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The Wren
Volume 5 Number 3 September 2016
Red–backed Fairy-wrens (female) Steve Dew
FROM THE PRESIDENT
We’re now into a new financial year which means our
club AGM has been and gone. We saw a change to the
executive with Joanne Morris standing down from the
role of secretary and Tom Curtis accepting the
position.
So thank you Joanne for your support and assistance
during your three years. I extend a warm welcome to
Tom who I’m confident will grow into the role without
any problems.
Welcome also to everyone to another variety packed
edition of our newsletter, The Wren. It is good to have
new contributors happily sharing their birding stories
with everyone. A pat on the back must also go to
Steve Dew for his contributions and his support.
Daryl Barnes
Contents The Travelling Croweaters 2.
Far Beach Sign & Magpie Mixup 3.
Convenient Camping & Volunteering 4.
Birds of a Feather & Beautiful Walk 5.
Chuckie 6.
Chuckie & Honeyguide Birds 7.
Our Flexi Trip & Olive in Japan 8.
Winter in Emerald Forest & Chasing Mallee Birds 9.
Chasing Mallee Birds 10.
A Bird in the Sky 11.
A Pond to Ponder 12.
The Travelling Croweaters 13 & 14 & 15.
Book Review & Padaminka May Outing 16.
DeMoleyns June & Lake Barfield July Outings 17.
Peter Faust Dam August Outing 18.
Sleeping on the Wing 19.
Sightings & Monthly Outings Calendar 20.
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2 The Wren
THE TRAVELLING CROWEATERS
We were a couple of croweaters from the York Peninsula, South Australia, seeking warmth in the ambient areas
along the Queensland coast. Being a convert to birding a decade ago as a result of a long friendship with Dave
‘Lumpy’ Milson now residing at Mapoon on Cape York, we were counting birds instead of the usual cans back at
our recycling depot at Kadina, SA.
For years my wife had kept a list of residents and visitors that had flown in to feed, water, shelter or rest on our
larger than normal house site. The latest addition was a grey fantail that took the total to 38, which is probably
the number of New Holland Honeyeaters that reside and raise their young all around our home.
Goodbyes all round saw us on the road with caravan in tow and binoculars within reach. A pleasant surprise
were Regent Parrots in the township of Loxton on the River Murray. Frequent sightings of Red-rumps became
the norm for days to come. At Lake Boga we had ducks on the doorstep of our caravan but this wasn’t my idea
of birding. We caught up with an old friend at Echuca and pushed out to Picola in search again of Superb
Parrots. It has become a bit of a joke that whilst not being always at the right time, I have had several failed
attempts to find this pretty parrot and yep – missed it again.
Nearing Albury-Wodonga had me in in contact with a friend who I’d previously met at Gluepot some years ago
where he was photographing Scarlet-chested Parrots. Over a cup of tea we added a new bird to our list – the
Turquoise Parrot. We were privileged to watch them for several hours as they watered at the edge of a dam,
fed on the ground and with swift wings, flew amongst the tall timber.
Consumed by our new bird we paid little attention to Yellow-tufted and Fuscous Honeyeaters feeding and
watering as well. Numerous White-throated Treecreepers were lovely at close distances as well as abundant
numbers of Eastern Rosellas, Dusky Woodswallows, Rlame Robins and Golden Whistlers.
We continued at an easy pace and encountered the gorgeous Eastern Spinebills wildly fluttering and feeding in
the gardens of Beechworth. My wife, ever alert, was astute enough to look up amongst the golden leaves of a
large Liquid Amber tree to gaze upon a pair of Gang-gang Cockatoos having breakfast. How good? – Right in
the heart of Beechworth. By evening we were camped alongside the River Murray at Jingellic and enjoyed
watching thirty or more King Parrots feasting on crabapples, all within ten feet of us – no need for binos.
Inclement weather saw us admiring lots of Crimson Rosellas along the roadside. We bought some great
T-bone steaks at Tumbarumba – supposedly Murray grey stock – and were lucky enough to find some dinner-
plate size field mushrooms. What a meal!
Boorowa next, known as THE spot for the superb parrot. But the only Superb in sight was a template of one
on the bakery façade. Superb country but no Superbs. On to Mudgee where we were welcomed by in excess of
sixty Red-rumps feeding on the lawns flanking the main road, not perturbed by traffic in the least!
It is always nice to spend a night in the Warrumbungles amongst Butcherbirds, Red-browed Finches, Grey
Fantails and Sulphur-crested Cockatoos preparing nesting sites. We departed perfectly trimmed camping
grounds which are kindly manicured by the local kangaroos.
story continued on Page 13
Superb Parrot Steve Dew King Parrot (male) Steve Dew
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September 2016 3
FAR BEACH SIGNAGE
With input from the Queensland Government, Mackay Regional Council, Reef Catchments , Queensland Wader
Study Group and BirdLife Mackay, a new shorebird sign has been produced.
After a meeting with Jonathon Dykyj from Mackay Regional Council and Jess Berryman from Reef Catchments
on Friday July 15th, it was agreed that all three access walkways to Far Beach from the car park, should have a
sign to highlight the shorebird roost at the mouth of Shellgrit Creek erected. The sign (featured) has been
erected on the beach side of the ‘new’ blue set of access steps by council. It looks great.
Editor
MAGPIE MIXUP
They must have run out of white pigment the day this magpie was
produced. Observant South Mackay resident John McLennan
contacted me to enquire as to whether black Magpies were common
or not?
I didn’t think so but when I went to visit John to see for myself, there
was no sign of it anywhere. However a couple of days later, after I’d
sent one of the club members around with a camera to check it out,
proof was captured on film that we did indeed have a black magpie in
our town. Thanks John and thanks to Sylvia.
Editor
Australian Magpie Sylvia Martinez
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4 The Wren
CONVENIENT CAMPING
Relax in the serenity of Orkabie Downs, a working cattle farm only half hour south of Sarina.
For birdwatching; why not wander through the natural Creekside forestland, past small rapids and great little
swimming holes, or position yourself alongside one of several dams or in the natural grassland areas. Go for
the day or stay a night or three. You can collect your own firewood from the property and enjoy an evening by
the campfire, under the Milky Way. With easy bitumen access from the Bruce Highway, you can bring your
tent, caravan or motorhome (as long as you are self-contained). Orkabie Downs is the ideal getaway only an
hour south of Mackay. Donations of $5pp per day would be appreciated.
Phone Lynda on 0413 749 614 for more information or find them on facebook @ Orkabie Downs
Lynda Harrold
VOLUNTEERING
The third consecutive season of winter surveys is under way in the Crediton State Forest and the second in
the Cathu State Forest. The aim of this project is to learn more about the habits of the endemic and often
elusive Eungella Honeyeater. Whilst people are not queuing up to participate fortnightly, there is enough
interest to entice sufficient birdo’s to help gather information. It is a time consuming and at times laborious
exercise, but the time and effort put in will eventually prove to be worthwhile. The data that is collected gets
analysed and an official report is then prepared.
What individuals get from bird watching activities and bird photography varies from person to person. Most
birdo’s find that the best and most satisfying personal
results are achieved when they pursue birds on their
own. Volunteering for surveys is a group exercise and
so is not everyone’s ideal way of spending their ‘spare’
time, particularly when time is limited in the first place.
For the welfare of certain bird species or for simply
monitoring precarious habitats, the best way of
obtaining relevant data so that well informed decisions
can be made, is by a structured survey system. The
information gathered can provide knowledge and show
trends that may prove critical in future decision making
processes. The way a species adapts or a habitat
develops according to seasonal changes and other
influences can be learnt from survey work.
If you are passionate about something and you want
to make a difference in some way, albeit small and at
times you may regard as insignificant, volunteering is
one avenue you can use.
Editor
Jason, Daryl, Julie and Merrilyn
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September 2016 5
BIRDS OF A FEATHER
The title above was the theme for my birthday celebration this year.
My request was for each guest to wear a feather or
feathers in their hair, cap, or wherever. I like to bring out
the individuals creativity at my yearly brunches. I even
made little birdie buns to have with pumpkin and chicken
soups and made seed crackers to serve with the dips. One
friend brought along a pink lamington cake re-created into
a bird sitting on a nest complete with feathers. She was
intent on bringing it across the swollen creeks no matter
what. About 11 1/2 inches of rain had fallen in the
previous four days.
I had made a Black Sapote mud cake and stuck feathers
all around it. My daughter Stephanie brought along a
Hummingbird cake. Yum!!
The creek crossings were too fast and deep for
Stephanie's car and as there is no mobile coverage to
phone for a "taxi", two of her children waded through and
walked the 3 or 4 kms here to get a 4wd vehicle to ferry
the family across. I appreciated the effort guests had
taken to 'make it' here. What a creative "flock" we were
adorned with our several and varied feathers !!!
After we had sipped on soups, crunched on birdy rolls
and seedy crackers, we then each shared a story of an
experience we had encountered with a bird. Even the
younger generation shared their bird story, varied and
interesting they were too. A delightful experience.
Next time you bird lovers put on a dinner or afternoon tea,
make it a bird oriented theme. It's fun, no extra expense, brings out each others creativity, everyone shares
and a greater awareness is increased of our Birdlife.
By Rosemary Braithwaite
BEAUTIFUL WALK
Another of the Mackay Conservation Groups Beautiful Walks organised
by Tom Rainsford was held on Saturday July 30th.
It was typically a sunny winters afternoon that attracted only a small but
enthusiastic group to come along to the Slade Point Reserve to check
out the habitat within.
And, who better qualified to guide us through the wilderness than local
plant guru Irene Champion.
With Irene’s accumulated wealth of knowledge and passion for local
plants and trees, she had an answer for each and every question.
Whilst many of us listened and looked on with interest as Irene told
stories relating to specific plants, some with aboriginal reference, but
when it came to repeating some of the botanical names that Irene used,
well, it got a bit too much for most of us. Great job Irene.
Whilst bird life mid afternoon of any day is generally limited, this day
was no different. There was however, one highlight that emerged
amongst the leaf litter as we were about to leave the reserve.
Yes, there was a Noisy Pitta. Good sightings of it were had by all.
Report by Daryl Barnes
New sign at Pacific Drive entrance
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6 The Wren
CHUCKIE
For several weeks my husband, Gary, and I had watched a pair of Brown Goshawks carefully build their nest
100ft up in our Moreton Bay ash at the front of our 3 acre block at Farleigh. As we had just started planting our
garden with natives to attract native birds we were starved for entertainment of that nature so it was rather
exciting watching this young family, to the point where Gary bought me a telescope to have a better view of
the upcoming event.
Each morning we would have our coffee on the patio and watch their progress. Finally she started to incubate
her eggs with only the occasional time off the nest to feed. What we, as amateur birdwatchers, found was that
each morning it was fascinating to watch the pair gather fresh leaves to line the nest. I am sure many humans
could learn a lot from nature. After about a month we noticed the female accepting food from the male to
carefully feed to however many chicks she had in the nest. We were in awe at how attentive not only the
female was, but the male too in his constant supply of food for his new family.
We waited, not too patiently, to have our first peek of the hatchlings.
Finally, one morning, a small white fluffy head peeped above the edge of the nest. After a few days it became
increasingly obvious that there was only one chick. Unfortunately we did not have a very good camera and
were unable to get a good photo of mum, with wings spread widely, covering her chick from both sun and rain.
Soon after making himself (not sure of the sex but to us it was a him) visible we noticed that nature surely is
amazing. This tiny piece of fluff would wobble his way backwards to the edge of the nest and send his
droppings to the ground below. For weeks this was our entertainment each day standing in front of the
telescope watching Chuckie grow.
Then one morning we noticed mum frantically calling with food
hanging from her beak looking about for Chuckie. Thinking another
raptor had swept Chuckie away I was in tears as I headed to work.
Mid morning Gary phoned to tell me our neighbour brought
Chuckie, wrapped in a towel, down to him after finding him hanging
upside down on their bedroom window screen. Typical young male,
thinking they know everything and how to fly far too early.
Gary, after realising Chuckie could definitely not fly, phoned with a
request on frozen mice from the pet store to feed our guest. Only
the best for Chuckie. On my arrival home I was proudly shown how
Gary had lined the base of a cockatoo cage with sticks and leaves to
imitate a nest and make it easier for Chuckie to stand. We were torn
between phoning a wildlife carer or not, as Chuckie’s mum had
found where his cage was sitting under our shed awning and was
trying to figure out how to feed him. It was sad watching her frantic
attempts to reunite with her young.
For several weeks my husband, Gary, and I had watched a pair of
Brown Goshawks carefully build their nest 100ft up in our Moreton
Bay ash at the front of our 3 acre block at Farleigh. As we had just
started planting our garden with natives to attract native birds we
were starved for entertainment of that nature so it was rather
exciting watching this young family, to the point where Gary bought
me a telescope to have a better view of the upcoming event.
Gary woke the next morning with “a brilliant idea”?????. He set to work on the cage then carried it (and
Cuckie) down to the nesting tree. For hours he tried in vane to send a sinker attached to a fishing line over the
lowest branch (approx 50’) but finally success.
Then attaching a rope raised it to the branch above. We sat and watched all day but mum didn’t appear. The
weather was a bit nasty so by evening Gary lowered the cage to feed our guest and cover him for his lonely wet
night ahead.
The next morning he again raised it hoping mum would find him. Bingo. She arrived with tasty morsel but
still couldn’t figure out how to feed it to Chuckie. But Gary had another trick up his sleeve. With another line he
slowly raised the door to allow Chuckie his freedom. An hour later Chuckie (a bit slow this boy) ventured
through the escape route with mum waiting patiently on the outside.
Brown Goshawk Sylvia Martinez
The Wren
September 2016 7
If anyone has the audacity to think that any small creature does not have a brain- think again.
Mum teased Chuckie with his meal but wouldn’t give it to him until he had moved up to the next branch. As
Chuckie moved in for his reward she again hopped to the branch a little higher up.
And yes, you guessed it - hours later with the perseverance only a parent would have with their child she
(and Chuckie ) made it to above the nest. I am sure at that moment she was a proud and very tired mum.
But only for a moment. Chuckie leapt and seemed to hang in mid air only to sail not too gracefully past the
nest to “THE” branch 50 feet below.
Well I won’t go through the agonising again but he did finally make it back to the nest. It was an all day
marathon but one I would not have missed for the world.
I was really disappointed not to have had a decent camera to capture the adventure but it is forever in my
memory to have the occasional chuckle.
Chuckie provided us with many weeks of entertainment culminating with being there to watch his first
(successful) flight.
Again his beautiful, patient mum tried for days to encourage Chuckie to take flight but his courage still
needed to build.
Finally mum again took off to the east and nearby trees with lots of inspiring calls and Chuckie leapt forward,
and with tail feathers not quite working as required he dipped and veered dangerously to glide in the totally
wrong direction and away from the intended destination.
With the tenacity of the young we watched as he soared above.
I think to this day it was lucky that, not only Chuckie and his mum had the perseverance to succeed, but also
lucky that Gary was determined to have him reunited with his mum instead of being reared as an orphan.
Story by Kim Brett
(Extract from The Australian July 22nd 2016)
African tribesman have learned to converse with a nondescript brown bird in a rare case of ‘mutualism’ with
wild animals.
A Cambridge University-led study found the Yao people of Mozambique had developed a specialist language
with bush birds known as ‘honeyguides’ as part of a hunting pact that benefits both species.
The birds guide the tribesman to hives hidden high in tree crevices, then wait while the bees are smoked out
and the hives broke open.The birds help themselves to the wax after the men have taken all the honey.
Researches found that men summoned the birds using a distinct call – a loud trill followed by a grunt. The
birds replied with a distinct call of their own, then flitted from tree to tree pointing out hives.
Contributed by Jenny Schulz
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8 The Wren
OUR FLEXI-TRIP
We went on a seven week road trip encompassing
north east New South Wales and south east
Queensland, arriving home for the official start of
winter. Along the way way we had some fantastic
birding and seen places where we would never have
normally gone, Giraween National Park, Old Benalby
Pioneer park near Casino in NSW, Karara west of
Warwick, Queen Mary Falls near Killarney and a few
spots in between.
Stopping at Cawarral near Rocky on our way
home, we took time to reflect on our trip which took
us to Casino in NSW. Originally, we were heading for
Pilliga but we were advised that there were picket
lines due to gas exploration in the area and we may
not have been allowed access. So we turned our trip
into a flexi trip where we would go to a location that
was recommended by people that we met and were fortunate enough to meet quite a few helpful birdos. One in
particular was Lorraine Welsh who lived at Karara, 50 klms west of Warwick.
Lorraine had just had a visit from Birds Queensland who were there for a week. We stayed for three weeks as
it was a fantastic spot for birds that included Diamond Firetail, Blue Bonnet Parrots, lots of Red-rumped Parrots
and I got a ‘fuzzy’ pic of a Turquoise Parrot flying past. Also here we saw dozens of Yellow-tufted Honeyeaters
and we managed to take a video of them that you wouldn’t believe. We need to find some who can put it on
Facebook or Youtube as it’s well worth watching. A flock of the birds (which included other honeyeaters) arrived
at a watering hole and they looked just like leaves falling off the tree. We got about 90 species in that area.
Scrub Ticks at Karara were extremely bad with me getting about 15 over the 3 weeks we were there with the
last one causing an allergic reaction. Olive suggested we move on before one of us wound up in a hospital.
Story by Bob & Ollie McTrust
On her recent visit to Japan,
Olive McTrusty couldn’t help feeling sorry for the owls that were tethered for people’s pleasure.
Diamond Firetail Steve Dew
The Wren
September 2016 9
WINTER-TIME IN THE EMERALD FOREST
Winter-time at my place in The Emerald Forest, as far as birds go, brings to my mind firstly the pretty Eastern
Yellow Robins and the Dove families.
The Bar-shouldered Doves, seem to go somewhere else but in winter there are more here and I enjoy their
calls "we'll-walk-the-walk', and laughing sounds. I am right now watching one feeding beside an Emerald Dove
on the driveway where I have thrown some grain, they seem happy to eat together. At the moment two of
them in their beautifully barred plumage are feeding on the birdfeeder not far away.
Emerald Doves have those stunning emerald green wings, so shy, yet plentiful in the winter months. I have
watched them spread their wings in display
and chase or woo, whatever it is, each other.
Over 15 of these have been banded here.
The little Peaceful Doves with that soft blue
around their eyes are here most of the year
but in winter, there seems to be more activity
amongst them. Their endearing 'doodle oo,
doodle oo,' and the males bowing and
spreading their tail with their special call to
win over his 'girl'. The exotic Wompoo Fruit-
Doves have been silently sharing some
Bollywood berries with the fig birds this winter
too. Magic to watch them from my verandah.
But there has been a mystery caller for years
which I could not identify until a year or so
ago. I only hear it in the winter months. It
sounds before dawn whilst it is still dark, this
monotonous strong and steady call of 'chop
chop', chop chop', and stops when it becomes
daylight.
One morning it dawned on me (ha ha !), that I could get out of bed and track it down. I stalked it and to my
great surprise it was a bird which I see probably every day. It comes close by me when I am raking or
gardening to snatch up a tasty morsel which has been uncovered or disturbed. I was familiar with its other calls
but not the ' chop chop, chop chop'. I have now added it to my memory in its call library.
There are now about 20 of these banded on my property over the past year and many have been recaptured
several times at each quarterly banding exercise, we have here, providing valuable information and this also
tells us that these mystery little birds, the Eastern Yellow Robins, are happy residents at My Emerald Forest and
are a part of the winter forest symphonies and sights which I enjoy.
report by Rosemary Braithwaite
CHASING THE MALLEE BIRDS
Our first foray into the Mallee saw us visit Gluepot, although a great trip with good birding, I was disappointed
to leave without seeing the Malleefowl, Regent Parrot or Striated Grasswren. Another trip into that part of the
world saw us travel south between Murray-Sunset and Hattah-Kulkyne National Parks to Ouyen as a base-camp
before day-tripping back to those parks.
The first day we visited Hattah hoping to see any or all of the above as well as the Mallee Emu-wren which I
was assured was regularly seen. We got good sightings of the Mallee Ringneck, a bird I had seen a fair bit of as
I had lived in Griffith for a few years and they are regulars there. Yellow-plumed and Striped Honeyeaters were
plentiful as were Chestnut-rumped Thornbills and Weebills.
We arrived at the Emu-wren and Grasswren hotspot and walked the roadway for a couple of hours with no
luck. So it was time to get serious so I fired up the GPS, and headed bush, Barb on the other hand said she
would walk the roadway (probably glad not to have a birdo slowing her down).
After about an hour Barb came rushing back toward were she had last seen me with news that a small party of
birds, “Probably the ones you’re looking for.” were feeding just off the track about half a kilometre away. We
rushed back to what we later worked out was a small group of Striated Grasswrens only to find them missing.
Emerald Dove Sylvia Martinez
The Wren
10 The Wren
Malleefowl Steve Dew
A spent another half-hour wandering the area and finally was lucky enough to see a pair of Mallee Emu-wrens
excitedly watching me from a stand of Spinifex (Triodia). So it was a simple as swivelling my body to take the
photo and the tiny beggars just dropped into the triodia, never to be seen again.
The following day we made our way to the Pink Lakes section of Murray-Sunset and it started off well, spotting
a pair of Regent Parrots on the roadside on the way to the park, I pulled over and managed to get photos of the
female.
After a quick look around one of the lakes, we headed for the Triodia to try again.
The trick was supposed to be drive a little, park and walk a little, and we were successful, spotting a pair of
Striated Grasswren. We followed them through the bush for a while, catching occasional glimpses from time to
time although not managing a photo.
Birding was otherwise very average with occasional sightings of White-browed Babblers and Striped and
Yellow-plumed, Singing and Spiny-cheeked Honeyeaters showing themselves as well as the usual LBJ’s.
I chased a male Hooded Robin and a small flock of Mulga Parrots on our way out of the park without much
success. A bonus near the gate was a flock of about a dozen Major Mitchell’s Cockatoos.
The next place I thought we might see a Malleefowl was Little Desert. We spent a couple of nights at the Little
Desert Nature Lodge. Although I had brief glimpses of New Holland Honeyeaters in the past, I was almost
(almost) sick of them by the time we left Little Desert.
A “lifer” in the Tawny-crowned Honeyeater and more sightings of White-fronted Honeyeater were a bonus.
While we were wandering the park one day, the ranger stopped for a bit of a chat, aft er hearing that we had
never seen the Malleefowl, he offered to take us to view the pair the park had in captivity for breeding
purposes.The chicks were then being re-introduced into part of the Little Desert National Park to boost wild bird
numbers.
While it was great to see our first Malleefowl, and I took photos, it didn’t seem right to claim them on my
birding list, or to post the photo on my website.
The following morning we were due to leave, but we received an early knock on the door. It was the ranger,
asking if we wanted to see a wild bird….guess what the answer was? We jumped into his car and while we
drove he explained a wild male bird had come to harass the breeding pair.
I was lucky enough to get a few good photos of him before we left him to c ontinue his harassment.
Finally I had a Malleefowl pic and sightings of the Mallee Emu-wren and Striated Grasswren, all I have to do
now is return for photos of the little fellows.
Story & photo by Steve Dew
The Wren
September 2016 11
The Wren
12 The Wren
A POND TO PONDER
When you move to a new place, it can take a while to find the best places to go. The places where you can do
what you need to do and also the things you enjoy. At the time of writing I had been in Nakhon Pathom in
Thailand for around nine months. At first I had to find the best places to do my shopping and such things
essential to survival, then I started exploring potential birdwatching areas close to where I live. Until recently,
this was mostly done on foot and would fill whole mornings on weekends. Now I have a bicycle I can venture
further, or just get to the good spots a bit quicker.
When I think about it, there is one place that has
been very good to me with regard to the birds
that I have seen there. The area is a road that
leads to some aquaculture ponds and farm land.
The first time I visited the road was the first time I
saw a Black-capped Kingfisher in Nakhon Pathom.
It was a late afternoon walk during the week and I
just decided to see where the road went to. It
became a regular part of my weekend birding
walks from then on. Another first was seeing a
Eurasian Wryneck one day. I regularly saw White-
browed Crakes around a pond by the road and
one day saw a couple of small, black, crake
chicks.
Another day I spotted a Stork-billed Kingfisher
on the other side of an aquaculture pond for fish
off the end of the road. I attempted to get closer
to get photos but the kingfisher saw me coming and flew away.
The good thing was that the next pond that I looked at before, had lots of aquatic plants and this provided
habitat for waterbirds that like foraging amongst these plants. These included Bronze-winged and Pheasant-
tailed Jacanas, both species with adults and juveniles, more White-browed Crakes, White-breasted Waterhens,
Yellow Bittern, Cinnamon Bittern, Javan Pond Herons, Common Moorhen, Little Grebe, Cotton Pygmy Goose,
Lesser Whistling Ducks and Little Cormorants.
Flying above the pond I have seen Whiskered Terns, Barn Swallows, Asian Palm Swifts, House Swifts, Sand
Martins, Black-winged Stilts, Purple Herons,
Grey Herons, Black-crowned Night Herons,
Great Egrets, Little Egrets and Cattle Egrets.
On my last couple of visits to this pond I have
seen a Forest Wagtail and a Dollarbird.
There are always Plain Prinias in the long grass
and the Asian Golden Weavers have recently
return after being absent for a few months.
This well vegetated aquaculture pond has
proven to be a good spot for photography as
well. I can approach it from the east, early in
the morning and use the long grass and trees as
a make shift blind.
This has allowed me to photograph the
jacanas, pond herons, moorhen, pygmy goose,
crake and waterhen.
I also got photos of a Black-capped Kingfisher on the other side of the pond one day.
I have yet to get photos of the Lesser Whistling Ducks there though, so I have a good reason to go back there
again.
When I think about it, I really think this is an aquaculture pond to ponder. I hope it’s still accessible when the
rainy season comes.
Story and photos by Barry Heinrich
White-breasted Waterhen Barry Heinrich
Pheasant-tailed Jacana Barry Heinrich
The Wren
September 2016 13
Continued from Page 2
THE TRAVELLING CROWEATERS
Admiring Cockatiels in flight amongst rays of sunshine, we set off for Gulargambone to the west of the
Warrumbungles, enjoying the warmth of the sun in the car and marvelling at the acrobatic ability of the
Black-shouldered Kites. To our absolute delight, what should alight from the verdant green roadside
grasses but the elusive Superb Parrots. So good – so easy – so pretty and in no rush to escape our
presence. We watched them roosting in the wilga trees for quite a while before continuing our journey
toward Bingara, feeling very satisfied.
Camping on the banks of the Gwydir River is a treat anyway, but how delightful was sharing it with a
pair of Pale-headed Rosellas with their bright red patch on the nape of the neck? There are lots of
variations in the rosellas and this was pretty special. The ensuing bad weather made for pubs with fires
and counter meals as we travelled through Glen Innes, Tenterfield and some high rise therapy on the
beach at Mooloolaba. Birding gave way to massages, coffee and the Eumundi markets.
We love our current caravan but had fond memories
of 30 years previous with kids on board and an old
Viscount with three bunks at the rear. We were now
looking forward to the lovely area of Agnes Waters
and 1770, where our old van had taken us
previously.
On route we had a lovely stop at Rosedale, a small
village with probably no more than 20 or so houses.
Here at the quaint tea rooms while enjoying coffee
and a meal amidst the shade of large rain trees and
poincianas, we were entertained by dusky, Brown and
Blue-faced Honeyeaters. Some naughty boys - Grey-
crowned Babblers - paid us a visit as well and kept us
amused with their boisterous antics.
On a lovely, sunny, near-perfect day, we arrived at Agnes
Waters. Whilst investigating a camp site south of town we had a
real treat. In an area the size of a footy oval adjacent camping
grounds surrounded by bush, we sighted Fairy Warblers, Rufous
Whistlers, Leaden Flycatchers, and the lovely Spectacled
Monarch. If you haven’t noticed yet, Pied Butcherbirds, Willy
Wagtails, Silvereyes etc don’t count on trips – until you decide to
do a count. And I started counting now because this area
promised a lot.
A Wonga Pigeon was another tick in my dog-eared Slaters Field
Guide which is held together with sticky tape. Our Bushtracker
caravan was parked under some shade and we settled in to the
sounds of Red-tailed Black Cockatoos. They were feeding daily on
the beach almonds that fringed our home on the sandy banks of
Round Hill Creek at 1770. Beautifully structured parks with lit
boardwalks along the beach led through some tall timber to the
Tree Hotel. This ¼ kilometre boardwalk became my haunt
morning and night for four days. Of the 64 or so birds
encountered at Agnes Waters/1770, this area accounted for
most.
The list included Double-barred Finches, honeyeaters in
abundance – mostly Lewins and Duskies – as well as brown,
Varied, White-cheeked and White-throated. Varied Trillers were
easy targets and Blue-faced Honeyeaters, Noisy Friarbirds, Olive-backed Orioles, Laughing Kookaburras,
Australian Figbirds and Peaceful Doves in abundant supply.
Some juvenile cuckoos drove me to research and identify Fan-tailed Cuckoos and a better look at the
belly of the Bronze-Cuckoos led me to establish the presence of Shining Bronze-Cuckoos. While pelicans
Double-barred Finch Steve Dew
Pale Headed Rosella Steve Dew
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14 The Wren
and pairs of Pied Oystercatchers paraded and fossicked on the beach, Sacred Kingfishers were like
sentinels watching everything. On route to the bar at the Tree Hotel overlooking the bay, with its swaying
yachts, what does my wife find? The lovely Rose-crowned Fruit-Dove.
Reluctantly we left this lovely area with its small
Mistletoebirds and large White-breasted Sea-
eagles and travelled north to Yeppoon. Here we
daily watched a pair of Brahminy Kites perch on
rocks at the beach, eating their catch and then
soaring above. I found myself talking to Fran at
the Mill Gallery. She told me of her recent visit
from a rufous fantail which flew into the shop. A
different visitor. Her directions saw us in some
lovely wetlands around Limestone creek at
Barmoya where normal residents include ducks,
cormorants, swans and egrets. Good to learn that
Buff-breasted Paradise Kingfisher come as far
south as Byfield to breed.
As we continued north on the old Bruce Highway
to Sarina and on to Finch Hatton, we were getting
closer to friends Chris and John Storrie and Leo the dog in Bowen, from whom we had purchased our
van. On a previous visit they had taken us to Eungella on the escarpment overlooking the lovely Pioneer
Valley. Hoping to take another opportunity to find the elusive Eungella Honeyeater, we travelled up the
range with sunshine on our backs early in the morning. But clouds and wind made for a poor look at
several of these honeyeaters – a tick but no satisfaction. Second prize was a pair of Regent Bowerbirds at
Broken River. Sweet!
We depart Finch Hatton. Road-kill along the highway has Black Kites and Whistling Kites circling in
anticipation of a feed. Arriving at Airlie Beach, the caravan park again has ducks welcoming us only this
time it was the lovely Plumed Whistling Duck. Numerous Bush-stone Curlews are also non-paying
residents at this park.
Red wine and the crackling of roast pork in the Weber welcomed us to Chris and John’s home in Bowen.
It was decided that they should hitch up so we could all head bush together again. It is always great to
camp in a terrific spot, see beautiful birds and be with fantastic friends. Chris, who is also an avid bird
watcher, will now take over the story from this croweater and tell you about our wonderful finds on the
Burdekin and Herbert Rivers.
Our first morning at Mount Fox found us
camped beside a creek which had become a
series of waterholes due to the very dry
conditions. It was probably for this reason that
there were several different birds visiting. Our
attention was particularly drawn to the little
Azure Kingfisher that we spied roosting on an
old tree root on the opposite bank of the c reek.
This beautiful little bird was obviously on
lookout duty, patiently watching and waiting for
breakfast. We watched and waited patiently as
well and were rewarded when we observed a
fine catch of a small fish which was promptly
transported to a small hole in the side of the
muddy creek-bank. It was evident that this was
the bird’s nest as, on closer inspection of the
area just below the entrance, we noticed a sizeable area of white bird droppings. We were all thrilled to be
able to watch this beautiful little bird busily hunting for food for the young that we presumed were safely
tucked away in the nest. Other observations here included Rainbow and Scaly-breasted Lorikeets, a
Fantail Cuckoo, an Emu and Red-backed Fairy-wrens.
The next morning saw us well established in a lovely camping spot beside the Burdekin River and this
spot provided the highlight of this particular birding venture. You know how there are certain birds that
Misteltoebird Steve Dew
Pacific Baza Steve Dew
The Wren
September 2016 15
‘jump’ out at you every time you see them as you browse through your trus ty bird guide. Well the Pacific
Baza was one of those for me. I really thought that my chances of spotting one were pretty slim. But
when you hook up with great mates who are hooked on bird watching like you are, you should believe
that fantastic things can happen. There I was doing what most people do first thing in the morning when I
heard the words “Pacific Baza”. I thought I was hearing things but pricked my ears and sure enough
Drogs is saying those magic words again. WELL! I was up and out of the van so quick I amazed even
myself. “Did you say Pacific Baza Drogs? What? Where?” I couldn’t believe this was happening. I know
this sounds ridiculous to most people but I think avid birders will understand. Not just one, but a pair of
these birds had cruised over our camp. Drogs nailed them immediately, recognising their aerobatics in
flight. They eventually perched high in a gum straight across the river from our camp and there they
stayed for at least half an hour. During that time Neil’s wife Sue even got to see them consummate the
relationship and we all got to take some great photos. I was ecstatic for the rest of the day. This sighting
had made my trip.
While walking along the riverbank that same
morning I got to spend quality time with a family of
Red-winged Parrots who just sat quietly watching
me. They were to pass over our camp several times
during our stay and each time we could not help but
admire their vivid red, green and blue plumage.
Being such a constant water source, the Burdekin is
obviously a secure and reliable refuge for a wide
variety of birds, even in the current drought. Each
night our camp was also visited by a Tawny
Frogmouth that would perch in the trees above our
fire and watch us. Blue-faced Honeyeaters were
prolific as were the little Grey Fantails. During our
three-day stay we also sighted Brolgas, kites,
Pelicans, Australian Wood Ducks, Blue-winged and
Laughing Kookaburras, Rainbow Lorikeets, Rufous
Whistlers, Leaden Flycatchers, White-throated Honeyeaters, Rainbow Bee-eaters, egrets, Apostlebirds,
currawongs, Galahs, Red-tailed Black and Sulphur-crested Cockatoos and a Little Pied Cormorant.
Our next camp was on the Herbert River and again we were totally amazed at the diversity of birdlife we
encountered. Many were of the smaller varieties which, because they are usually amidst thick foliage and
they never seem to be still, can be a challenge to
identify. Having more than one enthusiast observing
the same bird proved a real advantage for us. While
somebody might be looking at beaks, legs and head,
someone else might be checking out tail, wings, size
etc. In this way we managed to positively identify 21
species during our explorations along the Herbert,
including White-throated, Yellow-spotted, Brown,
Yellow and Scarlet honeyeaters, Red-winged Parrot,
Lemon-bellied and Leaden Flycatchers, Olive-backed
Oriole, Red-browed Finch, Grey and Rufous Whistler,
Brush Cuckoo, Striated Pardalote, Yellow Thornbill
and Weebill. What a wonderful spot!
One that particularly amused me was the Great
Bowerbird. I encountered this character each day in
the same area and there were the usual abrasive noises that I had become familiar with while observing
the same birds in my yard at home. I was truly amused though when I discovered a bird’s -eye chilli bush
on the riverbank where this resident hung out. My bowerbird friend at home is constantly stealing my
bird’s eye chillies so I have decided that they definitely can’t resist these hot little delicacies.
After sharing so many wonderful birding moments, I know we were all somewhat sad to be parting
company at the end of our Burdekin/Herbert River experience. But the great thing is that we know we will
get together again, hopefully many more times and share our love of this wonderful obsession that is
“bird watching”. Happy birding days to all. Story by Neil Drogemeuller and Chris Storrie
Scarlet Honeyeater Steve Dew
Brush Cuckoo Steve Dew
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16 The Wren
BOOK REVIEW
As a Teacher Librarian I am always on the lookout for quality books that are
both informative and captivating for children, Crazy Bird Stories by Daryl
Barnes is one of those books that ‘fits the bill’. When reading this book to my
Primary students the antics and peculiarities of each bird cause ‘oohs’ and
‘aahs’, giggles and even the silence of thoughtful contemplation. The bright
and zany pictures enrich the whole reading experience.
Another feature of Crazy Bird Stories that makes it a plus for the school library
is the inclusion of a bird fact file at the end of the book. This gives the book a
dual purpose and certainly makes it more appealing to a larger age range.
You know a book is popular with the children when you get to the end of the
reading time and the children put up their hands to ask if they can borrow it.
Mr Barnes’ Crazy Bird Stories are a fun way to introduce children to the
wonderful world of birds around us. With most of our young people so
attracted to spending hours on technology these days it’s refreshing to find a
book that encourages the reader to think about the natural world, and get out
there and explore it.
Teacher Librarian at Carlisle Adventist Christian College. Vanessa North
PADAMINKA MONTHLY OUTING MAY 1st.
With a long weekend and perfect weather conditions for any kind of outdoor activity, except perhaps sailing, I
was looking forward to a walk around a couple of the many tracks available on the 76 hectare property at
Padaminka. Of the nine attending it was a pleasure to welcome two new faces, Emma and Lauren. It was also
good to have Jan & Harry who travelled up from Koumala.
The first thing we noticed as we congregated on
site was that not one person had a camera with
them. Not a common occurrence I must say. And
wouldn’t you know it, we had two excellent
opportunities early on for some good photography
thanks to a Fantail Cuckoo and to one of the many
Lemon-bellied Flycatchers we saw.
The birds were certainly entertaining with a
variety of calls coming from a variety of birds early
on, some of which were identifiable and others
creating some disagreement amongst us. Thanks
to Sam with his playback option, we got most calls
sorted. When a clear sighting doesn’t offer itself,
some calls can be misleading at times.
The sunny side of the hill (facing easterly) provided
the best of the birding as when we walked over to the shaded side (facing westerly) there were noticeably less
calling, movement and sightings in general. Whilst both dams held some water this year neither provided any
water birds. One majestic Wedge-tailed Eagle made an appearance by entering the air space above. (It may
well have been the same bird I’d seen the previous day hovering above ‘our’ Flying Fox colony on Bakers
Creek.)
As always, Andrea and Ian had several animals in their care that were undergoing rehabilitation with a Koala
and a very young Agile Wallaby attracting plenty of attention. Ian & Andrea are mapping all locations where
koala’s are sighted in the Mackay district, this includes dead as well as alive. For the future welfare of these
animals your assistance with this would be much appreciated.
Contact can be made via the Fauna Rescue Whitsundays 24 hour hotline for injured wildlife; 49473389
On behalf of the group, once again thank you Andrea & Ian for allowing us the opportunity to explore your
property and for your hospitality.
Editor
Lemon-bellied Flycatcher Tom Curtis
The Wren
September 2016 17
DEMOLEYNS LAGOON MONTHLY OUTING JUNE 5th.
This, the first week of winter, sees most of us wearing winter woollies for the first time this year as we
congregated at the info Centre, destination, DeMoleyn’s Lagoon.
However, the crispness of the morning had dissipated by the time we’d began to search the lagoon for birds.
We were welcomed first up by the raucous call from a Blue-winged Kookaburra as we all headed off to explore
the ‘new’ track that I’d cleared. It took our group to the far side of the lagoon and about half way along. Quite a
few bush birds were found lurking in the long grass and surrounding lantana and native trees like Red-backed
Fairy-wrens, Red-browed Finches, Chestnut-breasted Mannikins, Grey Fantails, Brown and Yellow Honeyeaters,
Black-faced Cuckoo-shrikes and Rufous Whistlers.
On the water or by the edge were many of the usual water
birds with a group of seven Royal Spoonbills a highlight as
they continually fed along the shallows of the far side of the
water. Always sharing their feeding grounds was one Great
Egret. On the near side of the lagoon an Azure Kingfisher
seen by some for awhile, as it made several dives into the
water. Other water birds included cormorants, little-pied
and little-black (18), egrets great, intermediate and little
and ducks wood and black.
As we were all gathering for smoko, the Tamarin Trees
came alive with small birds like Yellow-bellied Flycatchers,
Rufous Whistlers, Grey Fantails, White-throated
Honeyeaters and one Shining Bronze-Cuckoo.
With near perfect weather conditions throughout the
morning, there were no excuses for not enjoying this birding
session. As per usual, there were lots of chatter between
participants. Editor
LAKE BARFIELD MONTHLY OUTING JULY 3rd.
Eight vehicles traveled to Hay Point to check out the bird life on and around Lake Barfield this Sunday morning
of July 3rd. With the morning sun warming our soles it also highlighted brilliantly four Forest Kingfishers as they
worked the lake margins of a sheltered bay, getting the day off to a great start. Across on the far s ide of the
lake a pair of Brolga feeding were spotted plus 18 Black Swans that were moored in a tight huddle near a
grassy bank. From the front yard of Tom Liddells house if we looked really carefully we were able to partly see
amongst the foliage directly opposite, three Nankeen Night Herons.
The two junior birders amongst us with their keen eyesight were often quick to pick up the smaller bird species
like White-throated, Dusky, Brown, Yellow Honeyeaters as they swiftly moved about the canopies, before us
older members. Good sightings of Rufous Whistlers, a Fantail Cuckoo, Great Egret and the ever active Grey
Fantails kept us entertained.
Visiting Australia from Norway, Karen Shadshiem, took
much pleasure from her sightings of Black Swans and
Australian Pelicans.
At smoko and bird call, Madge Barnett unveiled three of her
recent paintings of Eungella Honeyeaters. Two of them are
to feature in a production by Donna Maree Johnson of the
Clarke Range. The other painting was very kindly donated
by Madge to the club.
The winner of the ‘guess how many species’ competition
went to Joanne Morris who correctly guessed 63 although
there was an immediate protest. Having Indian Peafowl
(Peacock) on the official list (and seen on the property of
Eric and Judith Halat) was vigorously
disputed…..particularly by the person who picked 62
species for the outing!
Editor
Grey Fantail Justin Stent
Nankeen Night-Heron Tom Curtis
The Wren
18 The Wren
PETER FAUST DAM MONTHLY OUTING JULY 31ST.
The outing to Proserpine this year was to the well-known barra-fishing destination, the Peter Faust Dam.
Although this day clashed with the National Tree Planting Day, the outing attracted a healthy attendance of
thirteen.
For the four of us who travelled up from Mackay it
was our first visit to the dam and its surrounds and
we were not disappointed by what we saw.
Upon our arrival we were greeted by Graham and
Jan Armstrong with an enthusiastic group of locals
whom we found chatty and very welcoming.
The amount and variety of water birds was soon
recognized and were a feature of the shoreline for
as far as one could see (by telescope).
Mixed bird species congregated at many locations
from the boat ramp anticlockwise around the
perimeter of the dam.
Examples include one large flock of Little Black
Cormorants roosting at one point and then another
collection included pelicans and various egret
species.
There were plenty to check out.
A common dam species, the Hoary-headed Grebe,
proved reluctant to venture too close to shore for
easy camera shots but the four we observed
remained within close range throughout our visit.
Once we were satisfied with what we’d seen on
and around the dam from the car parking areas,
Graham chauffeured us along a well made gravel
track that led to a creek and an area densely
populated with paperbark trees.
Black-chinned Honeyeaters were the target species
here, but the trees had little blossom to entice large
numbers of honeyeaters. White-throated
Honeyeaters when seen were carefully examined as
they do have a lot of similarities to the black
chinned.
Six Bustards in a group in an oen space was the
highlight of the short drive. Back beside the dam in
the picnic facilities provided, I conducted the bird-
call.Winning the fabulous prize by guessing the
exact number of species sighted was Max.
Sixty two species was a good return for the
morning.
During smoko there was plenty of banter although
once Jan’s yummy fruit cake was sliced, it put a
temporary halt to all of that.
Thanks to Jan and thanks to Graham for
organizing an interesting and most enjoyable outing
to the Peter Faust Dam.
Editor
Australian Bustard Steve Dew
White-throated Honeyeater Steve Dew
Hoary-headed Grebe Steve Dew
The Wren
September 2016 19
SLEEPING ON THE WING
(Bryson Voirin, Max Planck Institute for Ornithology.)
The debate has finally been put to bed. Wearable brainwave recorders confirm that birds do indeed sleep while
flying, but only for brief periods and usually with one half of their brain
We know several bird species can travel vast distances non-stop, prompting speculation that they must nap
mid-flight. Great frigatebirds, for example, can fly continuously for up to two months. On the other hand, the
male sandpiper, for one, can largely forgo sleep during the breeding season, hinting that it may also be possible
for birds to stay awake during prolonged trips.
To settle this question, Niels Rattenborg at the Max Planck Institute for Ornithology in Seewiesen, Germany,
and his colleagues fitted small brain activity monitors and movement trackers to 14 great frigatebirds.
12-second naps
During long flights, the birds slept for an average of 41 minutes per day, in short episodes of about 12 seconds
each. By contrast, they slept for more than 12 hours per day on land. Frigatebirds in flight tend to use one
hemisphere at a time to sleep, as do ducks and dolphins, but sometimes they used both.
“Some people thought that all their sleep would have to be unihemispheric otherwise they would drop from the
sky,” says Rattenborg. “But that’s not the case – they can sleep with both hemispheres and they just continue
soaring.”
Sleep typically took place as the birds were circling in rising air currents, when they did not need to flap their
wings.
Weather eye
During this time, the brain hemisphere connected to the eye facing the direction of the turn was more likely to
stay awake.
“This may be to avoid collisions with other birds that are sleeping in the same air mass,” says Rattenborg. “For
me, that was interesting because it’s similar to what we have shown in mallard ducks. When they’re sleeping in
a group, the ones on the edge will keep one eye open that’s facing outwards.”
Frigatebirds’ ability to survive for long periods on less than an hour of naptime per day is remarkab le
considering how badly sleep deprivation affects other species, says Rattenborg.
How the birds manage this feat is unclear, but the researchers plan to study other globetrotting birds to find
out how common the trait is and how it works. “If we can determine how they’re able to manage on such little
sleep, that might inform our understanding of the consequences of sleep loss in humans and other animals,”
says Rattenborg.
Adaptive sleeplessness
Frigatebirds can’t swim on the ocean, as they lack waterproof feathers, so the ability to dramatically cut down
on sleep may have evolved out of necessity, says John Lesku at La Trobe University, Australia. “If you’re a bird
that spends your life at sea but can’t land on it, this is really your only option,” he says.
The fact that these birds can switch off at all in the risky context of flying highlights the indispensable nature of
sleep, Lesku says. “It shows that it is still doing something very important and evolution hasn’t found a way to
completely remove it.”
This essential role is still being unravelled, but the proof that birds can sleep during long-distance flights is an
important contribution, he says. “People have been thinking about this question for a long time, maybe
centuries, so it’s nice to have an answer.”
Report by Alice Klein
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20 The Wren
INTERESTING SIGHTINGS
COMMON MYNA: About 40 – ten kilometres south of Kunnuwurra -3/5/’16 – Bill Cameron.
PIED IMPERIAL PIGEONS: 5 – Walkerston – 5/5/’16– Daryl Barnes
BLACK-WINGED STILT: 100 plus – Kerrisdale Lakes – 20/6/’16 – Joanne Morris
FRIGATEBIRD (Lesser?): 1 – Slade Bay - 18/7/’16 – Gerry Wooodruff
OSPREY: 2 – nesting Telstra Tower Slade Point – 22/7/’16 – Gerry Woodruff
NOISY PITTA: 1 – Slade Point Reserve – 3/8/’16 – Daryl Barnes
COMMON MYNA: 5 - Charlotte Plains – 4/8/’16 – Desley Williams
INAUGURAL NATIONAL TWITCHATHON
Birdlife Australia will conduct an annual twitchathon as a National Event for the first time on October 29th & 30th
this year. There will be three events.
For more information contact Birdlife Mackay
BIRDLIFE MACKAY MONTHLY OUTINGS CALENDAR 2016
Each outing is on the first Sunday of the month. Bring food, water, a fold-up chair, sun and insect protection.
A gold coin donation applies.
Date 2016 Destination Meeting Place Meeting Time Contacts
September 4th. Tedlands near
Koumala Tourist Information Centre 0630
07 49593382
0427826677
October 2nd. Chelman’s Road
Eungella Chelman’s Road 0630
07 49593382 0427826677
November 6th. Lake Clive near
Belmunda Coningsby Service Station 0600
07 49593382 0427826677
December 4th. National Bird
Challenge N/A
07 49593382 0427826677
President/Newsletter: Daryl Barnes [email protected] 07 49593382
Secretary: Tom Curtis [email protected] 0427826677