Cairns Birds

Cairnsbirds

2012-01-31T07:08:00.000+10:00

RECENT SIGHTINGS OF INTEREST AROUND THE CAIRNS AREA + BIRD ROUTES FOR VISITORS
cairnzbirdz@yahoo.com.au
Cairns birdwatching site - Edited by John Seale (07) 4052 1195
In order of date seen. Only one bird seen unless otherwise indicated. (N.B.) Records included as received: Please contact observer for verification.

FUTURE TRIPS AROUND CAIRNS

BIRDING CAIRNS
27/1/12 - 1300 Croc Farm. Please email/phone if attending.

5/2/12 - centenary lakes walk. Meet 0630 at Freshwater Lake, Greenslopes St.

** ** ** N.B. We have 2 bird blogs;
cairnsbirds.blogspot.com (this site),
birdingcairns.blogspot.com which is the official club site.

CAIRNS BIRDING FORUM

GUIDES & ACCOMMODATION

MICHAELMAS CAY
These Cay reports should start being updated soon. There have been up to 12 Red-footed Boobies out there for most of 2010 and 2011

CAIRNS AREA LIST

JANUARY 2012

GREAT-BILLED HERON- Brian Venables,30/1/12 -07:14 - Centenary Lakes . Saltwater Creek - Saltwater lake - the bird flew down the creek to the junction of Lily and Saltwater Creeks.
LITTLE KINGFISHER - still in the Freshwater Lake.
COTTON PYGMY GOOSE (Pair) - Frank Harrison & Darren Phillips,29/1/12 - Hasties Swamp
TORRESIAN CROW (3) - Frank & Di Harrison,27/1/12 - Croc farm car park gate.
BROWN QUAIL - NORTON GILL,26/01/12 (0730) - CORNER OF LAKE ST AND SMITH ST, Cairns.
COTTON PYGMY GOOSE (2) - Mal Macdonald,23/1/12, 1610 hrs, old Montalbion township dam (well signposted), along Herberton to Petford Rd. A male & female. In company with hardhead and black ducks & grey teal.
CASSOWARY - John Seale/Brian ??,24/1/12 - A young bird, maybe last season's young, Walking along the track to Stony Creek swimming hole just as the track levels out after the rocky climb. The track starts at the very end of Stoney Creek Rd, Kamerunga.
LITTLE KINGFISHER - Brian Venables ,22/1/2012 - (06:10).Freshwater Lake (Centenary Lakes) My previous record for this species at this location was 12/10/2011.
(Ed. This seems that they have bred and returned to the Lakes. Good news for non-local birders))
LITTLE EAGLE (1) 22.1.12 - Mal MacdonaldWolfram Camp Rd, near corner of Fabris Rd, 1600 hrs. Riding air currents in front of thunder storm in company with whistling & black kites.
BANDED LAPWING (2) 22.1.12 - Mal Macdonald,Dimbulah to Mareeba Rd, near Borzi Rd intersection, 1815 hrs. On the roadside verge by the driveway to rural lot No. 2576. Fifty metres from last sighting.
RED-NECKED CRAKE - Ron Hill., 20/1/12 (9.00am) - Single bird foraging in our garden in Kewarra
Beach.
COMB-CRESTED JACANA - Brian Venables.20/1/2012 - (8:10 -Centenary Lakes/Freshwater Lakes - My first ever record of this species in this location notwithstanding credible records in years past.
WHITE-WINGED TRILLER (1)
TAWNY FROGMOUTH (1) - Barbara Warren,20/1/12 Pleasant Close, Mareeba
MAGPIE GOOSE (nest) - Brian Venables.On the floating vegetation (western side) in the Freshwater Lake - a trio of birds is nest building - It will be interesting if it goes full term and we eventually have goslings.
(I will alert the Botanic Gardens management to ensure it is not disturbed.)
RUFF (1) - Graham Snell.,16/1/2012 (10:57) - One female bird north of Kurramine Beach boat ramp near Innisfail.
ORIENTAL CUCKOO - Norton Gill (and others?),15/1/12 - Leafgold Weir, Walsh river, 5km west of Dimbulah.
BROWN QUAIL (2) - Brian Venables.13/1/2012 (0730) - Bushland alongside Fearnley St. drain opposite
Ambulance Station in Anderson St. Interesting to me because I've not seen this species around Cairns for some years and this is the second time in a week I've seen them in the same place.
(Ed. I have heard and seen Brown Quail at fence around Machan's Beach airport approach and also in the last paddock on the right at the end of Tingira St, Portsmith.
PAPUAN FROGMOUTH - 2 nests have been found in the Collins Ave (Botanic gdns/Lakes) vicinity, maybe explaining our lack of recent sightings.
RED-TAILED BLACK-COCKATOO (4) - Dominic Chaplin
9/1/12 Little Mulgrave Valley, Gordonvale. 1st ever sighting here
NANKEEN NIGHT HERON (3) - Barbara Warren,5/1/12 Pleasant Close, Mareeba
GREAT-BILLED HERON - Brian Venables,7/1/2012 - 07:03 - Airport boardwalk carpark one bird flying over.
CHESTNUT RAIL - ???,OCT 2011 - Taylor Point (twixt Kewarra and Trinity Beaches), Cairns
with photos taken. I have only just learnt about this sighting. There was a prev sighting at lake Tinnaroo about 2 yrs ago. (It was reported on eremaea, apparently).

SOME VERY OLD OBSERVATIONS

WHITE-STREAKED H/E- Harvey Rich . January 1998. While living on a
bush block on the Gillies highway some five kilometres out of Gordonvale.This honeyeater was attracted to a flowering Callistomen and stayed around the house for a week. It went away and returned for
a short time a few weeks later. Also BANDED H/E.
LITTLE BITTERN - Cairns Birding et al,30/12/11 - Wright's Creek crocodile farm, 15km south of Cairns (not open to the public)
BANDED LAPWING (1) - 01.01.2012 - Mal Macdonald. Dimbulah Rd, 100 metres west of Borzi Rd intersection (24 km west of Mareeba), right hand side, grassy road verge adjacent to farm dam
and Telecom exchange. I believe this and others (up to 10) have probably taken up residence in between the rows Pongamia pinnata diesel trees. Were previously residing on the sugar cane farm across the road, but the growing cane has crowded them out. Also both whistling ducks, bustard, both cranes, red-backed kingfisher and pratincole all appear at times in and around the Pongamia. Worth a quick stop if passing.

As an appendage to the Pied Monarch sighting mw: I was there on
Christmas Day (lovely & quiet, no-one else around all morning) and
saw the Rufous Fantail sitting on her nest. Also watched a pair of
Pied Monarchs feeding two very young, presumably newly fledged
chicks. All four were all in trees across the road from the Curtain
Fig entrance. The young kept fluffing up as they called to be fed.
(Ellen Terrell)

DECEMBER 2011

The PIED MONARCH sighting of 2 emails ago should have added that there was a nest at the Curtain Fig which has since failed. There is a Rufous Fantail nest there at present.

GREAT BILLED HERON - Brian Venables.29/12/2011 (0825) - Saltwater Lake at the junction of Lily Cr and Saltwater Cr. (Ed. Several sightings here since Xmas incl movie of bird eating a large fish)
ORIENTAL CUCKOO - Brian Venables 06:45 - 28/12/2011 - bush land next to cemetery, anderson street
NORTHERN FANTAIL- Brian Venables,Copperlode Blue - Gums Lookout - 25/12/2011 - 07:20 - Others of note were - BUSH HEN -
RED-NECKED RAIL - BUFF-BREASTED PARADISE KINGFISHER - NOISY PITTA
FORK-TAILED SWIFT - Greg Bortolussi
(12 Anderson Road Woree 18:45 on 24 Dec 2011 flying north.
(20) Barron River Bridge Kamerunga 11:00 on 25 Dec 2011
(30) Foot Kuranda Range near Smithfield Shopping Centre 11:15 on 25 Dec 2011
(55) Kamerunga (mainly near school) 15:30 on 25 Dec 2011
(8) Corner Aumuller St and Ray Jones Drive near tower 09:00 on 26 Dec 2011
(10) Between Lyons St and Chinaman Creek 09:30 on 26 Dec 2011
(8) Earlville Shopping Centre 10:00 on 26 Dec 2011
(2) Between Lyons St and Chinaman Creek 09:30 on 27 Dec 2011
WHITE-THROATED NEEDLETAIL (2) - Greg B
Foot Kuranda Range near Smithfield Shopping Centre 11:15 on 25 Dec 2011
BLUE-FACED PARROT FINCH (2) - Heather Winsor,23/12/11 - 100m before end of Kjellberg Rd. This road starts 2km from Millaa Millaa along the Old Palmerstone Road and ends after 4km with a private property gate.
LITTLE CURLEW (A single bird) - John Seale
21/12/11 - Still at France Road turf farm, off Hill Rd,Edmonton. Walking around near the SUGAR SOUTH OF THE BITUMEN.
LITTLE EAGLE - light phase - Alan Gillanders,20/12/11 - 2 km north of Tumoulin towards Kaban
PIED MONARCH - Alan Gillanders,20/12/11 - Curtain Figtree, Yungaburra. Opposite the interpretative sign on the board walk at the tree itself.

I am away for a few days and take this chance to wish all of you a Merry Christmas and a Very Happy New Year in 2012.

LITTLE CURLEW (A single bird) - Birding Cairns et al,18/12/11 - France Road turf farm, off Hill Rd,Edmonton. Walking around near the farm house and trucks.
TORRESIAN CROW (2) - Norton Gill ,17/12/11 (0715). Cairns Esplanade near CB Hospital being harassed by all the local birds.
FORK-TAILED Swift (1) – Greg Bortolussi,13/12/11 (07:45) - Les Scheu Park Goondi, Innisfail near the highway. No others sighted apart form this individual.
GRASS OWL (1 – Road kill) – Greg Bortolussi,13/12/11 Between Swan Creek crossing and start of Aloomba turn-off lane south of Gordonvale. (I have seen at least one Grass Owl road kill per year when the sugar cane is short between Edmonton and Fishery Falls over the last few years)
ORIENTAL PLOVER (1) - Stan Emmerson,8/12/11 - Musgrave Station airstrip, (300km north of Cairns)
Apparently, DERM are developing a management plan for Hastie's Swamp and is there anything we would like to do to improve the place?Please forward any ieas to me before Xmas and we'll pass them on.

RED KNOT - Graham Winterflood,4/12/11 - Cairns Esplanade, in company with several Great Knots.
BUSH HEN (3) - Birding Cairns et al 4/12/11 (0700) - Centenary lakes, freshwater Lake edge north of
Toilet Block.
BLUE-FACED PARROT FINCH (1 bird) - Andy Anderson et al 3/12/11 - 200m south of the start of Gourka Road, Lamin's Hill off the Topaz Road south of Butchers Creek.
WHITE-STREAKED HONEYEATER (1+) - Close-up Encounters (Chook Crawford),02/12/11 - MT. Molloy school grounds at 3.30pm. He then drove to Abattoir Swamp and saw another (presumably different bird) at 3.45pm.Anecdotal reports of bird around Mt Molloy for 2 weeks.

NOVEMBER 2011

BLUE-FACED PARROT FINCH (2) - interstate birder,30/11/11 - Mt Lewis (Julatten) about 100m east of clearing.
BUFF-BREASTED BUTTON-QUAIL - varoius birders,Late Nov 2011 - Reports on Birding-aus at hillside near Lake Mitchell
TAWNY GRASSBIRD - Brian Venables,30/11/2011 - 07:00 - One bird in the long grass in the vacant land at the northern end of Lake St.singing conspicuously. Other species of note were GOLDEN-HEADED CISTICOLA, CHESTNUT-BREASTED MANNIKIN and RED-BACKED FAIRY-WREN.
KING QUAIL (pair) - Kath Shircliff, Graham Snell, Dave Houghton 29/11/11 Mena creek
HORSFIELD'S BRONZE CUCKOO - As Above
ORIENTAL CUCKOO - Del. Richards.,27/11/11 - Maryfarms area- hotly persued by two Blue-faced Honeyeaters.
BROLGA(3) - Del. Richards.,27/11/11 - Maryfarms area-unusual record.
SPOTTED WHISTLE DUCK (7) - Murray Hunt (Daintree River Tours),25/11/11 - On the river at Daintree Village
COTTON PYGMY GOOSE (5) - John Seale /Eddie Smith,24/11/111 - Nardello Lagoon, access via NW road off the Kennedy Hgwy
RED-BACKED BUTTON QUAIL - rOLY // eDDIE sMITH,23/11/11 - sPRINGVALE rD, SOUTH OF wANDECLA JUST INSIDE THE sTATE fOREST PAST THE POND.
BLUE-FACED PARROT-FINCH (3) Alan Gillanders21/11/11 200 metres south of the McKell Rd, Kennedy Highway intersect near Mt Hypipamee
GLOSSY IBIS (1) Alan Gillanders22/11/11 Behind Innot Hot Springs Caravan Park along with 20 Royal
Spoonbills, 3 Magpie Geese, 1 Black Swan, 3 spp of Egret, 3 spp duck and a small dark crake which was only glimpsed at a distance.
GLOSSY IBIS (1) - Barbara Warren,16/11/11 Pleasant Close, Mareeba
GREY TEAL (1) - Barbara Warren,20/11/11 Pleasant Close , Mareeba

FOR SALE - TELESCOPE
Owner is going overseas and is wondering if anyone might be interested in buying a scope. It is in excellent condition, has only been used a handful of times, and is happy to negotiate the price. It
is a Leica Apo Televid 77 (20-60X)- Cost $2900 years ago.
Contact Robyn Wilson, phone (after hrs) : 409394801. Email: robyn.wilson@jcu.edu.au

WHITE-THROATED NEEDLETAIL (100+) - Birding Cairns et al, 0/11/11 - Mt Haren Road (Kuranda), flying over Mt Haren itself.
RED-NECKED CRAKE,NOISY PITTA heard calling on same trip. Also a PIED MONARCH building a nest on Windy Hollow Road.
YELLOW WAGTAIL - vIA BIRDINGAUS17/11/11 - BRADY'S rD POND , 4KM NORTH mAREEBA ON LEFT.
GREY WAGTAIL(1) - Doug Herrington 16/11/2011 - Lake Mitchell on north side of causeway road in grass and reeds.
RED CHESTED BUTTON QUAIL - Hemmes Batjes (Dutch birder) 15/11/2011 - Lake Mitchell on west side of far gate of causeway.
SANDERLING (3) - Frank Harrison,15/11/11 - Opposite RSL With flock of stints & sharpies, eventually
Sanderlings alone flew south. (Ed. Another was reported today 17/11 by Graham Winterflood near the lagoon, Esplanade).
MUSCOVY DUCK (Feral ) - John Seale et al,15/11/11 - These ferals have produced 4 small yellow ducklings at Centenary Lakes. They should be ready for Christmas Day.
MARSH SANDPIPER - Frank & Di Harrison,13/11/11 - Opposite Cairns Lagoon.
WANDERING TATTLER - Frank & Di Harrison,13/11/11 - Rocks near Cairns Pier Helipad. If close enough observe scales on rear of lower leg:
On Grey-tailed Tattler, rectangular & overlap.
On Wandering, roughly circular & flush.
WANDERING TATTLER - Pippy Cannon,13/11/11 - North end of machan's Beach, on the rock wall.
COTTON PYGMY GOOSE - John Seale et al10/11/11 - East Barron water storage on Emerald Creek Rd, Mareeba
EMU (+ 6 chicks) - John Seale et al,10/11/11 - Mareeba Wetlands approx 1 km from the visitor centre.
LATHAM'S SNIPE (6) - John Seale et al,10/11/11 - Small pond just north of Brady road, approx 4kms north Mareeba, on west side. Also Spoonbills, Black-necked Stork, Glossy Ibis, White-necked Heron, Magpie Geese and both whistle ducks.
BLACK-FACED MONARCH - Brian Venables.,9/11/11 (0630) - Passage migrant?. Centenary Lakes Boardwalk one bird in feeding posse of passerines including - RUFOUS FANTAIL.
TAWNY GRASSBIRD - Brian Venables.,9/11/11 (0710) - Fearnley St. drain behind the mangroves 'twixt Grove and Gatton streets. An individual bird in full song.
RED FOOTED BOOBY (2)- David OBrien,8/11/11 Two sub-adults sitting on Ocean Spirit’s semi-sub on arrival. They took off as our tender approached and were not seen again this day.
TORRESIAN CROW - Del Richards,A pair of Torresian Crows that have borrowed an Eastern Osprey nest the last two years outside of Port Douglas. Still only a few on the coast.
BUSH HEN - Brian Venables,7/11/11 - Anderson street bush (cemetery). Two groups calling in the early morn .

RE: previous sightings of Black-breasted Buzzards in the Cairns area. I have seen them on the Tablelands before: Tinaroo, Yungaburra and Evelyn that I can recall off the top of my head.
I believe Jonathon Munroe has recorded them from Smithfield.
Alan Gillanders
BLACK-BREASTED BUZZARD - Jack Leighton,2/11/11 - Seen flying around Pelican Point, Lake Tinaroo. Are there any records of BBB around the Cairns area from the past??
BUFF-BREASTED PARADISE K/F - Graham Snell ,2/11/11 Mena Creek First for season. Five days later than last year
TORRESIAN CROW-Harvey Rich,1/11/11- Bird and nest seen electricity pylons Lake Placid turnoff
GREAT-CRESTED GREBE - Frank Harrison et al,28/10/11 - Over the ponds just south of the polo crosse site. at 1500. tHESE ARE AT wRIGHT'S cREEK JUST SOUTH OF THE CROCODILE FARM AND SOUTH OF THE POLOCROSSE GROUND. tHESE PONDS BELONG TO THE CROCODILE FARM
Does anyone else know of Cairns area records of this species at sea level.

RED-FOOTED BOOBY - Peter (SEASTAR skipper),31/10/11 - Several sitting on the tenders when they get to Michalmas Cay.
GREY PLOVER - Hidetoshi Kudo,30-10-2011 15:30 North Esplanade - One moulting bird flew in.
TORRESIAN CROW (2) - Greg Bortolussi,28/10/11 - Cement silos on Dutton St. Spent most of the day hanging about the towers as if inspecting the site for nesting.
(The communications tower used at the Portsmith Rd railway yards is within eyeshot of these silos and was used for breeding last year)
TORRESIAN CROW (2) - Greg Bortolussi,30/10/11 - near Yarrabah Intersection flying over harvested sugar cane paddocks northwards.
TORRESIAN CROW (2) - Greg Bortolussi,31/10/11 - Anderson Rd Woree. First sighting west of the highway. Have been heard over on the golf course and seen near the water treatment works.
BRUSH CUCKOO (2) - Greg Bortolussi,31/10/11 - Anderson Rd Woree. First ones for the season calling and seen at this location. Others seen later this morning on edge of CBD. Are these a wave on passage south perhaps?
WHITE-WINGED BLACK TERN (2) -Anthony Kinread, Frank Harrison.,28/10/11 -Over the ponds just south of the polo crosse site. at 1500. tHESE ARE AT wRIGHT'S cREEK JUST SOUTH OF THE CROCODILE FARM AND SOUTH OF THE POLOCROSSE GROUND. tHESE PONDS BELONG TO THE CROCODILE FARM

OCTOBER 2011

ESPLANADE - Broad-billed Sandpiper reported recently. Little Terns have returned. Most waders present.
wHISKERED tERNS ON 12/10 at 1630

PIED HERON (3) - Croc farm visit,28/10/11 - Wright's creek croc farm.
RED-BACKED BUTTON QUAIL - Pippy Cannon,27/10/11 - Pippy has an army of hospital patients and workers informed and the bird has been seen twice this week, usually about 0730 in the little garden on corner Kerwin and Esplanade.
TORRESIAN CROW - Andrew P Anderson,19/10/11 - Flying west along Hartley St.
SHARPTAILED SANDPIPERS - Andrew P Anderson,20 - 23/10/11 - up to 50, on the largest saturated playing field between Lake St and the mangroves, Nth Cairns.
WANDERING TATTLER - John Seale,24/10/11 - First and Second Beaches on Yarraba Road. Lone birds on rocks
PIED HERON - John Seale,22/10/11 - Kate St STW, Portsmith by looking thru the southern gate.
WANDERING TATTLER - Brian Venables and Steve Murphy.22/10/11 - 09:30 - At the mouth of the Johnstone River at Flyingfish Point - - One bird on the rocks with a Common Sandpiper identified on call when it flushed. This bird (sometimes two individuals) comes every year to the same rocks.
AUSTRALIAN PRATINCOLES- Ron Hill, Terry Laws.21/10/11 - Chewko Road, half a K beyond the turn off for Granite Gorge on the field behind the small lake opposite the sand pits.
8/10 birds. Also 4 AUSTRALIAN WOOD DUCK
POTENTIAL SOUTH ISLAND OYSTERCATCHR- Ron Hill, Terry Laws (Visiting UK birder)
19/10/11 (0800)- TaylorPoint/Kewarra Beach. 1 bird with 2 Australian birds
WANDERING TATTLER- Ron Hill, Terry Laws (Visiting UK birder)19/10/11 (0845)- Trinity Beach. Single bird on rocks at end of Ron McCaugh track
MARSH SANDPIPER - John Seale18/10 - Cattana Wetlands, Yorkey's Knob, Cairns.
COMMON STARLING - Ron Hill, Terry Laws (Visiting UK birder)
16/17/10/11- Cattana Wetlands, Single bird seen on two days feeding with Spoonbills and Glossy Ibis
Potential AMERICAN GOLDEN PLOVER- Ron Hill, Terry Laws (Visiting UK birder)
18/10/11- Southern end of Cairns Esplanade. Single bird with dark head/crown and much extended primaries.
BUFF-BREASTED PARADISE-KINGFISHER (1) - Andrew Forsyth and Tropical Birding group
15/10/2011 - Stewart Creek Rd, Daintree.( Ed. This seems to be a very early record)
GLOSSY IBIS (1) - Mal Macdonald17/10/11 - corner of Dimbulah Rd & Chettle Rd, about 19 west of Mareeba. Lone bird feeding in irrigation ditch on the edge of sugar cane paddock
MARSH SANDPIPER - 4 o'Clock Club,6/10 (0700) - Esplanade, Cairns.
GLOSSY IBIS (9)--Harvey Rich,3/10/11- Cattana Wetlands. Along with two species of spoonbill other Ibis several species of Egret, the most waterbirds I have ever seen feeding together at Cattana.
LITTLE KINGFISHER [1] - Brian Venables,4/10/11 - Centenary lakes 05:50 - Just to make a record of when it disappears from and returns to theLakes (as has been its custom in previous years).
(Ed. We are trying to record whent he birds leave for nesting so all L/K sightings are requested)
LITTLE BITTERN (1) -Harvey Rich,2/10/11-South of Cairns. Startled from reeds where it climbed to the top of the reeds giving me a good brief view then flying to a thicker clump.First time for me for this bird a very special moment.
(Ed. I'll try and find out the location of this sighting)
DOLLARBIRD - David Anderson12/10 11 Thala Beach Lodge Captain Cook Hwy Oak Beach
First sighting this spring
WHISKERED TERN (31) - John Seale12/10 (0700) - Wright's Creek croc farm outside water tanks.
QUAIL UNIDENTIFIED (1) -Brian Venables.06:15 - 11/10/11 .Centenary Lakes (Freshwater Lake) on Greenslopes St. side - One small Quail (or Button-Quail) shot across the grass into a stand of palms. Most likely suspect is male King Quail on colour and jizz.
My reason for mentioning this is so others can keep an eye out for this bird. (It could of course be an scaped aviary bird.)
SUPERB FRUIT DOVE - (2) David Anderson11/10 11 Thala Beach Lodge Captain Cook Hway Oak BeachFeeding on fruit of Carallia brachiata (Corky Bark) The fruit of this tree is good bush tucker but must be fully ripe ie black
DOLLARBIRD - Brian Venables and Graham Snell.9/10/11 - Our first record for the coming summer - one bird sitting on the power lines on Mena Cr. Road near the start of the Misty Mountains walking trail.
HORSFIELD'S BRONZE-CUCKOO - Was another noteworthy which was heard and seen once and heard a second time along the creek lines in the farming land.

** Misty Mountains trail is open once again since the damage of cyclone Yasi.

WHITE-STREAKED HONEYEATER -(1)- Del Richards.03/10/11- Mt. Molloy. Observed on Monday, photographed by David Crawford on Tuesday morning and judged by Lloyd Nielsen as a first year bird. About eighty kilometres south of nearest population at Shipton's Flat, south of Cooktown.
DOLLARBIRD -(1)- Del. Richards.7/10/11 -Julatten, season's first record.
WANDERING TATTLER (1)WHITE EARED MONARCH (1) David Anderson,6 / 10 11 Thala Beach Lodge Capt Cook Hway Oak Beach
Alan Gillanders - Toothbill Bowerbirds are active across the Tablelands. Black-faced Monarchs are back throughout their Tablelands range and calling.

LITTLE TERN (31) - John Seale,3/10/11 - Cairns Esplanade, flying over the high tide and fishing.
SATIN FLYCATCHER - David Anderson,3/10/11 Thala Beach Lodge Captain Cook Hway Oak Beach
YELLOW CHAT BOTH MALE AND FEMALE (1) – John and Lourdes Frois,03/10/11 – Forty Mile Scrub NP along 300 m circuit walk
SPOTTED BOWERBIRD – John and Lourdes Frois,03/10/11 – Forty Mile Scrub NP along 300 m circuit walk
DIAMOND DOVE - Jonathan Munro et al,01/10/11. Near Walkamin feeding with Peaceful Doves.
GOLDEN BOWERBIRD (4) - Jonathan Munro et al,29/9/11. Warrigal Preserve, Ravenshoe. The birds were refurbishing and attending bowers about a month ago but only heard calling on 29th September.
SATIN BOWERBIRD (2) - Jonathan Munro et al.9/9/11. My garden in Ravenshoe. Two bowers refurbished and/or constructed about a month ago and now with displaying/calling males.
TOOTH-BILLED BOWERBIRD - Jonathan Munro et al.29/9/11. Warrigal Preserve, Ravenshoe. Several males calling for the past week here at Ravenshoe and one heard at Lake Barrine.
GRASS OWL - Jonathan Munro et al19/9/11. Pair on road near Malanda at 22:00hrs

SEPTEMBER 2011

SPOTTED WHISTLING DUCKS (13) - Back at the ponds at Wonga Beach. This location is

private property so:-
** COULD BIRDERS PLEASE NOT DRIVE OR WALK ON PRIVATE PROPERTY nor LEAVE
ADVERTISING MATERIAL AT THIS AND OTHER BIRDING SITES. **
SUPERB FRUIT DOVE - Greg Clancy (Grafton birder)27/9/11 - centenary lakes, Cairns
LITTLE EAGLE - Frank Harrison26/9/11 - Heavey Cres. Whitfield. Light morph. Only the 2nd I've seen in Cairns since 1979
SPOTTED WHISTLING DUCKS (13) - I heard that they have left the pondas at 28/9/11
BLACK-FACED MONARCH - Greg Clancy (Grafton birder),28/9/11 - Lake Morris road, Kanimbla, Cairns.
NOISY PITTA - Tom Collis,27/9/11 - In my backyard at James Cook Drive, Kewarra Beach on the western side of the highway.
RED-NECKED CRAKE - Anthony Kinread.,23/09/11. 16.30. Feeding with Feral Pigeons in the main courtyard of the Mental Health Unit of the Cairns Base Hospital. Kerwin St. It retreated under the unit when approached by a staff member. Another member of staff said afterwards that she had seen it there before.
SPOTTED WHISTLING DUCKS (13) - John Grant,21/9/11 Wonga Beach. Turn off the Cook highway at the Telstra tower just beyond the Wonga servo then first left onto Snapper Island Drive.Almost at the end and on the second-last property on the right (vacant, with a for sale sign) there is a pond with lilies etc. The ducks were in the tree at the end of the pond nearest the road, and then in the water.
MANGROVE ROBIN (3) - Andy Anderson,18/9/11 (1800) Nth Cairns, mangrove side, sifflaying (going out to feed, from Watership Downs) onto the grass up to 10m out, at dusk.
RED-TAILED COCKATOOS (12) - Andy Anderson,17/9/11 (0730) Nth Cairns, beside largest playing field east of Lake St., eating kernels of the fruiting Terminalia ?sericocarpa beside the bike path.
BANDED LAPWING (9) - Mal Macdonald,16/9/11 (1600) - corner Borzi Rd & Dimbulah Rd at Arriga (24 km west of Mareeba). Feeding in the closest corner of freshly plowed paddock on left of Borzi Rd, immediately over the railway tracks. Some birds also visiting drainage ditch opposite. First sighting on the farm. Have a look, but please respect the privacy of the nearby farm house.
WHITE-WINGED TRILLER - Brian Venables,16/9/11 (0613) In the stand of Melaleucas between Cominos House in Greenslopes ST. and the back of the Anderson St. Cemetery - One male singing insistently and gleaning insects.
AUSTRALASIAN PIPIT - Andy Anderson,14/9/11 (0730) Nth Cairns, on largest playing field east of Lake St.

** FESTIVAL CAIRNS BIRDING - Comp results/ Big day scores -
First to see a Torresian Pigeon - John Grant, at Wonga Beach 9th August.
First to see a Beach Thicknee - Frank & Di Harrison
Best photo - Cate Small, second - Odd Kristensen (Sydney)
Best drawing - Theresa McLoud
Big Day winner - The A Team; Anderson, Anderson, & Armstrong - 146
Short Day winner - John Seale & Darren Philips - 136
BLACK BITTERN - Brian Venables,15/9/11 One male bird in the drain next to Anderson St. Cemetery behind houses in Little St. - - 17:45hrs. flushed up with a few Sacred Ibis.
GREY GOSHAWK (White Form) David Anderson,15/9/11 - Rex Lookout Captain Cook Hwy
COTTON PYGMY GOOSE (5+) - John Seale,15/9/11 - Re the reports of a week ago from McDougal road, Julatten. There are several lakes along the road. I saw them at the lake next to No 154 McDougal Rd on the north side of the road.
LARGE-TAILED NIGHTJAR (1) - Mal Macdonald,6/9/11 (2100) - Black Mountain Rd, near Mona Mona turn off. Flushed from the roadside. Another calling from forest near Bridge 4 at 2200.
RED-BACKED KINGFISHER (1) - Mal Macdonald,9/9/11 (1700) - Borzi Rd, Arriga (25 km west of Mareeba). Hunting from power line. First time one has ventured into my yard. Probably, usually kept away by resident pair of Sacreds.
NOISY PITTA - Brian Venables.11/9/11 (0630) - Centenary Lakes Boardwalk - Seen but not calling.
I find it interesting that this species seems to be present at this location for a 3/4 month period only and very furtive and reluctant to call when it is there.
SANDERLING - Frank Harrison, Darren Phillips.,10/9/11 - Esplanade opposite RSL.Single bird with mix of sharpies, stints & sand plovers.Look for large stint with bright white plumage like a "walking snowball".
If close enough, Sanderlings lack a hind toe.
SHINING BRONZE CUCKOO (Several) - Johns Seale and Crowhurst,10/9/11 - calling in the tree tops around Mt Hypipamee.
BLACK-FACED MONARCH - Steve Murphy Calling every day since Monday 5th Sept) at Topaz via Malanda.,
EASTERN SPINEBILL- Dominic Chaplin,7/9/11. - Little Mulgrave Valley. My first sighting in 13 years in the valley.
RED-BACKED BUTTON-QUAIL- Dominic Chaplin,7/9/11 - Little Mulgrave Valley. My fourth sighting in 13 years in the valley.
,WHITE-FACED HERON (14) - Del. Richards.04/08/11 Cooya Beach. Unprecedented number feeding on mudflat. Food rescource unknown.
RED-TAILED BLACK COCKATOO -(60+) - Del. Richards.04/08/11 Cooya Beach.
EMERALD DOVE (2) - Brian Venables5/9/11 - Centenary Lakes - on the path alongside Saltwater creek downstream from footbridge. One bird normal emerald winged and the other off white where it should be green.
LESSR FRIGATEBIRD (F) - Graham Snell30/8/11 Kurrimine beach NEAR iNNISFAIL
GLOSSY IBIS (4) - Graham Snell 31/8/11 Barra farm Martyville Innisfail
Fan Tailed Cuckoo (1) -Harvey Rich18/8/11-Cattana wetlands- Feeding in Low shrubs trees. Next evening Brush Cuckoo working the same area. (photos taken)
Laughing Kooaburra (1) - Harvey Rich28/8/11- Taking insects bugs of the road under street lights Anderson St roundabout 4am. Have seen wagtails, swallows, mynas use artificial lights
but never a Kookaburra.
SARUS CRANES/BROLGAS (639) - Dominic Chaplin,4/9/11 - Ploughed paddock near Mt Uncle, Chewko Road, Mareeba.Pehaps the same 600 recorded roosting at Mareeba Wetlands the night before at the BANQ Crane Count
OLIVE-BACKED ORIOLE - Brian Venables,3/9/11 - 11:00 hrs - Cemetery Bushland in Anderson Street.Singing - In profuse strains of unpremeditated art. That time of year again. (ED. MAYBE WE SHOULD HAVE A BIRD POETRY COMP IN NEXT YEAR;S FESTIVAL)
BANDED LAPWING (1) - Doug Herrington,02/09/11 - 1100hrs, Cooya Beach - on vacant land at the corner of Cooya Beach Rd and Bonnie Doon Rd.
PLUM-HEADED FINCH - Anecdotal reports,1/09/11 - Cattana wetlands, (Yorkeys Knob) flying with Chestnut-breasted Mannikins.

AUGUST 2011

CHANNEL-BILLED CUCKOO (1) - G Bortolussi,31 Aug 2011 - Between Gordonvale and BSES Meringa (ca. 5pm) flying south.
BUSH STONE CURLEW - Bot gdns walk,30/8/11 - The nesting bird of 4 weeks was found dead with a broken egg-shell and dead chick.
WOOD DUCK - John Seale29/8/11 - Yorkeys Knob golf lagoon, Wattle St.
FRIGATEBIRD (6 of both species) - The 4'o clock club,28/8/11 - Esplanade. The birds were flying above the dredge "Brisbane" which has been dredging the main shipping channel for the past few weeks.
TOPKNOT PIGEONS (30+) - The 4'o clock club27/8/11 - Esplanade, flying north.
PTED OYSTERCATCHER (1Pr + 2chicks) - Graham Snell24/8/11 Kurrimine Beach
FAN-TAILED CUCKOO - GraHAM Snell 25/8/11 - Mena Creek
HORSFIELDS BRONZE CUCKOO (1) - Barbara Warren,8/8/11 Pleasant Close, Mareeba
SQUARE-TAILED KITE (1) - Mal Macdonald,20/8/11 - 1030, Springvale Road, Wondecla. First forestry track on right. Hunting over woodland canopy.
WHITE-WINGED TRILLER (2) - Mal Macdonald,19/8/11 - 1600 hrs, Lake Mitchell causeway. Male and female feeding on insects in melaleucas near waterline. Also scarlet honeyeater (1).
RUFOUS WHISTLER (female) - John Seale16/8/11 - Cattana wetlands.
SCARLET HONEYEATER - Frank Harrison16/8/11 - Centenary Lakes.Male seen, others calling.
Greg Bortolussi - 13 Aug (0900) Pied Imperial Pigeon (1) seen near Anderson Rd Woree. 1st for the
season.
A quick visit to Redden Island this afternoon (13 Aug @ 1630) turned up the following WADERS;
Bar-tailed Godwit (2),Eastern Curlew (1),Greater Sand Plover,Great Knot (11)
Grey-tailed Tattler (5)Red-capped Plover (20)Red–necked Stint (22)
Sharp-tailed Sandpiper (1). Some were in residual breeding plumage ...early arrived.
In the scrub lining the beach front east of the car park, I turned up a lone Large-tailed Nightjar
PIED-IMPERIAL PIGEONS - (6) - Frank Harrison, Tony Kinread, Dave (??)12/8/11 - Cairns Esplanade, flying south.
AUSTRALIAN PELICAN - (5) - Frank Harrison, Tony Kinread, Check-in Brian12/8/11 - Cairns Esplanade.
UNIDENTIFIED GULL WITH BLACK HOOD - Tony Kinread12/8/11 - Cairns Esplanade, flying north (keep your eyes peeled).
OWLET-NIGHTJAR - (2) - Brian Venables,Hidetoshi Kudo,Darren Phillips and Isabelle Blackman.
Spotlighting at Copperlode last Thurs. night 11/8/11 - two birds calling insistently at the "Blue
Gums Lookout" but not seen.
SOUTHERN BOOBOOK - calling but not seen on the same excursion.
COTTON PYGMY-GOOSE - (4) - Kim & Dave (visiting UK birders).
4/8/11 - MacDougal Rd Ponds (Near Julatten)
TOPKNOT PIGEONS - (75) - Frank Harrison
8/8/11 - Cairns EsplanadeFlying north.
POGONOMYS SPP. - Mikey & Brian Venables.Centenary Lakes boardwalk. New and rare mammal found in our locality; the Prehensile-tailed Rat.
RUFOUS SONGLARK - (1) Mal Macdonald,6/8/11 - 1700 hrs. Silo Shopping Centre carpark, Atherton. Perched 2 feet off ground in small bare frangipani in a garden bed, singing continuously for over five minutes. Was able to stand within 6 feet without the bird being disturbed.
LITTLE FALCON - (2) Mal Macdonald,7/8/11 - 0800 am. Tolga markets at the racetrack. Chasing pigeons overhead and perching in the timber mill next door at intervals. Same bird noted by J Munro on 03/7/11?
BRUSH TURKEY - (2) Mal Macdonald,7/8/11 - 1800 hrs, Walsh River causeway on Price Ck Road, Mutchilba (40 km west of Mareeba). Foraging below the riparian leucadendra paperbarks.
COTTON PYGMY-GOOSE - (4) - Kim & Dave (visiting UK birders).4/8/11 - MacDougal Rd Ponds
TOPKNOT PIGEONS - (75) - Frank Harrison8/8/11 - Cairns EsplanadeFlying north.
TOPKNOT PIGEON - Brian Venables.Centenary Lakes - 6/8/11 - 07:30 - A flock of 50+ flew over the Freshwater Lake heading in the direction of the Whitfield Range.
RED-NECKED RAIL - Regularly (at this time of day) on the Boardwalk at the Collins Ave end.
TEREK SANDPIPER (12)
GREATER SAND PLOVER (3)
GREY-TAILED TATTLER (4)
RED CAPPED PLOVER (c.20)
RED NECKED STINT (20+) - Kim Taylor & Dave Preece (visiting UK birders).
3/8/11 - Redden Island. Numbers increasing.JULY 2011

EASTERN CURLEW - (8) - Frank Harrison,2/8/11 - Cairns Esplanade.All Adult females flying south, more early returns.
EASTERN CURLEW - (2) - Frank Harrison,2/8/11 - Cairns EsplanadeAdult female & immature female feeding.
NANKEEN NIGHT HERONS - (6) Paul Richardson2/8/11 - Cairns Esplanade Tree opposite MacDonalds (an american hamburger chain shop).Adults & juveniles.
AUSTRALIAN PELICAN - (7) Frank & Di, Paul Richardson, Brian the Check-in & Jim the Taxi.
1/8/11 - Cairns Esplanade.
COMMON BRONZEWING - (12+) - Jonathan Munro et al.31/07/11 - 6 pairs in 8 kilometres, near Ravenshoe.
LITTLE FALCON - Jonathan Munro et al.30/07/11- chasing Australian Pratincoles near Tolga.
COTTON PYGMY-GOOSE -(48) - Jonathan Munro et al.30/07/11 - near Ravenshoe.
EASTERN CURLEW - (2) Frank Harrison29/7/11 - Cairns Esplanade.
Pair of mature adult femaSQUARE TAILED KITE (1) David Anderson,17/7/11 Gordonvale
AUSTRALIAN PELICAN (8) - Kath/Dave Cooktown),22/6/11 - A group of 8 pelicans flying in formation on the eastern edge of Trinity Inlet on 22 June (spotted from our room balcony at the Cairns Plaza on Esplanade).
BROWN-BACKED H/E, Wayne Lind,29/7/11 - last seen in Feb. Very vocal and busily feeding.
AUSTRALIAN REED-WARBLES (3) Brian Venables.27/7/11. In the cane fields along Lower Freshwater Rd. - 08:10/08:30 - I tracked 3 down (more there) thinking I was dealing with a TAWNY GRASSBIRD but all three turned out to be the Reed-warbler they were calling a "tuk-tuk-tuk" alarm call but not the usual Reed-Warbler call.
BAILLON'S CRAKE (1) - Anthony Kinread and Mike Blair (visiting UK birder).
26/07/11- Cattana Wetlands. c.10.30am; emerged briefly from vegetation on island on main lake before disappearing back into cover. Several minutes later flew across open water to more cover on lake edge.
TOPKNOT PIGEONS - (38) Frank, Di & Paul Richardson,26/7/11 - Cairns Esplanade.
AUSTRALIAN PRATINCOLE - (40+) - Jonathan Munro et al.,26/07/11 - near Tolga.
RED-BACKED KINGFISHER - (2) - Jonathan Munro et al,26/07/11 - near Yungaburra.
LITTLE KINGFISHER - Jonathan Munro et al.26/07/11 - with Azure Kingfisher near Atherton
EMU - (14) - Jonathan Munro et al.25/07/11 - near Ravenshoe.
LONG-BILLED-CORELLA (2) Ota Yu,23/07/2011 Yorkeys Knob, Wattle street
SQUARE TAILED KITE (1) David Anderson,17/7/11 Gordonvale
CHANNEL-BILLED CUCKOO - Heather Winsor11/7/11 - Kewarra Beach, (northern suburb of Cairns). ( Ed. A late/early bird?)
CHESTNUT-BREASTED CUCKOO - Neville James (interstate birder),9 & 10/7/11 - Lower Mt Lewis near the cassowary sign.
PIED HERON - ANGUS ? (of Angus and Jan fame),11/7/11 - Townsville sewage works. is this unusual, he asks??
RESTLESS FLYCATCHER (1) - Mal Macdonald.9/7/11 - Collins Weir, off Springmount Road, Arriga, (Between Mareeba and Dimbulah). Hawking among
trees immediately adjacent to dam wall and river bank.
GIANT PETREL - Seastar skipper/owner,Early July, Micahalmas cay - Photo sent.
KING QUAIL - John Seale/Neville James,4/7/11 - Dead male hanging on a barb of a barbed wire fence on the western side of the road approx 400m before the far bridge before entering Goldsborough Nat Park.

HARDHEAD - (1 male) - Hidetoshi Kudo (Mikey)15/07/11 - 14:30 - Centenary Freshwater lake. (Ed. I've not seen one in last 7 years).
WHISTLING KITE (10+) - Mal Macdonald14/7/11 - Bruce Weir, Bruce Weir Rd, Dimbulah. Group of birds in various stages of plumage, feeding
on large fish kill (50+ catfish) strewn along dam wall. Accompanied by Pacific Heron, Great Egret, Torresian Crow, Black Kite. Two juvenile Wedge-tailed Eagles a few hundred metres back along the road.
TORRESIAN CROW (9) David ANDERSON
14/7/11 On a high voltage line pylon KamerungaBUSTARD (10) - Mal Macdonald
12/7/11 - approx 6 pm, corner Dimbulah & Borzi Roads, Arriga, 24 km west of Mareeba. Feeding in freshly cut sugar cane paddock. Can see smaller groups along this stretch of highway most days.
SULPHUR-CRESTED COCKATOO- (200+)- Del. Richards,01/07/11 - Holmes Creek, near Mt. Carbine.Unusually large number. There is a strange dispersal with many species due to cold.
LESSER SAND PLOVER - John Seale/Darren,2/7/11 - Redden Island, 2 birds in breeding plumage.

I HAVE HAD 2 PHONE CALLS THIS WEEK ABOUT CRAKES/RAILS IN HOTEL GARDENS. MORE LATER

3/7/11 - Cairns Birding et al = 59 species incl 6 species of kingfisher(No Forest) and no Stone Curlews. (In Centenary Lakes)

TORRESIAN CROW (5) - David Anderson
2/7/11 - Anderson Street Manunda I have noticed an increase in numbers in the Cairns area over the last few years.
BRIDLED HONEYEATER - Kath Hirsch,1/7/11 - Vico Road, 3 kms west of Gordonvale, being chased by a Macleay's H/E. First sighting in this area by observer who is a local resident.
GOLDEN BOWERBIRD - Jonathan Munro et al,01/7/11 - female coloured bird feeding on Syzygium australe berries along Vine Creek, in Blue Gum woodland many kilometres from climax rainforest.
PIED CURRAWONG (300+) - Jonathan Munro et al,24/6/11 - Large flock observed foraging at Kaban/Tumoulin accommpanied by 100+ Satin Bowerbirds.
CRESTED SHRIKE-TIT (3) - Jonathan Munro et al,23/6/11 - feeding on Casuarina seeds, near Ravenshoe.
GULL-BILLED TERN - Sandra Christensen,19/6/11 - Tern swoop down and tOOK a mud-skipper from A Striated Heron.

JUNE 2011

FUTURE TRIPS/EVENTS

GREAT FRIGATEBIRD (1) - Ron and Lin Hill,01/07/11 - Over Taylor Point/ Kewarra Beach this afternoon. Very rough conditions.
PIED CURRAWONG (2) - Dominic Chaplin,21/6/11 - Chewko Road, Mareeba. 1st Record here
PIED CURRAWONG (30) - Dominic Chaplin,19/6/11 - Little Mulgrave Valley. 30 Currawongs all in the same tree beside our house. There seem to . Is it my imagination or do they have a plan to take
over the world?
DIAMOND DOVE (1) - david Anderson,22/06/11 - Thala Beach Resort just south of Port Douglas.
JACKY WINTER (1) - Alan Gillanders,21/06/11 Atherton, north of High School on Tower Avenue. My first sighting in Atherton.
WHITE-WINGED TRILLER (1 adult male in eclipse) - Alan Gillanders,22/06/11 Yungaburra in my garden. Not seen here since 2002
RED-BACKED KINGFISHER - two reports per Alan Gillanders,18-22/06/11 Kairi, 40 to 100 metres along the road to Tolga sitting on power lines
AUSTR. BRUSH TURKEY - Birding Cairns et al,19/6/11 - late record - not often seen at Redden Island. (Not on BANQ Redden Island List)
BLACK-WINGED STILT - Birding Cairns et al,19/6/11 - late record - not often seen at Redden Island. (Not on BANQ Redden Island List)

ESPLANADE 4'o Clock Club - Red-necked Crake heard several times 23/5
- 2 Royal Spoonbills, the first for a few months.

DOUBLE-BANDED PLOVER - Birding Cairns et al,19/6/11 - South end of Redden island,sea side. Other notables included Rose-Crowned Fruitdove and the Noisy Pitta.54 species seen in outing.
NOISY PITTA - Pippy Cannon,17/6/11 - At end of Cinderella St, Machan's Beach, Cairns
RADJAH SHELLDUCK -(4)- Del. Richards.,17/06/11- Port Douglas.
NOISY FRIARBIRD -(1)- Del. Richards.,17/06/11- Port Douglas- First local record in sixteen years.
OLIVE-BACKED ORIOLE - David Anderson,14/6/11 - Thal beach Resort south of Port Douglas
PLUMED WHISTLE DUCK (100+)- Harvey Rich
13/6/11 - Yorkeys Knob golf course swamp. Also seen (1) Grey teal, (1) Wood duck , a number of nesting Darter some with large young.
WHITE-BREASTED SEA-EAGLE - Jonathan Munro et al,May-June - reports of a pair of adult birds regularly hunting (and sometimes catching Platypus). These observations were made from a private house/garden bordering the confluence of two creeks. There are many Platypus visibly active in the daytime at the moment. I have seen Sea-eagles take Platypus on a number of occassions in various locations across the tablelands.also Sea-eagles and Wedge-tailed Eagles feeding on the all too numerous dead cranes that were reported earlier.
BLACK FALCON - Alan Gillanders,10/06/11 Barron River Bridge, Gillies Highway west of Yungaburra
SWAMP HARRIER - Alan Gillanders ,10/06/11 Atherton Airstrip
SQUARE -TAILED KITE - Alan Gillanders ,10/06/11 east side of Hallorans Hill, Atherton
HELMETED FRIARBIRD - Chook Crawford et al,11/6/11 - LAKE EACHAM. (not common on the tableland.
BROWN-BACKED HONEYEATER (2) - Brian Venables,10/6/11 - A pair feeding in a flowering Melaleuca in the bush land between the Cemetery and the Ambulance In Anderson Street, having been absent from this area for some months.
BUSTARD (2) - Chook Crawford et al,10/6/11 In a cane paddock opposite Newell Beach golf club, Mossman
RADJAH SHELDUCK (+ 8 very small young) - Chook Crawford et al,9/6/11 - 5km north of Mareeba
WHITE-BELLIED CUCKOO-SHRIKE (1) Alan Gillanders,09/06/11 A melanistic bird sitting on a wire in Millaa Millaa in the morning. The bird was all plain blue-black. The other unlikely alternative is it could have been a visitor from the north.
MAGPIE GOOSE ( + 7 non-flying young) - Chook Crawford et al,8/6/11 - Lake Mitchell
SQUARE-TAILED KITE (1) Alan Gillanders,008/06/11 Atherton, northern end of main street. Seen on almost every trip through the town in the last two weeks but mostly on the southern side of town.
SACRED KINGFISHER - Many more on the Atherton Tablelands than normally to be found at this time of year. Forests are still around.
GREY TEAL -(2)- Del. Richards,04/06/11- Port Douglas, unusual sighting.

Brolga and Sarus Cranes - Jonathan Munro et al.

12/06/11. At 14:00 hrs today we observed at least 15+ recently dead cranes (there were almost certainly others that we could not see) visible from the roadside and on the same property as the last report of dead birds. These new birds were not there a few days ago when I drove the track. Photographs were taken. In addition to the cranes we also saw dead Torresian Crows. How many more birds will 'die' on this property before any action is taken.....? This observation, like the last two, will be reported to the Environment Protection Authority and DERM
FAN-TAILED CUCKOO - Birding Cairns et al (54 species seen), 5/6/11 - Park opposite the Freshwater lake, Greenslopes St. plus 4 species mobbing an Amethystine Python in the Saltwater Creek mangroves, south of Greenslopes St.
I have had another report of injured/damaged cranes/birds from the Innot Hot Springs area. Johnathon Munro reported similar happenings about 2-3 weeks ago and another birder has reported same in the last 2 days. I'm not sure if DERM (Old Nat Parks) have been informed. All I can do is report these happenings to our email list and hope that those that need to know are informed. Does anyone know how to go about ensuring that those who can investigate these bird deaths/injuries are informed??

MAY 2011

CASSOWARY - Doug Herrington,24/5/11 - Seen early Tuesday afternoon in Thomson Low Drive, Shannonvale (near Mossman) by Anita Meyer.
CHANNEL-BILLED CUCKOO - Brian Venables.23/5/11 -07:00 - One bird calling on the Airport Mangrove Boardwalk. Also I was struck by the rainforest species in the mangroves including - RUFOUS FANTAIL - SPECTACLED MONARCH - LOVELY FAIRY-WREN - DUSKY HONEYEATER - GRACEFUL HONEYEATER - SHINING FLYCATCHER - FAIRY GERYGONE - as well as the mangrove usuals - MANGROVE ROBIN - AZURE KINGFISHER - VARIED HONEYEATER.
PIED IMPERIAL PIGEON - (1) - Andy Anderson.,23/5/11 - Perched on power line Sheridan St north, late afternoon. Just flew in from Les Davie Park, probably from a feeding tree. New tail feathers still incomplete.
EASTERN KOEL - David Anderson,29/5/11 - In a Kanimbla (Cairns Suburb) garden. Unusually late for this time of year.
FAN-TAILED CUCKOO - Brian Venables.Red Arrow track in the more open woodland with grassy understory - 07:45 - 28/5/11. Also great views of 2 NOISY PITTA in little rainforest patch on the track which links the Red and the Blue Arrow walking tracks.
GULL-BILLED TERN-(9)-Del. Richards.25/05/11 - Lake Mitchell with below.
WHISKERED TERN-(13)- Del. Richards.25/05/11- Lake Mitchell.
PLUMED WHISTLING-DUCK -(11)- Del. Richards.
25/05/11- Port Douglas - My first record for area.FAN-TAILED CUCKOO - Birding Cairns et al (54 species seen)5/6/11 - Park opposite the Freshwater lake, Greenslopes St. plus 4 species mobbing an Amethystine Python in the Saltwater Creek mangroves, south of Greenslopes St.

N.B. I am having trouble updating the blogspot website which is read by many birders around the
globe. So here is something that I would normally only put on the website.
I have had another report of injured/damaged cranes/birds from the Innot Hot Springs area. Johnathon
Munro reported similar happenings about 2-3 weeks ago and another birder has reported same in the
last 2 days. I'm not sure if DERM (Old Nat Parks) have been informed. All I can do is report these
happenings to our email list and hope that those that need to know are informed. Does anyone know how
to go about ensuring that those who can investigate these bird deaths/injuries are informed??

RED-BACKED KINGFISHER (2) Jonathan Munro et al.23/5/11, East Evelyn near Ravenshoe. (Ed. This is a winter visitor to the local inland area)
CASSOWARY - Jonathan Munro et al.21/5/11, large adult female along my driveway at 1,000 metres elevation, near Ravenshoe.
SQUARE-TAILED KITE - Wayne Lind,20/5/11 (1620) Along Wiseman Road West , Edmonton . Caused panic with the Sulphur-crested Cockatoos, Rainbow Lorikeets and Pied Currawongs as it soared above the tree canopy.
CRIMSON FINCH (1) - Brian Venables.08:15 - 19/5/11.(0815) - One bird seen with mixed flock of NUTMEG MANNIKINS and CHESTNUT-BREASTED MANNIKINS feeding on Guinea grass seed in Pease Street behind IGA. (Cairns)
LITTLE CORELLA-(20+)- Jack Leighton.15/05/11- Flying flock near Lake Tinaroo.(Is this an indication of a change in distribution?)
GLOSSY IBIS - (9) - Del. Richards.16/05/11 - In flight southward at Saltwater Creek along Newell Beach, Mossman.(At this time of year where from and where to????).
DIAMOND DOVE -(1)- Del. Richards.17/05/11 - Maryfarms near Mt. Carbine.
SARUS CRANE - Del. Richards.17/05/11 - Maryfarms near Mt. Carbine.
EMU - (14) - Jonathan Munro et al.,17/5/11. 17:00hrs. A group feeding with cranes and bustards. Near Ravenshoe. Also noted (and
photographed) with same were 10-12 cranes freshly dead in paddock near track. This observation was
reported to DERM on the 18/5/11.
RADJAH SHELDUCK (7) - Greg Bortolussi & Florence Hemsley,17/5/11 (17:00) Found the flock sitting quietly on the western bank near the bridge over the Cairns Centenary Lakes saltwater lake. Were able to be approached within 10m for good views. (Ed. 5 young were hatched about 3 months ago and are regularly seen as a family of 7).
LITTLE CORELLA-(20+)- Jack Leighton.15/05/11- Flying flock near Lake Tinaroo.(Is this an indication of a change in distribution?)
GLOSSY IBIS - (9) - Del. Richards.16/05/11 - In flight southward at Saltwater Creek along Newell Beach, Mossman.(At this time of year where from and where to????).
DIAMOND DOVE -(1)- Del. Richards.17/05/11 - Maryfarms near Mt. Carbine.
SARUS CRANE - Del. Richards.17/05/11 - Maryfarms near Mt. Carbine.

----- Forwarded Message -----

From: Adam Peter Cardilini

To: "banq@birdsaustralia.com.au"

Sent: Tuesday, 17 May 2011 12:13 PM

Subject: Starlings in North Queensland

Dear Ivor,

I am a student at Deakin University, Victoria, studying the common starling, Sturnus vulgaris. I am

trying to collect information on starlings from the enge of their range, first by looking at bird
data (Birds Australia) and then contacting people in the region. I thought you might be able to help
me by confirming sightings in Mount Isa (recorded on ebird.org 2009) and around Cairnes and Port
Douglas. Any information would be greatly appreciated, thank you for your time.
Kind regards,
Adam Cardilini
0431 566 340

GREAT-BILLED HERON - Sandra Christensen,15/5/11- Johnstone River, Coquette Point area (Innisfail area)
RADJAH SHELDUCK - Sandra Christensenk,15/5/11-2 flying in Nind's Creek area of Johnstone River
NOISY PITTA - Jonathan Munro,13/5/11 - Feeding with a pair of Fernwrens and a Bassian Thrush along my driveway (elevation 1,000 metres) at Ravenshoe. Very unusual at this time of year and also after two frosts.
LITTLE KINGFISHER (1)- Steve Murphy,9th-15th May; Location – Topaz; Time of day – most mornings within these dates, for about 1hr from first light feeding on tadpoles in artificial frog pond.
HORSFIELD'S BRONZE CUCKOO - Birding Cairns et al, /15/5/11 - Lake Mitchell, past the second gate.
BLACK-FACED MONARCH - Birding Cairns et al,15/5/11 - Lake Mitchell, past the second gate. unusual location and late in the season.
NORTHERN FANTAIL - Brian Venables 14/5/11 - 07:10 - Copperlode Road blue gums lookout forest. This species used to be a regular in this location a few years ago - good to see it back.
SATIN FLYCATCHER - David Anderson,13/5/11 - Thala Beach resort, just south of Port Douglas
PIED CURRAWONG - Andrew and Trish Forsyth,8/5/11 - Daintree Village - An unusual visitor - has been here for several weeks, hanging out with Figbirds.
RED-NECKED CRAKE - The 4 o'clock Club (Esplanade birders),7/5/11 (1730) - Opposite the Holiday Inn, jumped into a tree and perched in the branches. It seemed to have a sick-looking right eye.
PACIFIC BAZA (4) - Brian Venables,7/5/11 - 08:30 - Four birds soaring over suburbia in Collins Ave and interacting with each other. A prelude to nesting perhaps?
GOLDEN WHISTLER - David Anderson,5/5/11 - Thala Beach Lodge grounds (10kms south of Port Douglas). In a feeding party of about half a dozen species.
FOREST KINGFISHER - Brian Venables.5/5/11 - 07:30 - Saltwater Creek - one bird perched low in mangroves just upstream of Collins Ave. bridge. This species has been scarce in this vicinity since the population disappeared from the Freshwater Lake some years ago.
STORM PETREL sp - Del Richards03/05/11 - I was reef fishing at Batt Reef off Port Douglas. In the afternoon a storm-petrel approached the boat. It appeared all black and from Pizzey & Knight identified it as dark morph of a White-bellied Storm-petrel.
I have seen Wilsons on the reef three times before.
SPOTTED CATBIRD (2) - David Anderson,4/5/11 i Thala Beach Resort, just south of Pt Douglas. Feeding on fruit of ATRACTOCARPUS FITZALANII ( BROWN GARDENIA ) at edge of mangrove forest have been here for about 4 weeks.

APRIL 2011
.
RED-TAILED BLACK COCKATOOS - Lots of observers,30/4/11 - Still being seen in many areas of suburban Cairns.
BLACK BITTERN (1) - Barbara Warren,12/4/2011 near drain at intersection of Pleasant Close and Coolamon Close, Mareeba
SPINIFEX PIGEON (2) - Visiting tourists,7/4/11 - A report of 2 birds seen at Granite Gorge cakping area was recd. Other birders have been informed but keep your eyes out for these birds.
WOMPOO FRUIT DOVE - Ron and Lin Hill,12/04/11 In our garden on Deep Creek, Kewarra Beach. Very scruffy bird.
CATTLE EGRET- 350+ ----Del Richards,12/04/11 - Julatten- Large dam near McDougall Road.
ROSE-CROWNED FRUITDOVE (1) John Frois,25/04/11 - Sawpit Creek, Forest Gardens. Flying from the dry creek bed on the high branch of tree.
RED NECKED CRAKE (1) - John Frois,17/04/11 Top of Forest Gardens, edge of rainforest. (Southern Cairns suburb)
SUPERB FRUIT DOVE (1 JUVENILE) - John Frois,20/04/11 Forest Gardens, found in someone's front yard, uninjured and in apparently good health, Handed over to carer with other fruit doves for later release.
SATIN FLYCATCHER (M) - Grahame Finnigan,20/4/11. On migration. My back yard at Kewarra Beach (northern Cairns suburb).
Re the Toothbill sighting at Lake Morris Road, Del Richards sent the following:
A COUPLE OF YEARS BACK A RESIDENT FROM CARDWELL TOLD A BOWERBIRD EXPERT THAT A TOOTH BILL CAME TO HER FEEDER. WITH THE EXPERT DISCOUNTING THE POSSIBILITY, SHE SENT HIM AN IMAGE OF THE BIRD.No surprises are there?.
TOOTH-BILLED BOWERBIRD - Cairnsbirds outing to Copperlode Dam at Kanimbla,17/4/11 - One bird feeding on figs (09:30) with BARRED CUCKOO-SHRIKES. Gps reading S16.96599 E145.71164. This was at an altitude of 460 m approx. which is unusually low for this species
RED-TAILED BLACK COCKATOO (3) - Frank & Di Harrison,17/4/11 - Beside R.S.L. Cairns Esplanade
CHANNEL-BILLED CUCKOO (2) - Frank & Di Harrison et al,16/4/11 - In fig tree adjacent to Cairns Hilton Hotel

I have been away in Sydney for a week, my home phone is broken and I am in Paluma for Easter. Happy Easter to all !!

BLACK-FACED MONARCH (Juvenile) - Mabel's Mates + Cairns Birding,10/4/11 - Cattana Wetlands (Cairns)
AUSTRALIAN GREBE - Mabel's Mates + Cairns Birding,10/4/11 - Cattana Wetlands (Cairns)
RUFOUS FANTAIL - Brian Venables,7/4/11 - 06:20 - Boardwalk - Cairns' Flecker Botanic-Centenary Lakes.A first since late last year - another returning migrant from the south ?
SPECTACLED MONARCH - Brian Venables,7/4/11 - 06:20 - Boardwalk - Cairns' Flecker Botanic-Centenary Lakes.Not often seen on Boardwalk.
RED-TAILED BLACK COCKATOO (8) -Helen ??,6/4/11 - Flying along the Cairns Esplanade in the morning.
AUSTRALIAN WHITE IBIS (24) - Norton Gill,4/4/11 - Flying the Esplanade last night.
RED-TAILED BLACK COCKATOO (7) - Tina Redmond, Jan o'Sullivan, Dawn Magarry
3/4/11 - Two groups of 3 or 4 birds have been hanging around Edgehill, Whitfield and Pease Street opposite the Ten Pin Bowling site) for a week or so.
RED-TAILED BLACK COCKATOO - Midge,1/4/11 - A big flock of 30-40 Red Tailed Black Cockatoos here at Machans Beach. I heard them before I saw them! There were flying about – roosted in trees down the street from me – and then took off again after 10 minutes of so – heading to Cairns. Two other friends also saw them – none of us had seen them on the coast here before.
WHITE-BREASTED SEA EAGLE Imm. 3 - Graham Snell,26/3/11 Flying Fish Point, Innisfail. I saw these birds at 4pm displaying and interacting with each other for 15 mins. At one stage one bird was carrying a 2ft long stick. they were also rolling in flight and extending talons upwards.
GREY GOSHAWK (Grey Morph) - Graham Winterflood,2/4/11 - Being harried by Common Mynas in a tree at upper Mooroobool.
EASTERN GREAT EGRET - NORTON GILL,02/04/11 1730. ON SAND NEAR ESPLANADE LAGOON. (1st egret seen this year, I think)
PIED IMPERIAL-PIGEON (7),02/04/11- OVERFLYING ESPLANADE CITY END. (Most seem to have gone back to PNG)
AUSTRALIAN WHITE IBIS (7),02/04/11 1800 - OVERFLYING ESPLANADE CITY END SOUTH BOUND. (Been absent for a long time)
PEREGRINE FALCON. (1),SEBEL HOTEL SIGN (Opposite the Casino).
EASTERN OSPREY (2) Norton Gill,01/04/11 0800 - Standing on nest at the Cairns Wharf, No 7, on top of old grey triangular crane..
FIG- PARROTS (2) - Norton Gill,01/4/11 in trees between road and the Fertilizer shed of INCITEC PIVOT.

MARCH 2011

AUSTRALIAN HOBBY (male) - Frank & Di Harrison,29/3/11 - Hawking starlings @ dusk.Cairns R.S.L Esplanade.
EMERALD DOVE - Grahame Finnigan,17/3/11. Feeding on spent canary seed in my back yard at Kewarra Beach. A first for my back yard.
BARKING OWL - Grahame Finnigan,19/3/11 Kewarra Beach roundabout. Pair sitting on over hanging street light. One flew down onto fence beside road. I stopped and walked to within 3 metres of it before it returned to the light pole.
BLUE-FACED HONEYEATER (2) - Mal Macdonald,28/3/11 - about 1815, on Esplanade, opposite Acacia Court, in crown of coconut palms, calling repeatedly
LONG-BILLLED CORELLA (1) with LITTLE CORELLA (9) - Dominic Chaplin,26/3/11 - Mareeba Pony Club
LEADEN FLYCATCHER - Brian Venables,26/3/11 - 09:30 - In my yard opposite Flecker Botanic Gardens - First for many months - perhaps a returning migrant ?
SPOTLESS CRAKE (1) - Greg Bortolussi,20/3/2011 - Southern approach to Bushy Creek, Julatten at ca. 12 midday. The bird was standing/feeding in a pond of water on the side of the road. It seemed undisturbed by the traffic
GOLDEN PLOVER (80+) - Birding Cairns apres Croc farm group.
25/3/11 - France Road turf farm, Edmonton. About 20 in full breeding plumage
COMMON KOEL - Esplanade 4 o'clock Club,24/3/11 - Male in street tree opposite RSL club, Esplanade
(An Immature Koel was in Centenary lakes on 22/3/11)
GREY GOSHAWK - Norton Gill,,22/3/11 (0730) - In large tree opposite Night Markets Esplanade.
GREY GOSHAWK (WHITE PHASE (1) - Del. Richards.21/03/11. Flying adjacent to Clifton Beach Shopping Centre. Only my 6th sighting of white phase in 16 years in FNQ.
PIED OYSTER CATCHER (1) - Del. Richards.21/03/11 - Ellis Beach., CAIRNS
COMMON MYNA - 2 Birds were seen at Lockhart River (next to Iron Range) recently. I believe these were a first for the area. Persons travelling up Cape York or anywhere remote should be reminded to keep forever vigilant in the field.
BROWN CUCKOO-DOVE - Brian Venables 19/3/11 - 07:30 - Centenary Lakes - on the path behind mangroves between footbridge and Collins Ave. bridge - The EMERALD DOVE has been there too over the last week.
GREATER SAND PLOVER (49) - Graham Snell,18/3/11 Kurrimine Beach, near Innisfail. Many birds in breeding plumage
LESSER FRIGATEBIRD (1) - Dominic Chaplin,14/03/2011 - Flying at Barron River Mouth, Off Redden Island, CAIRNS
RED-TAILED BLACK COCKATOO (20) - Sandra Christensen,14/3/11 - Flying Fish Point, NNISFAIL. Eating rotten Indian almond friut from ground.
WHITE-HEADED PIGEON - Sandra Christensen,14/3/11 - Just inland from The Coconuts, an Innisfail suburb on way to Flying fish Pt.
SQUATTER PIGEON - Heather Winsor 2/3/11 (1030) - Butler Drive, Kuranda (opposite No 17). Feeding on grass seedson the verge. Unusual in rainforest??
BLUE-FACED PARROT FINCH - John Seale12/3/11 (1100) - At McKenzies Pocket (4.5 kms up Black Mountain Rd), Kuranda.

BEWARE!! I was attacked by a black bull at McKenzies Pocket, 4.5 kms up Black Mtn Rd, Kuranda. This bull is NOT afraid of people and I did nothing to antagonise it. I was lucky to escape serious injury. I've reported it to Cassowary House and will also inform Parks and Wildlife

PAPUAN FROGMOUTH - (4 at least) -Brian Venables - 9/3/11 - 0630.Three birds (family group) at usual spot near footbridge (saltwater lake side) over Saltwater Cr. in Centenary Lakes. Also one Juv calling on the other side, suggesting 2 family groups in close proximity. I
On a sad note I have to report a Striped Possum roadkill in Collins Ave. earlier this week. This was reported
to me by one of the Botanic Gardens workers and I have written to the Mayor asking if the proposed canopy bridge in Collins Ave.was any closer to installation. I would urge everyone to write to their councillors as well.
BLACK-FACED MONARCH (1) - Barbara Warren,10/3/11 Pleasant Close, Mareeba
AZURE KINGFISHER - LITTLE KINGFISHER - (1 each) - Brian Venables.7/3/11 (1645) - The two species cheek by jowl it the Centenary Lakes on mangrove roots in Saltwater Cr. at the outflow of the Freshwater Lake.
BROWN CUCKOO-DOVE (1) - Barbara Warren,6/3/11 Pleasant Close, Mareeba

I had a report of 40+ Red-tailed Black Cockatoos from Kurramine Beach near Innisfail on Mar 24 2011. Is this an unusual sighting?? Apparently not, also at Mission beach feeding on Casuarinas

FEBRUARY 2011
MARSH SANDPIPER - (1) Brian Venables.28/2/11 - 06:45 - Vacant land at the northern end of Lake Street - one bird in small pool of water with BLACK-FRONTED DOTTEREL - Its call gave it away when it flushed. Also in same patch - BLACK BITTERN - BUFF-BANDED RAIL - BUSH HEN.
RADJAH SHELDUCK (6) - John Frois24/2/11 - Macnamara St, Outside Cairns Police-Citizen Youth Club feeding in grassy area.(Ed note - A pair raised 5 ducklings in the lakes area this season)
BEACH STONE-CURLEW (2) - Del. Richards.22/02/11- Ellis Beach, (north of Palm Cove). Pair near the stinger net location

EYEBROWED THRUSH Terry & Michelle Heidenreich, Alan Gillanders

7&8/02/11 in Heidenreirch's Garden, 370 Stonehouse Road, Malanda. This is the road which come to Bromfield Crater from the north. This bird is from SE Asia. For more info use Google
AZURE KINGFISHER - (1) - Brian Venables19/2/11 - 0745Centenary Lakes (Freshwater Lake) near "T" intersection of boardwalk (NW) - Also LITTLE KINFISHER t spillway of Freshwater Lake
SUPERB FRUIT-DOVE (1im.) - Barbara Warren19/2/11 Pleasant Close, Mareeba
WANDERING WHISTLING DUCK (7) - Barbara Warren19/2/11 Pleasant Close, Mareeba
PLUMED WHISTLING DUCK(2) - Barbara Warren19/2/11 Pleasant Close, Mareeba
PAINTED BUTTON QUAIL (3) - Dominic Chaplin,16/2/11. Springvale Road, Wondecla, 1 km before causeway. Whilst driving along slowly hoping for button quail amazingly three flew in and landed on the road in front of me.
CHANNEL-BILLED CUCKOO (20) - Stan Emmerson
14/2/2011 - Sims Road Atherton - all in one very small fruiting fig tree
SULPHUR-CRESTED WHITE COCKATOO (800+) - Stan Emmerson
14/2/2011 - Sims Road AthSims Road Atherton - on ground in recently harvested paddock

ORIENTAL CUCKOO (1) - Brian Venables,13/2/11 0645 - Cattana Wetlands - also KOEL - CHANNEL-BILLED CUCKOO - BRUSH CUCKOO - LITTLE BRONZE CUCKOO and
LITTLE KINGFISHER.
CRIMSON FINCH - (1m) - Brian Venables 8/2/11 0730 - One male with spice finchs in unmowed grass in sports field behind PCYC in MacNamara st oppositeCentenary Lakes

Some Interesting seabird records from Yungaburra area due to Cyclone Yasi
Some more interesting seabird records from Yungaburra area
COMMON TERNS (2) Alan Gillanders,05/02/11 Tinaburra, on buoys out from boat ramp.
LESSER FRIGATEBIRD (1 adult male) (4) Alan Gillanders ,05/02/11 Tinaburra, roosted for the night in a bloodwood where the canoes are lashed to the trees.
SACRED KINGFISHER - Brian Venables. Saltwater lake Centenary Lakes
7/2/1117:15. This species seems to be absent from the lakes for the same period as the Little Kingfisher
LITTLE KINGFISHER - (2) ~ Brian Venables ,7/2/11 0645 - Saltwater Cr. at the spillway of the freshwater lake in the Centenary Lakes.
LITTLE KINGFISHER - (3) - Martin Cachard - Centenary lakes in the freshwater lake - 6/2/11 - reported to "cairnsbirds" members
(Ed Note - These were seen in the north western arm of Freshwater Lake)
SHINING FLYCATCHER (1female) - Barbara Warren.5/2/11 Pleasant Close, Mareeba
PETREL SP (1) Alan & Maria Gillanders,03/02/11 Yungaburra 6 pm A large dark petrel with long, thin wings, a shortish rounded tail and the 'wrists' held well forward. First I called 'shearwater' then 'Great-winged Petrel'. That is still my best guess but am not at all sure.
COMMON TERNS (4) Alan Gillanders,04/02/11 Tinaburra, on buoys out from boat ramp.
LESSER-CRESTED TERN (1) Alan Gillanders ,04/02/11 Tinaburra
CRESTED TERN (1/2) Alan Gillanders 04/02/11 Tinaburra
GULL-BILLED TERN (5) Alan Gillanders ,04/02/11 Tinaburra
CASPIAN TERN (1) Alan Gillanders 04/02/11 Tinaburra
COMMON SANDPIPER (1) Alan Gillanders 04/02/11 Tinaburra
PIED CORMORANT (1) Alan Gillanders 04/02/11 Tinaburra
Just had a report of a small tern at Lake Eacham.
GREAT FRIGATEBIRD(4) Ota Yu,04/02/11 Esplanade 06:40 After severe cyclone. Adult male & female, imm, & juv. Adult female was trying to catch something in front of observation deck on mudflat. Some more unusual birds may turn up.

PAPUAN FROGMOUTH - John Seale,3/2/11 - A lone female at the usuual perch near the footbridge in Centenary Lakes. This was about noon after Cyclone Yasi had hit about midnight.
BROWN GOSHAWK - Frank & Di Harrison,,26/1/11 - Edmonton CBD chasing starlings
MARSH SANDPIPER - Frank & Di Harrison,1/2/11 - Beside Cairns Pier helipad
RADJAH SHELDUCK - Kelvin Turner,28/1/11 - A pair in pooled water at the Smithfield tip and for several days previous.

JANUARY 2011

MAGPIE GOOSE - John Seale,30/1/11 - Several adults with 5-6 goslings in fenced paddock opposite Sugar terminal, Portsmith
PURPLE SWAMPHEN – David OBrien,22/1/11 - On the roof of Ocean Spirit Cruises Beach Buggy (tender boat) at Michaelmas Cay.
PHEASANT COUCAL - Sherry Chegwyn,27/1/11 Red Peak Hill Boulevard, Caravonica, Cairns
BUFF-BANDED RAIL (1) - Greg Bortolussi,22/1/11 - vicinity of Anderson Rd Woree in garden at 1250. The heavy rain must have got to move in.
RADJAH SHELDUCK (2) - Greg Bortolussi,25/1/11 - overflight in vicinity of Anderson Rd Woree at 0645.
GREAT CORMORANT (1) - Greg Bortolussi,25/1/11 - overflight in vicinity of Anderson Rd Woree at 0645.
FORK-TAILED SWIFT (ca. 300) - Greg Bortolussi, A loose collection of small flocks stretched out between Buchans Point and McGregor Road Smithfield. About 6 White-throated Needletails seen among the flock. Appeared to be feeding above the foothills to the west of Cook Highway. Seen whilst driving at about 1400
BLUE-FACED PARROT FINCH - John Seale, 29/1/11 Plenty around clearing on Mt Lewis
BEACH STONE CURLEW (2) - Shawn Depper,16/1/2011 , Mission Beach. 1 near Castaway's Resort, the other 400m or so south of resort.
OSPREY - Shawn Depper,10/1/2011. Fishing for Jungle Perch in Mossman Gorge near main swimming area. A regular sighting
RADJAH SHELDUCK (7) - Brian Venables
18/1/11 - cENTENARY LAKES, Saltwater Lake - 06:45 - 2 adults and 5 juv. (fully fledged) pearched in Melaleuca leucadendron between footbridge and Saltwater Cr. (where the Rufous Owl nested Oct/Nov. 2009)
BLACK BITTERN (3) - Brian Venables
1) Freshwater Lake 19/1/11 - 06:45,2) Cemetery bushland 19/1/11 - 06:50
3) In a drain in Upward St. where it terminates at the Fearnley St. drain 19/1/11 - 07:05
RADJAH SHELDUCK (1) - Greg Bortolussi,19/1/11 - Anderson Rd Woree. Heading north, early morning over flight.
CHANNEL-BILL CUCKOO (2) - Greg Bortolussi,19/1/11 - Anderson Rd Woree. Heading north, early morning over flight.
RED KNOT - Frank Harrison,13/1/11 - Cairns esplanade, with many Great Knots and a few godwits
RADJAH SHELDUCK(2). - John Seale/Norton Gill,11/1/11 0645 - Cairns Esplanade. Flew from the north and landed in front of the swimming lagoon for a few minutes.
RUFOUS OWL - (1) - Brian Venables,9/1/11 - One bird in the trees in my yard opposite Flecker Botanic Gardens in McCormack St at 05:26.
I was alerted to this bird by a pair of Drongo hounding it. In the poor light I was able to id it only in silhouette but the Drongos chased it from treetop to treetop until it flew up toward the Red/Blue arrow tracks.
MAGPIE GOOSE (2). - Norton Gill,8/1/11 0645.- In long grass between railway line and Sheridan Street, Across from Cairns Convention Centre.
GREY GOSHAWK.8/1/11 0715. - In Mango trees corner of Abbott and Florence Street. harassed by two Willie Wagtails.
WHITE-NECKED HERON. - Norton Gill,07/01/11. 0540. Flying with Egrets from the corner of Minnie and Esplanade.
FORKED-TAIL SWIFT (1) - Brian Venables,5/1/11 - 0715 - One bird soaring over bushland adjacent Fearnley St. drain between,Anderson and Grove Streets.
SUPERB FRUIT-DOVE (1) - Brian Venables,5/1/11 0710 - One bird calling in the same bushland as above.
BLACK BITTERN (2) - Ota Yu,1/1/11 - Flying around Yorkeys Knob pond
LITTLE KINGFISHER (1) - Ota Yu,3/1/11 - Sitting on my Hills Hoist, beside Mulgrave Rd, Earlville
COTTON PYGMY GOOSE (2) - Ota Yu,3/1/11 - A pair at Hasties Swamp

DECEMBER 2010

RED-NECKED CRAKE - Brian Venables Phil Venables Eliot Miller.
25/12/10 (0645) - One or maybe 2 birds calling from the creek in the bushland alongside the Fearnley St. drain between Anderson St and Grove St.
BLACK BITTERN(2) - Brian Venables Phil Venables Eliot Miller
Same place,date and time as above. One bird seen on the track while the other was calling from the adjacent bush canopy.
WANDERING WHISTLING DUCK (2) - Barbara Warren,26/12/10 Pleasant Close, Mareeba
FORK-TAILED SWIFT (ca. 50) - Greg Bortolussi,6/12/10 - Flock preceding the storm at about 1640 ranging over a wide area from the Cairns Golf Course and west along Anderson Road Woree for about 20 minutes. Possibly one White-throated Needletail in the flock. The flock headed towards the dump.
BLACK BITTERN (2) - Brian Venables 3-12-10 - 06:30 Cemetery bushland - Anderson St. Feeding at swamp edge (large frog population).
KING QUAIL (male) - Heather Winsor,5/12/10 - Wandering around concrete forecourt in suburban garden, (Kewarra Beach 18km north of Cairns city)
GREAT-BILLED HERON - Birding Cairns et al,05/12/10 - Centenary Lakes at the freshwater lake outfall into Saltwater Creek.

NOVEMBER 2010

CRESTED TERNS (165+) - Graham Snell,22/11/10 Maria Creek,Kurrimine Beach.Feeding young with prawns,
GREY GOSHAWK - Luke Jackson,26/11/10 - The birds are nesting at Bentley Park in same tree as last year
RUFOUS OWL - Trish & Andrew (Red Mill House - Daintree),12?/11/10 - Juvenile bird, very firmly clutching a poor Yellow Oriole who no doubt thought he was safely tucked up for the night.

Nesting birds-Harvey Rich,8/11/10.Found nesting in a small section of lower Boland St Westcourt in small Melaleuca street trees running along
the concrete drain nests of 5 figbirds, 4 pied imperial pigeons,4 magpie larks, 1 friarbird, 1 white bellied cuckoo
shrike, young white throated honey eaters being fed, and in one tree alone a yellow honeyeater sitting on eggs, a wagtail sitting on eggs and a pied imperial pigeon sitting.Three nesting birds in the one tree is good, but my late father (a keen bird watcher) found in a large yellow box
tree a nesting restless flycatcher, wagtail, white winged chough, magpie lark and magpie all black and white birds.
Recorded in the BOC magazine circa 1960s/70S ?

SOOTY TERN (6) - DEL. RICHARDS.06/11/10. Struck Is. 200m. off Noah Beach, Daintree NP.My first ever sighting from the mainland of this species.
RED KNOT (1) - Mal Macdonald,7/11/10 north end Esplanade, along the waterline on beach amongst Great Knots and Godwits at morning high tide.

OCTOBER 2010

CHANNEL-BILLED CUCKOO (1) - Mal Macdonald
7/11/10 Abbott St side of library, calling from fig tree.
ROYAL SPOONBILL (2) - Barbara Warren,31/10/10 Pleasant Close, Mareeba
NUTMEG MANNIKIN (1) - Barbara Warren,3/11/10 Pleasant Close, Mareeba
GREAT CRESTED GREBE (2) - Mal Macdonald,30/10/10 - West Barron Catchment Dam. Seem to be resident. Seen often recently.
OSPREY - Mal Macdonald
30/10/10 - 5 km down Kimalo Rd, off North Walsh Rd (near Mareeba). Very conveniently observable nest in dead tree.
SARUS CRANE (3) & BUSTARD (2) - Mal Macdonald,30/10/10 - Kimalo Rd, mixed flock feeding together on cane paddock verge.
AUSTRALIAN OWLET-NIGHTJAR - Mal Macdonald,26/10/10 - 2300, Blue Gums Lookout, Lake Morris Rd. (Followed Brian Venables info on blog.) Calling from hollow in Eucalyptus and spotlighted.
RED-BELLIED PITTA - Brian Venables and Steve Murphy,29/10/10 - Early return to the Iron Range heard in a few places and by several others.
LESSER CRESTED TERN - John Seale et al,29/10/10 - Esplanade, fishing at high tide. (This tern has an ORANGE bill)
WHITE-BROWED CRAKE - Dennis Miller (US birder),29/10/10 - 18th hole of the Palm Cove Novotel resort golf course, in a lake half way up the fairway.
BLACK NECKED STORK - Grahame Finnigan & Kelvin Turner
25/10/10. 2 adults and 3 juveniles at swampy area just past the service station on Yorkeys Knob road on left.
RADJAH SHELDUCK as above.
AUSTRALIAN OWLET-NIGHTJAR - Brian Venables and Steve Murphy,23/10/10 - 16:15 - Blue Gums Lookout Lake Morris Rd. One bird calling from a hollow in a Eucalyptus tereticornis
RUFOUS OWL - John Seale et al,22/10/10 - Anderson St bush (next to Ambulance Station)- being mobbed by 20+ Drongos,
GALAH - Mal Macdonald ,20/10/10 - 17:50 - Holiday Inn Cairns - Flying around Carpentaria palms near Abbott/Florence intersection and calling.
ORIENTAL CUCKOO - Brian Venables 19/10/10 - 06:40 - Anderson St.(Cemetery) bushland - One bird flushed along the path.
BUFF-BREASTED PARADISE-KINGFISHER - Brian Venables
18/10/10 - 07:00 - Blue Arrow walking track - the forest was ringing with their calls - Not apparent on Red Arrow though. (Ed Blue/Red Arrow tracks are on Mt Whitfield just behind the Cairns Botanic gardens).
BUFF-BREASTED PARADISE-KINGFISHER - Brian Venables
17/10/10 - On Lake Morris (Copperlode dam) Rd just below Blue Gums lookout.
BUFF-BREASTED PARADISE KINGFISHER - Klaus Uhlenhut,16/10/10 - Japoonvale. Any other return dates welcome for this species, especially closer to Cairns.
also
15/10/10 - Sam Woods –Tropical Birding Group, Red Mill House Guests
at the Jindalba Broadwalk - Daintree – Heard, seen and photographed!
RED KNOT (8) - Di & Frankie Harrison et. al.
14/10/10 - Cairns Esplanade.
First returns.
COMMON DIVING PETREL - Graham Snell,26/9/10 - Beach-washed(dead) bird at Kurramine Beach near Innisfail. Not many Qld records.
MARSH SANDPIPER - John Seale,12/10/10 - Waste ground before boat ramp at end of Tingara Rd, Portsmith
RED GOSHAWK - Johnathon Munro,??/09/10 - Near Ravenshoe

SEPTEMBER 2010

ESPLANADE NEWS: Pelicans, up to 11 birds, GREY and GOLDEN PLOVERS. Most species have returned , a few in partial breeding plumage.\
ESPLANADE NEWS: Little Tern (22/9) and Broad Billed S/Piper (24/9) first returns. Black-tailed Godwits more common.
PECTORAL SANDPIPER - Di & Frankie Harrison et. al.
30/9/10 - Cairns esplanade, conspicuous amongst Sharp-tailed S/p's
GREENSHANK - Di & Frankie Harrison et. al.
30/9/10 - Cairns Esplanade, first return
DOLLARBIRD - Brian Venables. 4/10/10 -17:45 - Centenary Lakes - My first for this summer.
BLACK BITTERN - Brian Venables. 4/10/10 Centenary Lakes - One bird calling from the mangroves behind the 2 houses near Collins Ave. bridge 07:00.
BLACK-FACED MONARCH - Brian Venables 2/10/10 One bird calling in the bushland adjacent the Anderson St. Cemetery.
RUFOUS FANTAIL- Brian Venables,3/10/10 One bird calling from mangroves along Lily Cr. in Saltwater Lake. Also in boardwalk forest.
BLUE-FACED HONEYEATER (1) - Harvey Rich,26/9/10 - New section Cairns Cemetary, (Little St), seen sitting on head stones.
RADJAH SHELDUCK - Anecdotal via Bot Gdns staff member,21/9/10 - Breeding in Centenary Lakes in large paperbark tree spout.
PAPUAN FROGMOUTH - John Seale,21/9/10 - The roosting pair of the last 7 months were absent. Nesting ??
CHANNEL-BILLED CUCKOO (4) - Mal Macdonald,18/9/10 - Lotus Glen Correctional Centre, carpark, flying overhead and calling loadly.
BLUE-FACED HONEYEATER - Mal Macdonald,17/9/10 - "Coral Towers," Esplanade & McKenzie St corner, in street tree catching insects. Around this property on most days in recent months.
SHARP-TAILED SANDPIPERS (c20) - Ota Yu & Frankie Harrison,14/9/10 - Cairns Esplanade,Landed at dusk: One bird leg-flagged in the order of Chongming Island banding team, mouth of Yangtze River, near Shanghai China.
GLOSSY IBIS (2) - John Seale,8/9/10 - Hastie's Swamp, Atherton
RUDDY TURNSTONE - John Seale,10/9/10 - Redden Island, Machan's Beach
SATIN BOWERBIRD (20+ non-adult males) - John Seale,10/9/10 - Start of dirt on Mt Lewis Rd. Feeding on fruiting fig tree and flying up to big pine trees behind.
GREAT CRESTED GREBE (2) - Mal Macdonald,6/9/10 - West Barron Catchment Dam, Chettle Rd, Lotus Glen. Also AUSTRALIAN BUSTARD. (corner Arriga and Dimbulah Roads)6.9.10 at 0745
BLACK-FACED MONARCH (2) - John Seale,4/9/10 At first river crossing on Clohesy River Rd near Speewah
CHANNEL-BILL CUCKOO - (3) - Mal Macdonald,4/9/10 - flying overhead & calling, @ 0655 hours, Lotus Glen Correctional Centre (my first this season)
5/9/ 2010 Coquette Point, Innisfail. - Sandra Christensen A mixed bag at a good location
2 Pacific Baza,2 Pied Oystercatcher, 2 Beach Stone Curlew, 2 Barred Cuckoo-Shrike, White-breasted Sea Eagle, 3 Sacred Kingfisher, Collared Kingfisher, Forest Kingfisher, Pair Shining Flycatcher, White-faced Heron, 3 Whimbrel, 2 Black-winged Stilt, Several sp of waders and Terns.

AUGUST 2010

The festival is going well. 160 attendees at our first week's events and another week to go.

ESPLANADE NEWS: Pelicans, up to 11 birds, Black-tailed Godwit,Curlew S/pipers (some in partial breeding plumage), Sharp-tailed S/pipers. Maybe some are returning.

WHISKERED TERN (2) - Doug Armstrong,27/8/10 - Cattana Wetlands, Yorkey's Knob, Cairns.
NOISY PITTA (2) - Brian Venables,24/8/10 (0700) - Two birds calling on the Centenary Lakes Boardwalk. Also Wompoo Fruit-Dove calling as was Rufous Fantail. Red-necked Rail can be heard most days, early morn and at dusk.
PALLID CUCKOO - Birding Cairns field trip 15/8/10 - Henry Hannam Drive, Walkamin, the agricultural area.
PIED IMPERIAL PIGEON - Anne Anderson 13/8/10 Flying over TAFE College,Gatton St,Westcourt Cairns.
PIED IMPERIAL PIGEON - John Seale 14/8/10 - The Esplanade, flying towards East Trinity
EMERALD DOVE - David Anderson 7/8/10 - North Esplanade near the mangroves.
GREY GOSHAWK (WHITE PHASE) (1) - Stan Emmerson
28/7/10 - Mt Sheridan, killed Turtle Dove in my front yard tree on dusk & flew off with it
29/7/10 - knocked Turtle Dove to ground at my letter box @ 11am - bird survived
30/7/10 - knocked Turtle Dove to ground in my back yard @ 9am- picked it up & bird survived
Papuan Frogmouth (2) Harvey Rich 1/8/10 Lakefield National Park- Amazing behaviour from a courting pair of Frogmouths.The couple locked together I believe by their bills spiralling downwards with outstretched wings crashing heavy into the undergrowth repeated many times during the night and early light.To top that from a high branch in a Melelueca tree the courting female hanging suspended with wings folded from thebeak of its courting partner for at least a minute or so.
Papuan Frogmouth (3) Harvey Rich 1/8/10 Lakefield National Park- Noisy camp with courting Frogmouths with calls not descibed , Large tailed nightjars continuous calling, Boobook owl and Bush thickknees and throw in a Blue winged kookaburra all calling at the one time.
OLIVE-BACKED ORIOLE (2) - Greg Bortolussi 1/8/10 - Anderson Road, Woree. Adult and unidentified other calling from tree top in neighbour's yard.
STRIATED PARDALOTE - Greg Bortolussi 1/8/10 - Anderson Road, Woree. Calling from tree top in neighbour's yard. Usually heard calling from the large eucalypts in the nearby park.
METALLIC STARLING (ca. 15) 1/8/10 - Anderson Road,
AUSTRALIAN HOBBY (1) - Frankie Harrison 25/7/10 - Centenary Lakes; skimming around freshwater.
PAPUAN FROGMOUTH - John Seale,21/8/10 - Centenary Lakes - a pair at both new and old roosting sites plus a dead bird (several days dead).
EASTERN KOEL (1) - Di & Frankie Harrison,18/8/10 - Heavey Crescent, Whitfield. Darned thing woke us up at 3am calling in our garden.
GREAT CORMORANT (1) - Di & Frankie Harrison,21/8/10 - Cairns Esplanade.
Perched with 9 Little Black Cormorants.
RUFOUS OWL - David Anderson,20/8/10 - I found a rufous owl dead on the highway just north of Oak beach (Capt Cook Hgwy)this is the second one I have found hit by cars over the years.
FUSCOUS HONEYEATER/LITTLE LORIKEETS - Shawn Depper,08/08/10 - At Wondecla, the Tepon Equestrian centre plus numerous Brown Quail calling
CHANNEL-BILLED CUCKOO - Frankie & Di Harrison,14/8/10 - Cairns Esplanade, flying south

JULY 2010

ESPLANADE NEWS: 9 Pelicans recently

BEACH STONE CURLEW (2) - Denis Walls,25/7/10 - On sandy beach opposite Cairns Base Hospital
LITTLE PIED CORMORANT (1) - Barbara Warren,21/7/10 Pleasant Close, Mareeba
PACIFIC BAZA (2) - Barbara Warren,24/7/10 Pleasant Close, Mareeba
WHITE-EARED MONARCH - (1) Brian Venables,22/7/10 0730 - Lower Freshwater Road at the bridge on Freshwater Cr.
BRUSH CUCKOO (Juveniles) - Greg Bortolussi17/7/10 - Crystal Ck, (Mutarnee) (down near Paluma, I think)
PACIFIC GOLDEN PLOVER (2) - John Seale,19/7/10 - Redden Island beach area.
CHANNEL- BILLED CUCKOO- (2)- Harvey Rich,10/7/10-Normanton Burketown Rd. Very vocal upsetting the locals.
BLACK-BREASTED BUZZARD-(1)-Harvey Rich,9/7/10-Normanton Kowanyama Rd
BROAD-BILLED FLYCATCHER-(3)- Del. Richards.02/07/10- near Port Douglas.
PAINTED BUTTON-QUAIL -(1)- Del. Richards.02/07/10 Lake Mitchell, Female came to tape.
RED TAILED BLACK-COCKATOO (3000+) - Stan Emmerson,30/6/10, just on dark, finding roosting trees after day of feeding on trees & crops, 20km north-west of Lakeland Downs
RED TAILED BLACK-COCKATOO (1000) - Stan Emmerson,1/7/10, 4pm in vicinity of Mareeba Airport.

JUNE 2010

WHITE-BELLIED SEA EAGLE (1) - Barbara Warren,24/6/10 farm dam, "Wylandra" , Mareeba
WHITE-NECKED HERON (1) - Barbara Warren,28/6/10 farm dam, "Wylandra", Mareeba
WHITE-BROWED CRAKE - Mal Macdonald,27/6/10 1005 - Cattanna Wetlands. In the row of small paperbarks and rank grass, to the LHS of the bird hide at the far bank of the main lake. Also saw it in the same place at 1120 hours 21.6.10.
YELLOW-SPOTTED HONEYEATER - Di & Frankie Harrison,17/6/10- Feeding in bushes adjacent to Cairns Pier Helipad.
SQUARE-TAILED KITE - Di & Frankie Harrison,20/6/10 - Edmonton C.B.D.
PACIFIC BAZA (2) - Di & Frankie Harrison.,20/6/10 - Returned to our Whitfield garden after 3 year absence.
TOPKNOT PIGEONS (14) - Frankie Harrison,22/6/10 - Whitfield
LITTLE CORELLA (2)- Ota Yu,19/6/10 - First City Caravilla Caravan park Earlville. Flying over with calling each other.
GREY GOSHAWK- Ota Yu,19/6/10 - sitting on the street lamp between Holiday inn and The Hotel Cairns, flashed by Willie Wagtail
LITTLE FRIARBIRD - Grahame Finnigan,18/6/10 - Red Lynch Valley Estate Mary Parker Drive roundabout at shops.On grevilleas in back yard of shop.
BRUSH CUCKOO FLEDGLING - Grahame Finnigan,19/6/10 - Catanna Wetland. Being continually fed by a pair of very stressed brown backed honey eaters.
GREAT-BILLED HERON - Ron Hill,17/6/10 0645 - From Southern end of Kewarra Beach to Deep Creek Mangroves.
BLUE-FACED HONEYEATER - John Seale,20/6/10 - Esplanade, opposite Charles St, being harrasseed by a couple of Magpie Larks.
AUSTRALIAN OWLET - NIGHTJAR - Brian Venables,20/6/10 - Calling at 08:30 from a hollow in a big Blue Gum at the lookout on the way up Lake Morris Road. My first record of this species in the immediate Cairns area.
TOPKNOT PIGEON - ( 20) Brian Venables,20/6/10 0840 - A flock of 20 flew over the Blue Gums lookout on Lake Morris Rd.
PIED IMPERIAL PIGEON - David Anderson,19/6/10 - Feeding on fruit of a livistona drudei one of a group of 4 or 5 very tall fan palms just north of the
childrens playground
SQUARE-TAILED KITE - Di & Frankie Harrison,4/6/10 - Yorkey's Knob Rd.
Bizarre Behaviour.
WHIMBREL mount & copulate with BAR-TAILED GODWIT - Frankie Harrison et. al.
6/6/10 - Cairns Esplanade.
Possible explanations include:-
Rampant surge of testosterone through veins of naive, juvenile male.
[We've all been there, eh chaps?]
Whimbrel with an incredibly itchy cloaca.
WHITE-EARED MONARCH - David Anderson,5/6/10 - Track going into Eubanangee Swamp
NIGHTJAR ( unidentified) - Brian Venables. 2/6/10 - 0745 - One bird flushed from the path along Saltwater Cr. in Centenary Lakes between footbridge and Collins Ave. bridge. What I can say is that it was not a Large-tailed Nightjar (no white in outer tail and was larger) my best guess is a White-throated Nightjar.
SPOTTED WHISTLE DUCK (2 + 10 ducklings) - Mungkan Kanja BA survey group
1/6/10 - Lagoon in Coen river in front of old Rokeby homestead, 100km NW of Coen, Cape York

MAY 2010

LARGE-TAILED NIGHTJAR - (2)Tom Collis,28/5/10 - 2 birds calling at night at Kewarra Beach.
VARIED HONEYEATER - Brian Venables,31/5/10 - 0730 One bird calling from what is left of mangroves in Saltwater Cr. in The Centenary Lakes. Not so usual this far up river.
TAWNY GRASSBIRD - B, Venables, 25/5 at very north end of lake St, cairns
ESPLANADE NEWS: A lone pelican was seen on 22/5. Last recorded in early March. Some Gull-billed Terns have arrived back. Wader numbers are fairly low.
BEACH STONE CURLEW (3) - Norton Gill,17/5/10 - Opposite the hospital helicopter landing area. At about 6:20am I saw two Nankeen Night-Heron’s coming back to roost.
CLAMOROUS REED-WARBLER (1) - Brian Venables 14/05/10_07:00 hrs - One bird in cane fields on Lower Freshwater Road,Cairns singing its heart out.
MAGPIE LARK(1) - Ota Yu,11/05/10 - Michaelmas Cay -rare
STRIATED PARDALOTE (Pair) - Frankie Harrison,12/5/10 Lily Creek, Cairns (Beside Lakes Resort & Spa). They breed here every year in tunnel of creek bank
SQUARE-TAILED KITE (1) - Harvey Rich 12/5/10- seen just off Kingsford Street close to the former house on the hill, Mooroobool.
RED-NECKED CRAKE (JUVENILE) - Deb Pople 12/05/10 Old Smithfield Road, in vegetation along side apartment complex beside Freshwater school.
RED NECKED CRAKE - Graham Winterflood 13/5/10. Near the boardwalk, Centenary Lakes

APRIL 2010

BLUE-FACED HONEYEATER(2 JUV) - Kim Maute and Brian Venables.
11/5/2010 Cairns Esplanade 2 birds in flowering Mistletoe and then onto a Coconut.
GLOSSY IBIS + RADJAH SHELDUCK (2) - John Seale,8/5/10 - Dunn road swamp. 150m west of Yorkey's Rd and Dunn Rd junction. Park near power pole and walk along track for 200m. Whistle ducks and stilts also.
SATIN FLYCATCHER (1) Grahame Finnigan,7/5/10 - backyard at Kewarra Beach. Male on annual northern migration.
STRIATED PARDALOTE(1) Ota Yu,03/05/10 Centenery Lake lakeside- don't see them often here
LITTLE LORIKEET (small flock, at least 8) Di & Frankie Harrison
2/5/10 - Cairns Esplanade, next to R.S.L building.
BUFF-BANDED RAIL (50-100) Dominic Chaplin,
23/4/10. Green Island - Rails now in plague proportions on the island. They will jump on to your table and steal chips from your plate while you are eating or try and remove any food from your bag whilst sitting on the beach. Not typical rail behaviour. National Parks were thinking of catching them and releasing them backon the mainland but were unsure of a good release site. I reckon outsideMcDonalds on the Esplanade would be more suited to their behaviour now!
TORRESIAN IMPERIAL PIGEONS (20) Dominic Chaplin, 23/4/10. Green Island
A few late departures?
BLACK BITTERN - 1 female - B venables,28/4/10 - In the Cemetery bushland in Anderson St. at 0750.
COMMON KOEL (1) Jo & Grant Knight,22/4/10 Cairns City Place. Female bird.
DUSKY WOODSWALLOWS (5) Alan Gillanders & Juan-Carlos Solis,20/04/10 Hasties Swamp, Atherton, southern end
CRIMSON ROSELLA-(2)- Del. Richards.16/04/10 Nine mile Road, Julatten.(My first record at 400 metres in 15 years in our area).
SATIN FLYCATCHER (1) Del. Richards.12/04/10. Newell Beach. Very early record for northern migration.
RUFOUS FANTAIL (1), SACRED KINGFISHER (1) - Barbara Warren 9/4/10 Pleasant Close, Mareeba
ORIENTAL CUCKOO (1) - Barbara Warren,10/4/10 Pleasant Close, Mareeba
DOLLAR BIRD (1) - Greg Bortolussi,04/04/10 - Anderson Rd Woree. Heading north.
CHANNEL-BILLED CUCKOO (5) - Greg Bortolussi,09/04/10 - Anderson Rd Woree. Heading north first thing in the morning.
BUFF BREASTED PARADISE KINGFISHER (1) Dominic Chaplin
05/04/10 - Little Mulgrave Valley. First ever record in our garden. Very healthy beautiful adult in trees we planted 12 years ago.
RED NECKED RAILS (6) Dominic Chaplin/Lisa Tanner 15/03 to 05/04/10 - Little Mulgrave Valley We hear RNRs all the time here but never ever see them.For some reason a family with tiny chicks has been out in the open around the house for a few weeks now in the very late evening. Today the chicks are fully rail size already but still all black.

MARCH 2010

RAINBOW BEEATER (300+) - Stan Emmerson Flock gathering from all directions over Chillagoe township just before dark, as it became darker they all flew northwards.
LITTLE LORRIKEETS - Jonathan Munro et al,31/3/10, 100s in wet sclerophyll forest, Greys Lane, Ravenshoe.
BLUE-FACED FINCH (3) - Jonathan Munro et al26/3/10, with Red-browed Finches, Tully Falls Road, Ravenshoe.
BROLGA (4) - Jonathan Munro et al24/3/10, Blue Lagoon near Ravenshoe
BLACK BITTERN (4) - Jonathan Munro et al24/3/10, flushed from dense ti-tree stands along Vine Creek, Ravenshoe. Many sightings of Black Bitterns from around Ravenshoe region this summer particularly from Pobblebonk Swamp.
EASTERN CURLEW (3) - Jonathan Munro et al
24/3/10, feeding with Bustards in field off Wooroora Road, Ravenshoe. One
bird present since January.
BUFF-RUMPED THORNBILL (10+) - Jonathan Munro et al24/3/10, Millstream, Ravenshoe.
RADJAH SHELDUCK (2) - Frankie Harrison,31/3/10 - Macnamara Street, Manunda. Standing in roadside puddle beside heavy afternoon traffic.
(Ed. There seems to be a pair around. 2 in Cent Lakes on 30/3/10)
SINGING BUSHLARK - Harvey Rich,23/3/10 - Cattana Wetlands, Yorkey's Knob,Cairns
EASTERN SPINEBILL (2) - Graham Winterflood
SPOTTED PARDALOTE 22/3/10 - Upper Davies Creek campsites, after Sunday walk.
RUFOUS OWL - Roadkill - Greg Whitcher, late 2009 - Near the bridge (Chinaman's Creek ??) on Ray Jones Drive. (Ed. Late record just received.)
BROWN GOSHAWK - Andy anderson,22/3/10 - Flying around the bat colony in Aplin St, Cairns at approx 6.30pm
RADJAH SHELDUCK (2) - ken ward,22/3/10 - Half Moon bay golf course, Yorkeys Knob, cairns
LATHAMS/JAPANESE SNIPE - Frankie & Di Harrison 21/3/10 Cattana Wetlands Main pond, eventually flew north.
DOLLARBIRD - Frankie & Di Harrison,21/3/10 Cattana Wetlands
CHANNEL-BILLED CUCKOOS (17) - Frankie Harrison,21/3/10 Catanna Wetlands Flying north in group.
PIED OYSTERCATCHER (6) - Ken Ward,18/3/10 - Palm Cove beach
CASSOWARY (plus 4 chicks) - Graham Snell,12/3/10 - At Crawford's Lookout which is on the Palmerstone Hgwy (I think) (Innisfail to Ravenshoe road)
WANDERING WHISTLING DUCK – Andrew & Trish Forsyth,14/3/10 – flock 14 - Stewart Creek Road Daintree
RADJAH SHELDUCK – Andrew Forsyth
14/3/10 – Pair – Mossman Golf Club (please buy something small from the shop if going for a look eg. Mars Bar or can of Coke)
LEWIN'S HONEYEATER -(1)- Del. Richards and Lloyd Nielsen.10/03/10 - At. Mt. Mulligan. very much unexpected.
PAPUAN FROGMOUTH (3) - Tom Collis and Denis Walls,12-14/3/10 - On south side of Centenary Lakes bridge across Saltwater Creek in first paperbark tree on the right.
PIED CURRAWONG - Norton Gill,14/3/10 - Anderson St bush next to Ambulance station, Cairns.
DOLLAR BIRD (1 Juvenile) - Greg Bortolussi,12/3/10 Jean Close Woree. Sitting on top of a paperbark at sunrise calling occasionally. Flew off to the north at about 07:00am.
VICTORIA'S RIFLEBIRD (4) - Deb Pople & Rachel Reese,6-7/3/10 - 4 females actively feeding along and below MaMu canopy walk. Late afternoon.
WHITE-HEADED PIGEONS (20+) - Deb Pople & Rachel Reese.6-7/3/10 - . Around Malanda Falls and Yungaburra.
LITTLE LORIKEETS (2) - Deb Pople.6-7/3/10 - Pair feeding in lower canopy in early morning at Malanda Falls Caravan Park.
RAINBOW BEE-EATER (numerous) - Greg Bortolussi,06/3/10 Woree. Northern migration appears to be underway. Flocks of 15 or more regularly seen flying north over Woree.
PAPUAN FROGMOUTH (3)- Brian Venables.5/3/10.Back at the old spot on the Saltwater Cr. end of boardwalk. Centenary Lakes. 08:00
RAINBOW BEEATERS (50 plus) - John Frois,03/03/10 Dutton Street Portsmith on powerlines right above train line
LITTLE KINGFISHER (1)- Brian Venables.4/3/10 Centenary Lakes. At last the return to the Lakes. At the Freshwater Lake this morning one bird flew across the path in front of me at 07:15.
BUSTARD (6) - Denis Walls,1/3/10 - Next to sugar cane stubble and ditch along road to Mareeba Wetlands
BLACK-NECKED STORK (1) - Denis Walls,1/3/10 - On road on way to Mareeba Wetlands
BLACK SWAN (2) - Denis Walls,1/3/10 - Parallel to road before Big Mitchell Creek
The hundreds of birds present at Mitchell/Quaid Lake before Xmas have all gone and only darters, jacanas and one pelican were sighted.
RAJAH SHELDUCK (2) - Brian Venables.1/3/2010. Two birds on the footbridge of the Saltwater Lake, Centenary Lakes. 07:30.
BLACK BITTERN (3) -Brian Venables.1/3/2010. 2 males and 1 female in the Freshwater Lake, Centenary Lakes. 06:35.
LOVELY FAIRYWREN (3) Brian Venables.One male and 2 female in mangroves along Lily Cr. Saltwater Lake, Centenary Lakes.06:40
BUSH-HEN (1 )- Brian Venables.One bird (possibly 2) not seen (but very raucous) in long grass in the bushland between Anderson and Grove Sts. Cairns Central Swamp by Fearnley St. drain.06:50
Haven't yet found the return of the Little Kingfisher to the Centenary Lakes and I ask everyone when was the last time anyone saw or heard a Brown Quail round the outer suburbs and cane fields of Cairns? It has been more than a year for me. (Ed. I heard some Brown Quail at western end of Tingira Rd Portsmith in early Feb.

FEBRUARY 2010

LITTLE KINGFISHER – Brian Venables,18/02/10 - One bird fishing from mangroves in the Fearnley St. drain where Upward St. terminates.Have not seen species since October 2009. Still have not seen them in the Centenary Lakes so far this year and I have been looking.
(GOOD TO SEE THIS BIRD IS BACK FROM BREEDING - A MUCH SOUGHT AFTER BIRD FOR VISITING BIRDOS. Ed Note)
BLACK BITTERN (1) Grahame Finnigan,16/2/10 - Catanna Wetlands. Now habitually along drainage channel at southen end of wetlands.
LITTLE FRIARBIRD (2) Grahame Finnigan,16/2/10 - Catanna Wetlands.
TORRESIAN CROW (2) Grahame Finnigan,15/2/10 - Flying over near Catanna Wetlands.
WHITE-HEADED PIGEON (10+) - John Seale,12/02/10 - Yungaburra, in the camphor laurel trees near the school.
BARN OWL - Norton Gill,11/02/10 - Esplanade, Cairns - In top of a coconut palm opp. the RSL club
WHITE-BREASTED SEA-EAGLE (3) - John Seale,16/2/10 - Cairns Esplanade. All adult birds sitting on posts and crabpots near the tide line at fairly low tide.
FORKED-TAILED SWIFT - (flock of 100+) Brian Venables,14/2/10 - 07:10 hrs - High but audible over Saltwater Lake (Centenary Lakes) .
WHITE-THROATED NEEDLETAIL (2) & FORK-TAILED SWIFT (6) - Greg Bortolussi
13/2/10 - Ma:mu carpark Palmerston. Flock accompanied by a pair of White-rumped Swiftlets and a trio of White-breasted Woodswallows. Thunderstorm was brewing to the south west.
SOUTHERN CASSOWARY (1) - Greg Bortolussi 14/2/10 - Kuranda range between sky rail and lookout. Feed on tree on eastern side of road.
FORK-TAILED SWIFT (22) - Greg Bortolussi 14/2/10 - west of Walkamin ov1er grazing paddocks. Thunderstorm was about 20 minutes away.
CRIMSON FINCH - (flock) Treeforce planting site past Michelangelo Drive on Crystal Cascades road.
Denis Walls - 14/2/10CHESTNUT BREASTED MANNIKIN - (flock) Treeforce planting site past Michelangelo Drive on Crystal Cascades road.
Denis Walls - 14/2/10CASSOWARY - (ADULT) - 5 kms from Lake Morris by road side feeding on fallen fruit.Denis Walls - 15/2/10
PACIFIC BAZA (2) - Brian Venables,14/2/10 - 08:10 hrs Soaring over Saltwater Lake (Centenary Lakes).
WHITE-HEADED PIGEON (5) - OTA,12/02/10 - Yungaburra, Patterson Ck
RADJAH SHELDUCK (2) - John Seale et al,09/02/10 - Centenary lakes near Bamboo Avenue near Collins ST
FORK-TAILED SWIFT & WHITE-THROATED NEEDLETAIL (numerous) - Greg Bortolussi
6/2/10 - Between Bushy Creek Bridge and Kingfisher Park. Combined flock of the two species. FTS dominant in numbers.Australian (White-rumped) Swiftlets also seem among this wide ranging flock.
LESSER FRIGATE BIRD- (7) -Del. Richards.05/02/07 - Rex Lookout, Cook Highway.
CASSOWARY - Shawn Depper,01/02/10 - Several recent sightings on the Bump Track (southern end before creek crossing) near Port Douglas plus a Tree Kangaroo(?).

JANUARY 2010

LESSER FRIGATEBIRD (2) - Norton Gill et al,1 and 3/02/10 - Cairns Esplanade in the afternoon.
CRIMSON FINCH- (2 M&F) - Brian Venables.2/2/10 - A pair of birds in the vacant land at the northern end of Lake St. I have seen them there from time to time over a few years.
SNIPE (UNIDENTIFIED) (1) - Brian Venables,30/01/10 06:50.One bird flushed in the vacant land at the northern end of Lake St. Also 2 BUFF-BANDED RAILS in the knee high grass
BLACK BITTERN- (1) Brian Venables.
30/01/10 07:15 - One bird calling insistently from the canopy of bush along Saltwater Cr. between footbridge and Collins Ave bridge .
RED-RUMPED SWALLOW (2) - Keith Fisher,27/01/10 - Somerset Drive, on left shortly after (north of) the Newell Beach turnoff
PLUMED WHISTLING DUCK (2) - Greg Bortolussi,22/1/10 Edmonton Turf Farm
BUSH HEN (4) - Greg Bortolussi 22/1/10 Page Road Edmonton
SPOTLESS CRAKE (1) - Greg Bortolussi 22/1/10 Page Road Edmonton

Thought I would visit the turf farm to see what the windy rainy weather had
brought in. Very quiet bit many waterbirds seen along the road including
numerous Black Ducks, Purple Swamphens and Buff-banded Rails. Brown Quail
were calling form the edge of the cane paddock opposite the turf farm.

SPOTTED HARRIER (1) - Greg Bortolussi 25/1/10 Euluma Creek Road near Droughtmaster Stud sign north of Devil Devil Ck bridge.
GREAT BILLED HERON - John Seale et al,25/01/01 At the Freshwater lake overflow on a receding tide (approx 1345). it posed for at least 40 mins before walking around the mangroves.
BURDEKIN DUCK (1 ad) - Mikey Kudo,23/01/10 - 18:30 - Skimming something off the shallow water surface on a mudflat at Esplanade opposite Acacia Hotel.
BARKING OWL (2) - Lake Eacham Hotel, Yungaburra,19/01/2010 - Dominic Chaplin2 birds seen preening on large pine opposite the pub, 20.30
Not there 21.30 23/01/2010
BARN OWL (11) - Marks Lane & Forsyth Road, Yungaburra,19/01/2010 - Dominic Chaplin.Plus one more in the middle of the road by the Curtain Fig Tree turnoff.Very good night for owls. What a hoot.
MASKED FINCH (2)BLACK-THROATED FINCH (8)ZEBRA FINCH (15)
DOUBLE-BARRED FINCH (70)GROUND CUCKOO-SHRIKE (3)BLACK BITTERN (2)
APOSTLEBIRD (1000+)FORK-TAILED SWIFT (100)
Georgetown, 22/01/2010 Dominic Chaplin, Very wet and green out at Georgetown, 54 species at Cumberland Dam in 90 mins.

* I've had a couple of recent phone calls to record unusual bird behaviour etc.
MAGPIE-LARK - Terry Heidenwroth (?) Malanda Jan 2010 - 2 Albino birds at Wongalinga beach near 72 Reid St and Morton St.
PIED IMPERIAL PIGEON - Straight after mating a pair grabbed each other's bills and held on for at least 2 minutes when the observer ceased watching.

** CATTANA wETLANDS GATES WERE CLOSED TODAY. I STILL WENT IN AROUND THE GATE BY FOOT. IT SEEMS THERE HAS BEEN A FAIR
BIT OF FLOODING THERE IN THE RECENT RAIN. I'LL TRY AND FIND OUT WHY IT WAS CLOSED.

GREAT- BILLED HERON-(1) Brian Venables,16/01/10- 06:05.Lily Creek junction of Saltwater Creek, Centenary Lakes One bird feeding in the shallows.
Other noteworthy species this morning were BLACK BITTERN (1 male) - RUFOUS NIGHT HERON (2 JUV.) - STRIATED HERON (3) BUSH HEN- (1 call only) all in the freshwater lake.
SHINING FLYCATCHER - Denis Walls,15/1/10 - male in mangroves (left side) at Dunne Rd turn off to Yorkey's Knob
GLOSSY IBIS - Denis Walls,15/1/10 - in swamp (right side) at Dunne Rd turn off to Yorkey's Knob
PIED (BLACK-WINGED) STILT (100+) - Denis Walls,15/1/10 - 100+ birds in swamp (right side) at Dunne Rd turn off to Yorkey's Knob.
*(THIS FLOODED AREA IS QUITE PRODUCTIVE AT THE MOMENT (Ed.)
BUFF-BANDED RAIL (1)- Brian Venables.13/01/10 0650 - One bird flushed from road round the vacant land at the north end of Lake St.
ORIENTAL CUCKOO - (1) Brian Venables.13/01/10 - 07:20. Anderson St. bushland next to Cemetery.
STRIPED HONEYEATER (1) Alan Gillanders, 8 & 11/01/10 Sailing Club, Black Gully Road, Tinaroo
PAPUAN FROGMOUTH (6) - Graeme Horsking (Vic. birder)12/01/10 - 3 each in trees immediately north and south of the pedestrian footbridge over Saltwater Ck in Centenary Lakes
LOVELY FAIRY-WREN - (3) Brian Venables.11/01/10 0630 - One male and two female plumaged birds in the mangroves not cleared by Cairns council downstream of footbridge over Saltwater Creek in Centenary Lakes.
BLACK BITTERN - (2) Brian Venables.11/01/10 0630 - Two birds calling (not seen) to each other 50m apart in the tall Melaleucas in the brackish wetland adjacent Saltwater Creek between the footbridge and the Collins Ave. bridge in Centenary Lakes.
LITTLE BRONZE CUCKOO (1) - Barbara Warren
3/1/2010 Pleasant Close, Mareeba.
CHANNEL-BILLED CUCKOO - Frank & Di Harrison,2/1/10 - In trees among bats, Cairns City Library.
GREAT-BILLED HERON - (1) Brian Venables.2/01/10 0605 - Saltwater Creek this morning upstream of the Collins Ave. bridge. Heartening to see after the habitat loss
ORIENTAL CUCKOO - Dominic Chaplin,01/01/10 - Chewko Rd, Mareeba, feeding in trees we planted 2 years ago. Seem to be lots of Oriental Cuckoos around this year.
GLOSSY IBIS (3) - Dominic Chaplin,01/01/10 - Chewko Rd, Mareeba.
also
LOST - GREY INDIAN RINGNECK PARROT,Cairns North Area. If seen please call 0408 756 337 Reward Offered
GREAT-BILLED HERON(1) -Ota,31/12/2009 Centenary Lake (fresh water)
COMMON SANDPIPER(1) -Ota,01/01/2010 Yorkeys Knob lagoon
SHARP-TAILED SANDPIPER(9)-Ota,01/012010 Yorkeys Knob Golf course ground
WHITE-BROWED CRAKE(1)-Ota,01/01/2010 Wa-ri-park lagoon Portdouglas

Point, .

bird routes

2009-09-15T22:09:00.009+10:00

BIRD ROUTES A) CAIRNS AND LOCAL AREAS WITHIN 15km
B) CAIRNS North West - KURANDA, MAREEBA, MT CARBINE, JULATTEN
C) CAIRNS South West - ATHERTON, MALANDA, YUNGABURRA, KABAN

A)SOME BIRDING LOCATIONS WITHIN 15 KMS OF CAIRNS + 2 Southern Locations
(To be used in conjunction with a good map of Cairns). Distances from the city ie. 6k NW = 6kms North West.

THE ESPLANADE - Mudflats - The area between Florence St and Minnie St, in front of the Tradewinds Hotel, is free parking and the best place to see the waders and other waterbirds. The peak times are Sept-Mar for the migratory birds. Best birding is when the rising tide is AT 1.8 metres (ie 2 hrs earlier than high tide of 2.4m).

THE ESPLANADE NORTH (2k N) - Mangrove edges - Mangrove Robins, Shining Flycatchers, maybe Beach Stone-Curlews.

CENTENARY LAKES (3k N) - Water/Parkland - Between Collins St and Greenslopes St is an extension of the Botanic Gardens. There is a saltwater and a freshwater lake separated by Saltwater Creek. A good mix of water and bush birds. Little and Collared Kingfishers, White-browed Crakes, Double-eyed Fig-parrots. 50 species in 2 hours is usually found by the local bird group which meets at 0630 on the 1st Sunday of the month on Greenslopes St 100m west of Saltwater Creek.
FREE BIRD trips each Tuesday morning. Meet 0830 at Botanic gardens office

MOUNT WHITFIELD (3k N)- Rainforest - A little steep in places. Adjoining the Botanic gardens in Collins St. Rainforest, grassy areas and woodland. Take the Red Arrow track to the start of the Blue Arrow track. Take the right hand track of the Blue Arrow until the rainforest area. Easy walk for 500m. Noisy Pitta, Buff-breasted K/Fisher, Lovely Fairy-wren, Superb/Wompoo Fruit Doves

MICHAELMAS CAY (28k E) A small sandy cay where some terns nest for most of the year. Usually 6-7 seabirds seen. Brown, Masked Boobies, Common Noddy, Roseate, Black-naped and Bridled Terns + Frigatebirds. Seastar II stops at the Cay and allows landing for an hour or so. Be prepared for a long day if you are not into snorkelling.

AIRPORT AVENUE (3k N) - Mangroves - Two boardwalks provide access. Mangrove Robin, Shining Flycatcher, Collared Kingfisher plus honeyeaters at blossom time.

REDDEN ISLAND (8k N) - Woodland/Sandy Flats - Machans Beach. Go to end of Cinderella St. Park car and walk into the bush area on the west side of the street. Rose-crowned F/Doves, Lovely Fairy-wren. From car, walk to the beach and up to the mouth of the Barron River. At low tide, exposed sandbanks for waders, Beach Stone-curlew.

CATTANA WETLANDS (13k N) - Wetlands/Grass areas. Take Yorkeys Knob road and after 3 kms see Dunne Rd on left. Turn left and after 2 kms see roundabout. Take 1st exit left and park at gate. Walk in along bitumen for 5 mins to see 3 lakes. Jacana, Pygmy Goose, Crimson Finch and other grassbirds.
Since June 2005, a "KEEP OUT" notice has been erected. Birdos are known to be bad readers. I am trying to contact the owners about birdwatchers.

SMITHFIELD STW (13k N) - East end of McGregor's Rd, Smithfield. Park car at STW and walk along fence to see 2 sewage ponds. The eastern most pond is better. Water birds

YORKEY'S KNOB GOLF CLUB (15k N) - Lagoon - Go into Yorkeys Knob and just after the shops see Wattle St on the left. Follow this for 1 km and park in the shade next to the lagoon. Whistle Ducks, Glossy Ibis, Pygmy Goose.

SMITHFIELD CONSERVATION PARK (13k N) - Rainforest - At the West end of McGregor Rd, Smithfield see bike tracks to the right. Another entrance 300m north of McGregor Rd roundabout, leads to bike track area. Need 4wd for this 3 km track. Rainforest birds.

LAKE MORRIS ROAD (8k W) - Kanimbla - Rainforest. Cairns water supply in dam 15 kms along the road. Locked gate (2 kms before the dam) opens at 8.00 am. Plenty of good rainforest before that. Best birding after 8 kms. Stop to bird along the road. Monarchs, Fruit Doves, Pitta, Catbird, Riflebird, Boatbill.

STONEY CREEK (14k W) - Kamerunga. Rainforest. Park at the end of Stoney Ck Rd. Just over the bridge stay left for 2km easy walk or turn right to Douglas Track. Rainforest birds. Good swimming holes.

PORTSMITH STW (5k S) Kate St, 100m past railway line - Black/Fr Dotterel, Stilt, Whistle Ducks, Pied Herons.

EDMONTON (14k S) -End of Thomson Rd is the boat ramp. At low tide maybe Great-billed Heron plus other mangrove species.

EDMONTON - France Road (15k S) - Turf farm. Both sides of this road have produced Little Curlew, Pratincole, Buff-banded Rail and Grass Birds

CAIRNS CROCODILE FARM (18k S) - This location is now CLOSED to day visitors. It still operates as a crocodile farm. There is a commercial boat trip which includes a visit with its Trinity Inlet tour.

BEHANA GORGE (30k S) 5 kms past the Gordonvale traffic lights, see Behana Rd on the right(West). Drive to end of road and then walk. 3km service road reasonably flat walking. Rainforest birds. Good swimming holes.

GOLDSBOROUGH Rd (45k S) Turn right (West) at Gordonvale and take Gillies Hgwy for 7 kms and turn Left (South) on Goldsborough Rd. After 9 kms, park at bridge, end of bitumen. Walk up track for 2-3 k. Good variety of habitat on a gentle incline. Woodland, grass, rainforest.

B) SOME BIRDING LOCATIONS NORTH WEST OF CAIRNS VIA KENNEDY HIGHWAY, SMITHFIELD
BLACK MOUNTAIN ROAD - (Rainforest) - 11k past Smithfield roundabout and 2k past Rainforestation Tourist Area. Turn right (North). Rainforest birds. After 1k, at end of bitumen, concrete bridge. Platypus in this creek. From here, for the next 14 kms is good birding. Suggest 1st 5 kms only. Mackenzie’s Pocket, concrete bridge after 5 kms at the edge of exotic pine plantation, is a good spot.

KURANDA - Not a serious birders location, however there are good spots. Turn south at traffic lights and drive into this touristy village.

MT HAREN ROAD. - (Rainforest) - 1k past traffic lights see Warrill Rd. Turn right and then immediately left into Mt Haren Rd. This road ends after about 2k. Drive for 1k and park on right at entrance to Flying Doctor Radio Masts. Walk 500m down the bitumen road to the end. Walk near car and up to the gate.

WINDY HILL RD - (Rainforest) 3k past Warrill Rd turn left into Windy Hill Rd. Park after 300m. Worth 10 mins.

SPEEWAH ROAD - 2k more. (Woodland) Turn south and park after 30m and bird around the bridge. Lemon-Breasted F/Catcher. Continue over bridge for 1k in either direction for honeyeaters in gardens etc.

CLOHESY RIVER - 6k more. Turn south. Go for 8k to parking area. Rainforest area + boardwalk around figtree. Variety of rainforest and woodland species.

DAVIES CREEK - 8k more. (Woodlands) Turn left and go for 6k to camping area. 4wd may continue on road

EMERALD CREEK - 10k more. (Woodlands). Turn left. After 6k see water storage on left. Waterbirds. Continue for 5k and get to Emerald Creek picnic area. Walk up and down creek edges for Rufous Owl, White-browed Robin.

MAREEBA ROTARY PARK - On northern edge of Mareeba just before Granite Creek. Bush birds, some waterbirds.

MAREEBA WETLANDS - 7k north of Mareeba, at Biboohra. NB. This reserve is closed from DEC-MARCH (Wet Season).
The reserve is open every day from 0900 - 1630.
Turn left (west) into Pickford Rd and follow the signs. The main gate is 4 km down the road and there is good birding on the way down. Black Bittern at creek crossings and other dry-country birds, Squatter Pigeon, Great Bowerbird , Red-Tailed black-Cockatoo etc. Once through the gate drive 3k to the car park. Then walk to the Visitor Centre and see the attractions. There is a charge of $8 per adult to enter the reserve.

BIG MITCHELL CK - 14k after Biboohra, see Big Mitchell Ck. Just before the bridge, park on the east side. This is a regular haunt of the White-browed Robin. Jump into the creek bed and walk either east or west for this elusive bird. It is usually seen here.

LAKE MITCHELL - 700m past the Creek, see a gate on the left (west). The area between this gate and the gate 1k further down, is a stock route and birdos can enter. The areas to the left and right of the causeway are good for bushbirds and the lakes for waterbirds etc.

QUAID’S ROAD - 1k north of the lake Mitchell gate is a bitumen road on the right (east). This road is accessible for the first 7k. There are various ponds along either side of this road and these are good for Black-Throated Finches amongst others.

MOUNT MOLLOY - 12k more. Good area for Great Bowerbird in gardens.

RIFLE CREEK - 1k north of Mount Molloy is this camping area. Good birding along the edges of the bush and there is a track in the SW corner of the camping area which leads down to the creek.
Over the road, on the eastern side of the camping area is Wetherby Rd. After 4k is a lagoon. Always worth a drive on this road.

AFTER RIFLE CREEK BRIDGE KEEP NORTH FOR MT CARBINE. TURN RIGHT (EAST) FOR JULATTEN AND MOSSMAN (See Below).

LUSTER CREEK (10K) and STATION CREEK (4K) have tracks to the east. Both are worth a short stop.

MARYS FARMS - Halfway between Mt Molloy and Mt Carbine is Maryfarms. Either road to the east may turn up the Australian Bustard in the grassy paddocks.

MT CARBINE - Dry country woodlands plus old mining lakes. 500m north of the pub/service station turn left ( west) along a track to the lakes after 1 km. Waterbirds plus Babblers, Apostlebirds, Bustards etc.

AFTER RIFLE CREEK BRIDGE TURN EAST FOR JULATTEN/MOSSMAN.

ABATTOIR SWAMP (3k) There is a bird hide here and good native trees around the car park for honeyeaters.

KINGFISHER PARK (6k) - Australia's best known bird lodge. Either stay here or ask for permission to bird in the grounds. Small patch of rainforest with excellent variety of birds.

MT LEWIS - After 700m turn west, past the Tavern and keep left at the junction. Cross Bushey Creek and the clearing is about 12k. Good birding all the way. At the clearing (approx 1000m asl) there is a track to the left (west) which climbs gently. Excellent place for most of the endemics.

CARR RD - 400m A short road through rainforest and creek crossings.

Continue to the Capt. Cook Highway and turn north for Mossman and south for Port Douglas/Cairns.

C) SOME BIRDING LOCATIONS ON ATHERTON TABLELANDS, WEST OF CAIRNS VIA GILLIES HIGHWAY, GORDONVALE.
* Locations suggested for a day trip from Cairns.

*GILLIES TOP - 12K from Roos Creek at base of Gillies, park in small area on left. Woodland birds. Spotted Pardalote, Yellow-faced H/E.

*LAKE BARRINE - (Rainforest) 10k more, on the left. Park in top carpark. Excellent birding within 150m of carpark. Honeyeaters in gardens near buildings. Worth doing the short walk (600m) back to the 2 Kauri trees for Tooth-Billed Bowerbird (Oct-Dec).

LAKE EACHAM - (Rainforest) 6k past Barrine, turn left and follow signs. Good birding here near the parking/BBQ area and also the walk to the QPWS Ranger Office return.

*YUNGABURRA - 3k Drive around village for White-headed Pigeon, King Parrot and other garden species. The local boatramp (2k) is worth visiting for waterbirds but may be done on the return trip.

*MARKS LANE - (Paddocks) 5k past Yungaburra. Turn left and go for 3k and right for 1k to Gallo Park. Often good for raptors along this road.

*HASTIES SWAMP - (Waterbirds) Left for 50m and then right and follow signs to Hasties Swamp. There is a 2 level covered bird hide here. Always good for waterbirds but varies according to the water level. Brolgas and Sarus Cranes roost in evening (Oct-Dec).

WONGABEL FOREST (Rainforest) - Return to main road and turn right for 5k. Small area on left.

*MT HYPIPAMEE (THE CRATER) (Rainforest) - After 16k turn right into The Crater. Park at picnic area and walk around here. At 1000m altitude, this area has Golden Bowerbird, Mountain Thornbill and Atherton Scrubwren amongst others. The gully on the left immediately after the wooden bridge to The Crater, is known for Atherton Scrubwrens.

*LONGLANDS GAP SF 2k and park on left. Walk into clearing over the road and follow track into rainforest.

KABAN - (Woodlands - Northern limit for many Qld birds). After 4k take the Tumoulin Rd on the right.In this 20k triangle there are State Forest tracks and roadside habitat. Stop at any of these places.
After 6k turn right on Kaban Rd. Park after 800m, SF Gate on left after 500m, another after 700m (left) After 3K see level crossing. (Old Kaban Rd dirt road to right, leads back to Wandeclan and Herberton) Turn left on Kaban Rd for 1k (wetland), 500m Station Ck, and 2k to T-junction. Turn left ans see SF gates on right after 2k and after 500m. Return to Kennedy Highway and turn left.

* SPRINGVALE RD. (Woodland) Take the Herberton Rd, 2k south of The Crater and go for 8k and see Springvale Rd on the left. Turn left and after 500m turn left and go for 3k to park on right just past a creek crossing. This road passes via paddocks and a lagoon on left and mixed woodland. Walk to the right along the creek track for 1k. Fuscous H/E, Crested Shrike-Tit, White-cheeked H/E, Little Lorikeet, Brown Treecreeper, Dusky Woodswallow plus others.

*HERBERTON - Honeyeaters, parrots etc around town gardens.

MOOMIN RD. After 4k turn right. Fairly rough road. This road crosses a creek and leads to the Herberton water supply after 2-3k set in woodlands. Return same way.

*HASTIES SWAMP - After approx 10k see turn to Hasties Swamp or continue into Atherton.

CAIRNS - BIRD GUIDES AND ACCOMODATION
This is an information service only. NO vested commercial interest.

BIRD GUIDES + website,email or phone contact

JOHN CROWHURST - 4051 4094 (John does not drive).
JOHN SEALE - 4052 1195 - johnsealeoz@yahoo.com
JUN MATSUI - tringa@me.com - (Japanese speaker)
OTA - ota@cairns.nu - (Japanese speaker)
BEN BLEWETT - www.cassowarytours.com.au
ALAN GILLANDERS - 4095 3784 - www.alanswildlifetours.com.au
DEL RICHARDS - 4094 1199 - www.finefeathertours.com
PHIL GREGORY - 4093 7318 - www.sicklebillsafaris.com
"CHOOK" CRAWFORD - 1800 788 755 - www.jabirusafarilodge.com.au
JOHNATHON MUNRO - www.wildwatch
WILD WINGS & SWAMPY THINGS - www.wildwings.com.au
DAINTREE RIVER BOAT TRIPS
--------------------------
CHRIS DAHLBERG - 4098 7997 www.daintreecruises.com.au
IAN "SAUCE" WORCESTER -

ACCOMMODATION

CAIRNS ESPLANADE - FLORIANA - maggie@florianaguesthouse.com
- CAIRNS PLAZA - www.cairnsplaza.com.au
- CARAVELLA BACKPACKERS - info@caravella.com.au
CAIRNS CAMPING ETC - www.cairnscamping.com.au
- www.sunlandcaraparkinn.com.au
KINGFISHER PARK - 4094 1263 - www.birdwatchers.com.au - JULATTEN
CASSOWARY HOUSE - 4093 7318 - www.cassowary-house.com.au - KURANDA
RED MILL HOUSE - 4098 6233 - www.redmillhouse.com.au - DAINTREE VILLAGE
CHAMBERS WILDLIFE - www.rainforest-australia.com - LAKE EACHAM
WOODLANDS CARAVAN PARK - www.woodlandscp.com.au - ATHERTON
MAREEBA WETLANDS - 1800 788 755 - www.jabirusafarilodge.com.au
ROSE GUMS - 4096 8360 - www.rosegums.com.au - ATHERTON TABLELAND

PAINTED SNIPE SURVEY FORM

2006-11-04T13:32:00.000+10:00

This form will be posted asap John Seale

gouldian form

2005-07-05T13:24:00.000+10:00

Gouldian Finch Observation Record Sheet

Observer Details

Name:_______________________________________________________________________

Street Address:_______________________________________________________________

Suburb/Town:_____________________Post Code:______________Country:____________

Organisation:_________________________________________________________________

Phone:__________________________________Mobile:______________________________

Email: ______________________________________________________________________

I was the observer
A friend or family member was the observer
Other, please state_________________________________________________________
Have you ever been to the Mareeba Wetlands?_____________________________________

Have you seen the Goulidan Finches in the aviary at the Visitor Centre?_______________

Have you seen Gouldian Finches in the wild before?________________________________

Location Details

Site name:___________________________________________________________________

Nearest landmarks i.e. signs, posts etc.: __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Nearest town:_________________________________________________________________

State or province: _____________________________________________________________

General description: __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Geographical coordinates (Latitude, Longitude – degrees, minutes and seconds)

Latitude:_______degrees_______minutes_______seconds SOUTH or decimal:__________

Longitude:_______degrees _______minutes_______seconds EAST or decimal:__________

Map Grid coordinates (Eastings, Northings and Map Zone)

Easting:__________________Northing:__________________Map Zone:_______________

Datum (applies to GPS units and maps):__________________________________________

Method (i.e. GPS, Map):________________________________________________________

Accuracy (to metres):__________________________________________________________

(Please note: GPS accurate readings preferred)

Behaviour Details

What were the birds doing? i.e. feeding, drinking, roosting

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Any signs of breeding (courting behaviour, presence of nests etc.) __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Observation Details

Date and time of observation

Time:_________________Day:___________Month:________________Year:____________

Weather:____________________________________________________________________

Number and ages of finches seen:
Total:_________Adult:__________Juvenile:_________Mixed:_________Unknown:______

How were the finches counted? ________________________________________________

All released Gouldian Finches from the Mareeba Wetlands are individually metal and colour banded. The metal band is usually placed on the upper right tarsus (lower leg) and a master colour band below the metal band. The left tarsus contains two colour bands.

Colour bands are read from the right leg first, from the top of the leg down towards the foot. E.g. Right leg: metal band over master colour band

Left leg: colour band over colour band

Band colours and codes include:

K = Black, W = White, Y = Yellow, R = Red, B = Blue, E = Light Blue,

G = Green, P = Purple

Metal and colour bands seen:
Right leg upper________________________ Right leg lower _________________________

Left leg upper _________________________Left leg lower ___________________________

Habitat (please describe exactly what you saw, i.e. main trees, shrubs and grasses present, landscape, soil etc.):

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Thank you for submitting this form

Please return this completed form to: Mareeba Wetland Foundation, PO Box 175, Mareeba, QLD 4880. Phone: 07 4093 2514, email: visitor.centre@mareebawetlands.com

2004 archives

2004-12-31T01:00:00.000+10:00

DECEMBER
BARN SWALLOW (14+) from J and C Carpenter (via J Seale)
17/12/04 Newell Beach 5 on beach road, 14 second street back (as phoned to me). Maybe they are still there. Still there on 3/1/05 (J Seale)
WOOD SANDPIPER (2) Alan Gillanders 21/12/04 Hasties Swamp
RADJAH SHELDUCK (5) - John Seale 21/12/04 Smithfield STW, end of McGregor Rd East
PIED HERON - John Crowhurst and Mark Jagusch 19/12/04 lake-golf course Yorkeys Knob
PIED HERON John Seale 18/12/04 East McGregor Rd, Smithfield STW past YAPS
LITTLE CURLEW (2) Alan Gillanders (A.G.) Ploughed Field, Kaban
AUSTRALIAN PRATINCOLE - John Seale 08/12/94 - Soil paddock on Nth side France Rd Edmonton
ORIENTAL CUCKOO - Chris Dahlberg 6/12/04 - Windy Reach, Daintree River
YELLOW WAGTAIL (1) - Harry Cassidy (HC) 4/12/04 - Smithfield Treatment Works, end of McGregor Road past YAPS.
LITTLE CURLEW (4) - Nick Bonomo 1/12/04 - France Road, grassy paddocks past the turf
farm
AUSTRALIAN PRATINCOLE - Nick Bonomo 1/12/04 - France Road, grassy paddocks past the turf farm
Beach Thicknee (2), Andy Anderson, 2/12/04. Mid-esplanade; flew to airport 0600hrs.

NOVEMBER
BUFF-BREASTED PARADISE KINGFISHER (pair at nest-site), 28/11/04. Hungarian couple,
ORIENTAL CUCKOO, Jonathan Munro, 26/11/04. Cairns Airport Access Rd.
YELLOW WAGTAIL, Jonathan Munro, 14/11/04, Yorkey's Knob Lagoon.
BARN SWALLOW, Jonathan Munro, 14/11/04, Yorkey's Knob Lagoon.
BARN SWALLOW (10) - from Nick Bonomo 14/11/04 - Newell Beach, Mossman
YELLOW WAGTAIL, Jonathan Munro, 11/11/04, Lake Mitchell.
BUFF-BREASTED PARADISE KINGFISHER, Ben blewitt, 11/11/04, Kingfisher Park.
BUFF-BREASTED PARADISE KINGFISHER, Ron Stannard, 10/11/04, Kingfisher Park, almost 2 wks later than usual.
FRECKLED DUCK, Jonathan Munro et al.07 / 11 / 04. Drake on lagoon near Ravenshoe.
LITTLE CURLEW (-), Barry Collins (UK Birder) per John Seale 7/11/04. France Rd, Edmonton. Not on the turf farm but in the cattle paddock further up the road on the north side.

OCTOBER
Cassowary, adult male and 4 chicks daily at Cass House since Oct 29.
BLACK-BREASTED BUZZARD, Jonathan Munro et al.23 / 10 /04.Near Ravenshoe.
ASIAN DOWITCHER Nick Bonomo, Cairns Esplanade, from last week in October - still there as of 2 Nov.

Broadbilled Sandpipoer (2), John Crowhurst, Cairns Esplanade, mid-Oct, - one bird still there 2 Nov.
Black Bittern, Centenary Lakes, 25th Oct - Brian Venables.
Black Bittern, Kewarra Resort, 17 Oct - Tropical Bird Club outing.
Emu (5), Jonathan Munro et al.11 /10 / 04.Near Ravenshoe.
Australian Pratincole,(20+), Jonathan Munro et al.10 / 10 / 04.Near Kairi.
ORIENTAL PRATINCOLE (2) Jonathan Munro et al.10 / 10 / 04.Near Kairi.

EMU, Jonathan Munro et al.04/10/04.Near Ravenshoe.
MASKED OWLS (4),Jonathan Munro et al.4/10/04. Near Ravenshoe. Large female mantling Long-nosed Bandicoot kill. Three smaller males nearby.
MANGROVE ROBIN, Jonathan Munro et al.16/10/04. Single bird observed on Daintree River from Dan Irby's boat.
GREAT-BILLED HERONS (4), Jonathan Munro et al.16/10/04. Daintree River from Dan Irby's boat.
BLACK-BREASTED BUZZARD, Jonathan Munro et al.23/10/04. Near Ravenshoe.
MASKED OWL, Jonathan Munro et al.27/10/04. Large female near Ravenshoe.

SEPTEMBER
BUFF-BREASTED BUTTONQUAIL (2), Martin Cachard & Adam Arnold, Mt Mulligan, end of Sept.
Grey Plover (1), Andy Anderson & others, Esplanade, 29th Sept.
Beach Thicknee (1), Andy Anderson, skulking beneath mangroves N end Esplanade, early morning, 23 Sept.

AUGUST
REDSHANK, N end of Esplanade, mid-August, seen & photoed by visiting birder - per John Crowhurst.
Black Bittern, creek by Dunne Rd roundabout, 11th August - Andy Anderson & NZ bird group.