Hi Everyone,
Birds Australia - North Queensland Group (BA-NQG) visited 4 wetlands in the
northern suburbs of Cairns this morning. 1st stop was the lagoon at the
Skyrail terminal in Smithfield (16° 50 56S 145° 41 39E), not many waterbirds
but there was a Comb-crested Jacana and Green Pygmy-goose amongst others.
The Pygmy-goose was present at all 4 wetlands. 2nd stop was the Cattana Road
Lagoon also at Smithfield (16° 50 07S 145° 41 48E), the water level was low
here due to the dry weather we have been experiencing but a few birds were
foraging around in the shallows including Marsh Sandpiper, Black-winged
Stilt and a Pelican. Several species of duck were present, Pacific Black,
Hardhead and a few Grey Teal. Around the edge were Crimson Finches and
Chestnut-breasted Manikins along with very obliging Golden-headed Cisticolas
who posed on the top of grass stems for all to see. 3rd stop was Yorkeys
Knob Lagoon beside Half Moon Bay golf course, the highlight here and for the
morning was a Little Kingfisher, the second record for this location. There
were plenty of Plumed Whistling-Duck here along with a couple of Eurasian
Coots and Moorhens. Australasian Grebe, Black-fronted Dotterel &
Brown-backed Honeyeater were amongst some of the other birds present. Our
final call was to a private lagoon at Holloways Beach for morning smoko,
where our hosts Vicki & Ted run a B&B (16° 50 145° 43). A superb spot for
birdos as the open house is on an island completely surrounded by the lagoon
and a great variety of birdlife. There was 4 Radjah Shelduck here, an
uncommon species in the Cairns area, and according to Ted were resident for
most of the year. Other birds here we had not seen at any of the other areas
were Magpie Geese, Black-necked Stork, Leaden Flycatcher, Grey Fantail &
Yellow Oriole. There were also many ducks and some very large Barramundi
swimming around showing off to us. If anyone would like details of this B&B
let us know.
Despite or because of the water levels dropping in the region a good variety
of birds were recorded in the 4 wetlands, which are within 5km of each
other, and a total of 51 species was recorded.
Cheers,
Keith & Lindsay Fisher
Cairns, (16° 55' 40"S 145° 46' 35"E)
Far North Queensland 4870 Australia
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