A few years ago Forest Kingfishers were common around Townsville especially
in winter. They were frequently seen perching on powerlines along the road
between Townsville and Cairns, often near cane fields. They were one of those
common birds that you tend to take for granted.
On a recent drive to Cairns and back last month I saw none. Last weekend on
my way to the Tableland I noted just one bird near Cardwell. South of Townsville
along Reedbeds Road, Giru, at this time of year there were often up to 8 birds
in and near near the patch of melaleucas at the southern end. Last Friday we saw
none. I mentioned this to Brian Venables who is up on Cape York at present and
he also commented that they had not been around his place at Cape Weymouth.
Has anyone else noted a decrease? Has it been happening for several years and
now that there are so few it’s become apparent? Are they another casualty of the
drought? Has anyone else noted an increase?
Jo Wieneke
