45. Welcome Swallow Hirundo neoxena A small number of pairs were seen. There were 3 disused nests in the rafters of the shearing shed. Three to four birds were observed flying around the homestead, one pair was seen at the ephemeral wetland below East Hill and a further 2 to 3 pairs were using the slopes of Nettle Gully at E579632 / N5604860. The population estimate was about 20 birds (6 - 8 pairs).
40. Forest Raven Corvus tasmanicus Widespread but relatively few in number. Seen in most habitats including foraging under seaweed along tide-lines and crossing the channel to mainland Flinders Island. Regularly observed mobbing raptors and highest numbers were recorded around the homestead and on disturbed pasture. The remains of one egg [large pale blue-green blotched brown] was found by Tom Sloane. The population estimate was 4 to 6 birds [2 - 3 pairs] though this could increase seasonally.
46. Silvereye Zosterops lateralis One of the most conspicuous species on the island and abundant in woody and scrubby vegetation, including african boxthorn. Small flocks of 4 to 6 birds were frequently seen or larger mixed flocks with thornbill and scrubwren. Nest building and nest attendance were frequently seen. Calls were tuneful and melodic and often included mimicry. Birds appeared larger and more robust in body size than Tasmanian birds and were dark brown and tan in colour, with a definite wing stripe.
41. Australasian Pipit Anthus novaehollandiae Identified singularly or in pairs and most frequently seen on the airstrip, rough pasture and thistle paddocks around the homestead. No nests were found. 42. Eurasian Skylark Alauda arvensis Birds were commonly seen hovering over degraded pasture and tussock areas, especially around the homestead and airstrip. Frequently heard calling and seen performing aerial displays. No nests were found.
47. Common Starling Sternus vulgaris Starlings were surprisingly uncommon and sighted in only two locations during the survey period. A small flock of 6 to 8 birds was regularly collecting sticks and grasses from the dilapidated eagle nest at the homestead and relaying them to nearby rocks at the beginning of House Bay. A second flock of 2 birds was seen on two occasions carrying nesting material into a rock cavity below West Hill 50 m east of E0576486 / N5605705. Population estimate was 10 birds (5 pairs).
43. Beautiful Firetail Stagonopleura bella One individual calling in woody vegetation and african boxthorn near the homestead. Heard on three separate occasions and possibly nesting in this area. 44. House Sparrow Passer domesticus One small flock congregated around the farmhouse and home paddock area and birds were using the dilapidated eagle nest and nearby african boxthorn to nest in. The population estimate was about 20 birds.
Inner (West) Sister Island • Scientific Expedition • 2010
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