New South Wales – Bird Families of the World

week 085 | Yamba Pelagic & Southern Tablelands | trip list 632 – 634

Posted on February, 2026March, 2026

New Order for Australia!

In an Eggshell:

Big Zigzag bird species count: 634 (+2 this week)
Big Zigzag bird families count: 93 (+1 this week)
Big Zigzag Lifers: 168 (+0 this week)
Campsite Lifers 30 (+0 this week)
Big Zigzag New for Australia list: 225 (+1 this week), AU list now 654.
eBird days of checklist streak: 593.
Week’s special milestones: new Order for Australia! (Phaethontiformes). All Australian

Bird(s) of the Week

New bird family for my Australian life list! (Naturealy new for Big Zigzag). Actually new order as
Phaethontidae is a monotype family in Phaethontiformes.
Red-tailed Tropicbird (Phaethon rubricauda) photograped during Yamba (NSW) pelagic, and seen only once before, 10 years ago in Nosy Ve, Madagascar. The 2 other family (order) members, seen only once each: Red-billed Tropicbird (Phaethon aethereus) from Eilat, Israel north beach 20 years ago (5/2006), and
White-tailed Tropicbird (Phaethon lepturus) in Dominican Republic, 4/2017.

Lesser Frigatebird (Fregata ariel) photographed for the first time during Yamba Pelagic. Seen in the past a few times in Tropical North Quuensland as a BZZ lifer on 8-9/2024.

Spotted Quail-thrush (Cinclosoma punctatum) added as last of the 7 Aussie Cinclosomatidae (Jewel-babblers and Quail-thrushes) this week to Big Zigzag count. Photo from 2018, Brisbane Ranges National Park, VIC.

Non-bird image(s)

Risso’s Dolphin

Clive State Forest, Spotted Quail-thrush site.

Week's Key location(s)

Yamba Pelagic

Clive State Forest – Spotted Quail-thrush site

Big Zigzag Travelled so far: 78700 km (this week 500 km)

eBird Checklists this week

2304. 28 Feb 2026 11:19 AM Mother of Ducks Lagoon Nature Reserve, Guyra

2303. 27 Feb 2026 1:05 PM Clive State Forest, Inverell

2302. 26 Feb 2026 5:43 PM Armidale

2301. 25 Feb 2026 1:16 PM Wollomombi Falls

2300. 24 Feb 2026 1:06 PM Dangar Falls, Bellingen

2299. 24 Feb 2026 10:59 AM Mount Hyland Lodge, Clarence Valley

2298. 23 Feb 2026 1:41 PM 10 See Street, Grafton, New South Wales, AU (-29.684, 152.927)

2297. 22 Feb 2026 7:00 PM Coutts Crossing, Clarence Valley

2296. 22 Feb 2026 2:19 PM Auto selected -29.45517, 153.49014, Clarence Valley

2295.22 Feb 2026 1:54 PM Auto selected -29.47686, 153.57985

2294. 22 Feb 2026 1:32 PM Auto selected -29.50066, 153.65318

2293. 22 Feb 2026 1:12 PM Auto selected -29.51870, 153.71953

2292. 22 Feb 2026 12:56 PM Auto selected -29.51573, 153.74934

2291. 22 Feb 2026 12:34 PM Auto selected -29.52474, 153.80508

2290. 22 Feb 2026 11:46 AM Auto selected -29.51784, 153.80449

2289. 22 Feb 2026 11:17 AM Auto selected -29.46883, 153.89293

2288. 22 Feb 2026 9:40 AM Auto selected -29.39458, 153.89695

2287. 22 Feb 2026 9:33 AM Auto selected -29.38001, 153.88060

2286. 22 Feb 2026 8:37 AM Auto selected -29.34023, 153.87800

2285. 22 Feb 2026 8:12 AM Auto selected -29.35040, 153.78958

2284. 22 Feb 2026 7:50 AM Auto selected -29.36078, 153.70969

2283. 22 Feb 2026 7:09 AM Auto selected -29.38984, 153.56185

2282. 22 Feb 2026 6:19 AM Yamba

2281. 22 Feb 2026 6:16 AM Auto selected -29.42644, 153.37253

Big Zigzag Birding

week 084 | Back to NSW via New England Hwy | trip list 632 – 632

Posted on February, 2026February, 2026

Scenic Rim - Southern Downs - Glen Innes Severn - Clarence Valley

In an Eggshell:

Big Zigzag bird species count: 632 (+0 this week)
Big Zigzag bird families count: 92 (+0 this week)
Big Zigzag Lifers: 168 (+0 this week)
Campsite Lifers 30 (+0 this week)
Big Zigzag New for Australia list: 224 (+0 this week), AU list now 653.
eBird days of checklist streak: 586.
Week’s special milestones: Traveled 77777 km!

Bird(s) of the Week

Blue-faced Honeyeater. Common and beautiful.

White-headed Pigeon (Columba leucomela), was already Bird of the Week in the past, but choosen again :-), nice surprise in Fishing Haven Holiday Park near Yamba.

Non-bird image(s)

Gibraltar Range NP, NSW

New England Hwy

Week's Key location(s)

Although dipped the Chestnut-rumped Heathwren, still great place.

Big Zigzag Travelled so far: 78200 km (this week 450 km)

eBird Checklists this week

2280. 21 Feb 2026 11:07 AM Fishing Haven Holiday Park, Clarence Valley

2279. 20 Feb 2026 3:13 PM Fishing Haven Holiday Park, Clarence Valley

2278. 19 Feb 2026 4:37 PM Coutts Crossing, Clarence Valley

2277. 19 Feb 2026 1:49 PM Raspberry Lookout Road, Glen Innes Severn

2276. 18 Feb 2026 11:17 AM Australian Standing Stones (Glen Innes), New South Wales

2275. 17 Feb 2026 10:39 AM Girraween National Park–Pyramid Trail, Queensland

2274. 16 Feb 20269:46 AM Mount Alford Hotel, Scenic Rim

2273. 15 Feb 2026 12:28 PM Mount Alford Hotel, Scenic Rim

Big Zigzag Birding

week 077 | Happy New Year and Big Lap completed! | trip list 610 – 615

Posted on January, 2026January, 2026

Heritage rainforest species boosted 2025 list, back to QLD after 428 days and 2 great lifers to start with 2026

In an Eggshell:

Big Zigzag bird species count: 615 (+5 this week)
Big Zigzag bird families count: 92 (+1 this week: Painted-Snipes)
Big Zigzag Lifers: 160 (+3 this week: Black-backed Bittern, Australian Painted-Snipe, Paradise Riflebird)
Campsite Lifers 30 (+0 this week)
Big Zigzag New for Australia list: 214 (+3 this week), AU list now 643.
eBird AU year list 2025: 508 (#15!)
eBird days of checklist streak: 537
Week’s special milestones: over 500 species in AU year list 2025!, Big Lap done (and counting)

Bird(s) of the Week

Paradise Riflebird (Ptiloris paradiseus) last lifer for 2025 after 40 days without one! dipped in 2024 at Lamington National Park (QLD) found this week at the south most Paradisaeidae (Birds-of-paradise) present: Dorrigo National Park (NSW). Only 220 km distance, but it took me over 70000 km to be again in the bird’s range.

Black-backed Bittern (Botaurus dubius) finaly, at Sandy Camp Road Wetlands, QLD. After dipped a few times at ACT & NSW.

Australian Painted-snipe (Rostratula australis) at Coombabah Lakelands Conservation Area, QLD. A new bird family for my Australia’s list. Can also be called the Big Lap bird, and first lifer for 2026!

Non-bird image(s)

Sandy Camp Road Wetlands.

Coombabah Lakelands Conservation Area.

Week's Key location(s)

Coombabah Lakelands Conservation Area, QLD

Big Zigzag Travelled so far: 73200 km (this week 1100 km)

eBird Checklists this week

2199. 03 Jan 2026 8:00 AM Canungra Sports and Recreation Ground

2198. 02 Jan 2026 11:53 AM Sandy Camp Road Wetlands, Brisbane

2197. 02 Jan 2026 10:23 AM Coombabah Lakelands Conservation Area (Arundel section)

2196. 02 Jan 2026 9:54 AM Cabarita Headland, Tweed, New South Wales

2195. 01 Jan 2026 12:11 PM Cape Byron State Conservation Area

2194. 31 Dec 2025 11:45 AM Victoria Park Nature Reserve (Alstonville), Ballina

2193. 31 Dec 2025 8:42 AM Three Mile Swamp Road, Nymboida, Clarence Valley

2192. 30 Dec 2025 3:27 PM Look At Me Now Headland Track, Coffs Harbour

2191. 30 Dec 2025 11:11 AM Nobles Lane Camphor Laurels, Bellingen

2190. 29 Dec 2025 7:57 AM Dorrigo National Park

2189. 28 Dec 2025 2:19 PM Dorrigo National Park–Satinbird Stroll & Boardwalk

2188. 28 Dec 2025 1:20 PM Dangar Falls

2187. 28 Dec 2025 9:16 AM 103 Nursery Road, North Macksville, New South Wales, AU (-30.708, 152.94)

Big Zigzag Birding

week 076 | Heading North of Sydney | trip list 607 – 610

Posted on December, 2025January, 2026

Jamberoo - Illaroo - Broke - Hunter Wetlands NP - Port Macquarie - Macksville

In an Eggshell:

Big Zigzag bird species count: 610 (+3 this week)
Big Zigzag bird families count: 91 (+0 this week)
Big Zigzag Lifers: 157 (+0 this week)
Campsite Lifers 30 (+0 this week)
Big Zigzag New for Australia list: 211 (+0 this week), AU list now 640.
eBird AU year list: 492
eBird days of checklist streak: 530
Week’s special milestones: none

Bird(s) of the Week

From 0 to 50 in a few weeks… White-headed Pigeon (Columba leucomela) was missing from the trip list and a few places checked without success in the last few weeks. Luckly eBird directed my to Emerys Road, Illaroo (NSW) where about 50 of them just waited for me 🙂 .

Brown Cuckoo-Dove (Macropygia phasianella)

Little, Common and Created Terns, Port Macquarie North Wall

White-throated Needletail (Hirundapus caudacutus), 1 of about 80 above Seal Rocks Lighthouse.

Scaly-breasted Lorikeet (Trichoglossus chlorolepidotus), Dawkins Park, Macksville

Non-bird image(s)

Port Macquarie North Wall

King Creek Road Swamp, Wauchope

Just after adding Scaly-breasted Lorikeet to the year list, Dawkins Park, Macksville

Week's Key location(s)

Location Emerys Road, Illaroo at this point have the ,magic to attaract dozens of White-headed Pigeons and some

Little & Common Terns (among many Created Terns) – new for Big ZigZag from Port Macquarie North Wall

Dawkins Park, Macksville

Big Zigzag Travelled so far: 72100 km (this week 1000 km)

eBird Checklists this week

2186. 27 Dec 2025 3:20 PM Dawkins Park, Macksville

2185. 26 Dec 2025 7:04 PM Dawkins Park, Macksville

2184. 26 Dec 2025 2:14 PM Pelican Point Rainforest Reserve, Port Macquarie-Hastings

2183. 26 Dec 2025 1:28 PM Settlement Point Reserve, Port Macquarie-Hastings

2182. 26 Dec 2025 10:48 AM King Creek Road Swamp, Wauchope

2181. 25 Dec 2025 11:20 AM Seal Rocks Lighthouse Walk

2180. 24 Dec 2025 1:06 PM Hunter Wetlands National Park–Stockton Sandspit

2179. 24 Dec 2025 9:20 AM Broke

2178. 23 Dec 2025 4:56 PM Broke

2177. 22 Dec 2025 3:46 PM Warragamba Dam Wall

2176. 21 Dec 2025 4:55 PM Emerys Road, Illaroo at -34.83729, 150.494303

2175. 21 Dec 2025 2:52 PM Huskisson

2174. 21 Dec 2025 11:55 AM Jamberoo

Australian Capital Territory

week 075 | mainly Jerrabomberra Wetlands | trip list 607 – 607

Posted on December, 2025January, 2026

Cann River - Bredbo - ACT - Yass - Robertson

In an Eggshell:

Big Zigzag bird species count: 607 (+0 this week)
Big Zigzag bird families count: 91 (+0 this week)
Big Zigzag Lifers: 157 (+0 this week)
Campsite Lifers 30 (+0 this week)
Big Zigzag New for Australia list: 211 (+0 this week), AU list now 640.
eBird AU year list: 487
eBird days of checklist streak: 523
Week’s special milestones: none

Bird(s) of the Week

Eastern Cattle-Egret

Baillon’s Crake

Pink-eared Duck (Malacorhynchus membranaceus), monotype genus Australian endmic

Jerrabomberra Wetlands: Australian Pelican, Australian Ibis, Maned Duck, Little Black Cormorant, Royal Spoonbill, Eurasian Coot

Non-bird image(s)

Jarabombera Marshes. Even though I dipped the Black-backed Bittern, it’s great to be here. 60 species a day, with 5 beautiful hides, and a 2 minute drive from Barrio Collective Coffee Roastery and Capital Brewing Co, where you can have a delicious vegan burger.

Week's Key location(s)

Big Zigzag Travelled so far: 71100 km (this week 800 km)

eBird Checklists this week

2173. 20 Dec 2025 11:31 AM Robertson Nature Reserve

2172. 19 Dec 2025 10:04 AM Joe O’Connor Park, Yass

2171. 18 Dec 2025 6:44 AM Jerrabomberra Wetlands Nature Reserve

2170. 17 Dec 2025 7:38 AM Jerrabomberra Wetlands Nature Reserve

2169. 16 Dec 2025 10:07 AM Jerrabomberra Wetlands Nature Reserve

2168. 15 Dec 2025 2:39 PM Jerrabomberra Wetlands Nature Reserve

2167. 15 Dec 2025 10:06 AM Jerrabomberra Wetlands Nature Reserve

2166. 14 Dec 2025 7:01 PM Bredbo

2165. 14 Dec 2025 9:38 AM Cann River Bushland Reserve–Rainforest Walk

Big Zigzag Birding

week 074 | Chasing Aurora Australis failed | trip list 607 – 607

Posted on December, 2025December, 2025

Parramatta - Burralow - Robertson - Cooma - Marlo - Sale

In an Eggshell:

Bird(s) of the Week

Eastern Shriketit (Falcunculus frontatus), member of the 3 members endmic family Falcunculidae (Shriketits). Sale Common Nature Conservation Reserve.

Non-bird image(s)

Starlink satellite train.

Waragrambe old cars meeting at the free camping area.

Week's Key location(s)

Big Zigzag Travelled so far: 70300 km (this week 1400 km)

eBird Checklists this week

2164. 13 Dec 2025 3:22 PM Cann River Bushland Reserve–Rainforest Walk

2163. 13 Dec 2025 12:00 PM Forest Park, East Gippsland

2162. 12 Dec 2025 10:52 AM Sale Common Nature Conservation Reserve

2161. 11 Dec 2025 10:21 AM Metung

2160. 10 Dec 2025 1:50 PM Metung Rd at Sardine Flat Rd, Tambo River

2159. 10 Dec 2025 12:33 PM Cunningham Arm Foot Bridge (Lakes Entrance)

2158. 10 Dec 2025 10:18 AM Snowy Flats at Brodribb River Bridge

2157. 09 Dec 2025 5:45 PM Mots Beach

2156. 09 Dec 2025 8:43 AM Robertson

2155. 08 Dec 2025 9:18 AM Blue Mountains National Park–Burralow Creek Campground

2154. 07 Dec 2025 9:12 AM Warragamba Dam Wall

Big Zigzag Birding

week 073 | Southern Highlands, Blue Mountains | trip list 604 – 607

Posted on December, 2025December, 2025

Superb, Topknot, Rockwarbler (and intruduced)

In an Eggshell:

Big Zigzag bird species count: 607 (+3 this week)
Big Zigzag bird families count: 91 (+1 this week: Bulbuls (introduced))
Big Zigzag Lifers: 157 (+0 this week)
Campsite Lifers 30 (+0 this week)
Big Zigzag New for Australia list: 211 (+0 this week), AU list now 640.
eBird AU year list: 484
eBird days of checklist streak: 509
Week’s special milestones: none

Bird(s) of the Week

Rockwarbler (Origma solitaria) the only New South Wales endemic bird. Member of Acanthizidae (Gerygones, Thornbills, Scrubwrens, and Allies), monotype genus, Evans Lookout. Last week twice never seen there. This week after more than hour, just came to the lookout bench…

Topknot Pigeon (Lopholaimus antarcticus) – monotype genus. Wollongong Botanic Gardens

Superb Parrot (Polytelis swainsonii) Woodstock Soldiers Memorial Park.

Non-bird image(s)

Beaumomt Lookpit

Week's Key location(s)

Big Zigzag Travelled so far: 68900 km (this week 1075 km)

eBird Checklists this week

2153. 06 Dec 2025 1:15 PM Glenbrook Lagoon

2152. 06 Dec 2025 9:31 AM Blue Mountains Lavener Farm

2151. 05 Dec 2025 1:48 PM Blue Mountains National Park–Evans Lookout

2150. 05 Dec 2025 11:41 AM Kubya Street, Blackheath at -33.63778, 150.28354

2149. 04 Dec 2025 8:03 AM Woodstock Soldiers Memorial Park

2148. 03 Dec 2025 2:46 PM Ramage Park (Cowra)

2147. 03 Dec 2025 12:38 PM Boorowa

2146. 02 Dec 2025 9:21 AM Morton National Park–Belmore Falls

2145. 01 Dec 2025 3:43 PM Cambewarra Mountain Lookout

2144. 01 Dec 2025 1:32 PM Kangaroo Valley

2143. 01 Dec 2025 12:41 PM Fitzroy Falls Reservoir Water Activity Area

2142. 01 Dec 2025 11:47 AM Fitzroy Falls

2141. 01 Dec 2025 10:08 AM Wingecarribee Reservoir

2140. 30 Nov 2025 11:05 AM Wollongong Botanic Garden

Big Zigzag Birding

week 072 | Blue Mountains, Barren Grounds | trip list 603 – 604

Posted on November, 2025November, 2025

Slow down week with many lookouts

In an Eggshell:

Big Zigzag bird species count: 604 (+1 this week)
Big Zigzag bird families count: 90 (+0 this week)
Big Zigzag Lifers: 157 (+0 this week)
Campsite Lifers 30 (+0 this week)
Big Zigzag New for Australia list: 211 (+0 this week), AU list now 640.
eBird AU year list: 478
eBird days of checklist streak: 502
Week’s special milestones: Big Zigzag Day #500!

Bird(s) of the Week

Eastern Bristlebird (Dasyornis brachypterus) was my first seen from Bristlebirds (Dasyornithidae) endemic bird family in 2018, and the last of the 3 members in Big Zigzag. Also, Big Zigzag bird #604, which is the number of our Explorer Motorhome!

Glossy Black Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus lathami), seen only for the second time. This time by surprise at Blue Mountains National Park–Evans Lookout

Non-bird image(s)

View from Evans Lookout, Blue Mountains

Week's Key location(s)

Big Zigzag Travelled so far: 67825 km (this week 525 km)

eBird Checklists this week

2139. 29 Nov 2025 1:22 PM Mount Gibraltar–Bowral Lookout

2138. 28 Nov 2025 10:53 AM Barren Grounds Picnic Area

2137. 27 Nov 2025 4:49 PM Robertson Nature Reserve

2136. 26 Nov 2025 5:59 PM Warragamba Dam Wall

2135. 25 Nov 2025 10:49 AM Warragamba Dam Wall

2134. 24 Nov 2025 3:00 PM Blue Mountains National Park–Evans Lookout

2133. 24 Nov 2025 10:13 AM Hassans Walls, Lithgow

2132. 24 Nov 2025 9:37 AM Lake Wallace–Foreshore on western side

2131. 23 Nov 2025 8:03 AM Capertee Village

Big Zigzag Birding

week 071 | out to NSW Outback and back | trip list 600 – 603

Posted on November, 2025November, 2025

Capertee - Dubbo - Nyngan Weir - Cobar (and back)

In an Eggshell:

Big Zigzag bird species count: 603 (+3 this week)
Big Zigzag bird families count: 90 (+0 this week)
Big Zigzag Lifers: 157 (+2 this week: Regent Honeyeater, Chestnut-breasted Quail-thrush)
Campsite Lifers 30 (+0 this week)
Big Zigzag New for Australia list: 211 (+2 this week), AU list now 640.
eBird AU year list: 476
eBird days of checklist streak: 495
Week’s special milestones: Cleanup all Aussie’s Quail-thrushes; Cleanup genus Anthochaera (Wattlebirds) with Regent Honeyeaters.

Bird(s) of the Week

Critically endangered Regent Honeyeater (Anthochaera phrygia) is actually a Wattlebird (sharing the genus Anthochaera with Little, Western, Red & Yellow Wattlebirds). Luckily I got permit to access a confidential protected area where one individual (the banded one) released back to nature on recovery program, and second individual joined him from the wild (the un-banded).

Mistletoebird (Dicaeum hirundinaceum), member of Dicaeidae (Flowerpeckers), demonstrates a threesome symbiosis: The relationships with Mistletoe can be descried as mutualism, as both parties benefit: The bird easts the fruits, and spared the plant seeds. But the remains of these fruits are sticky, so the bird scratches its bot on a tree trunk, where the other part of symbiosis take place. Mistletoe bush grew on this tree as parasitic who consume the tree resources until they both die. (an example below).

Although dipped the Black-backed Bittern, Dubbo Sewage Treatment Plant and Bird Hide got some nature cruelty footage of Great Egret hunting duckling

Non-bird image(s)

Capertee toilets on the rest area not only painted with Regent Honeyeater: speaker ongoing playbacking the bird calls.

Rounded mistletoe bush parasite other tree near Cobar.

Dubbo Sewage Treatment Plant Bird Hide

Sand Goanna (Varanus gouldiiform) NSW outback near Cobar.

Week's Key location(s)

Chestnut-breasted Quail-thrush site near Cobar

Although dipped the Black-backed Bittern, Dubbo Sewage Treatment Plant and Bird Hide is great birding spot!

Big Zigzag Travelled so far: 67300 km (this week 1375 km)

eBird Checklists this week

2130. 22 Nov 2025 6:34 AM Dubbo Sewage Treatment Plant and Bird Hide

2129. 21 Nov 2025 5:51 PM Dubbo Sewage Treatment Plant and Bird Hide

2128. 21 Nov 2025 9:33 AM Nyngan Weir, Bogan

2127. 20 Nov 2025 1:00 PM Mulya Road, Cobar at -31.44416, 145.78083

2126. 20 Nov 2025 6:57 AM Mulya Road, Cobar at -31.44416, 145.78083

2125. 19 Nov 2025 6:34 PM Mulya Road, Cobar at -31.44416, 145.78083

2124. 19 Nov 2025 6:53 AM Mulya Road, Cobar at -31.44416, 145.78083

2123. 18 Nov 2025 5:35 PM Mulya Road, Cobar at -31.44416, 145.78083

2122. 18 Nov 2025 10:45 AM Mulya Road, Cobar at -31.44416, 145.78083

2121. 18 Nov 2025 8:19 AM Nyngan Weir, Bogan

2120. 17 Nov 2025 4:17 PM Nyngan Weir, Bogan

2119. 17 Nov 2025 12:53 PM Dubbo Sewage Treatment Plant and Bird Hide

2118. 16 Nov 2025 4:06 PM Ponto Falls, Macquarie River, Wellington

2117. 16 Nov 2025 9:40 AM Capertee Valley

Australian Capital Territory

week 070 | around Sydney | trip list 599 – 600

Posted on November, 2025November, 2025

ACT - Sydney - Blue Mountains

In an Eggshell:

Big Zigzag bird species count: 600 (+1 this week)
Big Zigzag bird families count: 90 (+0 this week)
Big Zigzag Lifers: 155 (+0 this week)
Campsite Lifers 30 (+0 this week)
Big Zigzag New for Australia list: 209 (+0 this week), AU list now 638.
eBird AU year list: 468
eBird days of checklist streak: 488
Week’s special milestones: Big Zigzag bird 600!