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Limosa Holidays & Travelling Naturalist Trip Report

Classic Australia Blue Mountains, Cairns & O’Reilly’s Thu 6th - Mon 24th November 2014

1 • © Limosa Holidays & The Travelling Naturalist

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(Photos, clockwise from top left): Crimson Rosella emerging from a hole • The amazing Scarlet Myzomela near Kingfisher Park • White-throated Treecreeper was seen at a number of sites • The posing Tawny Frogmouth at Capertree Valley • A special scene at Michaelmas Cay – Brown Boobies and Noddies • Double-eyed Fig Parrot at Kingfisher park © all photos Peter Taylor

report compiled by tour leader: Peter Taylor

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Trip Report Classic Australia 6-24 November 2014

2 • © Limosa Holidays & Travelling Naturalist

Trip Diary Tour Leaders: Peter Taylor as principal guide with Alan Gillanders and Duncan Fowler with Harry Baillie, John Bennett, Ray Bryant, Roger & Sylvia Morton and Peter & Janet Tyler This was our sixth Classic Tour to Australia’s spectacular east coast and the most productive to date in terms of species number and diversity of birds, animals and even butterflies. From the cooler temperate forests of New South Wales’ Southern Highlands and Blue Mountains to the warm, humid tropics of Far North Queensland, we were entranced by a constant array of weird and wonderful species. The tour culminated in the elevated sub-tropical rainforests of Queensland’s Lamington Ranges, which surround the famous O’Reilly’s Guesthouse. Arrival into Sydney was on time, but the chaos in the carpark redevelopment meant a slight delay in us getting to Botany Bay. However there was plenty of time to see some of the cockatoos and parrots that Australia is famous for: the larger than life Sulphur-crested Cockatoos, Little Corellas and the striking Crimson Rosellas and Rainbow Lorikeets. Here also were warbling Australian Magpies, placid Crested Pigeons and the first of many honeyeaters, the Noisy Miner. A relaxing cruise (after guide Peter abandoned the group and finally managed to get a space for the minibus!) from Port Hacking was very welcome especially with views of at least two Sacred Kingfishers and four cormorant species. For some there was also a fly-by of a mighty White-bellied Sea Eagle. At Jamberoo, nestled at the foot of the Southern Highlands, we explored the park across the road from our quaint Aussie hotel and found Long-billed Corellas, White-headed and Topknot Pigeons, a Brush Cuckoo and the Australian Koel with its insanely monotonous call. Less flamboyant but equally intriguing were smaller birds like Yellow Thornbill and the aptly named Superb Fairywren as well as both Red and Little Wattlebirds. Satin Bowerbirds, mainly females and young males cackled in the fruiting fig trees but we also found the beginnings of a bower with a hopeful male nearby. At Barren Grounds we were amazingly fortunate to see a rare Ground Parrot as it flushed from the side of the path and rocketed low over the heath for some considerable time before dropping down and vanishing again. Wonderful views for everyone and not to be outdone, two renowned skulkers in an Eastern Bristlebird and a Pilotbird popped up to call for us as well. Other birds here included the mournful Fan-tailed Cuckoo, the cheeky Eastern Yellow Robin and a bemusing assortment of little brown jobs (LBJs!) such as White-browed and Large-billed Scrubwrens, and both Brown and Striated Thornbills. The café at the Minnamurra Rainforest Centre had a surprise in store. Apart from a delicious lunch we were entertained by a young male Superb Lyrebird that sauntered down the hill into full view of the patrons and proceeded to forage in the surrounding undergrowth. En route to the Blue Mountains we stopped off at the truly impressive Fitzroy Falls (well, impressive once the fog burnt off!). Walking the perimeter rim we came across the gentle sound of cracking nuts and above us in one of the she-oaks was a female Glossy Black Cockatoo. Along the path were plenty of Rufous Fantails, a less than confiding Beautiful Firetail and yet another Superb Lyrebird! Disappointment over the reluctance of the Firetail to perform as desired was short-lived however. At the Kings Tableland we had superb close-up views of one of these shy native finches. Not so shy was a pair of Rufous Whistlers and an Australian Kestrel that was patrolling up and down over the heathland. Our motel at Katoomba was situated within a short walk of the world famous Three Sisters, a series of sandstone outcrops typifying the Blue Mountains and it was here that we found our first New Holland Honeyeaters. Our first full day in the Blue Mountains dawned with a thick veil of fog, so thick in fact that we were barely able to see ten feet in front of the minibus. Even so, in the gloom at Evans Lookout, we still managed to count four more lyrebirds, no doubt taking advantage of the brief respite from hordes of tourists! To escape the fog we decided to make our way down the Megalong Valley and eventually found ourselves in a pleasant, sunny reserve filled with birdlife. A lively colony of Bell Miners was taking advantage of the cool stream, many of them diving in and out of the water as we watched. Lots of White-naped Honeyeaters were here too and a surprising number of White-throated Treecreepers, including many young birds. With the fog cleared, we climbed back up the mountains to Mt Tomah and its rainforest walk, where we found a young male Rose Robin calling away and watched a pair of Yellow-throated Scrubwrens and the giant Wonga Pigeon. Following a tip-off from a local guide we took a quick drive from our motel to a nearby look-out and were rewarded immediately by a very confiding Rockwarbler, NSW’s only mainland endemic, and not to mention yet another two lyrebirds! A birding trip wouldn’t be complete without a visit to sewage ponds so dutifully we dropped in on the Lithgow Ponds on our way to the Capertee Valley. There was an impressive range of waterfowl here, almost all the duck species including Pink-eared, Australian Shoveler, Hardhead, Black Duck and Grey Teal. A determined John



also discovered a Freckled Duck, Australia’s rarest, hiding amongst other ducks on the edge of the most distant pond and everyone was able to view this unusual species through the ‘scope. Nearby Lake Wallace provided us with another duck species, in the form of an endemic Musk Duck female. Fringed by reed beds, the lake was home to numerous Australian Reed Warblers and a rather shy Little Grassbird, which eventually posed briefly for some of us. The Capertee Valley had suffered a poor winter this year so few of the eucalypts had blossomed and as a consequence, nectar feeding lorikeets and honeyeaters were hard to find. Still we were kept busy with a flurry of other species like the mainly terrestrial Brown Treecreeper, a Tawny Frogmouth sitting out in full view, Dusky and White-browed Woodswallows (such graceful fliers) and the jewelled Diamond Firetail. Around Glen Davis, where we stayed at the beautifully restored Art Deco style hotel, an early morning walk yielded more delights: ground-feeding White-winged Choughs, their white wings only visible as they flew; a Crested Shriketit with its chunky bill, ideal for shredding bark; Spotted and Striated Pardalotes, tiny jewels foraging for insects in the eucalypt canopies; and a male Mistletoebird, resplendent in red, white and blue. A long drive from Glen Davis took us back to Sydney and across the famous Sydney Harbour Bridge from where we could look down on the sails of the Opera House as we made our way to the airport. Our flight to Cairns was on time, giving us the opportunity to briefly explore the man-made Cattana Wetlands. Every species seemed to be new! Comb-crested Jacanas, Green Pygmy Geese, Pied Imperial Pigeons and ancient-looking Orange-footed Scrubfowl were added to the list then a field full of Magpie Geese held our attention as we stocked up with some very welcome bottles of water on our way north to Mossman. Always a major highlight of this tour is a cruise on the Daintree River with Murray, the Daintree Boatman. A surprise find this year was a male Papuan Frogmouth, a surprise because Murray hadn’t been able to find any so far this season! Another gem was the tiny, blue Little Kingfisher which obligingly sat on a bare branch for us just above the water. Also present were both Azure and Forest Kingfishers, a pair of Shining Flycatchers - the shimmering dark blue male and his black, white and tan mate - and a Rufous Night Heron, lurking in the shadows. In nearby Daintree National Park we found rainforest specialists in Little +, raucous Black Butcherbirds and Spectacled Monarchs. A pair of Beach Thick-knees at Wonga Beach were easily found following Murray’s directions and, as we headed towards the Atherton Tablelands, a Pheasant Coucal sitting on top of a sugar cane clump had us performing a quick U-turn. Kingfisher Park had been very dry so more birds were making use of the various bird baths and feeders. A Spotted Catbird, rarely seen within the grounds showed itself well as did the Emerald Doves and Red-browed Finches. Flowering Grevilleas full of nectar were a draw-card for many honeyeaters: Scarlet, Dusky, Brown, Blue-faced, Yellow-spotted and Graceful all put on a show. A pair of Double-eyed Fig Parrots were nesting in a roadside tree; the circular hollow, drilled out painstakingly by the female, showing a couple of hungry mouths every time one of the parents appeared at the entrance with some mashed fig fruit. Two Noisy Pittas were calling to each other in the orchard and for the first time on this tour, a Red-necked Crake put in an appearance at the crake pond. It wasn’t just a hotspot for the birds; in the evening, as we enjoyed Lindsay’s magnificent dinner on the deck, we were interrupted constantly by the scurrying of Long-nosed Bandicoots and Bush Rats and in the creek, we had brilliant views of a Duck-billed Platypus, at one point appearing to breach like a whale!!! Mount Lewis, some 500 metres above Kingfisher Park, was pleasantly cool and more importantly without rain! Having been informed that there had been no reports of the uncommon Blue-faced Parrot-finches, it was a great treat to be greeted by two of them as we arrived at the clearing! Chowchillas, ground-foraging birds of the rainforest undergrowth were also a treat as was an accompanying Fernwren, another first for this tour! A Tooth-billed Bowerbird was seen perched near his scrappy bower, while two endemics of the Atherton Tablelands, Mountain Thornbill and Atherton Scrubwren, were both spotted. Later we went to Abattoir Swamp, where Brown-backed and White-cheeked Honeyeaters had found some nectar-rich blossom and a Leaden Flycatcher hunted for insects in the carpark. A Great Bowerbird was in attendance above his bower at the Mt Molloy school grounds (where birdwatchers are actively welcomed) and as we left, a lone Red-winged Parrot flew in to investigate. In the drier country to the west around Maryfarms, we counted five Australian Bustards in roadside paddocks and in the savannah woodland a male Cicadabird flew back and forth above us, as we tried to get a better view of a pair of Pale-headed Rosellas. At the massive Lake Mitchell, just to the south of Julatten, we had reasonably close views of the often skittish Cotton Pygmy Geese alongside their Green cousins. Along the causeway there were a surprising number of Yellow Honeyeaters, not often recorded on this trip, and also a flock of five Red-tailed Black Cockatoos that lazily flapped their way high above the lake. We took our packed lunches on to Granite Gorge and watched the



Rock Wallabies sheltering from the sun and the Squatter Pigeons feeding around the camping area. A Rainbow Bee-eater flew down from a bare branch to its nest hollow dug into the sand as we drove in, giving us wonderful views of these sought-after birds. In bare paddocks near Chewko we came upon a flock of cranes and a quick scan revealed that among the many Brolga were three Sarus Cranes. In Yungaburra we caught up with local wildlife guide, Alan Gillanders, firstly for an evening of spotlighting then a full day around the Tablelands. That first evening was absolutely memorable! Over a field we watched as at least four Eastern Grass Owls hunted for rats and mice. This species is rarely sighted and was yet another first for this trip. We later saw a Barn Owl and heard the falling-bomb call of Sooty Owls. Great views were also had of Coppery Brush-tailed Possums and, surprisingly for a diurnal species, we encountered two Echidnas, Australia’s own spiny anteater! Next day was spent around the Tablelands with Alan at such places as Lake Tinaroo, Hastie’s Swamp, Mt Hypipamee and the Nerada Tea Plantation. Here Alan made some enquiries and after a few minutes searching the nearby trees found a female Lumholzt’s Tree Kangaroo, with her pouched young resting on a horizontal branch, a brilliant find and another first time record for this trip. Also here, hawking low over the tea bushes were a couple of House Swifts and several White-throated Needletails, reputedly one of the fastest bird species in the world. Hastie’s Swamp and its impressive two-storey bird hide was ringed with 100s of whistling ducks, mainly Plumed but with some Wandering as well. A couple of Yellow-billed Spoonbills joined their Royal cousins and a single Latham’s Snipe worked its way along the shore probing the mud in front of the hide. A Golden Bowerbird and his bower near Mt Hypipamee was a magnificent sight and it was here also that we eventually got on to our final Tablelands endemic, the Bowers Shrikethrush with its ringing call and shiny black bill. In the beautiful surroundings of Chambers Rainforest Lodges, we experienced the rainforest at close quarters. In the mornings a male Victoria’s Riflebird, unbelievably garbed in fluorescent blue and black availed himself of fresh fruit at the feeding pole taking turns with the Lewin’s Honeyeaters and noisy Green Catbirds. In the evenings, black-and-white Striped Possums and Sugar Gliders came in to the viewing station to take advantage of the honey and provide photographers with the chance to get ‘up close and personal’. Back in the heat of the coastal plain, Redden Island was tough going but we were all brightened up by a pair of Lovely Fairywrens, the male spectacular in his red and blue finery. A Rose-crowned Fruit Dove was frustratingly flighty, but as luck would have it we had a second chance at the Cairns foreshore where another of these colourful doves flew out of a fig tree in front of us and made a bee-line for the nearby mangroves. Varied Honeyeater and Mangrove Robin were quickly found here (just as well considering the attention we were getting from annoying biting midges!). The usual array of shorebirds dominated the foreshore – both Black-tailed and Bar-tailed Godwits, Whimbrel, Far Eastern Curlew, Great and Red Knots, Grey-tailed Tattler and Sharp-tailed Sandpiper, Red-capped Plover and Red-necked Stint. A small mystery wader captured our attention for quite some time and it wasn’t until we had taken photos and posted them on various internet Bird ID pages that we were happy to confirm Broad-billed Sandpiper as an addition to our ever increasing list. After a delightful lunch in the Cairns Botanic Gardens Visitor Centre we wandered through the parkland of Centenary Lakes to find several Radjah Shelduck and the mangrove specialist, Collared Kingfisher. Worthy of note also was a rather surprising find, a Pied Heron, a species we’d not recorded before on this trip, seen feeding with an Intermediate Egret and a White Ibis. Our finale in Cairns is always a cruise out to Michaelmas Cay on the Great Barrier Reef on the big catamaran Ocean Spirit, a relaxing day of sight-seeing including a reef tour in the glass-bottomed submersible, birdwatching on the Cay itself and a sumptuous lunch on board. The mass of seabirds is dominated by nesting Sooty and Lesser Crested Terns, Brown Noddies and Brown Boobies but amongst all these we were able to pick out such specialties as Bridled and Black-naped Terns, Black Noddies and hanging menacingly above the Cay, the ever present Great Frigatebirds. A late departure from Cairns meant we arrived in Brisbane mid afternoon and with a two hour private coach transfer, arrived at the iconic O’Reilly’s Guesthouse just in time for dinner. Contrary to previous years, virtually the first birds we saw on the first morning were two Albert’s Lyrebird, a species that we have often struggled to record! With such an ominous start it was no surprise that our luck continued. A morning out with local guides Duncan and Justin saw us being driven part way back down the mountain in an O’Reilly’s 4x4 bus to look for various species that we had so far missed. After glancing through our list Duncan was quickly able to supply us with Red-browed Treecreeper, Variegated and Red-backed Fairywrens, Pied Butcherbird and even a party of



White-throated Honeyeaters, a species even he was surprised to see that high up the mountain. He saved the best until last however when he heard a White-eared Monarch calling and quickly tracked it down. This cryptically coloured species of flycatcher had eluded us on all previous trips so we were mightily impressed! From then on we were on our own and it was time to hit the many trails and boardwalks that abound in the Lamingtons. An afternoon out to Python Rock found us confronted by no less than a large Carpet Python draped lethargically across the track and uninclined to move on despite being accidentally trodden on by guide Peter. Apologies accepted, the python reluctantly moved aside and we were all able to pass. Later the unmusical squawk of a male Paradise Riflebird stopped us in our tracks and a quick scan of the taller rainforest trees revealed the shiny black and blue plumage of this local endemic bird of paradise. Other specialties we found included Australian Logrunners, (cousins of the Chowchilla), Eastern Whipbirds with their whip crack calls, a male Rose Robin in all his glory and both species of ground dwelling Thrush, Bassian (Olive-tailed) and Russet-tailed. Again, it wasn’t just about the birds as each morning and late afternoon, the Red-necked Pademelons, small kangaroo-like marsupials, could be seen feeding on the lawns around the grounds of the resort. On the night of our last dinner at O’Reilly’s we were finally privileged to see a couple of Mountain Brush-tailed Possums that dropped into the restaurant’s glass-walled atrium to feed on the fruit provided for them. An early flight out of Brisbane meant we had to drag ourselves away from the delights of O’Reilly’s and say farewell to the Whip-tailed Wallabies that lined the steep, winding road back down to the airport, where most folks were returning home to UK, while one lucky couple was staying on for more adventures. Many thanks to one and all for a most memorable trip! Peter Taylor Limosa Holidays/Travelling Naturalist SYSTEMATIC LIST OF SPECIES RECORDED (Total number of species recorded by the group – 309) Australian Brushturkey Alectura lathami

Common in Queensland. Orange-footed Scrubfowl Megapodius reinwardt

Fairly common in the rainforests in Tropical North Queensland. Magpie Goose Anseranas semipalmata

Relatively common in Queensland, particularly at Lake Mitchell but also around Cairns itself where we first saw a huge flock in a field while we were stopped at a roadhouse.

Plumed Whistling Duck Dendrocygna eytoni A large flocks were seen at Hastie’s’ Swamp and Lake Tinaroo. Wandering Whistling Duck Dendrocygna arcuata Numerous at Hastie’s Swamp. Black Swan Cygnus atratus

Many at Lake Mitchell in Queensland. Freckled Duck Stictonetta naevosa

At least one of these rare ducks were seen at the Lithgow Sewage Ponds in NSW and another five at Hastie’s Swamp in Queensland.

Radjah Shelduck Tadorna radjah Several were seen at the Centenary Lakes in Cairns. Pink-eared Duck Malacorhyncus membranaceus Several seen at the Lithgow Sewage Ponds, NSW and maybe 100s at Hastie’s Swamp. Maned Duck Chenonetta jubata

First seen Jamberoo golf course. Widespread on farm dams and wetlands in New South Wales but less common in Queensland.

Cotton Pygmy Goose Nettapus coromandelianus Just two of these not so common waterfowl seen at Lake Mitchell in Queensland. Green Pygmy Goose Nettapus pulchellus

Two first seen at the Cattana Wetlands in Cairns. Plentiful at Lake Mitchell and also seen at Hastie’s Swamp. Pacific Black Duck Anas superciliosa Widespread in NSW and Queensland, seen most days on farm dams and wetlands. Australian Shoveler Anas rhynchotis At least four at the Lithgow Sewage Ponds, NSW and another at Hastie’s Swamp in Queensland.



Grey Teal Anas gracilis Common at Lithgow Sewage Ponds, NSW. Also seen at Hastie’s Swamp in Queensland.

Chestnut Teal Anas castanea Two seen from the Port Hacking cruise. Hardhead Aythya australis

Numerous at Lithgow Sewage Ponds, NSW, six also at Lake Mitchell and others at Hastie’s Swamp in Queensland.

Musk Duck Biziura lobata Two females were seen Lake Wallace, NSW. Australasian Grebe Tachybaptus novaehollandiae

Several at Lithgow Sewage Ponds, NSW. Four also at Lake Mitchell and several more at Hastie’s Swamp in Queensland.

Hoary-headed Grebe Poliocephalus poliocephalus Many seen at the Lithgow Sewage Ponds, NSW. Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus Several were seen at Lake Wallace, NSW. Also at Lake Mitchell and Lake Eacham in Queensland. Black-necked Stork Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus A male and a youngster were seen from the boat on our Daintree River cruise with Murray. Australian (White) Ibis Threskiornis molucca Common and widespread. Straw-necked Ibis Threskiornis spinicollis

Seen only once in NSW but fairly common in Queensland this year Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus Five birds were seen at Lake Mitchell, and another at Hastie’s Swamp, Queensland. Royal Spoonbill Platalea regia

Ten were first seen flying overhead while we were on our Daintree River cruise. Yellow-billed Spoonbill Platalea flavipes A couple of individuals were seen at Hastie’s Swamp Rufous Night Heron Nycticorax caledonicus At least two birds were seen on the Daintree River cruise. Striated Heron Butorides striata

A single bird spotted first at Cronulla after our Port Hacking cruise. Another was also seen on the Cairns wharf as we were about to depart on our Michaelmas Cay cruise

Pied Heron Ardea picata A single bird was seen at Centenary Lakes in Cairns, the first time that we’ve recorded this petite heron on the East Coast tour.

Eastern Cattle Egret Bubulcus coromandus First seen near Jamberoo in NSW then widespread in northern Queensland. White-necked Heron Ardea pacifica

Single birds were seen near Jamberoo and in the Megalong Valley in NSW and in the Atherton Tablelands and O’Reilly’s in Queensland.

Great Egret Ardea alba Several individuals seen throughout Queensland.

Intermediate Egret Egretta intermedia Fairly common in Queensland, especially at Lake Mitchell.

White-faced Heron Egretta novaehollandiae Fairly common throughout but usually as individuals Little Egret Egretta garzetta Single birds seen at Lake Tinaroo and Centenary Lakes in Queensland. Great Frigatebird Fregata minor There were at least 5 females seen on Michaelmas Cay. Australian Pelican Pelecanus conspicillatus

Several on the Port Hacking cruise and numerous in Queensland at Lakes Mitchell, Tinaroo and Hastie’s Swamp.

Red-footed Booby Sula sula A great sighting on Michaelmas Cay of two birds perched on the submersible as we arrived. Brown Booby Sula leucogaster Common and breeding on Michaelmas Cay. Little Pied Cormorant Phalacrocorax melanoleucos Common cormorant of lakes, dams and wetlands seen on several days throughout.



Little Black Cormorant Phalacrocorax sulcirostris Common in both Queensland and New South Wales Pied Cormorant Phalacrocorax varius Seen on the first day on the Port Hacking cruise and also at Lake Mitchell in Queensland. Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo novahollandiae A few seen on the Port Hacking cruise and one at Lake Wallace in NSW. Australasian Darter Anhinga melanogaster

One or two seen on the Port Hacking cruise in NSW. Seen at several locations in Queensland, including Cattana Wetlands, Daintree River and Lakes Mitchell and Tinaroo.

Australian Kestrel Falco cenchroides Two birds seen each at King’s tableland and in the Capertee Valley, NSW and singles near Kingfisher Park in Queensland.

Osprey Pandion haliaetus A single bird spotted by Ray on the far shore of Lake Mitchell in Queensland. Pacific Baza Aviceda subcristata

One flew over the mangroves on our Daintree River cruise with Murray and another over Kingfisher Park early one morning.

Black-shouldered Kite Elanus axillaris Pairs seen over canefields in North Queensland on a couple of days. A single bird was also perched outside the bird hide at Abattoir Swamp. Not to be confused with the Black-winged Kite Elanus caeruleus of Europe and Asia (and which is sometimes called ‘Black-shouldered Kite)!

Brahminy Kite Haliastur indus Several seen around the Daintree coast north of Mossman. Black Kite Milvus migrans Very common in North Queensland. Whistling Kite Haliastur sphenurus A single bird seen on our drive to Katoomba in NSW then relatively common in Far North Queensland. White-bellied Sea Eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster One seen on the Port Hacking cruise. Swamp Harrier Circus approximans One seen briefly as we landed at Brisbane airport but only from the right hand side of the plane! Spotted Harrier Circus assimilis Great views of two birds nesting near Yungaburra with Alan Gillanders. Grey Goshawk Accipiter novaehollandiae A single bird flew over O’Reilly’s spotted by Peter. Collared Sparrowhawk Accipiter cirrocephalus Brief views of a single bird at O’Reilly’s as it shot across the road and disappeared into the forest! Wedge-tailed Eagle Aquila audax

Two individuals seen high over the Capertee Valley in NSW. Little Eagle Hieraaetus morphnoides Two or three seen in the Capertee Valley as we headed towards Glen Davis. Australian Bustard Ardeotis australis Five individuals seen in paddocks and along the roadside at Maryfarms, north Queensland. Buff-banded Rail Gallirallus philippensis

A single bird seen on the road verge as we left the Nerada Tea Plantation in North Queensland. Purple Swamphen Porphyrio porphyrio One seen at Lake Wallace in NSW but very plentiful at Hastie’s Swamp in North Queensland. Dusky Moorhen Gallinula tenebrosa Individuals seen at Jamberoo and Lake Wallace in NSW. Common Coot Fulica atra Common at Lithgow Sewage Ponds and Lake Wallace in NSW and Hastie’s Swamp in Queensland. Black-tailed Nativehen Tribonyx ventralis A surprise sighting at Lake Wallace in NSW of a single bird in amongst the Common Coot. Red-necked Crake Rallina tricolor

Always a secretive bird, this was the first time we had recorded this species on the East Coast tour, appropriately enough at the crake pond at Kingfisher Park, where a single bird edged its way through the forest to the pool.

Sarus Crane Grus antigone Three birds were first noted in a flock of Brolga in a paddock along Chewko Rd near Mareeba in north Queensland. Several flocks were seen subsequently on our day around the Atherton Tablelands with Alan.



Brolga Grus rubicunda A flock of 23 was seen in a paddock along Chewko Rd near Mareeba in north Queensland. Other smaller flocks were seen later around the Atherton Tablelands on our day out with Alan.

Bush Thick-knee Burhinus grallarius Heard calling eerily on our first night in Queensland at Mossman. We saw four on the banks of the Daintree River during our cruise with Murray and others at Centenary Lakes in Cairns.

Beach Thick-knee Esacus magnirostris Great views of two birds at Wonga Beach after a tip-off from Murray, the Daintree Boatman Australian Pied Oystercatcher Haematopus longirostris Surprisingly just one sighting of a single bird this year on the Cairns foreshore. Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus Very common at Hastie’s Swamp in North Queensland. Masked Lapwing Vanellus miles Very common, seen almost every day, either the northern subspecies in Queensland or the southern in NSW. Pacific Golden Plover Pluvialis fulva A single bird seen at Lake Tinaroo in North Queensland with Alan. Red-capped Plover Charadrius ruficapillus Three birds were seen at Cairns on the foreshore Black-fronted Dotterel Elseyornis melanops

Two were first seen at the Lithgow Sewage Ponds in NSW then another at Hastie’s Swamp and a group of seven on the Cairns foreshore in North Queensland

Comb-crested Jacana Irediparra gallinacea Quite common at Cattana Wetlands, Lake Mitchell and Hastie’s Swamp in North Queensland. Latham's Snipe Gallinago hardwickii

Great views were had of one bird from the hide at Hastie’s Swamp in North Queensland. Another was scoped at Lake Tinaroo.

Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa melanuroides Several were seen on the Cairns foreshore. Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica Many at the Cairns foreshore. Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus Several seen on the Cairns foreshore. Far Eastern Curlew Numenius madagascariensis A single bird seen along the Cairns foreshore on two occasions. Marsh Sandpiper Tringa stagnatilis A single bird at Lake Tinaroo, in Queensland. Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia A few individuals seen on the Cairns foreshore. Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola One seen foraging at Cattana Wetland. Terek Sandpiper Xenus cinereus Single bird seen on the Cairns foreshore one morning. Common Sandpiper Actitis hypolecos

Three birds were seen at Lake Tinaroo with Alan. Grey-tailed Tattler Heteroscelus brevipes Several seen on the Cairns foreshore on our last morning there. Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres At least four spotted on Michaelmas Cay and another on the Cairns foreshore. Great Knot Calidris tenuirostris Several on the Cairns foreshore at high tide. Red Knot Calidris canutus Possibly two or three birds seen on the Cairns foreshore at high tide. Red-necked Stint Calidris ruficollis Several seen along the Cairns foreshore. Sharp-tailed Sandpiper Calidris acuminata Several seen at Lake Tinaroo, Hastie’s Swamp and along the Cairns foreshore. Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea A small flock seen along the foreshore at Cairns. Broad-billed Sandpiper Limicola falcinellus

A first for this tour, a single bird on the Cairns foreshore - identified after a few hasty internet enquiries!



Silver Gull Larus novaehollandiae Australia’s commonest gull, seen often in Cairns and around Sydney. Sooty Tern Onychoprion fuscata Very common and breeding on Michaelmas Cay. Bridled Tern Onychoprion anaethetus Several seen on the tenders and perched on buoys at Michaelmas Cay. Little Tern Sternula albifrons

A few seen from the boat on our Great Barrier Reef cruise and a couple were seen fishing on the Cairns foreshore on our last morning.

Gull-billed Tern Gelochelidon nilotica A single bird was first seen at Wonga Beach and a few more on the Cairns foreshore. Caspian Tern Hydroprogne caspia

A single bird was first seen on a sandbar during the Port Hacking cruise. Other single birds seen at Lake Tinaroo and Cairns.

Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybrida Two birds seen fishing at Lake Tinaroo in North Queensland. Crested Tern Sterna bergii Several on the Port Hacking cruise. Common at Michaelmas Cay. Lesser Crested Tern Sterna bengalensis Very common on Michaelmas Cay. Black-naped Tern Serna sumatrana Ten or more seen at a distance on Michaelmas Cay. Brown Noddy Anous stolidus

Literally thousands nesting on Michaelmas Cay. Black Noddy Anous minutus Two birds were seen perched on the water taxi at Michaelmas Cay as we arrived. Feral Rock Dove Columba livia The familiar feral pigeon seen throughout. White-headed Pigeon Columba leucomela One seen first at Jamberoo Park. At least three at Chambers and several more at O’Reilly’s. Spotted Dove Streptopelia chinensis Several seen in Jamberoo and also in Cairns in North Queensland. Brown Cuckoo-dove Macropygia amboinensis

A single bird was first seen and photographed by Peter in Jamberoo. Another six were seen at Mt Lewis. Quite common at O’Reilly’s.

Emerald Dove Chalcophaps indica Seen feeding at the bird table at Kingfisher Park. Common Bronzewing Phaps chalcoptera An individual was seen at Glen Davis in the Capertee Valley. Brush Bronzewing Phaps elegans

One first spotted by Janet at Barren Grounds. Interestingly, our first record of this secretive species . Crested Pigeon Ocyphaps lophotes First seen at the Captain Cook landing. Common pigeon of the Capertee Valley. Squatter Pigeon Geophaps scripta Locally common at Granite Gorge, where we counted at least seven birds. Wonga Pigeon Leucosarcia melanoleuca Three individuals seen at Mt Tomah in NSW and seen every day at O’Reilly’s. Peaceful Dove Geopelia placida Common in the Capertee Valley in NSW and North Queensland. Bar-shouldered Dove Geopelia humeralis

Two birds were seen on our morning walk at Glen Davis, NSW. A common visitor to the feeding table at Kingfisher Park and seen regularly throughout North Queensland

Wompoo Fruit Dove Ptilinopus magnificus We had excellent views firstly of one bird on the Daintree River cruise with Murray, and also at Kingfisher Park and O’Reilly’s.

Rose-crowned Fruit Dove Ptilinopus regina A frustratingly hard bird to get on to! We had quick views of a single bird in the rainforest at Redden Island and another that flew out of a fig tree on the Cairns foreshore.

Pied Imperial Pigeon Ducula bicolor Many seen around Cairns and Daintree.



Topknot Pigeon Lopholaimus antarcticus Several seen flying overhead around Jamberoo and at Minnamurra Rainforest centre. Small flocks also seen flying overhead in North Queensland and flocks of 20-30 birds were seen at O’Reilly’s near Moran Falls.

Red-tailed Black Cockatoo Calyptorhynchus banksii Three birds flew over us on the causeway at Lake Mitchell. More were seen briefly around the Atherton Tablelands on our day out with Alan.

Glossy Black Cockatoo Calyptorhyncus lathami A surprise view of a single female feeding on casuarina nuts at Fitzroy Falls, NSW. Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo Calyptorhyncus funereus

Four birds were first seen at Jamberoo near the golf course and again the next day. Another two were seen at the Old Ford Reserve at the bottom of the Megalong Valley.

Galah Eolophus roseicapilla Widespread in NSW. Long-billed Corella Cacatua tenuirostris Several seen feeding on the road verge near our motel at Jamberoo. Little Corella Cacatua sanguinea Numerous at Captain Cook’s landing and in the Blue Mountains. Sulphur-crested Cockatoo Cacatua galerita Very common, recorded most days. Rainbow Lorikeet Trichoglossus haematodus Common, recorded most days. Scaly-breasted Lorikeet Trichoglossus chlorolepidotus

First seen in the orchard at Kingfisher Park, where there were at least four birds perched up high. Also seen elsewhere around the Atherton Tablelands but in much smaller numbers than their Rainbow cousins.

Crimson Rosella Platycercus elegans First seen at Captain Cook’s landing. A very common parrot both in the Blue Mountains and at O’Reilly’s. Pale-headed Rosella Platycercus adscitus At least two birds seen along East Maryfarms Road on our day out from Kingfisher Park Eastern Rosella Platycercus eximius

Two seen at Captain Cook’s landing and another at Jamberoo. Several also in the Capertee Valley. Red-rumped Parrot Psephotus haematonotus Fairly common in the Capertee Valley. Eastern Ground Parrot Pezoporus wallicus

Excellent views of a single bird that flushed from the side of the track at Barren Grounds and flew for some distance before dropping back into the heath.

Australian King Parrot Alisterus scapularis A single bird was first seen at Fitzroy Falls. Very common and very tame at O’Reilly’s!

Red-winged Parrot Aprosmictus erythropterus A single bird flew in just as we were leaving Mt Molloy School in north Queensland. Double-eyed Fig Parrot Cyclopsitta diophthalma

Excellent views of a male and a female at their nest hollow at Kingfisher Park. Brush Cuckoo Cacomantis variolosus One seen at Jamberoo Park Fan-tailed Cuckoo Cacomantis flabelliformis

We saw at least four individuals at Barren Grounds and individuals at O’Reilly’s. Shining Bronze Cuckoo Chrysococcyx lucidus

Heard on several occasions at Fitzroy Falls and Chambers, we finally tracked one down at O’Reilly’s on our very last day!

Australian Koel Eudynamys cyanocephala Heard firstly in the park at Jamberoo, we had various sightings of males and females throughout the trip, including an excellent view of a female on the Daintree River with Murray.

Channel-billed Cuckoo Scythrops novaehollandiae One was seen flying over a field on the Atherton Tablelands and eventually perched where Alan was able to get it in the scope for all to see.

Pheasant Coucal Centropus phasianinus Two sightings of single birds, one in a canefield near Wonga Beach, another near Maryfarms and then two birds at Lake Mitchell.

Lesser Sooty Owl Tyto tenebricosa Heard at Kingfisher Park and near Yungaburra with Alan during our evening spotlighting.



Barn Owl Tyto alba A single bird perched on a post during our spotlighting evening with Alan near Yungaburra in North Queensland.

Eastern Grass Owl Tyto longimembris At least four of these owls were seen hunting over a field near Yungaburra on our spotlighting tour with Alan Gillanders – another first for this tour!

Barking Owl Ninox connivens Heard calling at Kingfisher Park on both nights. Papuan Frogmouth Podargus papuensis Excellent views of a single male over the Daintree River with Murray, who himself was surprised to find one! Tawny Frogmouth Podargus strigoides Wonderful views of a single bird perched out in the open for all to see at the Capertee bridge, NSW. Large-tailed Nightjar Caprimulgus macrurus Two individuals seen briefly as they flew across the road as we were driving into Yungaburra one evening. Australian Swiftlet Aerodramus terraereginae Reasonably common over Cairns and the Atherton Tablelands. House Swift Apus affinis Two seen briefly hawking over the Nerada tea plantation with Needletails. White-throated Needletail Hirandapus caudacutus

About six of these incredibly fast fliers were seen hawking low over the Nerada tea plantation on the Atherton Tablelands (not far from the Tree-kangaroo!).

Dollarbird Eurystomus orientalis Seen regularly in ones and twos throughout the trip.

Laughing Kookaburra Dacelo novaeguineae Common and widespread, seen nearly every day. Blue-winged Kookaburra Dacelo leachii Individuals seen very briefly on three days in North Queensland. Forest Kingfisher Todiramphus macleayii Several individuals seen around the Atherton Tablelands and Daintree, usually perched on powerlines. Collared Kingfisher Todiramphus chloris A single bird was seen well, low in the mangroves along the saltwater creek at Centenary Lakes, Cairns. Sacred Kingfisher Todiramphus sanctus

Two birds on the Port Hacking cruise on our first day then one or two more at Jamberoo in the park. Azure Kingfisher Alcedo azurea

A couple of birds seen well along the Daintree River on our cruise, and another at Kingfisher Park near the platypus pool.

Little Kingfisher Ceyx pusilla Fantastic views of a single bird on the Daintree River cruise with Murray. Rainbow Bee-eater Merops ornatus

Surprisingly not seen in NSW this year. Our first sighting was of an adult bird which flew down to its nest hole as we were driving into Granite Gorge. Later we saw another three at Centenary Lakes in Cairns..

Noisy Pitta Pitta versicolor Great views of a pair seen in the orchard at Kingfisher Park. Also heard at O’Reilly’s.

Albert’s Lyrebird Menura alberti Wonderful views of three birds, one a youngster being fed by both an adult female and an immature bird.

Superb Lyrebird Menura novaehollandiae Brilliant close-up views of a single bird at Minnamurra Rainforest Centre near Jamberoo while we sat at the café having lunch! We also found other birds in the Blue Mountains, particularly on early mornings when there was no one else about. At Silver Mist Reserve near our motel in Katoomba we saw no less than four.

Green Catbird Ailuroedus crassirostris These clowns of the forest were seen well at O’Reilly’s.

Spotted Catbird Ailuroedus melanotis Seen well at Kingfisher Park where one came in to the bird feeder, and also at Mt Lewis and Chambers Rainforest Lodges.

Tooth-billed Bowerbird Scenopoeetes dentirostris Good views of a singing male at Mt Lewis.

Golden Bowerbird Prionodura newtoniana Stunning views of this rainforest gem once again at one of Alan’s hotspots near Mt Hypipamee! Regent Bowerbird Sericulus chrysocephalus The emblem of O’Reilly’s and a regular visitor to the feeders.



Satin Bowerbird Ptilonorhynchus violaceus Several sightings in Jamberoo and the Blue Mountains in NSW and at O’Reilly’s in Queensland.

White-throated Treecreeper Cormobates leucophaea There were many birds at the Old Ford Reserve in the Megalong Valley, including lots of young. Also at Barren Grounds and Fitzroy Falls in NSW and another three seen well with Duncan near O’Reilly’s.

Red-browed Treecreeper Climacteris erythrops After failing to find these birds anywhere in the Blue Mountains this year, we were lucky enough to have Duncan track down a group of three on our morning with him at O’Reilly’s.

Brown Treecreeper Climacteris picumnus At least four or five birds seen on our morning walk at Glen Davis and three more at the Capertee River. Lovely Fairywren Malurus amabilis A great find in the rainforest margins at Redden Island was a pair of these stunning little birds. Variegated Fairywren Malurus lamberti Duncan eventually found a group of three of these spectacular birds on our morning with him at O’Reilly’s. Superb Fairywren Malurus cyaneus

A number of birds first seen seen at Jamberoo. The common fairywren of south-eastern Australia, seen most days in NSW and at O’Reilly’s.

Red-backed Fairywren Malurus melanocephalus A single male was seen near O’Reilly’s with Duncan, along with the Variegated Fairywrens.

Macleay’s Honeyeater Xanthotis macleayanus Seen once at the feed table at Kingfisher Park and also in nearby flowering Grevilleas one morning. Bridled Honeyeater Lichenostomus frenatus Just the one bird found by Alan in a fruiting fig tree at Winfield Park on the Atherton Tablelands. Yellow-faced Honeyeater Lichenostomus chrysops Several seen in NSW at Jamberoo and Glen Davis and also at Kingfisher Park and O’Reilly’s. Varied Honeyeater Lichenostomus versicolor Locally commom alongside the mangroves near the Esplanade in Cairns. Yellow Honeyeater Lichenostomus flavus

Lots seen at Lake Mitchell and Granite Gorge in North Queensland. White-eared Honeyeater Lichenostomus leucotis One seen briefly at the Old Ford Reserve in the Megalong Valley, NSW. Fuscous Honeyeater Lichenostomus fuscus A single bird seen on our morning walk at Glen Davis in the Capertee Valley. White-plumed Honeyeater Lichenostomus penicillatus Very common in the Capertee Valley. Graceful Meliphaga Meliphaga gracilis Many seen along the Daintree River and at Kingfisher Park. Yellow-spotted Honeyeater Meliphaga notata Many seen in the Daintree National Park along the boardwalks and at Kingfisher Park and Mt Lewis. Lewin’s Honeyeater Meliphaga lewinii

In NSW seen at Jamberoo and Minnamurra. Very common on both the Atherton Tablelands and at O’Reilly’s in Queensland.

Bell Miner Manorina melanophrys Many individuals from a colony present at the Old Ford Reserve in the Megalong Valley were seen well as they dived into the creek for a bath.

Noisy Miner Manorina melanocephala Very common in NSW.

Blue-faced Honeyeater Entomyzon cyanotis First seen in flowering Grevilleas at Kingfisher Park then on various occasions around the Tablelands and Cairns itself.

Brown-headed Honeyeater Melithreptus brevirostris A single bird seen in the Capertee Valley. White-throated Honeyeater Melithreptus albogularis

Heard firstly by Duncan who tracked down four of these honeyeaters near O’Reilly’s. He was surprised to find them so high up the mountain at this time of year.

White-naped Honeyeater Melithreptus lunatus Very common at the Old Ford Reserve in the Megalong Valley in NSW. Helmeted Friarbird Philemon buceroides Several of these noisy honeyeaters seen at Daintree and around Cairns.



Noisy Friarbird Philemon corniculatus A single bird seen in a flowering Grevillea at Jamberoo Park and another in the Capertee Valley. Fairly common at Granite Gorge in Queensland.

Little Wattlebird Anthochaera chrysoptera Very common in the park at Jamberoo and around the Blue Mountains.

Red Wattlebird Anthochaera carunculata Common in NSW, seen often in the Blue Mountains and the Capertee Valley. Brown Honeyeater Lichmera indistincta Seen at a number of places in North Queensland, including good views at Kingfisher Park. Painted Honeyeater Grantiella picta Heard only distantly at the Capertee River. New Holland Honeyeater Phylidonyris novaehollandiae Best views in the native flower beds at Echo Point, Katoomba in the Blue Mountains. White-cheeked Honeyeater Phylidonyris niger Three or four were seen at Abattoir Swamp in North Queensland. Brown-backed Honeyeater Ramsayornis modestus

Just the one bird seen at Abattoir Swamp. Eastern Spinebill Acanthorhynchus tenuirostris One seen firstly at Jamberoo by John. Other individuals seen around the Blue Mountains and at O’Reilly’s. Dusky Myzomela Myzomela obscura

A couple seen around Kingfisher Park feeding on flowering Grevilleas. Scarlet Myzomela Myzomela sanguinolenta

Distant brief views of a male at Barren Grounds were followed up with brilliant close-up views of one feeding on a yellow Grevillea flower near Kingfisher Park. Another was seen later from the bird hide at Hastie’s Swamp.

Eastern Bristlebird Dasyornis brachypterus One seen well at Barren Grounds after we heard it calling from the side of the track. Spotted Pardalote Pardalotus punctatus Excellent close-up views of a pair at Bogee Reserve in the Capertee Valley, NSW. Striated Pardalote Pardalotus striatus A male and female were seen at Glen Davis on our morning walk. Pilotbird Pycnoptilus floccosus Great views at Barren Grounds of a bird calling in the open. Rockwarbler Origma solitaria

Following a tip-off from local guide Carol Probets, we had fantastic views of this NSW endemic at a lookout close to our motel in Katoomba.

Fernwren Oreoscopus gutturalis Great to find this renowned skulker at last! A single bird seen feeding with Chowchillas at Mt Lewis. Atherton Scrubwren Sericornis keri Two birds seen at Mt Lewis, on our walk up the hill. White-browed Scrubwren Sericornis frontalis Quite common at Minnamurra and Fitzroy Falls. Also common at O’Reilly’s. Yellow-throated Scrubwren Sericornis citreogularis

Two were seen at Mt Tomah in the Blue Mountains but very common at Mt Lewis and O’Reilly’s. Large-billed Scrubwren Sericornis magnirostra

Two first seen at Minnamurra Rainforest in NSW. Fairly common in Queensland where we saw several at Kingfisher Park and at O’Reilly’s.

Weebill Smicrornis brevirostris Many seen in the Capertee Valley in NSW. Brown Gerygone Gerygone mouki

Seen at a number of places in NSW such as Minnamurra, Fitzroy Falls and Mt Tomah. Common also at O’Reilly’s in Queensland.

Large-billed Gerygone Gerygone magnirostris Several seen along the Daintree River on the cruise.

White-throated Gerygone Gerygone olivacea A single male was seen near Lake Tinaroo with Alan. Fairy Gerygone Gerygone palpebrosa

Both a male and a female were seen on our last morning at Kingfisher Park with Keith. Another pair was seen with Alan near Lake Tinaroo as well.



Mountain Thornbill Acanthiza katherina Two seen at Mt Lewis, high up in the canopy. Another was spotted by Alan at Mt Hypipamee on our day out with him.

Brown Thornbill Acanthiza pusilla Common in the Blue Mountains and also at O’Reilly’s. Buff-rumped Thornbill Acanthiza reguloides At least three seen at Bogee Reserve in the Capertee Valley, NSW Yellow-rumped Thornbill Acanthiza chrysorrhoa Many seen around Glen Davis and the Capertee Valley. Yellow Thornbill Acanthiza nana Several seen around Jamberoo. Striated Thornbill Acanthiza lineata

Common in eucalypts both in NSW and at O’Reilly’s. White-browed Babbler Pomatostomus superciliosus At least two birds were seen in the Capertee Valley. Australian Logrunner Orthonyx temminckii

Fantastic views of these busy forest floor foragers at O’Reilly’s, both the white-throated males and their orange-throated mates.

Chowchilla Orthonyx spaldingii A couple of these skulking forest dwellers were seen foraging as we walked up Mt Lewis. Eastern Whipbird Psophodes olivaceus

Heard everywhere there was forest in NSW and at O’Reilly’s. Best views were at O’Reilly’s when we walked the Wishing Tree track.

Yellow-breasted Boatbill Machaerirhynchus flaviventer A single bird found for us by Keith at Kingfisher Park just as we were about to leave. Black Butcherbird Cracticus quoyi

An adult and juvenile were observed at Daintree National Park and two more at Centenary Lakes in Cairns. Grey Butcherbird Cracticus torquatus

Seen first at the park in Jamberoo and others later in the Capertee Valley, NSW and near Lake Mitchell in Queensland.

Pied Butcherbird Cracticus nigrogularis An adult and juvenile ‘scoped by Duncan for us near O’Reilly’s!

Australian Magpie Gymnorhina tibicen Reasonably common throughout the more open areas of NSW and Queensland. Pied Currawong Strepera graculina Very common throughout NSW and at O’Reilly’s. White-breasted Woodswallow Artamus leucorynchus Fairly common around Cairns and the Atherton Tablelands. White-browed Woodswallow Artamus leucorhyncus Four or more were seen hawking above us in the Capertee Valley, NSW. Dusky Woodswallow Artamus cyanopterus

Two sightings of two birds each seen in the Capertee Valley. Black-faced Cuckooshrike Coracina novaehollandiae A few sightings of individuals seem most days in NSW but less so in Queensland. Barred Cuckooshrike Coracina lineata A single bird identified for us by Alan as it fed in a fig tree at Winfield Park on the Atherton Tablelands White-bellied Cuckooshrike Coracina papuensis

One was seen well on a fence at Kingfisher Park one morning as it flew from post to post. Others seen at various places around the Atherton Tablelands.

Cicadabird Coracina tenuirostris The distinctive sound of this bird was heard on a number of occasions including once at Minnamurra Rainforest in NSW. We saw a male fly overhead near Maryfarms then had great views of a pair at Centenary Lakes in Cairns, Queensland.

White-winged Triller Lalage tricolor Males were seen on three occasions, once at Barren Grounds, again in the Capertee Valley and another near Lake Mitchell in Queensland.

Varied Triller Lalage leucomela One seen on the Daintree River cruise and three others at Kingfisher Park and Chambers in Queensland. Varied Sittella Neositta chrysoptera A flock of at least six birds seen in the Capertee Valley.



Eastern Shriketit Falcunculus frontatus Great views of a male on our morning walk around Glen Davis, NSW. Grey Whistler Pachycephala simplex Two seen at Kingfisher Park, their persistent call allowing us to eventually track them down. Golden Whistler Pachycephala pectoralis

A colourful male was first seen at Minnamurra in NSW then numerous other sightings throughout the trip. Rufous Whistler Pachycephala rufiventris

Both males and females were seen at Kings Tableland, the Megalong Valley and in the Capertee Valley in NSW and on the Atherton Tablelands in North Queensland.

Australasian Figbird Sphecotheres vieilloti Very common throughout north Queensland.

Olive-backed Oriole Oriolus sagittatus A few individuals were seen in the Capertee Valley and at Jamberoo, NSW. Just the one sighting at Mt Hypipamee in Queensland

Green Oriole Oriolus flavocinctus Excellent views from the cruise along the Daintree River and also in Daintree National Park and Cairns Centenary Lakes.

Bower's Shrikethrush Colluricincla boweri Given the run around at first we finally got on to this Tablelands endemic at Mt Hypipamee thanks to Alan’s persistence!

Little Shrikethrush Colluricincla megarhyncha A few sightings from Kingfisher Park and Mt Lewis in North Queensland. Grey Shrikethrush Colluricincla harmonica Single birds seen at Jamberoo, Megalong Valley and at O’Reilly’s. Spangled Drongo Dicrurus bracteatus Individuals seen at Kingfisher Park and several at O’Reilly’s. Willie-wagtail Rhipidura leucophrys Very common throughout. Grey Fantail Rhipidura albiscapa

Moderately common. First seen at Jamberoo Park then further sightings in the Blue Mountains, Mt Lewis and at O’Reilly’s.

Rufous Fantail Rhipidura rufifrons First views at Fitzroy Falls in NSW then at a number of locations in Queensland including O’Reilly’s, where they were particularly plentiful this year.

Black-faced Monarch Monarcha melanopsis Seen first at Fitzroy Falls then at the Minnamurra Rainforest Centre in NSW. Plentiful also in the Daintree River National Park and at O’Reilly’s in Queensland.

Spectacled Monarch Monarcha trivirgatus At least four birds were seen along the Marrdja Boardwalk in Daintree National Park, North Queensland. Also at Kingfisher Park, coming in to bathe in the platypus pool.

White-eared Monarch Carterornis leucotis Another great find by Duncan some way down the mountain from O’Reilly’s! The first time we have ever recorded this monarch species on this trip.

Magpie-lark Grallina cyanoleuca Very common, seen nearly every day throughout. Leaden Flycatcher Myiagra rubecula A male was first seen at Abattoir Swamp in North Queensland then another at Granite Gorge. Shining Flycatcher Myiagra alecto Excellent views of a male and a female on the Daintree River with Murray. Restless Flycatcher Myiagra inquieta A single bird seen at the Capertee River in NSW. Torresian Crow Corvus orru The common corvid seen in Brisbane and at O’Reilly’s. Australian Raven Corvus coronoides The common corvid of Sydney and the Blue Mountains. White-winged Chough Corcorax melanorhamphos

A party of eight of these gregarious birds was spotted on the roadside as we headed down the Megalong Valley. Several more also seen around the Capertee Valley and at Glen Davis on our walk before breakfast.

Paradise Riflebird Ptiloris paradiseus Good views of a male at O’Reilly’s on our last outing.



Victoria’s Riflebird Ptiloris victoriae A female was first sighted high in the canopy at Mt Lewis but we had memorable views of a male at the feeding perch at Chambers.

Grey-headed Robin Heteromyias cinereifrons Individual birds were seen at Kingfisher Park and on the walk up Mt Lewis. Fairly common at Chambers Rainforest Lodges.

Mangrove Robin Peneoenanthe pulverulenta Good views of a single bird at the edge of the mangroves near the Cairns foreshore.

Pale-yellow Robin Tregellasia capito Fairly common in rainforest at Kingfisher Park and Chambers Rainforest Lodges.

Eastern Yellow Robin Eopsaltria australis Common in rainforest throughout the NSW leg of the trip. Very common also at O’Reilly’s.

Lemon-bellied Flycatcher Microeca flavigaster A single bird sat perched on a bare branch for us at Lake Mitchell. Jacky Winter Microeca fascinans Good views of two of these flycatchers at Bogee Reserve in the Capertee Valley. Rose Robin Petroica rosea

A juvenile male was first seen at the Mt Tomah Botanical Gardens in NSW. Excellent views were also had of a beautifully coloured male at O’Reilly’s.

Welcome Swallow Hirundo neoxena Common throughout the trip. Fairy Martin Petrochelidon ariel

Common at the Capertee River, NSW. Seen also around the Atherton Tablelands. Tree Martin Petrochelidon nigricans

Common around Jamberoo and the Capertee Valley, NSW. Seen also around the Atherton Tablelands in Queensland.

Golden-headed Cisticola Cisticola exilis Three birds first seen at Lake Mitchell alongside the causeway. Also near Yungaburra with Alan Gillanders.

Australian Reed Warbler Acrocephalus australis Very common at Lake Wallace, NSW. One also at Lake Mitchell in Queensland.

Rufous Songlark Megalurus mathewsi Common in the Capertee Valley. Previously Cincloramphus mathewsi Little Grassbird Megalurus gramineus

After calling monotonously on several occasions, a single bird eventually popped up for us to see at Lake Wallace, NSW.

Silver-eye Zosterops lateralis Two birds seen firstly at the park in Jamberoo. Other good sightings from Kingfisher Park and O’Reilly’s. Metallic Starling Aplonis metallica

Common around Kingfisher Park and along the Daintree River. Common Myna Acridotheres tristis Seen most days but not at O’Reilly’s. European Starling Sturnus vulgaris Common in NSW. Russet-tailed Thrush Zoothera heinei

One along the road into O’Reilly’s late in the afternoon on our last day- our very last new bird for the trip! Bassian Thrush Zoothera lunulata

One seen at O’Reilly’s near the start of the Python Rock track. Eurasian Blackbird Turdus merula Common at the Mt Tomah Botanical Gardens. Mistletoebird Dicaeum hirundinaceum

A male seen firstly in the Capertee Valley. Reasonably common in North Queensland. Olive-backed Sunbird Cinnyris jugularis

Great views of both males and females at Kingfisher Park and at Chambers. House Sparrow Passer domesticus Common in NSW and Cairns. Beautiful Firetail Stagonopleura bella A single bird was seen briefly by Harry at Fitzroy Falls then another by all the group on the Kings Tableland. Diamond Firetail Stagonopleura guttata

Three of these attractive finches were seen at roadside in the Capertee Valley (until flushed by the ill-timed approach of an oncoming vehicle!).



Red-browed Finch Neochmia temporalis A few first seen at Jamberoo. Very common around the feed table at Kingfisher Park and also at O’Reilly’s.

Zebra Finch Taeniopygia guttata Groups of four or so birds seen on a couple of occasions in the Capertee Valley. Double-barred Finch Taeniopygia bichenovii Two seen in the Capertee Valley then several at Granite Gorge in North Queensland. Blue-faced Parrotfinch Erythrura trichroa

Reasonably good views of four birds in the clearing at Mt Lewis. Scaly-breasted Munia Lonchura punctulata Flocks of 30 or so of these introduced finches were seen near the Cairns foreshore on two occasions. Australian Pipit Anthus australis Just one seen on a roadside in the Capertee Valley, NSW. Another four were seen on the Atherton Tablelands. MAMMALS Grey-headed Flying Fox Pteropus poliocephalus Spectacled Flying Fox Pteropus conspicillatus Red-necked Pademelon Thylogale thetis Red-legged Pademelon Thylogale stigmatica Mareeba Rock Wallaby Petrogale mareeba Agile Wallaby Macropus agilis Eastern Grey Kangaroo Macropus giganteus Lumholtz’s Tree Kangaroo Dendrolagus lumholtzi Whiptail Wallaby Macropus parryi Red-necked (Bennett’s) Wallaby Macropus rufogriseus Mountain Brushtail Possum Trichosurus caninus Coppery Brushtail Possum Trichosurus vulpecula Striped Possum Dactyopsila trivirgata Yellow-footed Antechinus Antechinus flavipes Sugar Glider Petaurus breviceps Long-nosed Bandicoot Perameles nasuta Bush Rat Rattus fuscipes Duck-billed Platypus Ornithorhyncus anatinus European Hare Lepus europeaus European Rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus Feral Cat Felis catus Red Fox Vulpes vulpes Short-beaked Echidna Tachyglossus aculeatus REPTILES and TURTLES Eastern Water Dragon Physignathus lesueurii House Gecko Gehyra sp. Red-bellied Black Snake Pseudechis porphyriacus Green Tree Snake Boiga irregularis Stephen’s Banded Snake Hoplocephalus stephensii Carpet Python Morelia spilota Green Sea Turtle Chelonia mydas BUTTERFLIES Australian Painted Lady Vanessa kershawi Ulysses Papilio ulysses Cairns Birdwing Ornithoptera euphorion Red-bodied Swallowtail Pachliopta polydorus AMPHIBIANS Cane Toad Bufo marinus

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