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Ealier in June Phil Gregory was the first to record
five Freckled Ducks at Mt. Carbine. Last Wednesday (22nd) numbers reached 35
individuals and would undoubtable reflect the drought conditions currently
widespread throughout eastern Australia.
On the other extreme with
differing species I have recently observed six Restless Flycatchers, unusual as
I haven't seen one for six years.
Over the last two months there
have been records locally of White-browed, Masked and Little Woodswallows, in
some cases the first for many years. For the White-browed the was only one
locality record for both Atlases! It appears that they may have moved on again
as there has been some rain in central Queensland.
Some species of raptors have
shown a sizeable build up in numbers these especially being Australian Kestrels,
Brown Falcons and Black-shouldered Kites. This also applies to Red-backed
Kingfishers.
On tour last week we travelled
to Cooktown Crossing downstream on the Mitchell River. Sightings which were
noteable for the morning were about sixty Black-throated Finches and at another
stop viewed twenty-six Diamond Doves preening in a ten
metre eucalypt.
Closer to home at Julatten two
species of melaleuca have been in full flower and in the six species of
honeyeaters feeding were over twenty Brown-backed which under normal
circumstances should have returned to New Guinea!
In the last few weeks there have
been consistent light falls of rain in the Wet Tropics which has promoted late
seeding of grasses and many of the eucalypts are starting to flower. These
circumstances will most certainly continue to bring some more unusual species
our way. We will keep you up to date with sightings.
Regards,
Del. Richards, Fine Feather Tours, Mossman,
NQ.
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