6/6/03 - 31/12/13 Australia & New Caledonia

Australia & New Caledonia
6th December to 31st December 2003

 

Itinerary

Sat 6th Dec Departed Heathrow at 2.35pm on United Airlines 931 over-flying the impressive Canadian snow-covered landscapes arriving San Francisco on time just after dark at 5.35pm. Departed San Francisco at 10.15pm on United Airlines 863.

 

Dusk over the Rockies

although for some reason Blogger never displays scanned scenery images well

 

Sun 7th Dec Lost crossing the International Date Line.

 

Mon 8th Dec Arrived Sydney on time at 7.45am. Collected our Budget hire car at the airport leaving at 9am. Drove south to Heathcote Caravan Park and booked into an on-site cabin. Drove to nearby Audley in the Royal National Park and walked the Lady Carrington Drive for 5 hours in calm, sunny and warm weather. A medium-sized black Snake with red underparts crossed the Trail. Eat a meal at the National Park Café overlooking the Hacking River. Returned to the cabin and got a good night’s sleep.

 

  

 

 

Royal NP



 

Tue 9th Dec Up early to walk the Lady Carrington Drive from the Waterfall entrance from 6am to 9.30am. Returned to the cabin, packed our luggage in the car and drove to East Lakes Golf Course near Sydney Airport where we birded the grounds for a couple of hours. Returned to the airport, collected our tickets and vouchers for our trip to New Caledonia, learnt of the Scottish Rufous Turtle Dove and departed Sydney at 3.50pm on Air Calin SB 141 arriving at La Tontouta Airport on New Caledonia just after dark at 6.45pm. Took the free coach transfer to Hotel Le Lagon located in the Anse Vata district of Noumea.

 

 

 

Lady Carrington Drive, Royal NP

 

East Lakes Golf Course

 

Wed 10th Dec Walked Anse Vata Beach to the rocky point at the Meridian Hotel from 5am to 6.30am before collecting the Hertz rental car from their Anse Vata depot at 7am where due to a lack of available vehicles we were upgraded, free of charge, to a much larger 4WD vehicle than we had requested. Immediately drove the 45km drive on paved roads to Riviere Bleue NP. Once past the entrance gate the road is dirt being a 13km (c.20 minute) drive from the entrance gate to the bridge at Pont Perignon through mainly scrubby habitat. The bridge was damaged in a cyclone in March 2003 and at the time of our visit impassable for vehicles but thankfully possible to cross on foot. We therefore walked the next c.5km through scrubby hillsides to the start of the forest where we soon saw our first Kagu – stunning. We spent the next few hours walking the road from the start of the forest to the canoe launch located just east of the Grand Kaori tree before making the long hot walk back to Pont Perignon from where we drove back to Hotel Le Lagon.

 

Anse Vata

 

Scenery on the drive to Riviere Bleue NP

 

Riviere Bleue NP

 

 

 

Pines at Riviere Bleue NP

 

 Riviere Bleue NP bridge

Whilst the bridge wasn't a driveable option for us thankfully walking across was!

 

 

View in Riviere Bleue NP

 

Tree Fern in Riviere Bleue NP

 

DC photographing Kagu in Riviere Bleue NP

 

Success - a trio of Kagu at Riviere Bleue NP!

 

Snail at Riviere Bleue NP

 

Thur 11th Dec Up and out by 5.30am driving to nearby Mount Koaghis where we walked the Lookout Trail and up to the summit of the Grande Piste Trail. Weather ideal with calm sunny conditions though not surprisingly no sign or sound of the Grassbird.

 

Rope Bridge at Mount Koaghis

 

Fri 12th Dec Met Yves Letocart at the bridge at Pont Perignon in the Riviere Bleue NP at 7.30am. Yves still has a 4WD vehicle the far side of the bridge so we quickly drove the distance we had walked on our first day. We spent the next four hours successfully targeting the four remaining endemics we had so far failed to see. Returned to Noumea where we just caught the last free Le Petit Train sightseeing tour of the day. Took advantage of our free meal in Le Gaugain Restaurant in the evening.

 

 

Riviere Bleue NP

 

Sat 13th Dec Left Noumea at 5.30am and drove north to Farino just northeast of La Foa where we birded along the ‘Grassbird track’ which leads into good forest. We then drove to Sarramea and checked a couple of beaches south of La Foa for Waders before returning to Noumea where we found the Hertz depot closed so failed to return the car that evening.  

 

 

La Foa

 

Beach south of La Foa

 

Sun 14th Dec Dropped the rental vehicle without hassle and took the free transfer to Tontouta airport being somewhat enlivened by one of the passengers believing the driver was nearly falling asleep and protesting as such. Departed Tontouta on time at 11.45am on Qantas SB148 arriving Sydney at 2.45pm. Caught the Qantas free transfer to the Domestic Terminal where unfortunately our 19.10pm Qantas flight QF932 was delayed until 11.00pm due to storms at Brisbane from where our aircraft was arriving.

Leaving New Caledonia

 

Mon 15th Dec Arrived Cairns at 1.00am in torrential rain where thankfully our Budget Hire Car was still awaiting us. We soon left and drove to the High Chaparral Motel.  After all too few hours sleep we made an early morning visit to the Mount Whitfield Enviromental Park walking the red and blue trails to the summit. We then walked the Esplanade where it was high tide before driving south to the mangroves at the end of Thomsons Road before finally searching for, but failing to find, the Edmonton and Yarrabunda Turf Farms that we suspect are now sugar cane fields.

 

Cairns esplanade at high tide with a flyby Far Eastern Curlew



 

Mudskipper at Cairns Esplanade

 

Tue 16th Dec Heavy rain at dawn so we decided against joining the Sea Star II for a trip to Michaelmas Cay and the Great Barrier Reef but instead visited the Flecker Botanic Gardens and the nearby Saltwater Lake. We then walked the northern Mangrove Boardwalk located along the road to Cairns Airport where it again began to rain so we made the short drive to Cassowary House near Kuranda where we could shelter from the rain but still birdwatch from the veranda watching birds visiting their feeders and hoping for a Cassowary to walk through. However, the latter seemed a remote chance as we were told that the owners hadn’t seen a Cassowary for some time. In the late afternoon the rain eased so we walked the road leading from Cassowary House through the nearby Kuranda State Forest where we saw our first Noisy Pittas.

 

Ulysses Butterfly in Cairns Botanic Gardens

 

Wed 17th Dec Again awoke to rain and between heavy showers DC walked the road to the bridge but it again started to pour so quickly returned to Cassowary House. In the absence of recent Cassowary sightings and with the continued inclement weather we decided to cut short our stay and drive to Daintree. On our arrival we found that Chris Dahlberg’s daily boat trips had been cancelled for the next few days due to the likelihood of wet wether and the lack of visitors. The owners of Red Mill B&B did however tell us of a recent Cassowary sighting at Cape Tribulation so we made our way there successfully seeing an immature Cassowary cross the road near the entrance to a boardwalk. Booked into a chalet in a Caravan Park at Cape Tribulation.

 

Marsupial at Cassowary House 

 

Thur 18th Dec Walked the southern two boardwalks at Cape Tribulation despite the rainy conditions before making the drive south to Kingfisher Park. Booked into our room and then walked the grounds before driving to Mt. Malloy to buy some provisions and checking Abbatoir Swamp before returning to Kingfisher Park and walking the grounds spotlighting a Bandicoot after dark.

 

Cape Tribulation

 

Fri 19th Dec Walked the grounds of Kingfisher Park for the first couple of hours and then drove 14km up Mt. Lewis without problem – the warnings about our small car not being up to the job being completely unfounded. Walked the old logging track opposite the pull-in at the clearing as far as the Golden Bowerbird bower but unfortunately the bird didn’t perform. Returned to our car bumping into a large black Snake with red underparts sunning itself on the trail. Returned to Kingfisher Park and again walked their grounds in the evening.

 

Mt. Lewis

Road leading up Mt. Lewis

Bower of a Golden Bowerbird on Mt. Lewis

Snake sunning itself on the Mt. Lewis trail

 

Sat 20th Dec Up at 5am driving to Mt. Carbine and the old flooded mine where we unsuccessfully waited for Squatter Pigeons to arrive to drink. We therefore drove to the nearby Cemetry successfully finding a flock of Pigeons. We then drove further west but saw little so retraced our steps stopping to enjoy the Australian Bustards at the Maryfarms before returning to Kingfisher Park and then walking the lowest 3km of the road leading up Mt. Lewis.

 

Mt. Carbine

 

Sun 21st Dec Up at 5.30am spending 2 hours walking the Kingfisher Park grounds hoping to photograph Noisy Pitta. Then drove south to the Pickford Road at Mareeba where we found the Wetlands Reserve closed. We continued south to Longlands Gap and Crater NP where we waited at another Golden Bowerbird bower but this time being rewarded with seeing a fine male. We therefore decided to drive south to Licuala Lodge at Mission Beach in the hope of seeing an adult Cassowary.

 

Crater NP

 

Licuala Lodge

 

Licuala Lodge pool

 

Mon 22nd Dec Up at 5.30am keeping a watch for Cassowary with us seeing an immature at c.8.30am and an adult male leading its two large chicks through the grounds of the Lodge at c.10.15am. Brilliant. After a cooked breakfast we were soon on our way making the long drive north back to Daintree booking into the Red Mill B&B walking the Stewart Creek road to the bridge over the river in the evening.

 

Photographing Cassowaries at Licuala Lodge

 

View during the long drive north to Daintree

 

Daintree River

 

Tue 23rd Dec Joined Chris Dahlberg’s Daintree River Trip at 6am and enjoyed the next 3 hours cruising the river and successfully seeing an adult and juvenile Papuan Frogmouth at their nest. Then drove south stopping at Corya Beach mangroves but failed to tempt a calling Mangrove Robin into view. Continued south to Cairns staying at the High Chaparral Motel. In the late afternoon we walked the southern Mangrove Boardwalk along the road to Cairns Airport successfully seeing Mangrove Robins (at last!) and then walked through the Botanic Gardens. 

 

Daintree River Trip

 

Wed 24th Dec Boarded the Seastar II at 7.45am for the all day trip to the spectacular seabird colony on Michaelmas Cay and onto Hastings Reef in the Outer Great Barrier Reef where Brenda snorkelled whereas those that can’t swim were taken across the reef in a glass bottom boat seeing an impressive array of colourful fish in a spectacular coral setting.

 

 

Leaving Cairns aboard the Seastar II

 

 

 

  

 

 

Michaelmas Cay

 Hastings Reef, Outer Great Barrier Reef

Giant Clam at the Hastings Reef

 

 

 

 

Coral at Hastings Reef

 

Thur 25th Dec Out at 5.30am to the Black Mountain road which leads through the Kuranda State Forest where walked the road until 9am. Then checked the horse paddocks along the road to Yorkey’s Knob before returning to Cairns and embarking on a circular drive visiting Lake Barrine, Lake Eacham, the Curtain Fig Tree and Kuranda.

 

Atherton Tablelands

 

 

Curtain Fig Tree

 

Fri 26th Dec Checked the Esplanade but the hide was too high with no Waders present. Then checked the Yorkey’s Knob Horse Paddocks and a final look in the Botanic Gardens. Flew from Cairns to Brisbane mid-afternoon and collected our Avis car driving to Baggs B&B at Canungra arriving after dark.

 

Arriving over Brisbane

 

Sat 27th Dec Out by 5.30am for the 45 minute drive to O’Reilly’s. Walked 15km to beyond the Bithongabel Lookout searching in vain for Rufous Scrub-bird. Drove back to Canungra eating at the Outpost Café.

 

Wallaby at Lamington

Mushrooms at Lamington

 

Sun 28th Dec Out by 5.30am for the drive to O’Reilly’s spending until 8am in the campsite before walking the Python Rock Trail. O’Reilly’s was extremely busy with the car park overflowing so we drove back to Canungra getting a brief view of a Platypus from a bridge over the river near the winery at dusk.

 

Mon 29th Dec Out by 4.30am driving to O’Reilly’s where we walked the Border and Pensioners Tracks before again trying the Python Rock trail where we finally saw Albert’s Lyrebird. We then drove back to Canungra eating at the Outpost Café for the last time before driving to Brisbane arriving c.5pm where we found a cheap motel near the airport.

 

Tue 30th Dec Departed Brisbane at 6.00am on Qantas QF0505 arriving Sydney 08.30. Annoyingly had to catch the train to the International Terminal departing Sydney at 3.15pm on United Airlines 862 arriving San Francisco at 9.35am. Departed San Francisco at 12.30pm on United Airlines 930.

 

Wed 31st Dec Arrived on time at Heathrow at 6.55am where kindly met by John and Doreen Cooper and driven straight to Oxford in search of the wintering Baltimore Oriole!

 

 

Systematic List for New Caledonia

 

Little Pied Cormorant – Phalacrocorax melanoleucos C

We saw 2 at Riviere Bleue NP on the 10th and 1 there on the 12th and 2 whilst driving along the west coast on the 13th. Doughty et al. (1999) treat this species as an uncommon and local resident in New Caledonia.

 

Little Black Cormorant – Phalacrocorax sulcirostris C

We saw 4 on what appeared to be fishponds south of La Foa on the 4th. Doughty et al. (1999) state that this species makes periodic irruptions into New Caledonia from Australia.

 

Pacific Black Duck – Anas superciliosa

We saw c.25 whilst driving along the west coast on the 13th. Doughty et al. (1999) treat this species as a common breeding bird throughout the region.

 

Pacific Reef Egret – Egretta sacra albolineata C

We saw 2 on Anse Vata Beach on the 10th and 1 on a nearby beach just to the east on the 11th. Doughty et al. (1999) treat this species as a common breeding bird throughout the region.

 

White-faced Heron – Egretta novaehollandiae C

We saw c.8 whilst driving along the west coast on the 13th. Doughty et al. (1999) treat this species as a common breeding bird in New Caledonia.

 

Rufous Night-Heron – Nycticorax caledonicus C

We saw 2 in flight over the outskirts of Noumea on the 10th and 1 stood in the middle of a fast flowing river near Sarramea on the 13th. Doughty et al. (1999) includes that this species breeds in New Caledonia.

 

Whistling Kite – Haliastur sphenurus C

We saw 4 at Riviere Bleue NP on the 10th and 8 whilst driving along the west coast on the 13th. Doughty et al. (1999) treat this species as a common breeding bird in New Caledonia.

 

Swamp Harrier – Circus approximans C

We saw 2 at Riviere Bleue NP on the 10th and 5 whilst driving along the west coast on the 13th.

Doughty et al. (1999) treat this species as a common breeding bird in New Caledonia.

 

White-bellied Goshawk – Accipiter haplochrous (Endemic) C

A single individual of this very striking Accipiter was seen in flight whilst walking the trail to the transmitter at Mount Koaghis on the 11th. Doughty et al. (1999) treat this species as being still fairly common in heavily forested areas of New Caledonia. TBW (2000) classifies this species as Near-threatened including that ‘a few are killed around inhabited areas, as it sometimes kills domestic chickens, and habitat loss and degradation are further threats’.

 

Wild Turkey - Meleagris gallopavo C

We saw a total of 4 apparently living in a wild state in large roadside fields whilst driving north along the west coast on the 13th. Perhaps a similar situation exists here as in New Zealand where an introduced population exists. Doughty et al. (1999) do not include this species.

Kagu – Rhynochetos jubatus (Endemic) C

We saw a total of 7, comprising of what appeared to be a family group of 3 and two pairs, in roadside forest at Riviere Bleue NP on the 10th. All were encountered between the start of the forest proper and the Canoe Launch before reaching the Grand Kaori Tree. Stunning views of these enchanting ghosts of the forests were obtained with birds seen raising their crests and spreading their wings. All birds seen were unringed. Incomparable. Doughty et al. (1999) detail the drastic decline since European settlement stating that it is now endangered and extremely vulnerable to predation by dogs outside the few protected areas. TBW (2000) classifies this species as ‘Endangered on the basis of its very small, severely fragmented population, with a very small extent of occurrence, which is suffering an overall decline’.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kagu at Riviere Bleue NP

 

Purple Swamphen – Porphyrio porphyrio C

Only seen whilst driving between sites with singles seen on the 11th and 12th and 8 whilst driving the west coast on the 13th.  Doughty et al. (1999) treat this species as a common resident.

 

Bar-tailed Godwit – Limosa lapponica C

We saw 3 on a beach just south of La Foa on the 13th. Doughty et al. (1999) treat this species as a common summer visitor.

 

Bar-tailed Godwit just south of La Foa



 

Grey-tailed Tattler – Tringa brevipes C

We saw 2 on a sandy beach just south of La Foa on the 13th. Doughty et al. (1999) treat this species as a fairly common summer visitor.

Wandering Tattler – Tringa incana C

We saw 2 on the rocky point at the Meridien Hotel at Anse Vata on the 10th. Doughty et al. (1999) treat this species as an uncommon summer visitor.

 

Pacific Golden Plover – Pluvialis fulva C

We saw a single individual roosting at a pool just inland of a beach just south of La Foa on the 13th. Doughty et al. (1999) treat this species as a common summer visitor.

 

Silver Gull – Larus novaehollandiae C

Up to 6 were recorded at Anse Vata on all four dates from the 10th to the 13th. Doughty et al. (1999) treat this species as a common breeding bird in New Caledonia.

 

Crested Tern – Sterna bergii C

We saw 3 at Anse Vata on the 10th, 1 there on the 12th, 5 whilst driving along the west coast on the 13th and 3 along the same route as far as Tontouta Airport on the 14th. Doughty et al. (1999) treat this species as a common resident.

 

Black-naped Tern – Sterna sumatrana C

We saw 10 on offshore rocks from the Anse Vata Meridian Hotel rocky point on the 10th and a feeding flock of 30 from the coast just east of Anse Vata on the 11th. Doughty et al. (1999) treat this species as a common resident.

 

Metallic Pigeon – Columba vitiensis hypoenochroa C

We saw 5 at Mount Koaghis on the 11th. Doughty et al. (1999) treat this species as an uncommon resident throughout the region.

 

Cloven-feathered Dove – Drepanoptila holosericea (Endemic) C

Just a single individual of this superb species was seen but fortunately it allowed prolonged close views in response to Yves’s expert tape playback at the Riviere Bleue NP on the 12th having been heard there on the 10th and along the Grassbird track at Farino on the 13th. Doughty et al. (1999) state that the species is locally common. TBW (2000) classifies this species as Near-threatened including that ‘although it is sometimes hunted and some forest is being lost to fire, logging and mining, this species is declining only very slowly, but that it may be threatened if hunting levels greatly increase’.

 

Spotted Dove – Streptopelia chinensis C

This introduced species was seen on all five dates from the 10th to the 14th proving common around Noumea where up to 15 were recorded on a day. Doughty et al. (1999) treat the species as locally common.

New Caledonian Imperial-Pigeon – Ducula goliath (Endemic) C

A single individual was seen as it flew from the forest and directly over us whilst we were stood on the road leading through Riviere Bleue NP on the 10th. Doughty et al. (1999) state that this species is still quite common in the more inaccessible areas, but as these are opened up it is heavily hunted, becoming locally extinct, which now threatens the long-term survival of the species. TBW (2000) classifies this species as Near-threatened including that ‘although the overall population is considered safe, any relaxation of hunting laws would severely impact some populations’.

 

New Caledonian Parakeet – Cyanoramphus saisseti (Endemic) (C Red-fronted)

We saw a party of 4 feeding in a fruiting tree at Mount Koaghis on the 11th. Doughty et al. (1999) state that this species as uncommon, localised in distribution and declining in numbers stating that most recent sightings are from the southern part of the island. Juniper & Parr (1998) treat this as a separate species from Red-fronted Parakeet.

Horned Parakeet – Eunymphicus cornutus cornutus (Endemic) C

We saw a total of 6 at Mount Koaghis on the 11th. Doughty et al. (1999) state that this species is now uncommon, localised and declining in numbers threatened by the continued clearing of native forest, and the widespread trapping of birds to be kept as pets. TBW (2000) classifies this species as ‘Endangered on the basis of a very small population which is suspected to be in overall decline’.  

 

Horned Parakeet at Mount Koaghis

 

Rainbow Lorikeet – Trichoglossus haematodus C

We saw 5 at Riviere Bleue NP on the 10th and 15 there on the 12th and 4 at Anse Vata on the 14th. Doughty et al. (1999) state this species is abundant throughout the region.

 

Fan-tailed Cuckoo – Cacomantis flabelliformis C

We taped 2 into view and heard many others calling at Mount Koaghis on the 11th. Doughty et al. (1999) state this species is an uncommon breeding bird in New Caledonia.

 

Shining Bronze-Cuckoo – Chrysoccyx lucidus plagosus C

We saw 2 at Riviere Bleue NP on the 10th and 4 at Mount Koaghis on the 11th. Doughty et al. (1999) state this species is a fairly common resident in New Caledonia.

 

Glossy Swiftlet – Collocalia esculenta C

Seen in small numbers on all four dates from the 10th to the 13th with a daily maximum of 5 recorded at Riviere Bleue NP on the 10th. Doughty et al. (1999) state this species is an abundant breeding bird throughout the region.

 

White-rumped Swiftlet – Collocalia spodiopygius C

We saw 2 at Anse Vata on the 10th, 3 at Mount Koaghis on the 11th, 3 at Noumea on the 12th and c.25 near La Foa on the 13th. Doughty et al. (1999) state this species is an uncommon resident in New Caledonia.

 

Sacred Kingfisher – Todirhamphus sanctus C

Seen on all four dates from the 10th to the 13th with a daily maximum of 10 seen whilst driving the west coast on the 13th. Doughty et al. (1999) state this species is an abundant resident in New Caledonia.

 

Dark-brown Honeyeater – Lichmera incana incana C

This species proved common and widespread being seen in good numbers on all five dates with a daily maximum of 50 seen - with most seen whilst walking through the scrubby area - in Riviere Bleue NP on the 10th. Doughty et al. (1999) state this species is common and widespread in New Caledonia.

 

New Caledonian Friarbird – Philemon diemenensis (Endemic) C

This species proved common in the forest at Riviere Bleue NP where 10 were seen on the 10th and 6 on the 12th and we also saw 4 in the forest at Farino on the 13th. Doughty et al. (1999) state this species is fairly common in New Caledonia.

 

New Caledonian Myzomela – Myzomela caledonica (Endemic) C

We saw a single male at Riviere Bleue NP on the 10th and 2 males at Mount Koaghis on the 11th. Doughty et al. (1999) state this species is common and widespread.

 

Crow Honeyeater – Gymnomyza aubryana (Endemic) C

We counted ourselves extremely fortunate to encounter this impressive Honeyeater on our first day in Riviere Bleue NP on the 10th. We watched it as it flew from trunk to trunk poking into epiphytes. Doughty et al. (1999) state this shy, retiring species is now confined almost exclusively to the southern part of the island in the Riviere Bleue NP and the Dzumac Mountains. TBW (2000) classifies this species as ‘Endangered given its very small estimated total population, fragmented into very small subpopulations, and an inferred ongoing decline’.

 

Barred Honeyeater – Phylidonyris undulata (Endemic) C

We saw 3 at Riviere Bleue NP on the 10th and 1 there on the 12th and 1 at Mount Koaghis on the 11th. Those at Riviere Bleue NP were encountered in scrubby habitat. Doughty et al. (1999) state this species is most common in the lower hills and mountain forests.

 

Fan-tailed Gerygone – Gerygone flavolateralis C

Seen on all four dates from the 10th to the 13th proving common and widespread with a daily maximum of 12 seen at Farino on the 13th. Doughty et al. (1999) state this species is a common and confiding bird throughout its range.

 

Yellow-bellied Robin – Eopsaltria flaviventris (Endemic) C

We saw 4 at Riviere Bleue NP on the 10th, 2 at Mount Koaghis on the 11th and 1 at Farino on the 13th. Doughty et al. (1999) state this species is fairly common.

 

Yellow-bellied Robin in Riviere Bleue NP

 

New Caledonian Whistler – Pachycephala caledonica (Endemic) C

We saw 2 females both feeding on the ground at Riviere Bleue NP on the 10th and a male was seen there in response to playback on the 12th. Doughty et al. (1999) state this species is fairly common.

 

Rufous Whistler – Pachycephala rufiventris C

We saw 2 males in scrubby habitat at Riviere Bleue NP on the 10th and 2 there on the 12th and 4 at Farino on the 13th. Doughty et al. (1999) state this species is fairly common.

 

Grey Fantail – Rhipidura fuliginosa C

We saw 6 at Farino on the 13th. Doughty et al. (1999) state this species is a common and conspicuous bird of both lowlands and mountains throughout New Caledonia.

 

Streaked Fantail – Rhipidura spilodera C

We saw 2 at Riviere Bleue NP on the 10th and 1 at Mount Koaghis on the 11th. Doughty et al. (1999) state this species is common in forest.

 

New Caledonian Flycatcher – Myiagra caledonica C

We saw 3 at Riviere Bleue NP on the 12th and a pair at Farino on the 13th. Superb. Doughty et al. (1999) state this species occurs throughout New Caledonia.

 



Male New Caledonia Flycatcher at Farino

 

Southern Shrikebill – Clytorhynchus pachycephaloides C

We saw 1 in forest at Riviere Bleue NP on the 10th and a pair in forest at Farino on the 13th. Its bill appeared upturned in the field. Doughty et al. (1999) state this species is fairly common.

 

New Caledonian Crow – Corvus moneduloides (Endemic) C

A pair were seen in forest at Mount Koaghis on the 11th including a bird carrying a stick which it famously uses as a tool and 1 was seen in forest at Farino on the 13th. Doughty et al. (1999) state this species is fairly common.

 

New Caledonian Crow at Farino

 

Long-tailed Triller – Lalage leucopyga C

A female was seen whilst walking between Pont Perignon and the forest at Riviere Bleue NP on the 10th and two males were seen at Farino on the 13th. Doughty et al. (1999) state this species is common throughout New Caledonia.

 

White-breasted Woodswallow – Artamus leucorynchus C

We saw 5 in casuarinas at the Riviere Bleue NP on the 12th and c.15 on our drive along the west coast and at Farino on the 13th. Doughty et al. (1999) state this species is common throughout New Caledonia.

 

White-breasted Woodswallows at Farino

 

Melanesian Cuckoo-Shrike – Coracina caledonica C

We saw 3 at Mount Koaghis on the 11th and 5 at Farino on the 13th. Doughty et al. (1999) state this species is usually more common in the foothills and mountain forests.

 

New Caledonian Cuckoo-Shrike – Coracina analis (Endemic) C

A single adult was taped into view by Yves - just before the bridge crossing the Riviere Bleue at the Refuge in Riviere Bleue NP on the 12th. Doughty et al. (1999) state this is a fairly common bird.

 

Striated Starling – Aplonis striata striata (Endemic) C

Seen on all four dates from the 10th to the 13th with a daily maximum of 15 at Mount Koaghis on the 11th. Doughty et al. (1999) state this species is common and widespread.

 

Common Myna – Acridotheres tristis C

This species proved common being see on all five dates with a daily maximum of 75 seen when we drove north along the west coast on the 13th. I suspect this species may be competing with native species for nest holes that they were seen fiercely guarding. Doughty et al. (1999) state this introduced species occurs widely in towns throughout the region.

 

Red-vented Bulbul – Pycnonotus cafer C

Seen on all four dates from the 10th to the 13th at Anse Vata where a daily maximum of 6 were seen on the 12th. Doughty et al. (1999) state that captive birds were released in Noumea in 1982 and that small numbers can still be found there.

 

Green-backed White-eye – Zosterops xanthochrous (Endemic) C

We saw 10 at Mount Koaghis on the 11th, 6 in casuarinas at Riviere Bleue NP on the 12th and 15 at Farino on the 13th. Doughty et al. (1999) statethis species is widespread and common.

 

New Caledonian Grassbird – Megalurulus mariei (Endemic) C

We were fortunate that Yves had recently discovered a track where he believes there are five pairs along the first 200m at Farino just northeast of La Foa. We saw a single individual around 75m along the track on the 13th after first hearing it scolding our presence. Doughty et al. (1999) state it is not uncommon, but is very difficult to observe. TBW (2000) classifies this species as Data Deficient including that ‘it could be threatened by the increased frequency of fire in all non-forested habitats and may also be threatened by introduced rats’.

 

Red-throated Parrotfinch – Erythrura psittacea (Endemic) C

We saw 2 males in casuarinas at Riviere Bleue NP on the 12th and a single male along the driveable track leading to Farino. Doughty et al. (1999) state this species is fairly common.

 

Common Waxbill – Estrilda astrild C

We saw 2 at the Meridien Hotel at Anse Vata on the 10th, 25 whilst driving north along the west coast on the 13th and 5 in Anse Vata on the 14th. Doughty et al. (1999) state this introduced species is fairly common in suitable habitat.

 

House Sparrow – Passer domesticus C

Seen on all five dates with a daily maximum of 6 seen at Anse Vata on the 10th. Doughty et al. (1999) state this introduced species is common in larger towns throughout New Caledonia.

 

Chestnut-breasted Munia – Lonchura castaneothorax C

We saw a party of 6 along the track leading to Farino on the 13th. Doughty et al. (1999) state this introduced species is now well established throughout the mainland of New Caledonia.

 

 

Doughty C., Day N. & Plant A. Birds of The Solomons, Vanuatu & New Caledonia. 1999. Helm. Singapore.

 

Juniper T., Parr M. Parrots 1998. Pica Press. East Sussex.

 

TBW (2000)

 

BirdLife International (2000) Threatened birds of the world. Barcelona and Cambridge, UK: Lynx Edicions and BirdLife International.

 

 

Systematic List for Australia

 

Southern Cassowary – Casuarius casuarius C

We saw a near fully-grown immature cross the road ahead of us on Cape Tribulation on the 17th and a near fully-grown immature and then an adult leading its two Turkey-sized chicks around in the grounds of Licuala Lodge at Mission Beach on the 22nd. Impressive. TBW (2000) classifies this species as Vulnerable including that ‘this species is believed to have undergone a rapid decline of more than 20% in the last 30 years (three generations) in Australia’.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Southern Cassowaries at Licuala Lodge

 

 

Australasian Grebe – Tachybaptus novaehollandiae C

A single adult was seen at East Lakes Golf Course on the 9th.

 

Australian Pelican – Pelecanus conspicillatus C

Seen on five dates at sites including Sydney, Cairns Esplanade where the daily maximum of 6 was seen on the 15th, Mareeba and Lake Barrine.

 

Brown Booby – Sula leucogaster C

We saw 12 at Michaelmas Cay including a single breeding pair with a small chick on the 24th.

 

 

Brown Booby on Michaelmas Cay

 

Darter – Anhinga melanogaster C

We saw 3 from the Daintree Boat Trip on the 23rd including a moulting individual that had rendered it flightless.

 

 

 

Australian Darters along the Daintree River

 

 

 

Cormorant – Phalacrocorax carbo C

A single individual was seen at Sydney Airport on the 14th and 1 was seen at the Mount Carbine Mine Pools on the 20th.

 

Little Black Cormorant – Phalacrocorax sulcirostris C

We saw 3 at the East Lakes Golf Course on the 9th and 3 from the Daintree River Boat Trip on the 23rd.

 

Little Pied Cormorant – Phalacrocorax melanoleucos C

We saw 6 from the Daintree River Boat Trip on the 23rd.

 

Great Frigatebird – Fregata minor C

A single female was seen in flight over Michaelmas Cay on the 24th.

 

White-necked Heron – Ardea pacifica C

A single individual was seen along the entrance track to the Mareeba Wetlands on the 21st.

 

Great Egret – Ardea alba C

Only identified on five dates at sites including the Cairns Esplanade, Daintree where the daily maximum of 5 was seen on the 23rd and Mount Carbine.

 

Intermediate Egret – Ardea intermedia C

We identified 2 at the Mount Carbine pools on the 20th and 6 from the Daintree River Boat Trip on the 23rd.

 

White-faced Heron – Ardea novaehollandiae C

We saw 6 whilst driving from Cape Tribulation to Kingfisher Park on the 18th and 2 along the entrance track to the Mareeba Wetlands on the 21st.

 

 

 

Little Egret – Ardea garzetta C

 

Singles were identified along the northern Mangrove Boardwalk along the road to Cairns Airport on the 16th and at the Mount Carbine Pools on the 20th and 4 were seen from the Daintree River Boat Trip on the 23rd.

 

 

 

Eastern Reef Egret – Ardea sacra C

 

Singles were identified along the coast north of Cairns on the 17th and at Corya Beach on the 23rd.

 

 

 

Striated Heron – Ardeola striatus C

 

A single individual was seen in Cairns Harbour where the Seastar II was moored on the 24th.

 

 

 

Cattle Egret – Ardea ibis C

 

We identified 2 as we drove north to Daintree on the 18th, and up to 35 daily on three dates at Canungra.

 

 

 

Rufous Night-Heron – Nycticorax caledonicus C

 

A single individual was seen from the Daintree River Boat Trip on the 23rd.

 

 

 

Black Bittern – Ixobrychus flavicollis C

 

We saw 6 from the Daintree River Boat Trip on the 23rd where good flight views were obtained.

 

 

 

Black-necked Stork – Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus C

 

We saw a single individual at the Mount Carbine pools on the 20th and a pair from the Daintree River Boat Trip on the 23rd. TBW (2000) classifies this species as Near-threatened including that ‘it is threatened by a variety of factors across its range, including drainage of wetlands, felling of nest trees, development, encroachment of agriculture or aquaculture, overfishing, overgrazing, hunting and excessive capture for zoos’. 

 

Black-necked Stork along the Daintree River

 

Glossy Ibis – Plegadis falcinellus C

 

We saw just a single individual at Edmonton on the 15th.

 

 

 

Australian White Ibis – Threskiornis molucca C

 

We saw 6 at East Lakes Golf course on the 9th, 1 at Mount Carbine on the 20th, 1 whilst driving on the 25th and 5 between Canungra and Brisbane on the 29th.

 

 

 

Straw-necked Ibis – Threskiornis spinicollis C

 

We saw 8 at the Abbatoir Swamp on the 18th, 1 at Maryfarms on the 20th and 30 between Canungra and Brisbane on the 29th.

 

 

 

Royal Spoonbill – Platalea regia C

 

We saw 5 along the Cairns Esplanade on the 15th and 4 at the Mount Carbine Pools on the 20th.

 

 

 

Magpie Goose – Anseranas semipalmata C

 

We saw a flock of 35 in flight near Yorkeys Knob just north of Cairns Airport on the 25th.

 

 

 

Wandering Whistling-Duck – Dendrocygna arcuata C

 

We saw 2 from the Daintree River Boat Trip on the 23rd.

 

 

 

Black Swan – Cygnus atratus C

 

We saw a pair at the East Lakes Golf Course on the 9th.

 

 

 

Maned Duck – Chenonetta jubata C

 

We just saw 6 along the banks of the Hacking River in the Royal NP on the 8th.   

 

 

 

Grey Teal – Anas gibberifrons C

 

We identified just 2 at the East Lakes Golf Course on the 9th.

 

 

 

Pacific Black Duck – Anas superciliosa C

 

We saw 10 at the East Lakes Golf Course on the 9th, 2 at the Mount Carbine pools on the 20th, 2 along the entrance track to the Mareeba Wetlands on the 21st and 5 at Corya Beach on the 23rd.

 

 

 

Pacific Baza – Aviceda subcristata subcristata C

 

A single individual was seen sat above the road whilst we were driving between Canungra and O’Reilly’s on the 27th.

 

 

 

Black-shouldered Kite – Elanus notatus C

 

Singles were seen whilst driving north to Daintree on the 17th, at the Mount Carbine pools on the 20th and at Daintree on the 22nd.

 

 

 

Black Kite – Milvus migrans C

 

Seen on five dates in north east Queensland at sites including Kingfisher Park, Mount Carbine where the daily maximum of 5 was seen on the 20th and Mareeba. 

 

 

 

Brahminy Kite – Milvus Indus C

 

Singles were seen at Cape Tribulation on the 18th and at the Cairns Mangrove Boardwalk on the 23rd.

 

 

 

Whistling Kite – Milvus sphenurus C

 

We saw 2 at Mount Carbine on the 20th, 2 near the Crater NP on the 21st and 1 whilst driving on the Atherton tablelands on the 25th.

 

 

 

White-bellied Sea-Eagle – Haliaeetus leucogaster C

 

We saw 2 at Kingfisher Park on the 18th that seemed to be targeting a nearby fish farm and 1 near Cairns on the 25th.

 

 

 

Wedge-tailed Eagle – Aquila audax C

 

We saw two pairs patrolling different ridges at Lamington NP on the 28th.

 

 

 

Australian Kestrel – Falco cencroides C

 

We saw just 2 at Mount Carbine on the 20th.

 

 

 

Peregrine – Falco peregrinus C

 

We saw 3 over the Hacking River in the Royal NP on the 8th and 1 at Lamington NP near O’Reilly’s on the 28th.

 

 

 

Orange-footed Scrubfowl – Megapodius reinwardt C

 

Seen on seven dates from the 15th to the 22nd at sites including Mt. Whitfield, Thomsons Road, Cape Tribulation, Kingfisher Park where the daily maximum of 10 was seen on the 18th, Licuala Lodge and Daintree.

 

Orange-footed Scrubfowl at Kingfisher Park

 

Australian Brush-turkey – Alectura lathami C

 

Seen on eleven dates in Queensland at sites including Mt. Whitfield, Cairns Botanic Gardens, Cassowary House, Cape Tribulation, Kingfisher Park ans at O’Reilly’s in the Lamington NP where the daily maximum of 12 was seen on the 29th.

 

 

 

Button-Quail sp. – Turnix sp.

 

A single individual was seen on the roadside between Canungra and O’Reilly’s on the 28th. It unfortunately scuttled away before we could stop the car leaving only platelets as a sign of its presence.

 

 

 

Red-necked Crake – Rallina tricolor C

 

A single individual was seen creeping across a lawn with its neck held outstretched between two areas of forest at Kingfisher Park on the 19th.

 

 

 

Buff-banded Rail – Gallirallus philippensis C

 

Single individuals were seen at the roadside near the Crater NP on the 21st and at a turf farm between Gordonvale and Atherton on the 25th.

 

 

 

Bush-hen – Amaurornis olivacea C

 

Having missed this species on a number of trips it finally gave itself up by calling loudly and then being seen walking in the open along the edge of a cane field bordering Kingfisher Park on the 19th.

 

 

 

White-browed Crake – Poliolimnas cinereus C

 

A single individual showed well along the riverbank being seen from the Daintree River Boat trip on the 23rd.

 

 

White-browed Crake along the Daintree River

 

Purple Swamphen – Porphyrio porphyrio C

 

We saw 6 at the East Laskes Golf Course on the 9th and 10 at the Abbatoir Swamp on the 18th.

 

 

 

Dusky Moorhen – Gallinula tenebrosa C

 

We saw 4 along the Hacking River in the Royal NP on the 8th, 10 at East Lakes Golf Course on the 9th and 2 at Lake barrine on the 25th.

 

 

 

Coot – Fulica atra C

 

We saw 30 at the East Lakes Golf Course on the 9th and 15 at Lake barrine on the 25th.

 

 

 

Australian Bustard – Araeotis kori C

 

We saw an impressive 19 at Maryfarms on the 20th. Superb.

 

 

 

Australian Bustards at Maryfarms

 

 

Bush Thick-knee – Burhinus grallarius C

 

We saw 2 on a lawn of a new residential area at Edmonton at dusk on the 15th. TBW (2000) classifies this species as Near-threatened including that ‘its rarity and continuing decline in its southern range has been attributed to predation by introduced foxes, habitat clearance for agriculture, habitat degradation by pastoralism, and removal of leaf litter from habitat remnants’.

 

 

 

Black-winged Stilt – Himantopus himantopus C

 

We saw just 2 at East Lakes Golf course on the 9th.

 

 

 

Pacific Golden Plover – Pluvialis fulva C

 

We saw just 2 at the northern Mangrove Boardwalk along the road leading to Cairns Airport on the 16th.

 

 

 

Red-capped Plover – Charadrius ruficapillus C

 

We saw just 2 at the Cairns Esplanade on the 15th.

 

 

 

Greater Sandplover – Charadrius leschenaultii C

 

We saw just 2 at the Cairns Esplanade on the 15th.

 

 

 

Black-fronted Plover – Charadrius melanops C

 

We saw a single individual on the Mount carbine pools on the 20th.

 

 

 

Masked Lapwing – Vanellus miles C

 

Seen on ten dates from the 15th to the 26th often being seen whilst driving but also at sites including Cairns Esplanade, Edmonton, Mount Carbine, the Daintree River Boat trip where the daily maximum of 12 was seen on the 23rd and Yorkeys Knob.

 

 

 

Black-tailed Godwit – Limosa limosa C

 

A single individual was seen along the Cairns Esplanade on the 15th.

 

 

 

Bar-tailed Godwit – Limosa lapponica C

 

We saw 3 along the Cairns Esplanade on the 15th and 1 at Corya Beach on the 23rd.

 

 

 

Little Whimbrel – Numenius minutes C

 

We found a superb party of 7 feeding in horse paddocks along the road to Yorkeys Knob just north of Cairns Airport on the 25th being a suitable Christmas present. Although still present when we checked later that day there was no sign of them the following day.

 

 

 

Whimbrel – Numenius phaeopus C

 

We saw just 2 at Cairns Esplanade on the 15th.

 

 

 

Far Eastern Curlew – Numenius madagascariensis C

 

We saw singles at the Cairns Esplanade on the 15th and along the northern Mangrove Boardwalk located along the road to Cairns Airport on the 16th. TBW (2000) classifies this species as Near-threatened including that ‘the main threats are habitat loss, hunting and a decrease in the availability of food because of pollution, and a potential threat may be that females probably tend to migrate further south, to the more threatened south Australian wetlands’.

 

 

 

Greenshank – Tringa nebularia C

 

We saw 20 along the Cairns Esplanade on the 15th.

 

 

 

Terek Sandpiper – Xenus cinereus C

 

We saw 5 along the Cairns Esplanade on the 15th and 3 at Corya Beach on the 23rd.

 

 

 

Grey-tailed Tattler – Tringa brevipes C

 

We saw 3 along the Cairns Esplanade on the 15th, 1 along the northern Cairns Airport Mangrove Boardwalk on the 16th and 1 at Corya Beach on the 23rd.

 

 

 

Turnstone – Arenaria interpres C

 

We saw 6 on Michaelmas Cay on the 24th.

 

 

 

Great Knot – Calidris tenuirostris C

 

We saw just 5 along the Cairns Esplanade on the 15th.

 

 

 

Red-necked Stint – Calidris ruficollis C

 

We saw 25 along the Cairns Esplanade on the 15th and 35 at Corya Beach on the 23rd.

 

 

 

Sharp-tailed Sandpiper – Calidris acuminata C

 

We saw 35 at East Lakes Golf Course on the 9th, 5 at Cairns esplanade on the 15th, 3 at the northern Cairns Airport Mangrove Boardwalk on the 16th and 2 at Corya Beach on the 23rd.

 

 

 

Curlew Sandpiper – Calidris ferruginea C

 

We saw just a single individual seen along the Cairns esplanade on the 15th.

 

 

 

Silver Gull – Larus novaehollandiae C

 

We saw up to 50 on both days around Sydney on our arrival, 5 along the Cairns Esplanade on the 15th, 3 whilst driving along the coast heading north to Daintree on the 17th, 3 at Corya Beach on the 23rd and 10 from aboard the Seastar II on the 24th.

 

 

 

Gull-billed Tern – Sterna nilotica C

 

We saw just 1 along the Cairns Esplanade on the 15th.

 

 

 

Caspian Tern – Sterna caspia C

 

We saw 10 from aboard the Seastar II on the 24th.

 

 

 

Lesser Crested Tern – Sterna bengalensis C

 

We saw 60 at their breeding colony on Michaelmas Cay on the 24th.

 

 

 



 

Lesser Crested Terns at Michaelmas Cay

 

Crested Tern – Sterna bergii C

 

We saw 25 from aboard the Seastar II and at Michaelmas Cay on the 24th.

 

 

 

Black-naped Tern – Sterna sumatrana C

 

We saw 15 at Michaelmas Cay and Hastings Reef on the 24th.

 

 

 

Common Tern – Sterna hirundo C

 

We saw 5 from aboard the Seastar II on the 24th.

 

 

 

Bridled Tern – Sterna anaethetus C

 

We saw 8 from aboard the Seastar II on the 24th.

 

 

 

Sooty Tern – Sterna fuscata C

 

We saw an estimated 15,000 at Michaelmas Cay on the 24th. Brilliant.

 

Sooty Tern spiral



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sooty Terns at Michaelmas Cay

 

 

 

Common Noddy – Anous stolidus C

 

We saw an estimated 15,000 at Michaelmas Cay on the 24th. Brilliant.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Brown Noddy on Michaelmas Cay

 

White-headed Pigeon – Columba leucomela C

 

In the Lamington NP we saw 2 along the Border Trail on the 27th and 1 along the Python Rock Trail on the 29th.

 

 

 

Spotted Turtle Dove – Streptopelia chinensis C

 

We saw 1 at East Lakes Golf Course on the 9th, 10 on the drive to Daintree on the 17th and 2 on the return drive the following day.

 

 

 

Brown Cuckoo-Dove – Macropygia amboinensis C

 

We saw 15 on Mt. Lewis on the 19th, 8 at the seemingly less likely spot of Mount Carbine on the 20th, 1 at Crater NP on the 21st and up to 10 daily in the vicinity of O’Reilly’s in Lamington NP.

 

 

 

Emerald Ground-Dove – Chalcophaps indica C

 

Seen on eleven dates in Queensland at sites including Cassowary House, Kingfisher Park where the daily maximum of 8 was seen on the 18th, Mt. Carbine, Corya Beach and Lamington NP.  

 

Emerald Dove at Cassowary House

 

Crested Pigeon – Geophaps lophotes C

 

We saw 6 at East Lakes Golf Course on the 9th and up to 5 daily on three dates at Canungra.

 

 

 

Squatter Pigeon – Geophaps scripta C

 

We found a party of 4 of these smart Pigeons along the track leading to Mt. Carbine Cemetery on the 20th.

 

 

 

Peaceful Dove – Geopelia placida C

 

Only noted on four dates but probably under-recorded being seen at sites including Cairns Esplanade, Thomsons Road, Kingfisher Park and Cairns Botanic Gardens where the daily maximum of 10 was seen on the 23rd.

 

Peaceful Dove at Kingfisher Park

 

Bar-shouldered Dove – Geopelia humeralis C

 

We saw 5 at Thomsons Road on the 15th, 2 at Kingfisher Park on the 20th and 2 at Daintree on the 23rd.

 

Bar-shouldered Dove at Kingfisher Park

 

Wonga Pigeon – Leucosarcia melanoleuca C

 

Only seen in Lamington NP being encountered on the road between Canungra and O’Reilly’s every morning with a daily maximum of 8 being seen on the 29th.

 

 

 

Wompoo Fruit-Dove – Ptilinopus magnificus C

 

We saw 1 on Cape Tribulation on the 18th, 1 at Licuala Lodge at Mission Beach on the 22nd, 1 from the Daintree River Boat Trip on the 23rd and 2 at the Curtain Fig Tree on the 25th.

 

 

 

Superb Fruit-Dove – Ptilinopus superbus C

 

We saw 2 at Kingfisher Park on the 18th and 1 there on the 19th, 1 at Mt. Lewis on the 19th, 1 at Mt. Carbine on the 20th and 1 at Kuranda State Forest on the 25th.

 

Female Superb Fruit-Dove at Kingfisher Park

 

Rose-crowned Fruit-Dove – Ptilinopus regina C

 

We saw just a single individual in the canopy along the Python Rock Trail in Lamington NP on the 29th.

 

 

 

Pied Imperial Pigeon – Ducula bicolour C

 

Seen on eight dates in north-east Queensland at sites including Mt. Whitfield, Cairns Botanic Gardens, Cape Tribulation, Corya Beach and Daintree where the daily maximum of 50 was seen on the 23rd.

 

 

Pied Imperial Pigeon at Daintree

 

Topknot Pigeon – Lopholaimus antarcticus C

 

Only seen in the vicinity of O’Reilly’s where we saw 2 on the 27th, 4 on the 28th and 6 on the 29th mainly in flight over the campsite / car park but also in the canopy along the Border Trail.

 

 

 

Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo – Calyptorhynchus banksii C

 

A single female was seen at Mount Carbine on the 20th and a flock of 30 were seen near Atherton on the 25th.

 

 

 

Galah – Cacatua roseicapilla C

 

We saw 10 at Mount Carbine on the 20th, 8 at Canungra on the 27th and 2 there on the 29th.

 

 

 

Little Corella – Cacatua pastinator C

 

We saw 10 at the East Lakes Golf Course on the 9th.

 

 

 

Sulphur-crested Cockatoo – Cacatua galerita C

 

Seen on twelve dates at sites including the Royal NP where the daily maximum of 20 was seen on the 8th, Cassowary House, Kingfisher Park, Mount Lewis, Mission Beach, Corya Beach and Canungra.

 

 

Sulphur-crested Cockatoo in Royal NP

 

 

Rainbow Lorikeet – Trichoglossus haematodus C

 

Seen in good numbers on ten dates at sites including Cairns Botanic Gardens, Mount Carbine, Kingfisher Park, Mareeba, Daintree where the daily maximum of 50 was seen on the 22nd and Canungra.

 

Rainbow Lorikeet at Kingfisher Park

 

Scaly-breasted Lorikeet – Trichloglossus chlorolepidotus C

 

We saw 4 in trees just outside Canungra Caravan Park on the 27th and 2 in trees outside Baggs B&B in Canungra on the 28th.

 

 

 

Double-eyed Fig-Parrot – Cyclopsitta diophthalma C

 

We saw 1 in trees at the Caravan Park on Cape Tribulation on the 18th and a pair in Kuranda State Forest on the 25th.

 

 

 

Australian King-Parrot – Alisterus scapularis C

 

We saw 4 along Lady Carrington Drive close to the Waterfall entrance on the 9th and up to 8 daily at O’Reilly’s in Lamington NP where they are hand-tame.

 

 

 

Red-winged Parrot – Aprosmictus erythropterus C

 

We saw a single individual at Mt. Carbine on the 20th.

 

 

 

Crimson Rosella – Platycercus elegans C

 

We saw a pair along the Lady Carrington Drive on the 8th and 1 from the other entrance the following day, 1 at Longlands Gap on the 21st and up to 25 daily at O’Reilly’s where they are hand-tame.

 

 

 

Pale-headed Rosella – Platycercus adscitus C

 

We saw 4 at Abbatoir Swamp on the 18th, 10 at Mt. Carbine on the 20th, 2 at Canungra on the 27th and 4 there the following day.

 

 

 

Oriental Cuckoo – Cuculus saturatus C

 

We saw 2 at Mt. Carbine on the 20th.

 

 

 

Brush Cuckoo – Cuculus variolosus C

 

We saw just a single individual at Mt. Whitfield on the 15th.

 

 

 

Fan-tailed Cuckoo – Cuculus flabelliformis C

 

We saw a single individual along the Lady Carrington Drive in the Royal NP on the 8th.

 

 

 

Gould’s Bronze-Cuckoo – Chrysococcyx russatus C

 

We obtained poor views of a single individual from the Daintree River Boat Trip in response to playback on the 23rd.

 

 

 

Australian Koel – Eudynamys scolopacea C

 

A single male was seen at Mt. Carbine on the 20th and a single female was seen from the Daintree River Boat Trip on the 23rd.

 

Make Australian Koel at Mt. Carbine

 

Channel-billed Cuckoo – Scythrops novaehollandiae C

 

We saw 3 in flight near Atherton on the 25th and 2 near Canungra on the 27th.

 

 

 

Pheasant Coucal – Centropus phasianinus C

 

A single individual was seen whilst driving just south of Daintree on the 18th.

 

 

 

Papuan Frogmouth – Podargus papuensis C

 

We obtained poor views of one as it flew overhead in response to tape playback at Kingfisher Park on the 18th and superb views of an adult and juvenile on their nest seen from the Daintree River Boat Trip on the 23rd.

 

 

Papuan Frogmouth sat on its nest along the Daintree River

 

White-rumped Swiftlet – Aerodramus spodiopygia C

 

Seen on ten dates in north-east Queensland at sites including Mt. Whitfield, Kingfisher Park where the daily maximum of 30 was seen on the 18th, Mt. Carbine, Mission Beach and Daintree.

 

 

 

White-throated Needletail – Hirundapus caudacutus C

 

We saw a flock of 30 over Kingfisher Park on the 18th and a flock of 100 just south of Daintree on the 23rd. Spectacular.

 

 

 

Pacific Swift – Apus pacificus C

 

We saw 80 at Daintree on the 23rd and 50 over Kurunda State forest on the 25th.

 

 

 

Azure Kingfisher – Alcedo azurea C

 

We saw singles in the mangroves at Thomsons Road and at the river crossing along the Stewart Creek Road at Daintree on the 22nd.  

 

  

 

Buff-breasted Paradise-Kingfisher – Tanysiptera sylvia C

 

We saw 3 and heard others at Mt. Whitfield on the 15th, 1 at Cape Tribulation on the 17th and 4 there on the 18th, 6 at Kingfisher Park on the 18th with 2 seen there on the 19th and 21st and 2 at Mt. Lewis on the 20th with some seen tending their nests located in termite mounds.

 

 

 

Laughing Kookaburra – Dacelo novaeguineae C

 

We saw 1 in the Royal NP on the 8th, 2 at Kingfisher Park on the 18th and 1 there the following day, 2 at Mt. Lewis on the 20th, 2 at Daintree on the 22nd and 1 there on the 23rd and 1 at Canungra on the 27th.

 

 

 

Forest Kingfisher – Todirhamphus macleayii C

 

We saw 1 at Cape Tribulation on the 17th, 3 at Kingfisher Park on the 19th, 1 at Daintree on the 22nd and the 23rd and 2 whilst driving on the 25th.

 

 

 

Sacred Kingfisher – Todirhampus sancta C

 

A single individual was seen at the Hacking River lookout in the Royal NP on the 8th.

 

 

 

Rainbow Bee-eater – Merops ornatus C

 

We saw 10 at Mt. Whitfield on the 15th, 2 at Mission Beach on the 21st and 1 whilst driving on the 23rd.

 

 

 

Dollarbird – Eurystomus orientalis C

 

We saw 2 at Mt. Carbine on the 20th, 1 at Marreba on the 21st, 1 near Atherton on the 25th and 2 at Canungra on the 27th and 29th.

 

 

 

Noisy Pitta – Pitta versicolor C

 

We saw 3 in the Kuranda State Forest on the 16th, 1 at Kingfisher Park on the 19th and 21st, heard several on Mt. Lewis on the 20th, saw 1 in Kuranda State Forest on the 25th, heard a couple at Lamington NP on the 27th and saw 1 on the Border Trail there on the 29th. Superb.



 

 

 

Noisy Pitta at Kingfisher Park

 

Albert’s Lyrebird – Menura alberti C

 

After much searching a superb male was seen along the Python Rock Trail in Lamington NP on the 29th. TBW (2000) classifies this species as Vulnerable ‘as it is restricted to a small range and number of locations, and habitat quality and numbers are believed to be declining’.

 

 

 

Superb Lyrebird – Menura novaehollandiae C

 

We saw 5 along the Lady Carrington Drive in the Royal NP on the 8th and 2 near the other entrance on the 9th.

 

 

 

 

Superb Lyrebird along Lady Carrington Drive

 

 

White-throated Treecreeper – Cormobates leucophaea C

 

We saw 4 along the Lady Carrington Drive in the Royal NP on the 8th and 2 near the other entrance on the 9th.

 

 

 

Brown Treecreeper – Climacteris picumnus C

 

We saw 2 along the entrance track to the Mareeba Wetlands on the 21st.

 

 

 

Superb Fairy-wren – Malurus cyaneus C

 

We saw 8 including a male at the East Lakes Golf Course on the 9th.

 

 

 

Variegated Fairy-wren – Malurus lambertii lamberti C

 

We saw 8 including some males along the Lady Carrington Drive in the Royal NP on the 8th.

 

 

 

Red-backed Fairy-wren – Malurus melanocephalus C

 

We saw 5 including a couple of smart males along the entrance track to the Mareeba Wetlands on the 21st. 

 

 

Male Red-backed Fairywren at the Mareeba Wetlands

 

Red Wattlebird – Anthochaera carunculata C

 

We saw a single individual in a southern suburb of Sydney on the 8th.

 

 

 

Brush Wattlebird – Anthochaera chrysoptera C

 

We saw 2 in Heathcote Caravan Park on the 8th and 2 in Waterfall the following day.

 

 

 

Helmeted Friarbird – Philemon buceroides C

 

We only identified 2 at Mt. Whitfield on the 15th and 1 at Cassowary House on the 16th.

 

 

Helmeted Friarbird at Cassowary House

 

Blue-faced Honeyeater – Entomyzon cyanotis C

 

We saw 6 at Kingfisher Park on the 18th with 2 seen there on both the 20th and 21st and 3 at Canungra on the 27th.

 

 

 

Noisy Miner – Manorina melanocephala C

 

We saw 1 at Heathcote Caravan Park on the 9th, 4 at Canungra on the 27th and 2 there on the 29th.

 

 

 

Macleay’s Honeyeater – Xanthotis macleayana C

 

We saw 5 at Mt. Whitfield on the 15th, 10 attending the feeders at Cassowary House on the 16th, up to 10 daily on four dates at the Kingfisher Park feeders and 2 at Kuranda State Forest on the 25th.

 

 

Macleay's Honeyeaters at Cassowary House 

 

Lewin’s Honeyeater – Meliphaga lewinii C

 

We saw 5 in the Royal NP on the 8th and 1 there on the 9th, 4 at Mt. Lewis on the 19th and up to 8 daily on three dates in the vicinity of O’Reilly’s.

 

 

 

Yellow-spotted Honeyeater – Meliphaga notata C

 

We saw, and more importantly, heard 2 in the Kuranda State Forest on the 16th, 2 from the Daintree Boat Trip on the 23rd and 1 in the Kuranda State Forest on the 25th.

 

 

 

Graceful Honeyeater – Meliphaga gracilis C

 

We saw and heard 1 in Kuranda State Forest on the 17th, 1 at Kingfisher ark on both the 19th and 21st, 2 at Mission Beach on the 21st, 2 at Licuala Lodge on the 22nd and 4 from the Daintree River Boat Trip on the 23rd.

 

 

 

Bridled Honeyeater – Lichenostomus frenatus C

 

We saw 6 around the clearing and along the old logging track at Mt. Lewis on the 19th.

 

 

 

Yellow-faced Honeyeater – Lichenostomus chrysops C

 

We saw 1 along the Lady Carrington Drive in the Royal NP on the 8th and 1 at Mt. Lewis on the 19th.

 

 

 

Varied Honeyeater – Lichenostomus versicolor C

 

We saw 1 and heard another nearby at the northern end of the Cairns Esplanade on the 15th and saw 1 along the southern mangrove boardwalk located along the road to Cairns Airport on the 23rd.

 

 

 

Yellow Honeyeater – Lichenostomus flavus C

 

We saw 5 at Abbatoir Swamp on the 18th, 1 at Mt. Carbine on the 20th and 1 along the track to Mareeba wetlands on the 21st.

 

 

 

White-naped Honeyeater – Melithreptus lunatus lunatus C

 

We saw 1 at the clearing on Mt. Lewis on the 19th.

 

 

 

Brown Honeyeater – Lichmera indistincta C

 

We saw 6 in Mt. Malloy on the 18th and 2 at Mission Beach on the 21st.

 

 

 

New Holland Honeyeater – Phylidonyris novaehollandiae C

 

We saw 6 along the Lady Carrington Drive in the Royal NP on the 8th and 3 at East Lakes Golf Course on the 9th.

 

 

 

Brown-backed Honeyeater – Ramsayornis modestus C

 

We saw 4 at Abbatoir Swamp on the 18th, 1 at Mareeba on the 21st and 4 from the Daintree River Boat trip where several were seen tending their nests on the 23rd.

 

 

 

Eastern Spinebill – Acanthorhynchus tenuirostris C

 

We saw 2 along the Lady Carrington Drive in the Royal NP on the 8th, 4 around the clearing at the summit of Mt. Lewis and singles at Lamington NP on both the 28th and 29th.

 

Eastern Spinebill at Mt. Lewis

 

Dusky Honeyeater – Myzomela obscura C

 

We saw 4 at Thomsons Road on the 15th, 1 along the Cairns Airport mangrove boardwalk on the 16th, 2 at Cape Tribulation on the 17th, 2 at the base of Mt. Lewis on the 20th and 1 at Corya Beach on the 23rd.

 

 

 

Scarlet Honeyeater – Myzomela sanguinolenta C

 

We saw 5 at the base of Mt. Lewis from the river bridge on the 20th and a male from the Platypus Viewing Platform in Kingfisher Park on the 21st.

 

 

 

Welcome Swallow – Hirundo neoxena C

 

Seen on seven dates at sites including East Lakes Golf Course, Cairns Botanic Gardens, the Atherton Tablelands and the Daintree River Boat Trip where the daily maximum of 10 was seen on the 23rd.

 

 

 

Fairy Martin – Hirundo ariel C

 

We saw 15 at the breeding colony at East Lakes Golf Course on the 9th, 6 whilst driving north to Daintree on the 17th and 50 on the Atherton Tablelands on the 21st.

 

 

 

Australian Pipit – Anthus novaeseelandiae C

 

We saw 4 at a Turf Farm between Gordonvale and Atherton on the 25th, 1 at the Yorkeys Knob Horse Paddocks on the 26th and 1 at Canungra on the 28th.

 

 

 

Black-faced Cuckoo-Shrike – Coracinia novaehollandiae C

 

We saw 2 on the outskirts of Sydney on the 8th and 2 at East Lakes Golf Course on the 9th and 1 at Canungra on the 27th.

 

 

 

Yellow-eyed Cuckoo-Shrike – Coracina lineata C

 

We saw 3 on Mt. Lewis and 1 at Kingfisher Park on the 19th and 1 in Kurunda State Forest on the 25th.

 

 

 

White-bellied Cuckoo-Shrike – Coracinia papuensis C

 

A single individual was seen at the Abbatoir Swamp on the 18th.

 

 

 

Cicadabird – Coracina tenuirostris C

 

A single female was seen in the Kuranda State Forest on the 25th.

 

 

 

Varied Triller – Lalage leucomela C

 

We saw 4 at Mt. Whitfield on the 15th and 1 at Mission Beach on the 21st.

 

 

 

Bassian Thrush – Zoothera lunulata C

 

We obtained good views of 2 along the Lady Carrington Drive in the Royal NP on the 9th, 2 near the Bithongabel Lookout at Lamington NP on the 27th and 4 along the Pensioners Track at Lamington NP on the 29th

 

Bassian Thrush along Lady Carrington Drive, Royal NP

 

 

Russet-tailed Thrush – Zoothera heinei C

 

We saw 6 on the road between Canungra and O’Reilly’s and along the first section of the Border Track at Lamington NP on the 28th and 2 in the same area on the 29th.

 

Russet-tailed Thrush at Lamington NP

 

Mangrove Robin – Eopsaltria pulverulenta C

 

After much searching of mangroves we finally saw 3 in response to tape playback at the end of the southern mangrove boardwalk located along the road to Cairns Airport on the 23rd.

 

 

 

Eastern Yellow Robin – Eopsaltria australis C

 

E saw up to 6 on both dates along the Lady Carrington Drive in the Royal NP and up to 6 on all three dates in the vicinity of O’Reilly’s in Lamington NP.

 

 

 

Pale Yellow Robin – Tregellasia capito C

 

Seen on eight dates in good numbers in north-east Queensland at sites including Mt. Whitfield, Cassowary House, Kingfisher Park where the daily maximum of 6 was seen on the 18th, Mt. Lewis and Mt. Carbine. 

 



 

 

Pale-yellow Robin at Mt. Lewis

 

Grey-headed Robin – Poecilodryas albispecularis C

 

We saw 10 around the clearing and along the old logging track on Mt. Lewis on the 19th, 2 at the Crater NP on the 21st and 3 at the Curtain Fig Tree on the 25th.

 

 

 

Grey-headed Robins on Mt. Lewis

 

Crested Shrike-tit – Falcunculus frontatus C

 

We saw 1 along the Lady Carrington Drive in the Royal NP on the 9th and an adult feeding a fledged juvenile along the Pensioners Track in Lamington NP on the 29th.

 

Juvenile Crested Shrike-tit in Lamington NP

 

Golden Whistler – Pachycephala pectoralis C

 

We saw 6 along the Lady Carrington Drive in the Royal NP on the 8th and 2 there the following day, 2 at Mt. Lewis on the 19th and up to 4 on all three dates at Lamington NP.

 

 

 

Little Shrike-thrush – Colluricincla megarhyncha C

 

Seen on six dates at sites including Mt. Whitfield, Cassowary House, Cape Tribulation, Mt. Lewis, Kingfisher Park and Kuranda State Forest where the daily maximum of 3 was seen on the 25th.

 

 

 

Bower’s Shrike-thrush – Colluricincla boweri C

 

We saw 1 along the old logging track on Mt. Lewis on the 19th and 2 at the Crater NP on the 21st.

 

 

Bower's Shrike-Thrush at Mt. Lewis

 

Grey Shrike-thrush – Colluricincla harmonica C

 

We saw singles along the Lady Carrington Drive in the Royal NP on the 8th and near O’Reilly’s on the 27th.

 

 

 

Yellow-breasted Boatbill – Machaerirhynchus flaviventer C

 

We saw 2 at Cassowary House on the 17th and 1 at Kuranda State Forest on the 25th. Brilliant.

 

 

 

Black-faced Monarch – Monarcha melanopsis C

 

We saw 2 along the Lady Carrington Drive in the Royal NP on the 8th, 1 at Kuranda State Forest on the 25th and 3 in Lamington NP on the 29th.

 

 

 

Spectacled Monarch – Monarcha trivirgatus C

 

Seen on six dates in north-east Queensland at sites including Cassowary House, Cape Tribulation, Kingfisher Park where we saw the daily maximum of 6 on the 18th, Mt. Lewis and Kuranda State Forest.  

 

 

 

Pied Monarch – Arses kaupi C

 

We saw a pair at Cape Tribulation on the 17th, 1 on the summit of Mt. Lewis on the 19th and 1 at the base of Mt. Lewis on the 20th and 2 at Kuranda State Forest on the 25th.

 

 

 

 

Pied Monarch at Cape Tribulation

 

Leaden Flycatcher – Myiagra rubecula C

 

We saw single males along Lady Carrington Drive in the Royal NP on the 8th and on Mt. Lewis on the 20th.

 

 

 

Shining Flycatcher – Myiagra alecto C

 

We saw 1 on Cape Tribulation on the 17th, 2 along the Stewart Creek Road at Daintree on the 22nd and 5 from the Daintree River Boat Trip on the 23rd.

 

 

 

Rufous Fantail – Rhipidura rufifrons C

 

We saw up to 3 on both dates along the Lady Carrington Drive in the Royal NP, 1 at Mt. Lewis on the 20th and the 21st and up to 4 on all three dates spent in the vicinity of O’Reilly’s in Lamington NP.

 

 

Rufous Fantail along Lady Carrington Drive, Royal NP

 

 

Grey Fantail – Rhipidura fuliginosa C

 

Only identified along the Lady Carrington Drive in the Royal NP where 6 were seen on the 8th and 4 the following day.

 

 

 

Willie Wagtail – Rhipidura leucophrys C

 

Seen on nine dates in small numbers and often encountered whilst driving though also at sites including East Lakes Golf Course, Mt. Malloy, Kingfisher Park and Canungra.

 

 

 

Logrunner – Orthonyx temminckii C

 

Seen daily on all of the trails in the vicinity of O’Reilly’s in Lamington NP with 6 seen on the 27th, 2 on the 28th and 4 on the 29th. Superb characters.

 

 

Logrunners at Lamington NP

 

 

Chowchilla – Orthonyx spaldingii C

 

A single pair performed well in response to tape playback along the old logging trail at the summit of Mt. Lewis on the 19th. Brilliant.

 

 

 

Eastern Whipbird – Psophodes olivaceus C

 

We saw up to 6 on both dates along the Lady Carrington Drive in the Royal NP, 2 on Mt. Lewis on the 19th and up to 5 on all three dates in the vicinity of O’Reilly’s in Lamington NP.

 

 

 

Grey-crowned Babbler – Pomatostomus temporalis C

 

We saw a party of 6 along the track leading to the Mt. Carbine Cemetery on the 20th.

 

 

 

Clamorous Reed-warbler – Acrocephalus stentoreus C

 

We saw a single individual and heard others singing at the East Lakes Golf Course on the 9th.

 

 

 

Australian Fernwren – Crateroscelis gutturalis C

 

We saw 5 in response to tape playback along the old logging track on the summit of Mt. Lewis on the 19th.
 

 Male Australian Fernwren at Mt. Lewis

 

 

Atherton Scrubwren – Sericornis keri C

 

We saw a pair along the old logging track on the summit of Mt. Lewis on the 19th.

 

Atherton Scrubwren on Mt. Lewis

 

Large-billed Scrubwren – Sericornis magnirostris C

 

We saw up to 3 on both dates along the Lady Carrington Drive in the Royal NP, 6 at Kingfisher Park on the 18th with 2 seen there on the 19th and 1 on the 21st, 2 on Mt. Lewis on the 19th and 4 on the walk to the Bithongabel Lookout in Lamington NP on the 27th.

Large-billed Scrubwren along Lady Carrington Drive

 

Yellow-throated Scrubwren – Sericornis citreogularis C

 

Up to 6 were seen on both dates along the Lady Carrington Drive in the Royal NP, 6 were seen on Mt. Lewis on the 19th and up to 8 were seen on all three dates in the vicinity of O’Reilly’s in the Lamington NP.

 



 

 

Yellow-throated Scrubwren along Lady Carrington Drive

 

 

White-browed Scrubwren – Sericornis frontalis C

 

We saw 6 on both dates along the Lady Carrington Drive in the Royal NP and up to 8 on all three dates in the vicinity of O’Reilly’s in Lamington NP.

 

 

 

Weebill – Smircrornis brevirostris C

 

We saw just 2 along the Lady Carrington Drive on the 8th.

 

 

 

Brown Gerygone – Gerygone mouki C

 

We saw 6 along the Lady Carrington Drive in the Royal NP on the 8th and 2 there the following day.

 

 

 

Large-billed Gerygone – Gerygone magnirostris C

 

We saw 4 from the Daintree River boat trip on the 23rd.

 

 

 

Fairy Gerygone – Gerygone palpebrosa C

 

We saw a single male on Cape Tribulation on the 17th.

 

 

 

Mountain Thornbill – Acanthiza katherina C

 

We saw 4 around the clearing and along the old logging track on Mt. Lewis on the 19th.

 

 

Mountain Thornbill on Mt. Lewis

 

Brown Thornbill – Acanthiza pusilla C

 

We saw 6 along the Lady Carrington Drive in the Royal NP on the 8th and 2 on two dates at Lamington NP.

 

 

 

Yellow-bellied Sunbird – Nectarinia jugularis C

 

Seen on eight dates in north-east Queensland in good numbers at sites including Thomsons Road, Cassowary House, Cape Tribulation where the daily maximum of 10 was seen on the 17th, Mt. Lewis, Mission Beach, Licuala Lodge where they were nesting and from the Daintree River Boat Trip.

 

 

 

Mistletoebird – Dicaeum hirundinaceum C

 

Seen on five dates in north-east Queensland in small numbers at sites including Mt. Whitfield, Mt. Lewis, Mission Beach, Licuala Lodge and Daintree.

 

 

 

Silvereye – Zosterops lateralis C

 

We saw 1 along the Lady Carrington Drive in the Royal NP on the 8th, 4 at Cassowary House on the 16th, 6 at Kingfisher Park on the 19th, 4 at Mt. Lewis on the 20th, 3 at Kuranda State Forest on the 25th and 6 at Canungra on the 27th.

 

 

 

House Sparrow – Passer domesticus C

 

We saw 2 on the southern outskirts of Sydney on the 8th, 1 at Daintree on the 22nd and 2 whilst driving on the 25th.

 

 

 

Red-browed Firetail – Neochmia temporalis C

 

We saw 6 along the Lady Carrington Drive in the Royal NP on the 8th, 6 at Cassowary House on the 17th, up to 20 daily at the Kingfisher Park feeders and 12 on Mt. Lewis on the 19th.  

 

 

Red-browed Firetail at Kingfisher Park

 

Double-barred Finch – Taeniopygia bichenovii C

 

We saw a flock of 10 in Mt. Malloy on the 18th.

 

 

 

Chestnut-breasted Mannikin – Lonchura castaneothorax C

 

We saw a pair attending the Kingfisher Park feeders on the 20th.

 

 

Chestnut-breasted Mannikin at Kingfisher Park

 

Metallic Starling – Aplonis metallica C

 

Seen on ten dates in good numbers in north-east Queensland at sites including Mt. Whitfield, Cairns Botanic Gardens, Cape Tribulation where the daily maximum of 60 was seen on the 17th, Kingfisher Park, Mission Beach and Daintree.

 

 

 

Starling – Sturnus vulgaris C

 

We saw 10 on both dates in the Royal NP.

 

 

 

Common Myna – Acridotheres tristis C

 

Seen on twelve dates at sites including Sydney, Cairns where a daily maximum of 60 was seen on the 23rd and Canungra.

 

 

 

Yellow Oriole – Oriolus flavocinctus C

 

We saw 1 along the Stewart Creek Road at Daintree on the 22nd and 3 from the Daintree River Boat Trip the following day.

 

 

 

Olive-backed Oriole – Oriolus sagittatus C

 

We saw 1 along the Lady Carrington Drive in the Royal NP on the 8th and 1 along the Cairns Esplanade on the 15th.

 

 

 

Figbird – Sphecotheres viridis C

 

Seen on eight dates in Queensland at sites including Cape Tribulation where the daily maximum of 10 was seen on the 17th, Kingfisher Park, Mt. Carbine, Daintree and near Brisbane.

 

 

 

Spangled Drongo – Dicrurus bracteatus C

 

Seen on seven dates in north-east Queensland at sites including Mt. Whitfield, Mt. Lewis, Mission Beach, Daintree where the daily maximum of 4 was seen on the 23rd and Cairns Botanic Gardens.

 

 

 

Golden Bowerbird – Prionodura newtoniana C

 

A fine male was seen perched for some time close to its bower at Longlands Gap on the 21st. Superb.

 

 

Male Golden Bowerbird at Longlands Gap

 

Satin Bowerbird – Ptilonorhynchus violaceus C

 

We saw up to 3 on both days spent along the Lady Carrington Drive in the Royal NP and up to 6 on a day were seen on all three dates in the vicinity of O’Reilly’s in the Lamington NP.

 

 

 

Regent Bowerbird – Sericulus chrysocephalus C

 

A stunning male put on a fine display for us in the campsite at O’Reilly’s on the 28th.

 

 

 

Great Bowerbird – Chlamydera nuchalis C

 

A single male was seen in the close vicinity of its bower at Mt. Malloy on the 18th and 2 were seen at Mt. Carbine on the 20th.

 

 

 

Tooth-billed Bowerbird – Scenopoeetes dentirostris C

 

Around 5 were seen around the clearing and along the old logging track on Mt. Lewis on the 19th.

 

 

 

Spotted Catbird – Ailuroedus melanotis C

 

We saw 4 at Cassowary House on the 16th, 10 at Mt. Lewis on the 19th and 1 at Crater NP on the 21st.

 

Spotted Catbird at Cassowary House

 

Green Catbird – Ailuroedus crassirostris C

 

We saw 1 along the Lady Carrington Drive in the Royal NP on the 9th, and up to 8 on all three days spent in the vicinity of O’Reilly’s in Lamington NP.

 

Green Catbird along Lady Carrington Drive

 

 

Paradise Riflebird – Ptiloris paradiseus C

 

In the vicinity of O’Reilly’s in Lamington NP we saw 2 females along the Border Trail on the 27th, an adult male and 4 female-type birds along the Python Rock trail on the 28th and 3 there on the 29th. Superb.

 

 

 

Victoria’s Riflebird – Ptiloris victoriae C

 

We saw an adult male and 4 female-type birds at Cassowary House on the 16th hearing them there the following morning, a female at Mt. Lewis on the 19th and a female near the base of Mt. Lewis on the 20th. Superb. 

 

 

 

Victoria's Riflebirds at Cassowary House

 

 

 

 

Male Victoria's Riflebird at Cassowary House

 

Apostlebird – Struthidea cinerea C

 

We saw a party of 6 at Mt. Carbine on the 20th.

 

 

 

Australian Magpie-lark – Grallina cyanoleuca C

 

Seen on fourteen dates in fair numbers most often encountered whilst driving between sites with a daily maximum of 6 seen around Cairns on the 15th..

 

 

 

White-breasted Woodswallow – Artamus leucorhynchus C

 

Seen on eight dates in north-east Queensland in fair numbers most often encountered whilst driving between sites with a daily maximum of 12 seen at Mt. Whitfield on the 15th.

 

 

 

Black Butcherbird – Cracticus quoyi C

 

We saw 1 at Cassowary House on the 16th, 2 at Cape Tribulation on the 17th, 1 at Mission Beach on the 21st, 1 at Licuala Lodge on the 22nd and 3 from the Daintree River Boat Trip on the 23rd.

 

 

 

Black Butcherbird at Cassowary House

 

Pied Butcherbird – Cracticus nigrogularis C

 

We saw 2 at Mt. Carbine on the 20th and 1 at Mareeba on the 21st.

 

 

 

Australian Magpie – Gymnorhina tibicen C

 

We saw 2 at Sydney on the 8th and up to 8 on all three dates at Canungra.

 

 

 

Pied Currawong – Strepera graculina C

 

We saw 6 along the Lady Carrington Drive in the Royal NP on the 8th and up to 4 on all three dates around O’Reilly’s in Lamington NP.

 

 

 

Australian Raven – Corvus coronoides C

 

We saw a pair on both dates spent at Heathcote just south of Sydney.

 

 

 

Torresian Crow – Corvus orru C

 

We saw 2 at Mt. Carbine on the 20th and 1 whilst driving the following day.