greetings,
I have had the opportunity to survey two lowland ares in N. Qld recently,
one at Tully (rainforest) and one at Cowley Beach (complex mosaic) near
Innisfail. Between early Feb and the end of April I visited Tully 3 times
and Cowley 5 times. Some obvious seasonal changes are listed below:
Brush Turkeys were common at Tully, 23-26 april but were not present on
earlier visits (21-24 Mar, 6 Feb). Apparently they march down to the
lowlands in April. Most of the birds were immature, judging by their small
size and dull wattles. Three distinct size classes appeared to be present.
White-headed pigeons were recorded commonly at Tully during the April visit
but not earlier. Not sure if they were overlooked earlier, or if they moved
in?
There were no Grey Fantails at Cowley in Feb or March, one on 3 april and a
few 28-30 April.
Northern Fantails and Welcome Swallows both present in increased numbers
at Cowley in late april.
Bee-eaters moving through both Cowley and Tully in Late April. Earlier they
were fairly scarce at both sites.
Pied Imperial pigeons were abundant at cowley in Feb. and March, and were
present in high numbers between 28 March and 3 April. Only one was seen
28-30 April.
David James
PO BOX 5225
Townsville Mail Centre 4810
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