Hi everyone
Rhonda and I have just returned from two and a half months
wandering around northern NSW, southern and central Queensland. High on the agenda was
some birding and we managed 218 species including 23 lifers. The trip
included Coffs Harbour,
Murwillimbah/Tweed Valley, Lamington NP, Hervey
Bay, Frazer Island,
Yeppoon, inland to the gemfields at Rubyvale/Sapphire, Carnarvon Gorge, Roma
and Lightning Ridge.
Birding highlights were the large numbers of honeyeaters –
26 species seen including two lifers (Dusky and Varied), sighting the Albert’s
Lyrebird, photographing the Paradise Riflebird, sighting the Brolga, Bustard
and Bush Stone-curlew at Yeppoon and the many wrens (White-winged, Variegated
and Red-backed). We agreed our favourite spot was Wooli near Grafton and
particularly the profusion of wildflowers and the many, many honeyeaters (particularly
Tawny-crowned and White-cheeked but also Scarlet, Brown ,Striped and Wattlebirds
and Friarbirds) in the heath land in Yurrigar NP. We got some great
photos of them which we have/will provide to David for the Gallery.
For anyone who has not been to Carnarvon Gorge, I commend it.
Lots of birds and terrific scenery. Lightning Ridge was also interesting
for the many species of mulga /mallee birds.
Some interesting observations made along the way which I
will share separately rather than make this too long.
Regards
Lindsay Hansch
