Talking about birds ...
No species, time or boundary restrictions here. Just share what you'd like to, or fire any questions.

Challenge 2016
Over 300 species have been reported with a 20 km radius of Toowoomba City since 1975. In any given year we can expect to record 220+ species with a combined effort (= the yearly challenge). See what's been reported so far in 2016. Post sightings of species on the wanted list.

Challenge 2015
See which species have and have not been reported locally in 2015.

The Challenge 2014

The Challenge 2013
Our tails are up. It's 250 or nothing this year!

Notifiable Species
Those species we want to keep hearing about, even if already reported for the year, or the season. They're either rare (e.g. Red Goshawk), localised (e.g. Yellow-throated Miner), cryptic (e.g. owls, button-quail and crakes), unpredictable (e.g. various waterbirds and raptors), or migrants/nomads of local/national interest (e.g. swifts).

Spring Within 2014
Sightings within the local survey area for the period 1 Sep 2014 - 33 Nov 2014. The local survey area is a rectangular area extending from Kingsthorpe NW of Toowoomba to the Mt Whitestone/Fordsdale area SE of Helidon.

Spring Beyond 2014
Sightings anywhere within a 250 km radius of Toowoomba, but excluding the local survey area (see above), for the period 1 Sep 2014 - 30 Nov 2014.

The Challenge - 2012
Provided flooding rains don't spoil the party again, only slackness will prevent us nailing 230+ species this year.
Moderator: Mick Atzeni

The Challenge - 2011
Should be a great year for waterbirds so let's go for broke - 250 spp for 2011.
Moderator: Mick Atzeni

The Challenge - 2010
228 spp last year is the current record. Let's make 230 spp our goal for 2010.
Moderator: Mick Atzeni

The Challenge - 2009
Thanks to replenishing rains in the Lockyer Valley, we're well placed for a record haul in 2009. No excuses why we can't give 250 spp a real shake. Over to you ...
Moderator: Mick Atzeni

The Challenge - 2008
How many species can we collectively record during 2008? Can we better the past two years? Can we reach 250?? Same rules as previous years. Good luck!
Moderator: Mick Atzeni

The Challenge - 2007
Same rules apply as for the "250 in 2006" Challenge. Seems 250's no pushover locally, especially in a drought! Nevertheless, 250's achievable and will continue to remain our annual target. Report sightings ASAP for everyone's benefit.

And from now on we'll just refer to it as "The Challenge".

Moderator: Mick Atzeni

'250 in 2006' Challenge
In 2006, we set up the inaugral Challenge to see if we could collectively record 250 species during the year in the club's survey area. How did we go? Extremely well considering the drought... Plenty of unusual and rare birds .... some great records from non-members too. It was a fascinating year. And a worthwhile exercise which we encourage other groups to follow. See for yourself...

Moderator: Mick Atzeni

Solo efforts
For those doing a Big Year, or similar, report your progress here.
Moderator: Mick Atzeni

Mammals, Reptiles, Amphibians & Bugs
It's not their fault they don't have feathers! Doesn't make them any less interesting. And just like the birds, it's good to know what species are about locally at any given time.

There's expertise within the club and beyond on most aspects of our local fauna. Let's tap into it.

Plants, fungi, etc
Can't see the plants for the birds? Your birding will be far more meaningful, particularly, once the plant-bird associations gel. Somebody find me a botanist!!

Autumn Within 2014
Sightings within the local survey area for the period 1 Mar 2014 - 31 May 2014. The local survey area is a rectangular area extending from Kingsthorpe NW of Toowoomba to the Mt Whitestone/Fordsdale area SE of Helidon.

Autumn Beyond 2014
Sightings anywhere within a 250 km radius of Toowoomba, but excluding the local survey area (see above), for the period 1 Mar 2014 - 31 May 2014.

Autumn Within - 2013
Sightings within the local survey area for the period 1 Mar 2013 - 31 May 2013. The local survey area is a rectangular area extending from Kingsthorpe NW of Toowoomba to the Mt Whitestone/Fordsdale area SE of Helidon.

Autumn Beyond - 2013
Sightings anywhere within a 250 km radius of Toowoomba, but excluding the local survey area (see above), for the period 1 Mar 2013 - 31 May 2013.

Autumn Within - 2012
Sightings within the local survey area for the period 1 Mar 2012 - 31 May 2012. The local survey area is a rectangular area extending from Kingsthorpe NW of Toowoomba to the Mt Whitestone/Fordsdale area SE of Helidon.
Moderator: Mick Atzeni

Autumn Beyond - 2012
Sightings anywhere within a 250 km radius of Toowoomba, but excluding the local survey area (see above), for the period 1 Mar 2012 - 31 May 2012.
Moderator: Mick Atzeni

Autumn Within - 2011
Sightings within the local survey area for the period 1 March 2011 - 31 May 2011. The local survey area is a rectangular area extending from Kingsthorpe NW of Toowoomba to the Mt Whitestone/Fordsdale area SE of Helidon.

Autumn Beyond - 2011
Sightings anywhere within a 250 km radius of Toowoomba, but excluding the local survey area (see above), for the period 1 March 2011 - 31 May 2011.

Autumn Within - 2010
Sightings within the local survey area for the period 1 Mar - 31 May 2010. The local survey area is a rectangular area extending from Kingsthorpe NW of Toowoomba to the Mt Whitestone/Fordsdale area SE of Helidon.
Moderator: Mick Atzeni

Autumn Beyond - 2010
Sightings anywhere within a 250 km radius of Toowoomba, but excluding the local survey area (see above), for the period 1 Mar - 31 May 2010.
Moderator: Mick Atzeni

Autumn Within - 2009
Sightings within the local survey area for the period 1 Mar - 31 May 2009. The local survey area is a rectangular area extending from Kingsthorpe NW of Toowoomba to the Mt Whitestone/Fordsdale area SE of Helidon.
Moderator: Mick Atzeni

Autumn Beyond - 2009
Sightings anywhere within a 250 km radius of Toowoomba, but excluding the local survey area (see above), for the period 1 Mar - 31 May 2009.
Moderator: Mick Atzeni

Autumn Within - 2008
Sightings within the local survey area for the period 1 Mar 2008 - 31 May 2008. The local survey area is a rectangular area extending from Kingsthorpe NW of Toowoomba to the Mt Whitestone/Fordsdale area SE of Helidon.
Moderator: Mick Atzeni

Autumn Beyond - 2008
Same rules as for past seasons i.e. sightings anywhere within a 250 km radius of Toowoomba, but excluding the local survey area (see above), for the period 1 Mar - 31 May 2008.
Moderator: Mick Atzeni

Autumn Within (local) - 2007
Post sightings for Autumn (Mar-May 2007) in the local survey area here. If they're also new for the 2007 Challenge please highlight them.
Moderator: Mick Atzeni

Autumn Beyond (Non-local) - 2007
Species seen within 250 km radius of Toowoomba, excluding the club survey area.

Moderator: Mick Atzeni

Summer Within - 2013-14
Sightings within the local survey area for the period 1 Dec 2013 - 28 Feb 2014. The local survey area is a rectangular area extending from Kingsthorpe NW of Toowoomba to the Mt Whitestone/Fordsdale area SE of Helidon.

Summer Beyond - 2013-14
Sightings anywhere within a 250 km radius of Toowoomba, but excluding the local survey area (see above), for the period 1 Dec 2013 - 28 Feb 2014.

Summer Within 2012-13
Sightings within the local survey area for the period 1 Dec 2012 - 29 Feb 2013. The local survey area is a rectangular area extending from Kingsthorpe NW of Toowoomba to the Mt Whitestone/Fordsdale area SE of Helidon.

Summer Beyond 2012-13
Sightings anywhere within a 250 km radius of Toowoomba, but excluding the local survey area (see above), for the period 1 Dec 2012 - 29 Feb 2013.

Summer Within - 2011-12
Sightings within the local survey area for the period 1 Dec 2011 - 29 Feb 2012. The local survey area is a rectangular area extending from Kingsthorpe NW of Toowoomba to the Mt Whitestone/Fordsdale area SE of Helidon.
Moderator: Mick Atzeni

Summer Beyond - 2011-12
Sightings anywhere within a 250 km radius of Toowoomba, but excluding the local survey area (see above), for the period 1 Dec 2011 - 29 Feb 2012.
Moderator: Mick Atzeni

Summer Within 2010-11
Sightings within the local survey area for the period 1 Dec 2010 - 28 Feb 2011. The local survey area is a rectangular area extending from Kingsthorpe NW of Toowoomba to the Mt Whitestone/Fordsdale area SE of Helidon.
Moderator: Mick Atzeni

Summer Beyond 2010-11
Sightings anywhere within a 250 km radius of Toowoomba, but excluding the local survey area (see above), for the period 1 Dec 2010 - 28 Feb 2011.
Moderator: Mick Atzeni

Summer Within 2009-10
Sightings within the local survey area for the period 1 Dec 2009 - 28 Feb 2010. The local survey area is a rectangular area extending from Kingsthorpe NW of Toowoomba to the Mt Whitestone/Fordsdale area SE of Helidon.
Moderator: Mick Atzeni

Summer Beyond 2009-10
Sightings anywhere within a 250 km radius of Toowoomba, but excluding the local survey area (see above), for the period 1 Dec 2009 - 28 Feb 2010.
Moderators: Mick Atzeni, gileas

Summer Within - 2008-09
Sightings within the local survey area for the period 1 Dec 2008 - 28 Feb 2009. The local survey area is a rectangular area extending from Kingsthorpe NW of Toowoomba to the Mt Whitestone/Fordsdale area SE of Helidon.
Moderator: Mick Atzeni

Summer Beyond - 2008-09
Sightings anywhere within a 250 km radius of Toowoomba, but excluding the local survey area (see above), for the period 1 Dec - 28 Feb 2009.
Moderator: Mick Atzeni

Summer Within - 2007-08
Sightings within the local survey area for the period 1 Dec 2007 - 29 Feb 2008. The local survey area is a rectangular area extending from Kingsthorpe NW of Toowoomba to the Mt Whitestone/Fordsdale area SE of Helidon.
Moderator: Mick Atzeni

Summer Beyond - 2007-08
Same rules as for past seasons i.e. sightings anywhere within a 250 km radius of Toowoomba, but excluding the local survey area (see above), for the period 1 Dec - 29 Feb 2008.
Moderator: Mick Atzeni

Special Events
Check here for other events such as presentations by guest speakers, photography workshops, art exhibitions, educational displays, etc.
Moderator: Mick Atzeni

Outings
Jot them down on the calendar. Come and enjoy the company of kindred spirits. ... Beginners and visitors always welcome!
Moderator: Mick Atzeni

Spring Within - 2012
Sightings within the local survey area for the period 1 Sep 2012 - 30 Nov 2012. The local survey area is a rectangular area extending from Kingsthorpe NW of Toowoomba to the Mt Whitestone/Fordsdale area SE of Helidon.

Spring Beyond - 2012
Sightings anywhere within a 250 km radius of Toowoomba, but excluding the local survey area (see above), for the period 1 Sep 2012 - 30 Nov 2012.

Spring Within - 2011
Sightings within the local survey area for the period 1 Sep 2011 - 30 Nov 2011. The local survey area is a rectangular area extending from Kingsthorpe NW of Toowoomba to the Mt Whitestone/Fordsdale area SE of Helidon.
Moderator: Mick Atzeni

Spring Beyond - 2011
Sightings anywhere within a 250 km radius of Toowoomba, but excluding the local survey area (see above), for the period 1 Sep 2011 - 30 Nov 2011.
Moderator: Mick Atzeni

Spring Within - 2010
Sightings within the local survey area for the period 1 Sep - 30 Nov 2010. The local survey area is a rectangular area extending from Kingsthorpe NW of Toowoomba to the Mt Whitestone/Fordsdale area SE of Helidon.

Spring Beyond - 2010
Sightings anywhere within a 250 km radius of Toowoomba, but excluding the local survey area (see above), for the period 1 Sep - 30 Nov 2010.

Spring Within - 2009
Sightings within the local survey area for the period 1 Sep - 30 Nov 2009. The local survey area is a rectangular area extending from Kingsthorpe NW of Toowoomba to the Mt Whitestone/Fordsdale area SE of Helidon.
Moderator: Mick Atzeni

Spring Beyond - 2009
Sightings anywhere within a 250 km radius of Toowoomba, but excluding the local survey area (see above), for the period 1 Sep - 30 Nov 2009.
Moderator: Mick Atzeni

Spring Within - 2008
Sightings within the local survey area for the period 1 Sep 2008 - 30 Nov 2008. The local survey area is a rectangular area extending from Kingsthorpe NW of Toowoomba to the Mt Whitestone/Fordsdale area SE of Helidon.
Moderator: Mick Atzeni

Spring Beyond - 2008
Sightings anywhere within a 250 km radius of Toowoomba, but excluding the local survey area (see above), for the period 1 Sep - 30 Nov 2008.
Moderator: Mick Atzeni

Spring Beyond (non-local) - 2007
Same rules as for Winter 2007 i.e. sightings anywhere within a 250 km radius of Toowoomba, but excluding the local survey area (see below), for the period 1 Sep - 30 Nov 2007.
Moderator: Mick Atzeni

Spring Within (local) - 2007
Sightings within the local survey area for the period 1 Sep - 30 Nov 2007. The local survey area is a rectangular area extending from Kingsthorpe NW of Toowoomba to the Mt Whitestone area SE of Helidon.
Moderator: Mick Atzeni

Spring Within - 2013
Sightings within the local survey area for the period 1 Sep 2013 - 30 Nov 2013. The local survey area is a rectangular area extending from Kingsthorpe NW of Toowoomba to the Mt Whitestone/Fordsdale area SE of Helidon.

Spring Beyond - 2013
Sightings anywhere within a 250 km radius of Toowoomba, but excluding the local survey area (see above), for the period 1 Sep 2013 - 30 Nov 2013.

Rare/Unusual Bird Reports
Sightings of local rarities (those asterisked on the club's official Species List and any species not listed. That includes Paradise Parrots!!!) Post your non-local rare or unusual sightings here too.
Moderators: Pat McConnell, Mick Atzeni

Bird notes
If you can't find a pigeon-hole elsewhere, please post your observations here...
Moderators: Pat McConnell, Mick Atzeni

They're back!
Migrant arrival dates are always a hot topic, particularly, the spring/summer migrants.

Think you've seen the first for the season? Post details here and let's see if you're right ...
Moderator: Mick Atzeni

Going, going, gone ...
aka DDDs (Departure Date Determinations). When migrants return, we delight in claiming the "First for the season". So why is it that we don't place equal emphasis on claiming the "Last for the season"? Well we all know why. It's too darn hard. Unless we religiously keep a diary of our sightings and then compare notes in the off-season to determine whose was the last sighting, how would we do it? Well now I think I know: provide another avenue for some one-up-manship on a public forum! If you've bettered the last date, please set the record straight ...
Moderator: Mick Atzeni

My Patch - Monthly records
Do you keep a monthly record for your favourite patch? If so, why not share the info real-time and literally put your patch on the map? Using the template under this heading you have the vehicle for displaying your monthly records for those places you bird regularly e.g. your backyard, neighbourhood, local park. Just how good is your patch? What can we learn from your monthly records?

Let's find out ...
Moderator: Mick Atzeni

Summer target: 250 species BEYOND club survey area
Why should the locals have all the fun? To give those of you who don't live in the Toowoomba area an incentive to report your sightings and strut your stuff, here's a challenge especially for you! 250 species collectively in a season. The survey area we'll make anywhere within 250 km of Toowoomba, but excluding the TBO survey area. I've set a higher, but very fair target as well. See how you go. Locals can help with the 'outside' tally too and vice versa. Looking forward to some new names on the forum!
Moderator: Mick Atzeni

Monthly Target: 200 species WITHIN club survey area
In a similar vein to the yearly Challenge, let's see what a SINGLE MONTH's collective effort can yield in our local survey area. Please report any additions for the month here ...
Moderator: Mick Atzeni

Council Bushland & Recreational Parks
Toowoomba City Council's various bushland parks are a haven for many species of birds. These parks include Redwood, Jubilee, Nielsen, Duggan, Glen Lomond and Echo Valley South along the escarpment which members regularly visit. The TCC and the wider community need to be made fully aware of the significant biodiversity - and not just birds- within these parks so that they are managed appropriately. Please make your visits count by posting your observations here ...
Moderator: Mick Atzeni

Winter Within - 2012
Sightings within the local survey area for the period 1 Jun 2012 - 31 Aug 2012. The local survey area is a rectangular area extending from Kingsthorpe NW of Toowoomba to the Mt Whitestone/Fordsdale area SE of Helidon.

Winter Beyond - 2012
Sightings anywhere within a 250 km radius of Toowoomba, but excluding the local survey area (see above), for the period 1 Jun 2012 - 31 Aug 2012.

Winter Within - 2011
Sightings within the local survey area for the period 1 June 2011 - 31 August 2011. The local survey area is a rectangular area extending from Kingsthorpe NW of Toowoomba to the Mt Whitestone/Fordsdale area SE of Helidon.
Moderator: Mick Atzeni

Winter Beyond - 2011
Sightings anywhere within a 250 km radius of Toowoomba, but excluding the local survey area (see above), for the period 1 June 2011 - 31 August 2011.
Moderator: Mick Atzeni

Winter Within - 2010
Sightings within the local survey area for the period 1 Jun - 31 Aug 2010. The local survey area is a rectangular area extending from Kingsthorpe NW of Toowoomba to the Mt Whitestone/Fordsdale area SE of Helidon.
Moderator: Mick Atzeni

Winter Beyond - 2010
Sightings anywhere within a 250 km radius of Toowoomba, but excluding the local survey area (see above), for the period 1 Jun - 31 Aug 2010.
Moderator: Mick Atzeni

Winter Within - 2009
Sightings within the local survey area for the period 1 Jun 2008 - 31 Aug 2009. The local survey area is a rectangular area extending from Kingsthorpe NW of Toowoomba to the Mt Whitestone/Fordsdale area SE of Helidon.
Moderator: Mick Atzeni

Winter Beyond - 2009
Sightings anywhere within a 250 km radius of Toowoomba, but excluding the local survey area (see above), for the period 1 Jun - 31 Aug 2009.
Moderator: Mick Atzeni

Winter Within - 2013
Sightings within the local survey area for the period 1 Jun 2013 - 31 Aug 2013. The local survey area is a rectangular area extending from Kingsthorpe NW of Toowoomba to the Mt Whitestone/Fordsdale area SE of Helidon.

Winter Within - 2008
Sightings within the local survey area for the period 1 Jun 2008 - 31 Aug 2008. The local survey area is a rectangular area extending from Kingsthorpe NW of Toowoomba to the Mt Whitestone/Fordsdale area SE of Helidon.
Moderator: Mick Atzeni

Winter Beyond - 2013
Sightings anywhere within a 250 km radius of Toowoomba, but excluding the local survey area (see above), for the period 1 Jun 2013 - 31 Aug 2013.

Winter Beyond - 2008
Sightings anywhere within a 250 km radius of Toowoomba, but excluding the local survey area (see above), for the period 1 Jun - 31 Aug 2008.
Moderator: Mick Atzeni

Winter Within - 2007
Sightings within the local survey area for the period 1 June - 31 August 2007. The local survey area is a rectangular area extending from Kingsthorpe NW of Toowoomba to the Mt Whitestone area SE of Helidon.
Moderator: Mick Atzeni

Winter Beyond - 2007
Same rules as for Autumn 2007 i.e. sightings anywhere within a 250 km radius of Toowoomba, but excluding the local survey area (see below), for the period 1 June - 31 August.
Moderator: Mick Atzeni

Winter Within 2014
Sightings within the local survey area for the period 1 June 2014 - 31 August 2014. The local survey area is a rectangular area extending from Kingsthorpe NW of Toowoomba to the Mt Whitestone/Fordsdale area SE of Helidon.

Winter Beyond 2014
Sightings anywhere within a 250 km radius of Toowoomba, but excluding the local survey area (see above), for the period 1 June 2014 – 31 August 2014.

Common Blackbirds
Just how many Common Blackbirds have infiltrated Toowoomba and surrounds? And whereabouts are they? To help control this latest threat, please post details of all positive and possible sightings (date, time, numbers, ->O, exact location, behaviour) here. If unsure about your ID, please provide a description of the features you noted ...
Moderator: Mick Atzeni

Glossy Black-Cockatoos
This high profile conservation species is reported occasionally in the area. Given the interest in this species' conservation, including the Glossy Black Conservancy, it makes sense to store GBC sightings together for convenience.
Moderator: Mick Atzeni

Grey-crowned Babblers
Report details of GCB sightings in the greater Toowoomba area and SEQ including evidence of breeding, location and numbers.
Moderator: Mick Atzeni

Black-breasted Button-quails
There are are only TWO known locations within the local survey area: Redwood Park on the eastern escarpment, and in a patch of remnant dry vine scrub at "Birdwood Sanctuary" just west of Gowrie Junction. Both populations are vulnerable, particularly the latter, as the vine scrub flanks a plateau on which a significant rural residential development is imminent. Fifteen of the 54 acre blocks border the key buttton-quail habitat, which is located on the southern side of the plateau. The button-quail could certainly do with a conservation-minded philanthropist buying up the lot!
Moderator: Mick Atzeni

Powerful Owls
There are many unknowns about Powerful Owls locally. For starters, how many are there? Where are they? What conservation measures are needed? Here's your chance to help build an accurate picture of all things Powerful, and to keep things that way!
Moderator: Mick Atzeni

Red-tailed Black-Cockatoos
Since 1991, these magnificent birds have been annual visitors to Toowoomba and surrounds in fluctuating numbers and for varying lengths of time. The availability of fruiting White Cedar (Melia azerderach) dictate their local movements but how and to what extent is unclear.

Let's collectively get a better idea on their annual numbers, daily patterns of movement and local distribution. How far east do they venture each year? Do they ever reach Ipswich and Brisbane? Provide the date and time, number of birds, exact location, and what they were doing e.g. feeding in white cedar, roosting, flying east.
Moderator: Mick Atzeni

Cattle Egrets
Cattle egrets have had an interesting and controversial history locally, particularly in relation to their well-documented colonistation of the Toowoomba Bird Habitat - along with the White Ibis, and the public amenity issues and population control measures that arose. Please post any further anecdotes and observations you may have here ...
Moderator: Mick Atzeni

Articles and websites of interest
If you find an interesting article or website why not share it with the rest of us?
Moderator: Mick Atzeni

Questions and Comments
If you have a question, comment or feedback about the club, its activities or any local birds, please post your query here ...
Moderator: Mick Atzeni

Requests for data
If you're chasing a list for a specific area for example, post your request here...
Moderator: Mick Atzeni