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Hello fellow birders,
Have just returned after escaping the Melbourne
winter with a caravanning trip to Cairns, a campng trip to Iron Range & a
tour of Torres Strait with Mike Carter & company.
With the generous help of many, to whom I am most
grateful, with the exception of Rufous Scrub-bird & Spotted Whistling Duck I
managed to locate all other birds I was targeting.
Whilst most of the birds were in the predictable
locations, a couple of sites I discovered may be of some interest.
TYTO WETLANDS - INGHAM.
Stumbled on this place by chance & was puzzled
when a sign invited me to "Tyto Lookout".
A walk of about 3km lead me to a raised platform
overlooking a type of grassland. Returning at dusk with a spotlight, I very soon
discovered the resident - GRASS OWL.
Be warned, go prepared for the
mosquitoes.
The entrance to the wetlands is located next to the
football oval about 200m off the Bruce Highway about 1/2km south of the town
centre.
SHIPTONS FLAT.
Located about 35km south of Cooktown this area is a
reliable year round site for White-streaked Honeyeater, Chestnut-breasted
Cuckoo, both can be difficult at Iron Range, Blue-faced Parrot-finch &
Lesser Sooty Owl. Also Bennett's Tree Kangaroo. It is advisable to
get in touch with locals Charlie & Lewis Roberts who are very friendly &
hospitable & keen to show visiting birders around. Do not be mislead
by the title "Flat" as the country is very hilly & a 4x4 vehicle is
essential. Also a quite stiff, unhill hike of some kilometres may be
necessary.
To reach the Roberts farm travel from
Cooktown on the road to Lakeland. After 28km turn left to Helenvale [Lions
Den Hotel]. Continue for a further 3.5km & turn right to Shiptons Flat
.[signposted] After 7.3km note a 44gallon drum postbox, turn down track
here for 1.5km to the Roberts farm.
Regards
Geoff. Walker
03 9568 2909
0418
572 922
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