying around and perching on Peak Island, the rock just off of Cape Hamelin. This species does not seem to be present here every year and was actually the first time they had been detected on our tour.
FAIRY TERN (Sternula nereis) – Scope views of two birds at the Alfred Cove Nature Reserve in Perth.
CASPIAN TERN (Hydroprogne caspia) – A couple of these were near the mouth of the Anglesea River. Others were seen at a few other coastal sites.
The colors of this Spinifex Pigeon match well with its desert surroundings. (Photo by guide Chris Benesh)
GREAT CRESTED TERN (Thalasseus bergii)
Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)
ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia) [I]
SPOTTED DOVE (Streptopelia chinensis) [I]
LAUGHING DOVE (Streptopelia senegalensis) [I]
BROWN CUCKOO-DOVE (Macropygia phasianella) – Seldom seem on this tour, we had great looks at as many as three near Jersey Springs on the Lady Carrington Drive.
COMMON BRONZEWING (Phaps chalcoptera) – Most memorable was the one perched up at Dryandra that was glistening in the sun. [E]
BRUSH BRONZEWING (Phaps elegans) – Some super views of this species at Cheyne Beach. One was also on the road to Sugarloaf Rock. [E]
We had a wonderful encounter with the rare and localized Mallee Emuwren at Hattah-Kulkyne. (Photo by guide Chris Benesh)
SPINIFEX PIGEON (Geophaps plumifera) – Terrific looks at three birds in Ormiston Gorge. [E]
WONGA PIGEON (Leucosarcia melanoleuca) – One singing soon after we arrived at Royal NP. [E*]
DIAMOND DOVE (Geopelia cuneata) – Several seen at a roadside stop west of Alice Springs. [E]
PEACEFUL DOVE (Geopelia placida)
Cuculidae (Cuckoos)
PALLID CUCKOO (Cacomantis pallidus) – We encountered a couple of birds at Dryandra that were being attacked by honeyeaters. Super views. [E]
FAN-TAILED CUCKOO (Cacomantis flabelliformis) – Nice looks at this species at Lane Cove and Royal National Parks. A puzzling juvenile was at Mt. Arapiles.
And in the southwest, it was the Southern Emuwren. (Photo by guide Chris Benesh)
SHINING BRONZE-CUCKOO (Chrysococcyx lucidus)
Strigidae (Owls)
POWERFUL OWL (Ninox strenua) – Great spotting by Valerie of a well hidden bird at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Sydney. We saw another parent owl with a juvenile at Lane Cove National Park. [E]
SOUTHERN BOOBOOK (Ninox novaeseelandiae) – Heard in the Grampians. Jesse coaxed a roosting bird out of a hole at Dryandra and then spotlighted a foraging bird near Margaret River.
Aegothelidae (Owlet-nightjars)
AUSTRALIAN OWLET-NIGHTJAR (Aegotheles cristatus) – The highlight of our visit to Royal National Park was this handsome bird that popped up in the tree cavity after Jesse gently scratched the tree.
Podargidae (Frogmouths)
One of the rarest shorebirds around, the Hooded Plover. (Photo by guide Chris Benesh)
Alcedinidae (Kingfishers)
AZURE KINGFISHER (Ceyx azureus) – A couple of birds seen briefly along the Hacking River in Royal NP.
LAUGHING KOOKABURRA (Dacelo novaeguineae) – One of Australia's most iconic birds. And yes, some were seen in gum trees. [E]
RED-BACKED KINGFISHER (Todiramphus pyrrhopygius) – We connected with a pair of these west of Alice Springs, and another the following day along the Santa Teresa Road. [E]
SACRED KINGFISHER (Todiramphus sanctus) – Finally seen near the waterhole at Ormiston Gorge. A really brightly colored bird was at the Alfred Cove Nature Reserve in Perth.
Meropidae (Bee-eaters)
RAINBOW BEE-EATER (Merops ornatus)
Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras)
We had this wonderful Chestnut Quail-thrush at Wyperfeld. (Photo by guide Chris Benesh)
AUSTRALIAN HOBBY (Falco longipennis) – One seen dive-bombing swallows. [E]
BROWN FALCON (Falco berigora)
PEREGRINE FALCON (Falco peregrinus) – One seen perched along the Santa Teresa Road.
Cacatuidae (Cockatoos)
RED-TAILED BLACK-COCKATOO (Calyptorhynchus banksii) – Terrific looks at this species as we were heading westward toward Margaret River. [E]
YELLOW-TAILED BLACK-COCKATOO (Calyptorhynchus funereus) – Impressive look at one popping out of the trees at Lane Cove. [E]
The most splendid of fairywrens. (Photo by guide Chris Benesh)
BAUDIN'S BLACK-COCKATOO (Calyptorhynchus baudinii) – A super encounter of twenty something outside our motel in Narrogin. Birds were working over capsules of a marri tree. More were along the drive to Margaret River and in the town itself. [E]
GANG-GANG COCKATOO (Callocephalon fimbriatum) – We found a pair on our way from the Apollo Bay to the Grampians and then had a wonderful showing of them in Hall's Gap the next morning. [E]
PINK COCKATOO (Lophochroa leadbeateri) – We had some flyovers at Wyperfeld and at Hattah-Kulkyne. We finally saw them perched near the turnoff to Simpsons Gap in Alice Springs. [E]
GALAH (Eolophus roseicapilla) [E]
LONG-BILLED CORELLA (Cacatua tenuirostris) – Impressive flocks flying past our hotel in Hall's Gap. The Grampians are a stronghold for this species. [E]
WESTERN CORELLA (Cacatua pastinator) – The area of Rocky Gully once again proved to be a terrific spot for this species. [E]
Another tough to see denizen of the spinifex grasslands, the Striated Grasswren. (Photo by guide Chris Benesh)
SULPHUR-CRESTED COCKATOO (Cacatua galerita)
COCKATIEL (Nymphicus hollandicus) – Fortuitous encounter with some along the Santa Teresa Road. [E]
Psittaculidae (Old World Parrots)
REGENT PARROT (Polytelis anthopeplus) – A few close flybys at Wyperfeld. A few more golden birds were present at Hattah-Kulkyne. Some super views of the greener western birds near Narrogin and Dryandra. [E]
AUSTRALIAN KING-PARROT (Alisterus scapularis) – A few of these were well seen at Lane Cove NP and again at Royal NP. But most memorable were those that joined us for breakfast at the Koala Cafe in Kennett River. [E]
ELEGANT PARROT (Neophema elegans) – Nice scope views of one at Dryandra. [E]
ROCK PARROT (Neophema petrophila) – We connected with five of these beauties at Hamelin Bay with great afternoon light. [E]
White-browed Scrubwren is a species with a wide range throughout Australia with several distinctive subspecies. This is the spotted western form maculatus. (Photo by guide Chris Benesh)
MALLEE RINGNECK (Barnardius barnardi) – Seen by some near Little Desert and then some really nice studies at Wyperfeld. [E]
CRIMSON ROSELLA (CRIMSON) (Platycercus elegans elegans) [E]
CRIMSON ROSELLA (YELLOW) (Platycercus elegans flaveolus) – Some of these yellow birds were at Hattah-Kulkyne. [E]
EASTERN ROSELLA (Platycercus eximius) [E]
WESTERN ROSELLA (Platycercus icterotis) – Well seen at Gleneagle and Dryandra. [E]
GREATER BLUEBONNET (YELLOW-VENTED) (Northiella haematogaster haematogaster) – A few seen well on the drive to Wyperfeld.
RED-RUMPED PARROT (Psephotus haematonotus) [E]
A male Golden Whistler, or is it? Several recent papers suggest that birds such as this from southwestern Australia are best considered a good species, Western Whistler. (Photo by guide Chris Benesh)
RED-CAPPED PARROT (Purpureicephalus spurius) – Great views in the southwest beginning with some in Narrogin. [E]
BUDGERIGAR (Melopsittacus undulatus) – We saw several fast flying flocks along the Santa Teresa Road. [E]
MUSK LORIKEET (Glossopsitta concinna) – Big numbers of these were near Dunkeld. More were in Adelaide. [E]
PURPLE-CROWNED LORIKEET (Glossopsitta porphyrocephala) – We finally connected with some of these feeding high up in Karri trees at the Diamond Tree site. [E]
RAINBOW LORIKEET (Trichoglossus haematodus)
Atrichornithidae (Scrub-birds)
NOISY SCRUB-BIRD (Atrichornis clamosus) – Quick views of one scurrying across a path twice. This is one of the toughest species to get a peek at. [E]
Ptilonorhynchidae (Bowerbirds)
One of the big three in the southwest, we had a nice encounter with this Western Whipbird at Cheyne Beach. (Photo by guide Chris Benesh)
SATIN BOWERBIRD (Ptilonorhynchus violaceus) – Some great looks at this shiny bird including that amazing purple eye. [E]
WESTERN BOWERBIRD (Chlamydera guttata) – Wonderful looks at a couple of bowers and then the bowerbirds themselves at the Olive Pink Botanic Garden in Alice Springs. [E]
Climacteridae (Australasian Treecreepers)
WHITE-THROATED TREECREEPER (Cormobates leucophaea) [E]
BROWN TREECREEPER (Climacteris picumnus) – First seen at Mt. Arapiles. [E]
RUFOUS TREECREEPER (Climacteris rufus) – Quite a few of these seen throughout Dryandra. [E]
Maluridae (Fairywrens)
STRIATED GRASSWREN (STRIATED) (Amytornis striatus striatus) – A tough bird to get, we had terrific scope views of one at Hattah-Kulkyne. [E]
Another of the big three, a Western Bristlebird. (Photo by guide Chris Benesh)
MALLEE EMUWREN (Stipiturus mallee) – Fantastic luck with this species at Hattah-Kulkyne where one sat up long enough for everyone to get a satisfying look. One of the most localized birds anywhere. [E]
RED-WINGED FAIRYWREN (Malurus elegans) – Great looks at some at Gleneagle as we were leaving Perth. Also seen at Cheyne Beach. [E]
BLUE-BREASTED FAIRYWREN (Malurus pulcherrimus) – Some cooperative birds at Dryandra. [E]
VARIEGATED FAIRYWREN (Malurus lamberti) – This was the first of several fine fairywrens seen on the trip, first seen at Lane Cove. [E]
SPLENDID FAIRYWREN (Malurus splendens) – Our first encounter was at Wyperfeld. And we saw the most splendid at Cheyne Beach. [E]
SUPERB FAIRYWREN (Malurus cyaneus) [E]
WHITE-WINGED FAIRYWREN (Malurus leucopterus) – Good scope views of a troop of birds south of Hattah-Kulkyne, the male a brilliant blue with snowy white wings. [E]
Meliphagidae (Honeyeaters)
Another recent split was this Gilbert's Honeyeater. Formerly considered a subspecies of White-naped Honeyeater, these birds are larger, heavier billed, and have a cream colored skin patch above the eye. (Photo by guide Chris Benesh)
WESTERN SPINEBILL (Acanthorhynchus superciliosus) – Best seen at Cheyne Beach with a pair present there. [E]
LEWIN'S HONEYEATER (Meliphaga lewinii) [E]
YELLOW-FACED HONEYEATER (Caligavis chrysops) [E]
PURPLE-GAPED HONEYEATER (Lichenostomus cratitius) [E*]
NOISY MINER (Manorina melanocephala) [E]
YELLOW-THROATED MINER (Manorina flavigula) – Common around Alice Springs. [E]
SPINY-CHEEKED HONEYEATER (Acanthagenys rufogularis) – Quite an attractive honeyeater with a nice flutey song. [E]
LITTLE WATTLEBIRD (Anthochaera chrysoptera) – We scoped at Royal NP where we heard quite a few. [E]
WESTERN WATTLEBIRD (Anthochaera lunulata) – Good views at Gleneagle. [E]
While not much of a looker, the Gray Honeyeater is one of the most sought after mulga birds in the Australian interior. (Photo by guide Chris Benesh)
SINGING HONEYEATER (Gavicalis virescens) [E]
YELLOW-PLUMED HONEYEATER (Ptilotula ornata) [E]
WHITE-PLUMED HONEYEATER (Ptilotula penicillata) [E]
FUSCOUS HONEYEATER (Ptilotula fusca) – A couple seen out along Asses Ears Road. [E]
GRAY-HEADED HONEYEATER (Ptilotula keartlandi) – These handsome honeyeaters were common around Alice Springs. [E]
GRAY-FRONTED HONEYEATER (Ptilotula plumula) – One of the tougher honeyeaters to see due to its relatively remote range. We had nice views of a couple along the Santa Teresa Road. [E]
GRAY HONEYEATER (Conopophila whitei) – A nice discovery along the Santa Teresa Road, this is one of the more sought-after species despite its relatively plain appearance. [E]
We saw several wonderful finches on the tour including this Red-eared Firetail. (Photo by guide Chris Benesh)
ORANGE CHAT (Epthianura aurifrons) – A nice find at the ponds in Alice Springs. We saw at least two, a female and an immature male. Not as orange as the name would suggest.
WHITE-FRONTED CHAT (Epthianura albifrons) – Small numbers of these were in the heath areas at Little Desert National Park. [E]
TAWNY-CROWNED HONEYEATER (Gliciphila melanops) – Perhaps creamy crowned, this species was seen at various heathy spots including Anglesea Heath, Little Desert NP, and Cheyne Beach. [E]
BROWN HONEYEATER (Lichmera indistincta) [E]
CRESCENT HONEYEATER (Phylidonyris pyrrhopterus) – One seen in the mountains along the Great Ocean Road. [E]
NEW HOLLAND HONEYEATER (Phylidonyris novaehollandiae) [E]
WHITE-CHEEKED HONEYEATER (Phylidonyris niger) – These were all over the flowering trees and shrubs in Narrogin. More were at Cheyne Beach. [E]
And these Painted Finches (firetails). (Photo by guide Chris Benesh)
GILBERT'S HONEYEATER (Melithreptus chloropsis) – Nice studies of this recently split taxon at Gleneagle. Also seen at our Kalgan River picnic site. The subspecies seen has a creamy white patch over the eye. [E]
WHITE-NAPED HONEYEATER (Melithreptus lunatus) [E]
BROWN-HEADED HONEYEATER (Melithreptus brevirostris) [E]
BLACK-CHINNED HONEYEATER (Melithreptus gularis) – Three were well seen at Mt. Arapiles and then another pair was seen at Little Desert Lodge the next day. [E]
STRIPED HONEYEATER (Plectorhyncha lanceolata) – Great views of a nesting bird at Hattah-Kulkyne. This species has an impressive song. [E]
NOISY FRIARBIRD (Philemon corniculatus)
Dasyornithidae (Bristlebirds)
WESTERN BRISTLEBIRD (Dasyornis longirostris) – We heard several distantly at Cheyne Beach before our wonderful close encounter there. What a song! [E]
We saw a wonderful assortment of mammals on the trip, such as this Gray-headed Flying-fox. (Photo by guide Chris Benesh)
Pardalotidae (Pardalotes)
SPOTTED PARDALOTE (Pardalotus punctatus) [E]
SPOTTED PARDALOTE (YELLOW-RUMPED) (Pardalotus punctatus xanthopyge) – Singles seen at Wyperfeld and again at Hattah-Kulkyne. [E]
RED-BROWED PARDALOTE (Pardalotus rubricatus) – A furtive bird eventually showed in the big gum tree near Simpsons Gap. [E]
STRIATED PARDALOTE (Pardalotus striatus) [E]
Acanthizidae (Thornbills and Allies)
YELLOW-THROATED SCRUBWREN (Sericornis citreogularis) [E]
WHITE-BROWED SCRUBWREN (Sericornis frontalis) – Interesting to see the variation in appearance and hear the variation in song traveling from east to west. The birds around the southwest are really striking. [E]
LARGE-BILLED SCRUBWREN (Sericornis magnirostra) – Kathy spotted a few of these at Royal National Park. [E]
SPECKLED WARBLER (Pyrrholaemus sagittatus) – Good views of one in the Grampians. [E]
The highly specialized Black-footed Rock-Wallaby. (Photo by guide Chris Benesh)
STRIATED FIELDWREN (Calamanthus fuliginosus) [E]
CHESTNUT-RUMPED HEATHWREN (Hylacola pyrrhopygia) – A couple of responsive birds along Coalmine Road in the Anglesea Heath. [E]
SHY HEATHWREN (Hylacola cauta) – Terrific look at one at Mt. Arapiles and another heard at the malleefowl sanctuary. [E]
BUFF-RUMPED THORNBILL (Acanthiza reguloides) – Seen at Asses Ears Road. [E]
WESTERN THORNBILL (Acanthiza inornata) – Not much to look at, but we did have a small group of these in Dryandra. [E]
BROWN THORNBILL (Acanthiza pusilla) [E]
INLAND THORNBILL (Acanthiza apicalis) [E]
YELLOW-RUMPED THORNBILL (Acanthiza chrysorrhoa) [E]
CHESTNUT-RUMPED THORNBILL (Acanthiza uropygialis) – One seen and heard along Asses Ears Road was a peculiar location for this species. [E]
SLATY-BACKED THORNBILL (Acanthiza robustirostris) – I find this to be one of the tougher thornbills on the tour, so I was pleased with the pair of birds seen well on the Hamilton Downs Road in mulga. [E]
The egg-laying Short-beaked Echidna. (Photo by guide Chris Benesh)
STRIATED THORNBILL (Acanthiza lineata) – First ones were at Lane Cove. [E]
WEEBILL (Smicrornis brevirostris) [E]
BROWN GERYGONE (Gerygone mouki) – Best views were at Lane Cove. [E]
WESTERN GERYGONE (Gerygone fusca) [E]
SOUTHERN WHITEFACE (Aphelocephala leucopsis) – A couple of these were in the saline fields south of Hattah-Kulkyne. More were in the drier areas around Alice Springs. [E]
Pomatostomidae (Pseudo-Babblers)
GRAY-CROWNED BABBLER (Pomatostomus temporalis) – A wonderful encounter with some near Simpsons Gap. [E]
WHITE-BROWED BABBLER (Pomatostomus superciliosus) – Several at Mt. Arapiles. Another was harassing a cuckooshrike at Dryandra. [E]
Psophodidae (Whipbirds and Wedgebills)
EASTERN WHIPBIRD (Psophodes olivaceus) – Some cooperative birds at Royal NP. [E]
WESTERN WHIPBIRD (Psophodes nigrogularis) – Always a tough bird, we had a wonderfully cooperative bird at Cheyne Beach. [E]
And of course, the iconic Koala. (Photo by guide Chris Benesh)
Cinclosomatidae (Quail-thrushes and Jewel-babblers)
CHESTNUT QUAIL-THRUSH (Cinclosoma castanotum) – An amazing show at Wyperfeld of a singing bird that Jesse spotted. [E]
Artamidae (Woodswallows)
WHITE-BREASTED WOODSWALLOW (Artamus leucorynchus) – A couple of these hanging out in Ouyen.
MASKED WOODSWALLOW (Artamus personatus) – Big flocks of this and the next species were at Hattah-Kulkyne. [E]
WHITE-BROWED WOODSWALLOW (Artamus superciliosus) [E]
BLACK-FACED WOODSWALLOW (Artamus cinereus) [E]
DUSKY WOODSWALLOW (Artamus cyanopterus) [E]
LITTLE WOODSWALLOW (Artamus minor) – A good showing this year west of Alice Springs with quite a few around. [E]
Cracticidae (Bellmagpies and Allies)
GRAY BUTCHERBIRD (Cracticus torquatus) [E]
PIED BUTCHERBIRD (Cracticus nigrogularis) – An unforgettable early morning serenade from this exquisite songster in Alice Springs. [E]
AUSTRALIAN MAGPIE (Gymnorhina tibicen)
PIED CURRAWONG (Strepera graculina) [E]
GRAY CURRAWONG (Strepera versicolor) [E]
Campephagidae (Cuckooshrikes)
BLACK-FACED CUCKOOSHRIKE (Coracina novaehollandiae)
WHITE-WINGED TRILLER (Lalage tricolor)
Pachycephalidae (Whistlers and Allies)
CRESTED SHRIKE-TIT (EASTERN) (Falcunculus frontatus frontatus) – Always one of my favorites. We had some nice views along the Lady Carrington Drive in Royal NP. Another singing bird showed well at the Little Desert Lodge. [E]
CRESTED SHRIKE-TIT (WESTERN) (Falcunculus frontatus leucogaster) – After a bit of searching, we tracked down a female plumaged bird in the Dryandra Woodland. This has been proposed as a full species at times. [E]
GRAY SHRIKETHRUSH (Colluricincla harmonica)
OLIVE WHISTLER (Pachycephala olivacea) – We did connect with this species near Skenes Creek. [E]
GILBERT'S WHISTLER (Pachycephala inornata) – A couple of singing males at Mt. Arapiles eventually showed for us. [E]
GOLDEN WHISTLER (Pachycephala pectoralis)
GOLDEN WHISTLER (WESTERN) (Pachycephala pectoralis fuliginosa) – Birds found in southwestern Australia have been interpreted by some researchers as a cryptic species more closely related to the Mangrove Golden Whistler than other Golden Whistlers. The IOC proposed the name Western Whistler (P. occidentalis). [E]
RUFOUS WHISTLER (Pachycephala rufiventris)
Oreoicidae (Australo-Papuan Bellbirds)
CRESTED BELLBIRD (Oreoica gutturalis) – We tracked down a handsome singing male in the mallee at Hattah-Kulkyne. Another was seen along the Santa Teresa Road. [E]
Oriolidae (Old World Orioles)
OLIVE-BACKED ORIOLE (Oriolus sagittatus) – Several nice studes near Jersey Springs.
Rhipiduridae (Fantails)
WILLIE-WAGTAIL (Rhipidura leucophrys) – Always a treat to see this animated bird. Micky spotted a beautiful nest in Dryandra.
GRAY FANTAIL (Rhipidura albiscapa) – Noticeable variation in appearance between different populations of this species.
Monarchidae (Monarch Flycatchers)
BLACK-FACED MONARCH (Monarcha melanopsis) – A few of these were seen along the Lady Carrington Drive in Royal NP. [E]
MAGPIE-LARK (Grallina cyanoleuca)
LEADEN FLYCATCHER (Myiagra rubecula) – A couple of these were quite vocal in Royal NP.
RESTLESS FLYCATCHER (Myiagra inquieta) – Nice views of this attractive species at Dryandra Woodland. [E]
Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies)
TORRESIAN CROW (Corvus orru) – This was the species encountered away from Alice Springs in the Red Centre.
LITTLE CROW (Corvus bennetti) – This was the common species in and near Alice Springs. [E]
AUSTRALIAN RAVEN (Corvus coronoides) [E]
LITTLE RAVEN (Corvus mellori) [E]
FOREST RAVEN (Corvus tasmanicus) – A few of these were seen in the Grampians and along the Great Ocean Road. [E]
Corcoracidae (White-winged Chough and Apostlebird)
WHITE-WINGED CHOUGH (Corcorax melanorhamphos) – Quite a few in drier parts of Victoria. [E]
Petroicidae (Australasian Robins)
JACKY-WINTER (Microeca fascinans) – Seen in Victoria and again in the Dryandra Woodland. I found its alternate name, Lesser Fascinating Bird, amusing.
SCARLET ROBIN (Petroica boodang) – We finally caught up with this species at Dryandra. [E]
RED-CAPPED ROBIN (Petroica goodenovii) – What a fancy bird! Seen at Little Desert Lodge and Wyperfeld. [E]
FLAME ROBIN (Petroica phoenicea) – A nice treat was seeing a male in the relatively dry habitat along Asses Ears Road. [E]
ROSE ROBIN (Petroica rosea) – Immature male and female plumaged birds seen in Royal. Another was near Skenes Creek. [E]
HOODED ROBIN (Melanodryas cucullata) – Best looks at a male in Simpsons Gap. [E]
EASTERN YELLOW ROBIN (Eopsaltria australis) [E]
WESTERN YELLOW ROBIN (Eopsaltria griseogularis) – Super views of a few of these in the Dryandra Woodland. [E]
WHITE-BREASTED ROBIN (Eopsaltria georgiana) – First seen at the Gleneagle Rest Area and again at Cheyne Beach. [E]
SOUTHERN SCRUB-ROBIN (Drymodes brunneopygia) – One came in for us at the malleefowl sanctuary. [E]
Alaudidae (Larks)
SKY LARK (Alauda arvensis) [I]
Hirundinidae (Swallows)
WELCOME SWALLOW (Hirundo neoxena)
FAIRY MARTIN (Petrochelidon ariel) [E]
TREE MARTIN (Petrochelidon nigricans)
WHITE-BACKED SWALLOW (Cheramoeca leucosterna) – Great views of a pair of birds along the Santa Teresa Road southeast of Alice Springs. [E]
Acrocephalidae (Reed-Warblers and Allies)
AUSTRALIAN REED-WARBLER (Acrocephalus australis)
Locustellidae (Grassbirds and Allies)
LITTLE GRASSBIRD (Megalurus gramineus) – Our best views were of birds at Lake Purrumbete in Victoria.
BROWN SONGLARK (Megalurus cruralis) – Seen and heard displaying and fence perching on the drive to Wyperfeld. [E]
Zosteropidae (White-eyes, Yuhinas, and Allies)
SILVER-EYE (Zosterops lateralis)
Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies)
OLIVE-TAILED THRUSH (Zoothera lunulata) – Universally known as Bassian Thrush throughout Australia, we had a brief encounter with one in Royal NP.
EURASIAN BLACKBIRD (Turdus merula) [I]
Sturnidae (Starlings)
EUROPEAN STARLING (Sturnus vulgaris) [I]
COMMON MYNA (Acridotheres tristis) [I]
Dicaeidae (Flowerpeckers)
MISTLETOEBIRD (Dicaeum hirundinaceum)
Motacillidae (Wagtails and Pipits)
AUSTRALASIAN PIPIT (AUSTRALIAN) (Anthus novaeseelandiae australis)
Fringillidae (Finches, Euphonias, and Allies)
EUROPEAN GOLDFINCH (Carduelis carduelis) [I]
Passeridae (Old World Sparrows)
HOUSE SPARROW (Passer domesticus) [I]
Estrildidae (Waxbills and Allies)
PAINTED FIRETAIL (Emblema pictum) – Known as Painted Finch in Australia, we had terrific views of up to 40 coming to a waterhole at Glen Helen. [E]
RED-EARED FIRETAIL (Stagonopleura oculata) – Certainly one of tougher western specialties to track down, we eventually had great looks at one of the birds present at Cheyne Beach. Another was seen visiting a dripping faucet at Hamelin Bay. [E]
DIAMOND FIRETAIL (Stagonopleura guttata) – One was seen at Mt. Arapiles and again at Little Desert Lodge by some. [E]
RED-BROWED FIRETAIL (Neochmia temporalis) – One was at Kennett River. [E]
ZEBRA FINCH (AUSTRALIAN) (Taeniopygia guttata castanotis) – Good sized flocks of this species around Alice Springs.
MAMMALS
SHORT-BEAKED ECHIDNA (Tachyglossus aculeatus) – A terrific encounter with a mobile one at the Dryandra Woodland. This is one amazing creature, being one of three species of egg-laying mammals. [E]
SOUTHERN BROWN BANDICOOT (Isoodon obesulus) – Seen by Barb at Margaret River. [E]
KOALA (Phascolarctos cinereus) – A great morning walk produced four different koalas. [E]
WESTERN RINGTAIL POSSUM (Pseudocheirus occidentalis) – Ken spotted one of these rare possums at our hotel in Margaret River that we were able to track down after dinner. [E]
BLACK-FOOTED ROCK-WALLABY (Petrogale lateralis) – Several of these were showing well at Simpsons Gap during our visit there. [E]
EASTERN GRAY KANGAROO (Macropus giganteus) [E]
WESTERN GRAY KANGAROO (Macropus fuliginosus) [E]
RED KANGAROO (Macropus rufus) [E]
SWAMP WALLABY (Wallabia bicolor) – A few seen in the Grampians. [E]
GRAY-HEADED FLYING-FOX (Pteropus poliocephalus) – Quite a spectacle seeing so many at Centennial Park.
OLD WORLD RABBIT (Oryctolagus cuniculus) [I]
CAPE HARE (Lepus capensis) [I]
WATER-RAT (Hydromys chrysogaster) – A great bonus to our penguin watching was seeing a couple of these impressive native rats that live an aquatic life. [E]
BOTTLENOSE DOLPHIN (Tursiops truncatus) – A few of these were seen at Sugarloaf Rock.
HUMPBACK WHALE (Megaptera novaeangliae) – Some were seen in the waters off of Sugarloaf Rock.
RED FOX (Vulpes vulpes) [I]
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Other critters:
Eastern Sedge Frog (Litoria fallax) - heard along the Lady Carrington Drive.
Clicking Froglet (Crinia signifera) - heard creaking at various locations.
Eastern Banjo Frog (Limnodynastes dumerilii) - twanging away at the Serendip Sanctuary.
Lace Monitor (Varanus varius) - seen by some of the group along the Lady Carrington Drive.
Shingleback (Tiliqua rugosa) - Well seen beginning at the malleefowl sanctuary. Also seen in the southwest.
Eastern Water Skink (Eulamprus quoyii) - a couple of these seen at Royal National Park.
Mallee Military Dragon (Ctenophorus fordi) - a few of these seen at Hattah-Kulkyne NP in the spinifex mallee.
Western Heath Dragon (Ctenophorus adelaidensis) - one sitting in the middle of the road near Sugarloaf Rock.
Macquarie Turtle (Emydura macquarii) - quite a few of these were fringing the big pond at Centennial Park in Sydney.
Totals for the tour: 295 bird taxa and 16 mammal taxa