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Our trip took us from home,Maleny,SEQ to as far north as Cape
Tribulation,FNQ, though in less than a direct route.All-up over 6700 kms, as far
west as the Undara Lava Tubes near Mt.Surprise, and to Mt.Carbine on the
Tableland.We saw a total of 247 species which included 25 new birds, slightly
more than I had hoped for. We had had only one previos trip to NQ, back in 1992
when we were keen, but relatively unskilled, birders. Some species ,like
Great-billed Heron, Papuan Frogmouth, Sarus Crane, Red-necked Crake, Lesser
Sooty Owl were high on the "must-have" list.There were other non-birding
activities on the holiday agenda as well, but birding was the prime
activity.
Armed with our research, telescope,
binos, trusty camper-trailer etc we set off on 4/8 aiming to get into the
"birding Zone " of NQ as quickly as possible, with Mackay the proposed starting
spot. Well things did not go quite to plan! Mid-day on day 2 and the wheel on
the camper-trailer decided to part with the rest of the structure--- at 80kph.
Needless to say ,some damage was sustained to said trailer which the insurer
reckoned exceeded the value, so we were provided with a cheque. (My arguements
that it's a bit hard to camp in a cheque were to no avail!!)
The birding therefore
started in Sarina Beach where we awaited the insurers decision.We saw our only
Radjah Shelduck (pair) in the mouth of a small creek, and also
collected our first Eastern Curlew,Blue-winged
,Collared,and Sacred Kingfisher. Mangrove Gerygone
were also present, as were Yellow Honeyeater, Helmeted
friarbird and the first of many Yellow-bellied
Sunbird.
A day trip to
Eungella was succesful in providing our first tick, Eungella
Honeyeater,in the State Forest along Chelman's Rd. We had tried
Diggin's Rd without success, but did get our only Topknot
Pigeon of the trip, as well as Woompoo Pigeon. On our
way that morning we had seen the wonderful sight of over 200 Magpie
Geese flying SE in two formations about 10km south of Mackay.
Brolgas were regularly seen in the harvested canefields along
Sarina Beach Rd.Had great views of a Spotted Harrier near Finch
Hatton eating a kill by the roadside, and very reluctant to move or surrender to
the numerous Black Kites. Arrangements were made to store the
camping gear, decision taken to use self-contained cabins, car packed to the
gunwales, angst done-with (well,almost) and off we went again.
to be continued
Russ
Lamb,Maleny,SEQ
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