Davey, C. & Purchase, D. (2004). A survey of the Superb Parrot Polytelis swainsonii and potential nesting tree hollows along roads of the south-western slopes, New South Wales. Corella 28: 1-3. (24 Bardsley Place, Holt, ACT 2615, Australia).

Action Plans for the management of Superb Parrot Polytelis swainsonii populations have been developed yet measures of abundance are lacking. We present a series of counts to determine the abundance of Superb Parrots and the number of potential nesting trees along road verges on the south-western slopes New South Wales. There were 2.5 possible nesting trees per kilometre whilst just prior to the start of the breeding season there were 0.62 birds per kilometre. Birds were reported throughout the survey area but their distribution did not correspond to an increase in the number of trees with potential nesting hollows. The survey provides benchmark data for future reference on the number of potential nesting trees and, due to the lack of correlation between Superb Parrot numbers and nesting trees, highlights the importance of retaining all trees whether isolated or not along road verges.

Powys, V. (2004). Breeding biology of the Red-capped Robin Petroica goodenovii in Capertee Valley, New South Wales. Corella 28: 4-10. ("Rocklands", Glen Davis Road, Capertee Valley, NSW 2846, Australia).

This paper describes the breeding biology for 12 nesting pairs of Red-capped Robins Petroica goodenovii that were studied in 12 hectares of dry woodland in Capertee Valley, New South Wales, from September 2000 to March 2001. Individuals were reliably identified by plumage, song and territory. Twenty-nine nesting attempts by 12 pairs produced 12 fledglings from seven nests (24% nest success rate). Territory size averaged 1.02 hectares, with nests 35-170 metres apart, mean height above ground 4.5 metres. Nests took 2-5 days to build. Incubation began 2-4 days after the nest was completed. The incubation period was approximately 13-14 days; young fledged 13-14 days after hatching and were independent 33-40 days after fledging (aged 6-8 weeks). Nestlings were fed on average 5.5 times per hour over 14 days (n = 24 hours).

Powys, V. (2004). Breeding behaviour, vocalizations and plumage of the Red-capped Robin Petroica goodenovii in Capertee Valley, New South Wales. Corella 28: 11-19. ("Rocklands", Glen Davis Road, Capertee Valley, NSW 2846, Australia).

This paper describes the nesting behaviour, vocalizations and plumage of 12 pairs of Red-capped Robins Petroica goodenovii studied during the breeding season from September 2000 to March 2001 in 12 hectares of dry woodland in Capertee Valley, New South Wales. Individuals were reliably identified by plumage, song and territory. Four brown-plumaged breeding males had rust-coloured caps. Fourteen distinct vocalizations were recognized (11 for adults, three for young).

Creagh, A., Fawcett, J. & Jones, D. (2004). Shrub density correlates with densities of White-browed Scrubwrens Sericornis frontalis in three forest types in south-eastern Queensland. Corella 28: 20-21. (Australian School of Environmental Studies, Griffith University, Nathan, Qld. 4111, Australia).

Bird density was significantly higher in the transition zone (ecotone) between subtropical rainforest and wet sclerophyll forest probably because the shrub layer density was higher.

Woxvold, I. & Magrath, M.J.I. (2004). Predation events at an Apostlebird nest. Corella 28: 22-23. (Department of Zoology, University of Melbourne, Vic. 3010, Australia).

Accipiter fasciatus took three Struthidea cinerea chicks from a nest and twenty minutes later a Cracticus torquatus took the remaining one.

Norman, F.I. * Cooper, C. (2004). Recoveries, recaptures and resightings of Australasian Gannets Morus serrator banded at Lawrence Rocks, Victoria. Corella 28: 24-30. (Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research, Department of Sustainability and Environment, 123 Brown Street, Heidelberg, Vic. 3084, Australia).

Banding of Australasian Gannets Morus serrator (mainly of pre-fledging young) at Lawrence Rocks, off western Victoria, was initiated in 1960 and continued in most years until the 1971-1972 breeding period; a second series of banding began in 1986-1987 and occurred annually until 1996-1997. A total of 9 640 young and 374 adults was banded during these visits. Recoveries, recaptures and resightings of these banded birds are summarised here. To June 2002, some 203 (2.1%) of birds banded as young have been recovered both locally and at considerable distances. Dispersal tended to be westwards and included numerous records around Western Australia; younger (<48 months) birds were often recovered at greater distances. For younger birds, recoveries were more numerous in months immediately following fledging whereas older birds (>48 months) were usually found within the breeding period. Between 1960 and 1997, 86 birds marked as chicks were recaptured at Lawrence Rocks, usually four or more years post banding and breeding was increasingly reported in birds over three years old. Two birds from Lawrence Rocks were found dead during development of the Wedge Light colony in Port Phillip Bay, and 12 others have subsequently entered breeding populations there although only three from Port Phillip sites have been recorded at Lawrence Rocks. Several birds banded as chicks have been recovered (or resighted) at the newly-established mainland colony at nearby Point Danger and it is suggested that this colony was founded by young breeders from Lawrence Rocks.

Banding began at Lawrence Rocks as the colony was expanding and continued until the site was fully occupied. The recorded intrusion of birds from other sites has been low and it is considered that the colony developed essentially from the return of birds to the natal colony (apart from the inclusion of a small number of Cape Gannets M. capensis now breeding there). Since Australasian Gannets may move extensively, particularly when young and not breeding, conservation measures must take account of its temporal distribution and requisite resources.

 Olsen, J., Debus, S., Rose, A.B. & Hayes, G. (2004). Breeding success, cliff characteristics and diet of Peregrine Falcons at high altitude in the Australian Capital Territory. Corella 28: 33-37. (Applied Ecology Research Group, Division of Communication and Education, University of Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia.)

The nest-site characteristics, breeding density, fledging success and diet of the Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus in high-elevation forest in the Australian Capital Territory were studied at five active nests from 1991 to 1995. Breeding diet at five active nests at lower elevation near Canberra was also studied in 1991. At high-elevation sites the falcons' breeding diet consisted entirely of birds (37 identified species), mostly Rock Doves Columba livia, Galahs Cacatua roseicapilla, other parrots and Common Starlings Sturnus vulgaris, with some larger species such as Cockatoos Cacatua, magpies Gymnorhina, currawongs Strepera, and ravens Corvus. At lower elevation the breeding diet also consisted entirely of birds (12 species), but mostly Silver Gulls Larus novaehollandiae, Galahs, other parrots, and Starlings, with no large, potentially dangerous prey. Prey at high-elevation sites differed from that in other Australian studies in the high proportion of large, heavy items. Falcons at high-elevation sites nested at lower density, on higher cliffs that were more sheltered from the weather and had nestlings of lower weight and lower fledging success, than those at lower-elevation sites. Falcons at forested high-elevation sites appear to face a shortage of suitable prey or capture opportunities, as well as harsher weather.

Pierce, M. & Adlard, R.D. (2004). Absence of blood parasites on Heron Island, Great Barrier Reef. Corella 28: 38-39. (MP International Consultancy, 16 Westmorland Close, Woosehill, Wokingham, Berkshire RG41 3AZ, UK).

104 birds of Anous minutus, Puffinus pacificus, Gallirallus philippensis tournelierie and Zosterops lateralis chlorocephalus were tested.

Debus, S., Olsen, J. & Rose, A.B. (2004). Diet of the Barn Owl Tyto alba near Lake Frome in arid South Australia. Corella 28: 40-42. (Division of Zoology, University of New England, Armidale, NSW 2351, Australia).

This paper presents an analysis of 56 whole pellets and fragments of approximately 200 pellets of the Barn Owl Tyto alba, collected in August 1981 from the arid pastoral zone of north-eastern South Australia. The owl's diet consisted of 67 per cent mammals (62% rodents). 3 per cent birds, 30 per cent lizards and less than 1 per cent insects by number and 82 per cent mammals (74% rodents), 8 per cent birds, 10 per cent lizards and less than 1 per cent insects by biomass. The introduced House Mouse Mus domesticus was the predominant mammal, and only rodent, recorded.

Hamilton, A.J., Taylor, I.R. & Rogers, P*. (2004). Seasonal and diurnal patterns in abundance of waterbirds at a waste stabilization pond. Corella 28: 43-54. (* Primary Industries Research Victoria - Knoxfield, Private Bag 15, Ferntree Gully Delivery Centre, Vic. 3156, Australia).

Seasonal and diurnal patterns in abundance of waterbirds (excluding waterfowl: Anatidae) on a waste-stabilization pond (Pond Nine) within the Lake Borrie System at the Western Treatment Plant, Werribee, Victoria were determined. The Western Treatment Plant is an important Ramsar site, mainly for the waterbird populations that occur there. Pond Nine often supports large numbers of waterbirds. However, seasonal and diurnal use of the site has received little attention to date.

The pond was used as a nonbreeding site by large numbers of Straw-necked Ibises and also by more variable numbers of Australian White Ibises, Pied Cormorants, Little Pied Cormorants, Little Black Cormorants, Australian Pelicans, Silver Gulls, Eurasian Coots and Hoary-headed Grebes.

Straw-necked Ibises, Australian White Ibises, Pied Cormorants, Little Pied Cormorants, Little Black Cormorants, Silver Gulls and Australian Pelicans demonstrated crepuscular peaks of abundance. None of these species feed regularly at Pond Nine. In contrast, species that fed at or near Pond Nine, such as Eurasian Coot, Hoary-headed Grebe and consistent numbers of Black-winged Stilts were observed throughout the day.

Craig, M.D. (2004). A comparison of species counts and density estimates derived from area searches, line transects and point counts in the jarrah forest of south-western Australia. Corella 28: 55-59. (5 Monument Street, Mosman Park, WA 6907, Australia).

No studies have examined differences between census methods for birds in south-western Australian forests, yet unique features of south-western forests may be responsible for differences from those recorded in studies conducted elsewhere. Differences in the number of bird species recorded and densities estimated by area searches, line transects and point counts in jarrah forests of south-western Australia were examined. All three methods detected a similar number of species but area searches gave higher estimates of overall bird density. This difference probably occurred because area searches were conducted for a longer period of time and detected more cryptic birds in a given area than the other two methods. These results were similar to studies conducted in eucalypt forests in south-eastern Australia and in non-forest habitats in western Australia, suggesting that differences between the three methods are consistent across different habitats and regions in Australia. However, density estimates should not be compared directly between studies using area searches and either line transects or point counts, even if the censuses are conducted for the same length of time.

Hamilton J.H. & I.A.Taylor (2004). Seasonal patterns in abundance of waterfowl (Anatidae) at a waste stabilization pond in Victoria. Corella 28:61-67. (Applied Ornithology Group, Johnstone Centre, School of Environmental and Information Science, Charles Sturt University, PO Box 789, Albury, NSW 2640, Australia).

The seasonal abundance of waterfowl on a waste stabilization pond at the Western Treatment Plant, Victoria, Australia, was studied over two years. The abundances of species that are considered to be highly dispersive, such as Pink-eared Duck Malacorhynchus membranaceus  and Grey Teal Anas gracilis , were erratic and inconsistent across the two years. For other species, such as the Australian Shoveler Anas rhyncotis, Black Swan Cygnus atratus, Pacific Black Duck Anas superciliosa  and Australian Shelduck Tadorna tadornoides, more consistent patterns were observed each year. Most species used the site during what would be expected to be their non-breeding season. Australian Shelducks appeared to use the site as a late-spring/early-autumn moulting refuge

Hasebe M. & D.C. Franklin (2004). Food sources of the Rainbow Lorikeet Trichoglossus haematodus during the early wet season on the urban fringe of Darwin, northern Australia. Corella 28: 68-74. (Correspondence email:  don DOT franklin AT cdu DOT edu DOT au).

The food sources of the Rainbow Lorikeet Trichoglossus haematodus were studied from October to January in a mixed environment of urban, semi-urban and remnant native vegetation on the coastal fringe of Darwin in the Northern Territory. The study coincided with a period of low nectar availability in the tropical savannas, but abundant flowering and fruiting of rainforest trees and the ripening of cultivated fruit of Mango Mangifera indica. Lorikeets obtained a diversity of food types from 37 species of plants. Consumption of seed, mostly of the Coastal She-oak Casuarina equisetifolia, and nectar and/or pollen from a diversity of species comprised 41 per cent and 40 per cent respectively of foraging observations. Lerp obtained from the leaves of cultivated eucalypts was also prominent in the diet, whilst consumption of fleshy fruits was minor and consisted entirely of consumption of mango early in the study period. Just over 50 per cent of flower-feeding records were at eucalypts and over 60 per cent at myrtaceous trees. Food sources and flock sizes varied considerably over time within the study period. The median size of feeding flocks was five, with a range from 1 to 30, the largest flocks occurring in Mango trees and at the flowers of woodland trees, and the smallest at cultivated flower and leaf sources. Coastal forest provided mainly seed and woodland trees mainly nectar and/or pollen, whilst the urban environment provided a wide range of resources. However, an extensive band of semi-deciduous vine-thicket provided few food resources and supported few lorikeets during the study period. The large population of lorikeets in the study area was supported both by the diversity of plants associated in particular with urban plantings, and by the juxtoposition of habitats.

Christie, P. (2004). Extension of the known breeding range of the Superb Parrot. Corella 28: 75-78. (New South Wales National Parks Service, PO Box 2111, Dubbo, NSW 2830, Australia).

Targeted surveys were undertaken in the area between Cowra and Dubbo in the spring of 2001 and 2002 in an attempt to determine the breeding season movement patterns and the northernmost limit of the breeding range of the Superb Parrot Polytelis swainsonii. This study found that the Superb Parrot was nesting in at least four locations between the Lachlan River and Molong. This extends the known breeding range of the Superb Parrot to the north by approximately 75 kilometres.

Gibson, L. & J.Baker (2004). Diet of the Eastern Bristlebird Dasyornis brachypterus in New South Wales. Corella 28: 79-81. (Australian Museum, 6 College Street, Sydney NSW 2010, Australia).

The diet of the Eastern bristlebird Dasyornis brachypterus in New South Wales was determined from observations and an analysis of faeces, stomach and gut contents of 18 birds caught in or obtained from Booderee National Park, Jervis Bay and Barren Grounds Nature Reserve, New South Wales. The study showed these birds largely take mobile terrestrial invertebrate species, the majority of which are ants and beetles. There is some indication that plant material, especially seeds, are also part of the diet. Observations suggest that the diet is opportunistic and based on foraging behaviour of 'peck it and see'.

Phillimore, R.L. & Recher, H.F. (2004). Observations on a Great Egret Ardea alba and Nankeen Night Heron Nycticorax caledonicus  colony at the Perth Zoo, Western Australia. Corella 28: 82-86. (PO Box 154, Brooklyn, NSW 2083, Australia).

A colony of Great Egrets Ardea alba and Nankeen Night Herons Nycticorax caledonicus has existed at the Perth Zoo, Western Australia for over 25 years. The colony of egrets is one of very few in the region and hence is significant for the conservation and management of Great Egrets in Western Australia. From 1996 to 1998, surveys were conducted to determine the number of breeding pairs, clutch size, breeding success and nest site selection of birds in the colony. Most observations were ground based, but a 30-metre cherry picker was used to inspect nests and determine clutch size. One hundred and thirty night heron and 49 egret nests were found in 1996; 92 night heron and 41 egret nests in 1997; and 153 night heron and 36 egret nests in 1998. Nesting commenced in September, with peak numbers in early November. Both species nested in tall trees well above zoo visitors and animals. Egrets nested only in pines, whereas night herons nested mainly in figs. Great Egrets had and an average clutch size of 2.6-2.7 by early November compared with a clutch of 1.6-1.8 for Nankeen Night Herons. It was estimated that 95 per cent of egret eggs and 89 per cent of night heron eggs laid by early November in 1997 hatched and that 53 percent of egret eggs (1.4 per nest) and 65 per cent of night heron eggs (1.2 per nest) survived to fledging. Incomplete data precluded estimates of breeding success for 1996 and 1998. The colony appears viable, but its long-term survival depends on the on-going provision of nest trees within the zoo and the conservation of habitat within the Perth metropolitan area.

Clancy, G.P. (2004). A survey of road-killed owls in north-eastern New South Wales. Corella 28: 89- 92. (P.O. Box 63, Coutts Crossing, NSW 2460, Australia.).

All owls found dead along roads were noted as part of a larger survey of road-killed vertebrate fauna in north-eastern New South Wales between February 1978 and December 1999. 197 owls of five species, comprising two hawk owls, genus Ninox, and three masked owls, genus Tyto, were recorded. An average of 9.1 owls/yr was recorded, The Barn Owl Tyto alba and Southern Boobook Ninox novaeseelandiae comprised 91.3% of all records. Only three specimens (1.5%) of the Powerful Owl Ninox strenua, seven (3.6%) of the Masked Owl Tyto novaehollandiae and seven (3.6%) of the Grass Owl Tyto capensis were found. The Barn Owl, Masked Owl and Southern Boobook were recorded throughout the year. The Grass Owl was recorded only between late winter and late spring. The relative numbers of owls killed compared with other vertebrate species, the reasons for the seasonal bias, where present, and factors causing owls to be road-killed are discussed.

Jones, H.A. (2004). A note on the diet of the Australian Owlet-nightjar Aegotheles cristatus from near Warren, New South Wales. Corella 28: 93-94. (3 Stafford Place, Turramurra, NSW 2074, Australia).

Debus, S.J.S. and A.B. Rose. (2004). Diet of the Barn Owl Tyto alba near Tamworth, New South Wales. Corella 28: 95. (Division of Zoology, University of New England, Armidale, NSW 2351, Australia).

Burbidge, A.A. and P.J. Fuller. (2004). Numbers of non-burrowing breeding seabirds of the Houtman Abrolhos: 1991-1993 and 1999. Corella 28: 96-103. (Department of Conservation and Land Management, Western Australian Wildlife Research Centre, P.O. Box 51, Wanneroo, WA 6946, Australia).

Counts of non-burrowing seabirds were conducted on 146 islands, islets and rocks in the Houtman Abrolhos, Western Australia over 14 days in early summer 1999, using a jet boat. Comparisons with similar counts made in 1991-1993 showed that numbers of breeding pairs increased from 450 000 to 701 000. This difference was due largely to the Sooty Tern Sterna fuscata (272 700 to 455 200) and Common Noddy Anous stolidus (132 000 to 161 400), although numbers of Crested Sterna bergii, Roseate Sterna dougallii and Fairy Terns Sterna nereis and Lesser Noddy Anous tenuirostris also increased. Fluctuations between 1991-93 and 1999 may be explained by increased numbers of pairs breeding in years when food is abundant, with years with a strong Leeuwin Current having lower participation rates and delayed breeding in many species. Interpretation of data collected during rapid monitoring of seabirds at the Houtman Abrolhos, such as reported here, must take account of oceanic conditions.

Priddel, D. and N. Carlile. (2004). Seabird Islands. No. 22/1: Boondelbah Island, New South Wales. Corella 28: 104-106. (Department of Environment and Conservation (NSW), 43 Bridge Street, Hurstville, NSW 2220, Australia).

Priddel, D. and N. Carlile. (2004). Seabird Islands. No. 35/1: Cabbage Tree Island, New South Wales. Corella 28: 107-109. (Department of Environment and Conservation (NSW), 43 Bridge Street, Hurstville, NSW 2220, Australia).

Coate, K.H. (2004). Seabird Islands. No. 248: Booby Island, Kimberley Region, Western Australia. Corella 28: 110-111. (11 Peak View, Canning Vale, WA 6155, Australia).

Coate, K.H., C. Done and T. Willing (2004). Seabird Islands. No. 249: Sterna Island, Kimberley Region, Western Australia. Corella 28: 112-114. (11 Peak View, Canning Vale, WA 6155, Australia).