How to beat 227 species.

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 ...

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Mick Atzeni
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How to beat 227 species.

Post by Mick Atzeni »

Folks

We're currently sitting on 220 spp but we're fast running out of time to reel in our previous best of 227 spp in a year. While there's only a couple of likely ones in the list below some are not beyond the realms of possibility if you're prepared to look hard enough:

King Quail * - if you have access to a farm harvesting lucerne, jump on that tractor and watch what flushes in that final strip!
Mallard * - if there are any on ornamental lakes or farm dams that look pure-bred, speak up! We'll then score them to see if they qualify.
Red Goshawk * - seen this time last year at Upper Lockyer. Another possible sighting recently in the same area.
Spotless Crake * - shy but resident in reed beds around Helidon and Iredale. Learn the call.
Black-tailed Native-hen * - some around Lockyer at present so very rough chance. Check any marshy areas around dams in the survey area.
Black-breasted Button-quail * - Look in Redwood Park, Birdwood Sanctuary - Gowrie Junction
Latham's Snipe - Scan edges of dams bordered by rank vegetation e.g. Helidon Spa
Marsh Sandpiper - check Hoods dam, Helidon Spa
Common Sandpiper * - has turned up at Murphys Bridge and Helidon Spa historically
Rose-crowned Fruit-Dove - fig trees around escarpment, and in Redwood Park. Learn the call as very unlikely to see them.
Topknot Pigeon - fig trees around escarpment, especially Prince Henry Drive
Pallid Cuckoo - surely someone will see or hear one before the end of the year??
Barking Owl * - possibly heard in Glen Lomond Park recently near Burraway Crt entrance. A long-shot.
Australian Owlet-nightjar - learn their call then spend an evening listening along the likes of Flagstone Ck Rd
Red-backed Kingfisher * - Easily overlooked and turns up intermittently, especially in the Lower Flagstone Ck area, so check all kingfishers just in case your Sacred's a Red-backed!
Noisy Pitta * - listen out in Redwood Park, although probably too dry still.
Satin Flycatcher * - check escarpment rainforest e.g. Boyce Gardens, and thicker gullies NOW. Very small window of opportunity while they are in passage each year and probably already too late.
White-backed Swallow * - check skies and wires around Stockyard Creek. Use to be regular around Murphys Bridge Helidon. Also the quarry along Euston Rd in SW Toowoomba. Unfortunately a species that is in serious decline locally.

* Rare Bird Report may be requested


Happy hunting :)
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