I know this is well outside our area, but I also know that many of us go
up there (and then, for reasons currently evading me, return here) and
it's definitely not a trip report. Just delete now if of no interest.
Kingfisher Park. Not new to anyone of course, but just reporting that
under the new managers, long-time Cairns birdos Keith and Lindsay
Fisher, the park has never been in better hands or shape.
Ferryman Cruises, Karumba. Russell Holt, just retired, is a very hard
act to follow, but Glenn and Alison Newton (formerly of Eden) are doing
a great job. They don't claim to be gun birders, but are learning
quickly, are happy to learn from clients, and know how and where to look
for goodies like White-breasted Whistlers and Red-headed HEs. Alison has
also made a point of learning a lot about Karumba history and lore.
Lee Lafferty's Daintree River Cruises. Lee is the original Daintree
natural history cruise operator, a former marine scientist, who first
employed the better-known Chris Dahlberg. I'm a fan of Chris too, and
I'd suggest if possible go out with both. Lee can cater better to a
bigger group (and his boat is rain-proof!). He has an excellent
big-picture ecological approach, and his knowledge of botany and other
animal groups is as good as his birding knowledge. Also a great
conservation ethic and dry sense of humour.
Joe Lockyer at Bedrock Holiday Village, Mt Surprise. My eyes have well
and truly been opened by the professionalism, integrity and commitment
of the Savannah Guides concept (at least as far as I saw it), with their
community base and conservation ethos. Joe, who describes himself (quite
wrongly) as 'uneducated', has a seemingly bottomless wealth of knowledge
about local plants, geology, animals and land management issues. Seeing
the lava tubes with him is a very worthwhile experience.
On the other hand, I CANNOT recommend Mungumby Lodge, near Cooktown,
under its current management. (Lloyd Neilsen's recommendation, in the
excellent 'Birds of Qld's Wet Tropics...', was made under previous
ownership and management.)
More details on any of the above on request.
cheers
Ian
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Ian Fraser,
Environment Tours; Vertego Environmental Wordsmithing
GPO Box 3268, Canberra, ACT 2601
ph: 61 2 6249 1560 fax: 61 2 6247 3227
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