An adult Little Grebe was found again at the Darwin Sewage Works yesterday afternoon. It was present tody, in the same pond where last year's Little Grebe spent most of its time. It may be the same bird as last year, returned again from Indonesia, or perhaps it moved off with Australasian Grebes, spent the year with them, and now returned with them. Whichever, it counts as the third Australian record of the species, all from Leanyer Sewage Works, all first seen September - October.
A Grey-headed Honeyeater was seen at East Point this afternoon. The report was made by a very reliable observer, so I have no hesitation accepting it. An extremely interesting observation, so far north of its normal range. Photos taken were unfortunately silhouetted and blurry but show the yellow underparts. The description supplied was perfect for Grey-headed. There were two Banded Honeyeaters also at the site.
The first record of Little Stint for many years (possibly 30), found at Palmerston Sewage Works, 02 October 2009. The bird was in rahter dark/dull juvenile plumage and identifiable on the basis of:
distinct lateral sreaking on the crown
whitish mantle V
rufous in the tertials and wing coverts
slender, slightly drooping bill
The bird stood out quite markedly from the Red-necked Stints around it, though it was not in as bright plumage as a fresh juvenile would tyopically be seen. Nevertheless, the features noted above clearly rule out all but Little Stint.
I will post some photos as soon as I can.