Hi Eric,
Your info that the Coomera Circuit and Border Track are the best tracks
for rainforest birds is correct but I can help by being a bit more
specific. For Rufous (not Noisy) Scrub-bird walk out on the Coomera
Circuit for about 4 km until you come to a patch heath with a grassy
understorey and a rocky lookout. It is the only lookout on this part of
the track so is unmistakable. The Scrub-birds are here but unless you
are incredibly lucky, ie lottery winning type odds, you won't see it
unless you play its call. One was seen there recently within a couple of
minutes of the call being played on an Mp3. I have seen them once within
calling which probably explains why I haven't won the lottery. They have
also been seen recently on the top of Mt Hobwee.
Albert's Lyrebird is more unpredictable but more common. One has been
seen recently and regularly on the Possum track about 200m from the
Lodge. They can be seen on any of the rainforest tracks but only by
chance. Get out early before other walkers. Out near the Orchid Bower
and Auracaria is a good place because hardly anyone goes there. If all
else fails on your way back to Brisbane goes via Witches Falls NP on
Tamborine Mt because apparently there is a reliable bird there.
I saw a Noisy Pitta last week near a tree known as Big Foot (ask the BB
guides) only 300m from the Lodge but again they are unpredictable.
Having said that I have often seen them in the area between Big Foot and
Bellbird Clearing over the years. There was a Little Shrike-thrush at
Bellbird Clearing on Thursday and a Grey Goshawk.
Around the Lodge is good for Paradise Riflebirds. I have made more
sightings of them in the carpark than in the forest during the last 20
years.
You will see the usual rainforest suspects on any of the tracks. No
migrants have turned up yet.
On your way from Brisbane if you don't mind taking a longish route go
via Beaudesert and visit Nindooinbah Dam in the Brayford estate on the
road out of town towards the Gold Coast. Brayford estate is on the right
about 5 kms from town. Make sure you take the entrance that has the big
entry sign. Go around the roundabout and up the hill about 100m and take
an inconspicuous lane on the left. Last Saturday there were Wandering
Whistling Ducks, Speckled Warblers, Chestnut-breasted Mannikins and many
more spp.
Have a good time and good birding.
Regards,
Barry Davies
Gondwana Guides.
Beechmont.
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