toowoombabirdobservers.org.au

Have been working in the Mt Walker area, via Rosewood, this month. A few sightings including some additions (bolded) for autumn survey follow:

06.03.07
Marsh Harrier, White-bellied Sea-Eagle, Whistling Kite - Lower Mt Walker
Black-fronted Dotterel, Australasian Grebe - "Genvale", West Mt Walker Rd, Rosevale

08.03.07
Hardhead, Brown-Quail, Striped Honeyeater, Yellow-rumped Thornbill, Golden-headed Cisticola - "Glenvale", West Mt Walker Rd, Rosevale

13.03.07
Spotted Harrier - "Glenvale", West Mt Walker Rd, Rosevale

Work colleague Mitch Furness reported seeing a Spotted Harrier 11.03.07 at Hendon, south of Allora, which beats my sighting by a couple of days.

Mitch and I now refer to them affectionately as Harry Spottiers. It has been an in-house joke for a few years, ever since he told me that's what his young daughter Ethnee used to call them after he had pointed one out to her.

And ever since that event, I can't help thinking what a shame a Harry Spottier never featured in the Harry Potter movies. Could have easily masqueraded as some sort of fabulous owl from Downunder for Harry. Got the right sort of face... and the name!

I say "Out with the Snowy Owl and in with the Harry Spottier" if they ever make another movie.

Cheers