Mark,
A number of different sites/habitats will get you a great range of
species.
For waders and terns, try the mouth of the Maroochy River from either the
southern (Cottontrees) or northern (North Shore/Mudjimba) shores,
checking-out the sand bars. Similairly, try the northern end of the
Pumicestone Passage at Golden Beach, Caloundra. Go all the way down the road
beside the Passage to Bell's Creek where you'll get good bush birds as
well.You'd also want to consider the high tide roost at Toorbul, at the
limit of your 45 mins from Maroochydore.Pack the family into the car and
have a day at Bribie, visit Buckley's Hole and Red Beach at the souhern end
of the island.
The rock shelfs and ledges at Alexandra Headlands, Point Cartwright and
Whickham Point (Caloundra Headland) will produce goodies like Wandering
Tattler, Sooty and Pied Oystercatcher, and Eastern Reef Egret.
A visit to the Bli Bli Wetlands will give you some mangrove species as
well as some lowland rainforest and meleluca possibilities (Lewin's Rail has
been seen there, though unfortunately not by me!!)
Waterbirds can be seen at a number of places.Closest would be Ewen
Maddock Dam just north of Landsborough, Lake MacDonald near Cooroy and the
Water Treatment Wetlands (sewerage ponds) in Cooroy (though you are supposed
to get OH &S induction before entering), and Lake Poona near Nambour. All
these wetlands have good bushland fringing the water bodies.
For upland rainforest visit Mary Caincross Park at Maleny
(Russet-tailed Thush, Logrunner, Noisy Pitta,Paradise Riflebird, fruit-doves
etc), and/or Kondililla Falls near Montville, Linda Garrett Park or Gherulla
Falls track near Mapleton (the lilyponds at Mapleton used to be good but are
currently chocked with waterweeds ).
Enjoy your visit
Russ Lamb, Maleny,SEQ
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