Читать книгу Australian Good Birding Guide: Northern Queensland - Ted Wnorowski - Страница 3
ОглавлениеIntroduction
The call of an open road
Queensland is the second largest Australian State, after Western Australia. According to Geoscience Australia, the State covers over 1.7 mln square kilometres (22.5% of surface area of Australia). Population of Queensland is about 5.1 mln people (Australian Bureau of Statistics, Dec 2019), with nearly half of the residents (2.3 mln) living in Brisbane as per 2016 census.
Consecutive to our Australian Good Birding Guide: Southern and Central Queensland published in May 2019, this book addresses birdwatching locations in the northern part of this vast State, from the very top of Queensland down to the line running approximately between the point just north of Rockhampton (past St Lawrence) on the east coast, and Winton in the west, i.e. the line running approximately along the Tropic of Capricorn, the 23 parallel that cuts through the middle of Rockhampton.
Northern Queensland is blessed with a wide variety of birdlife. It is the region of the greatest numbers of bird species in comparison with any other region in Australia. About 520 bird species are mentioned just in this book.
Eighteen endemic species can be found in Northern Queensland. These are:
| Golden-shouldered ParrotLesser Sooty OwlTooth-billed BowerbirdGolden BowerbirdEungella HoneyeaterMacleay’s HoneyeaterBridled HoneyeaterFernwrenAtherton Scrubwren | Mountain ThornbillCarpentarian GrasswrenKalkadoon GrasswrenChowchillaBower’s Shrike-thrushPied MonarchVictoria’s RiflebirdGrey-headed RobinWhite-bellied Crimson Finch |
Cape York Peninsula in the far northeast of Queensland has 20 “Cape York specialists” which in Australia can only be found there. These are:
| Black-backed ButcherbirdGolden-shouldered ParrotRed-cheeked ParrotEclectus ParrotPalm CockatooYellow-billed KingfisherChestnut-breasted CuckooPapuan PittaFawn-breasted BowerbirdNorthern Scrub-robin | Trumpet ManucodeMagnificent RiflebirdGreen-backed HoneyeaterWhite-streaked HoneyeaterTawny-breasted HoneyeaterWhite-faced RobinFrill-necked MonarchBlack-winged MonarchYellow-legged FlycatcherTropical Scrubwren |
A venture into Torres Strait islands, which are part of QLD territory, should reward you with some of the many vagrants from Papua New Guinea (PNG), separated from these islands by just a few miles of water.
Since we started to write the Australian Good Birding Guides (the first book was published in 2017) many changes to bird nomenclature have occurred. Some species were split, other were lumped together and some just changed their common of Latin name. All taxonomy changes are recorded in Birdlife’s Working List of Australian Birds. In this book, we followed the latest version of the Working List, v.3, dated August 2019. Otherwise, nomenclature used in this book follows Systematics and Taxonomy of Australian Birds by Les Christidis and Walter E. Boles, CSIRO Publishing.
To help our readers navigate among the current changes, the main changes affecting birds of Northern Queensland have been summarised below (Northern QLD species highlighted in boldface). Only time will tell how long these names will last; a review of the taxonomy system is undertaken every few years.
| Emerald Dove | Name changed to Brown-capped Emerald-Dove |
| Intermediate Egret | Name changed back to Plumed Egret |
| Sooty Owl | Split into Lesser Sooty Owl and Greater Sooty Owl |
| Gull-billed Tern | Spilt into Australian Gull-billed Tern and Common Gull-billed Tern (was: Asiatic ssp. of Gull-billed Tern) |
| Spotted Catbird | Lumped into Black-eared Catbird |
| Black-chinned Honeyeater | Split into Golden-backed Honeyeater and Black-chinned Honeyeater |
| Crested Shrike-tit | Split into three species: Eastern Shrike-tit, Northern Shrike-tit and Western Shrike-tit. |
| Grey Whistler | Split into Grey-headed Whistler and Brown Whistler |
| Crimson Finch | Split into White-bellied Crimson Finch and Black-bellied Crimson Finch |
| Pied Imperial-Pigeon | This species was split into several new species. The species which was known as Pied Imperial-Pigeon in Australia is now called Torresian Imperial-Pigeon |
| Purple-backed Fairy-wren | Lumped back into Variegated Fairy-wren |
| Eastern Osprey | Lumped back into Osprey |
| Eastern Great Egret | Lumped back into Great Egret |
| Eastern Curlew | Name changed to Far Eastern Curlew |
The regions described in this book include Mackay Coast, Bowen-Ayr Coast, Townsville, areas north and west of Townsville, Ingham area, Cassowary Coast, Cairns, Atherton Tablelands, Daintree Coast, Cooktown, Cape York including Torres Strait islands, Central North QLD, Mt Isa region and Gulf of Carpentaria. The birds, like people, largely favour the coastal regions of Queensland, and these are described in the book in detail. However, many sought-after birds can only be found in the arid landscape of the Outback.
The tropical Northern Queensland climate has basically two seasons: the Wet (summer: November-April) and the Dry (winter: May-October). In the coastal regions, it is hot and humid in summer and hot and dry in winter. Arid, harsh climatic conditions prevail in the interior where in summer temperatures soar to 40oC and above during the day, dropping to perhaps 30oC at night, while in winter day temperatures are still high but at night the gauge easily drops to single digits and even frost. It rains in the wet season in the Outback except for the desert areas.
Travel must be planned carefully. Timing is important – you should not venture there in the wet season as widespread flooding occurs every year and roads may be flooded for weeks at a time, leaving you stranded. Even in the highly-populated coastal areas, which generally have high bridges over the rivers, travelling in summer is not that pleasant, as you may get rain nearly every day and gloomy light conditions. In summary, plan to travel between May and October. Another thing, in the Outback, due to vast distances and sparse population, you have to be self-sufficient for food, water and fuel (a long-range fuel tank is well advised).
For the National Park alerts, park and road closures as well as the fire hazards, check the webpage http://www.nprsr.qld.gov.au/park-alerts/index.php and the individual Parks’ websites. If you enter a closed road and consecutively get bogged up and require towing, you’ll pay a hefty fine for that on top of your towing fees. If you lit a fire (even in a portable butane gas stove) when a total fire ban is imposed, you’ll risk causing a bushfire and face significant fines. The fire ban warnings are NOT displayed in the National Parks, you do need to check the Park’s website.
The Northern Queensland guide has been divided in our book into separate chapters. The approximate geographical locations of these areas are indicated on the State map below, with hyperlinks to the detailed birding information available in the ebook edition.
Northern Queensland chapters
5 West of Townsville
6 Ingham and Surrounds
7 Cassowary Coast
8 Cairns and Surrounds
9 Atherton Tablelands
10 Daintree Coast
11 Cooktown and Surrounds
12 Cape York
13 Central North Qld
14 Mount Isa Region
15 Gulf of Carpentaria
Mackay Coast
This chapter cover the sites from Carmila Beach on the south side to Bowen on the north, plus the corresponding hinterland area.
5 Mackay
9 Cape Hillsborough National Park
10 Seaforth
12 Travellers Rest Caravan Park
15 Proserpine
Carmila Beach
This unspoilt coastal paradise is located about 100km south of Mackay. Habitats here include an estuary, pristine wide beaches, an excellent patch of coastal scrub and the vine rainforest hugging the coastline, surrounded by the sea of sugar cane on the other side. This is a good wader spot; they favour a roost at the creek mouth.
To get there, from Bruce Hwy (A1) turn east at the service station in Carmila and drive 6km along Carmila Beach Rd to the coast. When you get to the T-junction, turn left to go to the estuary with a boat ramp and a small park. Facilities here include a carpark, toilets and picnic tables. Turning right at the T-junction gets you to the popular beachside camping grounds. In terms if facilities, only the toilets are provided. Individual campsites are relatively private, and each has its own beach access. The first site along the beach can be accessed by a conventional vehicle but then the track turns into deep, loose sand and a 4WD is required.
Over 130 bird species are on the Carmila Beach birdlist. Key species are Orange-footed Scrubfowl, White-browed Robin, Yellow Honeyeater, Helmeted Friarbird, Torresian Imperial-Pigeon, Black Butcherbird and Large-tailed Nightjar. Other birds of interest include waders, Brown-capped Emerald-Dove, Spectacled Monarch, Eastern Reef Egret, Little Tern, Little Bronze-cuckoo, Fairy Gerygone, Olive-backed Sunbird and Tawny Frogmouth. Rarities include Wandering Tattler, Grey Plover, Black-naped Tern, Black Bittern, White-eared Monarch and Barred Cuckoo-shrike.
Before turning into Carmila Beach Rd from the highway, check the riverbed near Carmila. Brolgas are often seen standing in the riverbed or foraging on the adjacent pasture. Screen the powerlines along Carmila Beach Rd for the presence of White-breasted Woodswallow, Sacred Kingfisher, Australasian Figbird and Nankeen Kestrel. Chestnut-breasted Mannikins and Pheasant Coucals may be moving across the road from one field of sugar cane to the next.
Waders are the main attraction of Carmila Beach. Take your scope and walk to the creek mouth to observe them on the sandbars. The best time is on the incoming tide when they are being pushed closer to the shore. At high tide they fly away to the other side of the creek, too far to see properly.
Our most successful visit to this site was at the end of March 2017. We found many waders already in breeding plumage. There were decent numbers of Far Eastern Curlews, Whimbrels, Bar-tailed Godwits, Black-tailed Godwits, Great Knots, Red-necked Stints, Grey-tailed Tattlers, Greater Sand Plovers and Lesser Sand Plovers. In smaller numbers were Terek Sandpipers, Curlew Sandpipers, Red Knots, Grey Plovers, Ruddy Turnstones and Sooty Oystercatchers. On the beach near the creek mouth, a pair of Beach Stone-curlews was roosting under a small bush. Other birds on the beach included Little Terns, Caspian Terns, Little Egrets, Striated Herons and two Eastern Reef Egrets.
Far Eastern Curlew
In the park by the carpark, White-browed Robins and Wonga Pigeons were calling constantly the whole morning. The pigeons had a flimsy nest in a casuarina near the beach. Tawny Frogmouths were roosting low in a tree by the toilet block.
In the mangroves near the boat ramp, there were plenty of Dusky Honeyeaters, Brown Honeyeaters and Varied Trillers. Black Bittern flushed from the mangroves and disappeared on the opposite side of the creek. Bushland along the beach produced White-bellied Cuckoo-shrike, Rainbow Bee-eater, Leaden Flycatcher, Helmeted Friarbird, Little Shrike-thrush and Tawny Frogmouth.
On the opposite end of Carmila Beach, scrub along the camping grounds allowed us good views of Orange-footed Scrubfowl. At night, Large-tailed Nightjars were calling. Other birds here included Yellow Honeyeater, Oriental Dollarbird, Rufous Fantail, Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo, Pale-headed Rosella, Blue-winged Kookaburra and Australasian Pipit. Radjah Shelducks are frequent visitors in the campsite.
When travelling on Bruce Hwy, Flaggy Rocks Café 8km south of Carmila is a compulsory stop. They are famous for their fantastic smoothies and friendliness towards the birdwatchers. Two lagoons are located behind the café. On their banks, Plumed Whistling-Ducks are typically piled up densely. Magpie Geese are also with them. Buff-banded Rails come up to the café tables. In the surrounding trees, look for Yellow Honeyeater, Helmeted Friarbird, Channel-billed Cuckoo and Spangled Drongo.
Hay Point
Hay Point is located 40km south of Mackay. It is best known for the largest coal-lading port facility in the world. This site is good for the waders and waterbirds. The waders often roost on the breakwater wall or feed on the Salonika Beach. Waterbirds congregate at Lake Barfield near the Salonika Beach.
To get there, turn east into Hay Point Rd from Bruce Hwy (A1) and after reaching the coast take High Water Islet Dr leading to the Esplanade that will take you to the breakwater wall to see the waders. If you want to reach Lake Barfield, turn south into McCarthy St from the Esplanade. This road later changes name to Pacific Dr and runs along the lake. There are no designated carparks or defined observation areas, just find any useful vantage points on your way. There are no facilities in the area.
Over 100 bird species have been recorded at Hay Point. Key species are Radjah Shelduck, Magpie Goose, Cotton Pygmy-goose, Great Crested Grebe, Orange-footed Scrubfowl and Bar-breasted Honeyeater. Other birds of interest include waders, Torresian Imperial-Pigeon, Little Bronze-cuckoo, Yellow Honeyeater, Spectacled Monarch and White-browed Robin.
Radjah Shelduck
You’ll see white birds such as Little Egrets, Plumed Egrets, Great Egrets, Royal Spoonbills and Pied Stilts scattered on the Lake Barfield shores. The most common waterbirds here are Black Swan, Wandering Whistling-Duck, Plumed Whistling-Duck and Magpie Goose. Comb-crested Jacanas can be seen on nearly every patch of water lilies. When the lake is drying up, Sharp-tailed Sandpipers, Black-fronted Dotterels and Red-kneed Dotterels appear in large numbers to forage on the exposed mud. Rarer species around the lake include Nankeen Night-Heron, Radjah Shelduck and Buff-banded Rail.
Common bush birds around the lake and in the coastal scrub include Olive-backed Sunbird, Leaden Flycatcher, Yellow Honeyeater, Little Bronze-cuckoo, Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo and Black-faced Monarch. Look for Orange-footed Scrubfowl and Bush Stone-curlew under the trees.
The breakwater wall is often covered with Little Black Cormorants, Little Pied Cormorants, Great Pied Cormorants and Crested Terns. At high tide, Grey-tailed Tattlers and Pacific Golden Plovers roost there.
Macs Truck Stop Wetland
This is a small wetland on Bruce Hwy (A1) about 20km south of Mackay. If coming from Mackay, the site is located 5.6km south of the Sandy Creek bridge. It is hidden behind a large BP service station with a truck stop area. GPS coordinates are 21o17’54’’S and 149o10’15’’E. Drive onto Macs Truck Stop Service Rd, stop behind the service station and walk along the fence in the easterly direction. The wetland will be on your right. Alternatively, take the next unnamed service road further south and drive east about 500m. The wetland is readily viewable from this point.
Over 80 bird species have been recorded here. Key species are Magpie Goose, Brolga, Glossy Ibis, Whiskered Tern and Bar-breasted Honeyeater. Other birds of interest include Plumed Whistling-Duck, Wandering Whistling-Duck, Comb-crested Jacana, Yellow-billed Spoonbill, Red-kneed Dotterel, Chestnut-breasted Mannikin and Swamp Harrier. Rarities at this site include White-browed Crake, Black-necked Stork, Red-necked Avocet and Australasian Shoveler.
When water levels in the wetland are low, the area is completely overgrown by vegetation (grasses and sedges) so the site is indistinguishable from the surrounding farmland. The giveaway sign are Magpie Geese that hang around in their hundreds to feed on the tubers. We counted about 400 geese. A pair of Brolgas were sticking out their necks from the long grass. The swamp was full of Plumed Whistling-Ducks and Wandering Whistling-Ducks with their ducklings. We also added Glossy Ibis, Royal Spoonbill, Great Egret, Plumed Egret and Comb-crested Jacana to our list. On a small solitary tree in the middle swamp, Australasian Darters had a nest with two large fat chicks.
The grasses near the swamp yielded Brown Quail, Australasian Pipit, Golden Headed Cisticola (plenty), Chestnut-breasted Mannikin and Pheasant Coucal.
We checked two small, fenced off settling ponds behind the truck stop and found a White-browed Crake feeding in the cumbungi.
A colony of Welcome Swallows is established in the BP service station. Their nests are interspersed with the nests of House Sparrows.
Bar-breasted Honeyeater has been reported to breed in a row of paperbark trees and bottlebrushes behind the service station. Also, Lemon-bellied Flycatcher was recorded at this site in 2016.
Bar-breasted Honeyeater
Mcewens Beach
This small coastal settlement is located 15km south of Mackay. It is surrounded by swamps and woodlands of Bakers Creek Conservation Park that are recognised as nationally important wetlands. The mudflats and mangroves serve as feeding and roosting grounds for large numbers of waders.
To get there, approximately 10km south of Mackay turn east into Mcewens Beach Rd and drive 6km to the village. Facilities are located in the foreshore parkland and include picnic tables and toilets.
Over 130 bird species have been recorded in this area. Key species are the waders, Black-necked Stork, Brolga, Glossy Ibis, Radjah Shelduck, White-browed Robin, Yellow Honeyeater and Little Bronze-cuckoo. Other birds of interest include Latham’s Snipe, Magpie Goose, Mangrove Gerygone, Fairy Gerygone, Torresian Imperial-Pigeon, Common Cicadabird and Bar-breasted Honeyeater. Among the rarities are White-browed Crake, Oriental Plover, Beach Stone-curlew, Australian Bustard, Mangrove Golden Whistler, Lemon-bellied Flycatcher and Mangrove Robin.
At the outskirts of the village, 1-2 km before the dwellings begin, an extensive swampy area spreads out along Mcewens Beach Rd. GPS coordinates are 21o14’23’’S and 149o11’40’’E. Shallow wetlands with mangroves and dead trees standing in the flooded grounds are a good habitat for waders, in particular Marsh Sandpiper and Common Greenshank. Regularly 20-30 birds of each species are counted each summer. Pied Stilts breed here. Other waders in the area include Sharp-tailed Sandpiper, Curlew Sandpiper, Red-kneed Dotterel and Black-fronted Dotterel. Large flocks of Grey Teals often roost on dead tree stumps.
A shallow grassy swamp near the bridge attracts Brolgas, Magpie Geese, Glossy Ibises and Black-necked Storks. In the mangroves near the bridge, look for Mangrove Gerygone. If you are lucky, you may get a sighting of Mangrove Golden Whistler or Mangrove Robin. Azure Kingfisher likes to hunt near the bridge.
In the village, you’ll be welcomed by Radjah Shelducks, Plumed Whistling-Ducks and Bush Stone-curlews. They forage on the grass among the houses, blending into the background as if they belonged there.
In the village, get to the beach near the swimming enclosure. It is usable at high tide, otherwise there is no water behind the fence. At low tide, sandflats along the beach serve as feeding grounds for the waders. The most visible are Australian Pied Oystercatchers, dotted in pairs along the shoreline. Common waders also include Whimbrel, Great Knot, Far Eastern Curlew and Pacific Golden Plover. Among rarer waders here are Terek Sandpiper, Grey Plover, Red Knot and Black-tailed Godwit. Other birds of interest on the sandflats include Eastern Reef Egret, Little Egret, Little Tern, Common Tern and Caspian Tern.
Mangroves near the boat ramp on Bakers Creek will offer you a chance to spot Mangrove Robin. Nearly guaranteed are Mangrove Honeyeaters and very noisy Pied Butcherbirds.
It is worth checking the coastal scrub along the beach, especially thickets of cotton trees. Common birds here include Yellow Honeyeater, Dusky Honeyeater, Helmeted Friarbird, Fairy Gerygone, Olive-backed Sunbird and Little Bronze-cuckoo. Wherever figs are fruiting, look for Torresian Imperial-Pigeons and Channel-billed Cuckoos. Flocks of Red-tailed Black-Cockatoos are regularly moving through the village and coastal scrubs in search of casuarina cones and seasonal fruit.
Mackay
Mackay is a large coastal town located on the Central Coast of Queensland, about 1,000km north of Brisbane. Pioneer River flows through town. Off the coast, you have Great Barrier Reef and inland to the west there is the Eungella National Park. The town itself is a worthy birding destination, especially for its numerous wetlands and beaches which are good for the waders and waterbirds.
Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens
The 33ha gardens are located at the southern entrance to Mackay, 5km from the CBD. The main feature if this site is a large, long lagoon, in parts covered densely with water hyacinths and water lilies. The edges are fringed with long grass and sedges. A concrete pathway runs around the lagoon. The gardens were opened only recently (2003) and trees are still maturing. The site showcases native flora from the Mackay region and Whitsundays.
The tranquil lagoon of Mackay Botanic Gardens
To get there, from Bruce Hwy (A1) turn west into Lagoon St. Road signage will lead you to the main entrance of the gardens with a Visitor Centre and a famous café with a large deck overlooking the lagoon. A 3km-long self-guided walking track runs through the gardens.
Over 160 bird species have been recorded in the Botanic Gardens. Key species are Red-whiskered Bulbul, Pale-vented Bush-hen, White-browed Crake, Glossy Ibis, Torresian Imperial-Pigeon and Great Bowerbird. Other birds on interest include Cotton Pygmy-goose, Magpie Goose, Radjah Shelduck, Latham’s Snipe, Yellow Honeyeater, Dusky Honeyeater, Helmeted Friarbird and White-bellied Cuckoo-shrike. Rarities include Brolga, Black-necked Stork, Black-tailed Native-hen, Wompoo Fruit-Dove, King Quail, Buff-breasted Paradise-Kingfisher, Metallic Starling and Australian Swiftlet.
This is a popular birdwatching destination. People stop here to tick off Red-whiskered Bulbul, an isolated northernmost population of this introduced species. The best place to look for them is around the café. Order something to eat and wait; they will come to you. You can also look for them in the surrounding streets and some other Mackay locations such as the Ooralea suburb (formerly called Planlands) or East Gordon St.
Another good species in the gardens is Pale-vented Bush-hen. They are cheeky and tame, often feeding among the pandanus roots by the pathways.
The lagoon is usually filled with waterbirds, particularly at the far end corner near the highway. Magpie Geese, Purple Swamp-hens, Dusky Moorhens and both Whistling-Ducks can be found here in their hundreds. Comb-crested Jacanas, Cotton Pygmy-geese, Glossy Ibises, Plumed Egrets and Hardheads are also numerous. Occasionally, Baillon’s Crake and White-browed Crake can be found here.
Common bush birds in the Botanic Gardens include Great Bowerbird (often near the café), Olive-backed Sunbird, Yellow Honeyeater, Helmeted Friarbird, Torresian Imperial-Pigeon, Brush Cuckoo, Eastern Koel, Red-backed Fairy-wren and Pacific Baza.
A pair of Red-backed Fairy-wrens
Look closely at the swallow-like birds hunting over the lagoon. Among the martins and swallows you’ll have a chance to spot Fork-tailed Swifts or even a flock of Australian Swiftlets.
Many rare species have been recorded in the gardens. In May 2017, a juvenile Buff-breasted Paradise-Kingfisher was found in the rainforest section. Great Crested Grebes are occasionally found in the lagoon. In January 2016, a flock of White-browed Woodswallows and a single Metallic Starlings visited the gardens.
Pioneer River Boardwalk
This site is part of the 20km Bluewater Trail running from the Botanic Gardens through Pioneer River to the oceanside. The Pioneer River Boardwalk site encompasses a stretch of the trail between Bruce Hwy and Bluewater Lagoon (near the Caneland Shopping Centre). To complement the boardwalk, several short walking tracks run through mangroves, canals, grassland and bush regrowth in the area. The entrance to the site is behind the Caneland mall (near the Myer store) at the end of Matsuura Dr.
To get there, from Bruce Hwy (A1) take Gordon St and soon turn left into Mangrove Rd, then left again into Matsuura Dr. A viewing platform over the Pioneer River is located opposite the shopping centre’s carpark. A large island and a sandbar in the river are a wader roost. Good facilities can be found along the river and in the shopping centre.
Over 60 species are on the Pioneer River Boardwalk’s birdlist. Key species are the waders, Comb-crested Jacana, Cotton Pygmy-goose, Radjah Shelduck and Black Butcherbird. Other birds of interest include Mangrove Gerygone, Mangrove Honeyeater, Helmeted Friarbird, Yellow Honeyeater, Buff-banded Rail, Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo and Tawny Grassbird.
Stop at the viewing platform to check out the waders. Common species here include Far Eastern Curlew, Whimbrel, Pacific Golden Plover, Red-kneed Dotterel, Black-fronted Dotterel and Pied Stilt. There should also be some Caspian Terns, Little Egrets, Striated Herons, Ospreys and Brahminy Kites on the riverbanks. Occasionally, Eastern Reef Egret may be spotted here.
While walking through the mangroves, the sound of singing Mangrove Gerygones is all around you. Azure Kingfishers hunt along the canals. At low tide, check the mudflats in the canals for Radjah Shelduck, Buff-banded Rail, Little Egret and Whimbrel.
In the unkempt grassy areas expect to see Brown Quail, Tawny Grassbird, Chestnut-breasted Mannikin and Australasian Pipit. In several small temporary wetlands through the grassy areas you may find Magpie Goose, Cotton Pygmy-goose, Plumed Whistling-Duck and occasionally Brolga.
Bush birds at this site include Dusky Honeyeater, Rainbow Bee-eater, Spangled Drongo, Leaden Flycatcher, and Black Butcherbird.
Sandfly Creek Environmental Reserve
This reserve is one of the largest (60ha) green areas in Mackay. The site is located on the south headland of the Pioneer River. The reserve protects remnants of original vegetation (mostly mangroves, coastal scrub and saltmarshes). A large area of grassland is slowly being revegetated with native flora. Sandfly Creek flows through the reserve. It is fitted with several floodgates to mitigate storm flash flood risks in the surrounding suburbs. Bluewater Trail runs through the reserve from the east end of River St to East Gordon St. Facilities such as toilets and picnic tables are provided at both ends of Bluewater Trail.
There are two entrances to the reserve:
At the east end of River St. To get there, from Bruce Hwy (A1) take Gordon St and drive through the CBD until you get to Lawson St. Turn left, at the T-junction with River St turn right. Drive to a large carpark at end of the road.
In the Illuka Park at the east end of East Gordon St. To get there follow Gordon St onto East Gordon St until you reach Illuka Park.
Over 150 bird species have been recorded here. Key species are Beach Stone-curlew, Sooty Oystercatcher, Black Bittern, Mangrove Robin and Mangrove Gerygone. Other notable birds include waders, Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo, Torresian Imperial-Pigeon, Helmeted Friarbird and Little Bronze-cuckoo. Rarities include Common Sandpiper, Broad-billed Flycatcher, Black-necked Stork, Painted Button-quail, Plum-headed Finch and Zebra Finch.
Mangrove Gerygone
Mangroves and beaches of the reserve are a stronghold of Beach Stone-curlews. During wader surveys in the area, 3-4 birds are counted regularly.
Best birding usually happens around the bridge over Sandfly Creek. Check the mangroves; the sound of singing Mangrove Gerygones is unmistakable. Small flocks of Mangrove Honeyeaters move through the mangroves. Collared Kingfishers hunt along the creek at low tide. There is also a chance of seeing Mangrove Robin here or even getting a glimpse of Black Bittern.
Check the waders on the river while walking along the high levee – usually a scope is needed as they tend to hang out on the other side of the river. Expect to find Lesser Sand Plover, Red-capped Plover, Grey-tailed Tattler, Great Knot, Far Eastern Curlew, Australian Pied Oystercatcher, Black-tailed Godwit and Common Greenshank. Solitary Common Sandpipers are found nearly each year roosting at the floodgates in the creek mouth.
Expect to see plenty of finches in the grassland. Chestnut-breasted Mannikins, Nutmeg Mannikins and Double-barred Finches are everywhere and in good numbers. Look also for Tawny Grassbird, Australasian Pipit and large flocks of Magpie Larks congregating here in late summer and autumn. Black-shouldered Kite and Nankeen Kestrel can often be seen hovering over the grassy areas.
In 2016, three Little Curlews spent a few months here, feeding in grassy areas.
In the coastal scrub behind the dunes, look for Black-faced Monarch, Rufous Fantail, Olive-backed Sunbird, Leaden Flycatcher, Lewin’s Honeyeater, Dusky Honeyeater, Brown Gerygone, Fairy Gerygone and Little Bronze-cuckoo.
Rainbow Bee-eaters have established several breeding colonies here. We observed about 40 birds excavating tunnels in the dunes. Some were pushed out of the slopes and were making holes in the flat-laying sand.
Town Beach
This popular beach is located just south of the Sandfly Creek Environmental Reserve between Illuka Park and Quota Park. To get there, from Bruce Hwy(A1) take Bridge Rd to the coast. The closest facilities are located in Illuka Park and Quota Park.
A variety of waders feed on the sandflats and occasionally roost on the beach near the creek. Regular findings include Red-capped Plover, Lesser Sand Plover, Pacific Golden Plover, Australian Pied Oystercatcher, Red-necked Stint, Great Knot, Black-tailed Godwit, Bar-tailed Godwit, Whimbrel and Far Eastern Curlew. Occasionally, you may see here Sanderling, Grey Plover, Beach Stone-curlew and Little Curlew.
Red-necked Stint
In a small wetland near the beach, you have a chance to come across Curlew Sandpiper, Sharp-tailed Sandpiper and Common Greenshank. Little Terns are often found near the creek mouth.
In the parkland, look for flocks of Red-tailed Black-Cockatoos. Also, Helmeted Friarbirds, Rainbow Bee-eaters and sometimes Torresian Imperial-Pigeons can be found here.
Shellgrit Creek Wetland
The site is located just south of Town Beach, behind the airport in South Mackay. The tidal lagoon and mouth of Shellgrit Creek are the excellent, easily accessible wader sites.
To get there, from Bruce Hwy (A1) take Bridge Rd to the east. Near the coast turn right into Beverley St, then left at the T-junction with Petrie St, followed by right into Illawong Dr. Drive to the end of the road. Walk along the track running on the western spit. Waders rest on the sandy spit across the water to the east.
Bush Stone-curlews are frequently found here. Common waders include Far Eastern Curlew, Whimbrel, Red-capped Plover, Bar-tailed Godwit, Red-necked Stint, Great Knot, Lesser Sand Plover, Greater Sand Plover, Pacific Golden Plover and Ruddy Turnstone. Occasionally, Terek Sandpiper, Curlew Sandpiper, Sanderling and Double-banded Plover are recorded.
Other birds in the area include Australian Gull-billed Tern, Little Egret and Brahminy Kite. Great-billed Heron has been occasionally reported from this site.
Keeleys Road Wetland
This beautiful swamp is located on the south side of Keeleys Rd in north Mackay. It is called Floodway Conservation Area and is mostly inaccessible except for the corner of Keeleys Rd and Slade Point Rd where you’ll find an entrance to the 1km-long Kommo Toera Trail. The trail leads to two bird hides located near the water. It runs mostly through the towering, majestic paperbarks and on dry land through the forest of rusty fig trees, casuarinas and Moreton Bay black ash. Keep an eye on the treetops – a cyclone aftermath from twenty years ago is still embedded in the tree crowns. It is surreal to see half of a garden shed, car doors and a large roof section hanging high in the trees. Along Keeleys Rd you’ll see a drainage ditch and on the other side of the road wet paddocks overgrown with bushes.
Kommo Toera Trail habitat
To get there, from Mackay CBD take Harbour Rd and turn left into Slade Point Rd. Stop in a small carpark at the corner of Keeleys Rd and explore the trail. Site coordinates are 21o05’41’’S and 149o12’37’’E.
Over 120 bird species have been recorded at the Keeleys Road Wetland. Key species are Brolga, Black Bittern, Baillon’s Crake, Orange-footed Scrubfowl, Torresian Imperial-Pigeon and White-eared Monarch. Other birds of interest include Magpie Goose, Buff-banded Rail, Spectacled Monarch, Little Bronze-cuckoo, Olive-backed Sunbird, Common Cicadabird and Fairy Gerygone.
Brolgas can be often found along with Bush Stone-curlews on the wet paddocks in Keeleys Rd. We came across a Brolga pair with one chick. For Baillon’s Crake and Buff-banded Rail inspect the ditch along the street. They feed in the sparse cumbungi.
Orange-footed Scrubfowl built a mound on dry land near the track. This mound looked as if it was used by them and by Australian Brush-turkeys. Both sand and leaf litter were used in construction and we observed males of both species paying attention to the same mound.
In the lagoon in front of the bird hide, look for Magpie Goose, Plumed Whistling-Duck, Great Egret, Dusky Moorhen and White-necked Heron. Nankeen Night-Herons may be roosting in trees near the hide.
Fruiting rusty figs are visited by Torresian Imperial-Pigeons, Brown Cuckoo-Doves, Wompoo Fruit-Doves and occasionally Superb Fruit-Doves and Brown-capped Emerald-Doves. They are often joined by Channel-billed Cuckoos, Eastern Koels, Lewin’s Honeyeaters, Australasian Figbirds and Olive-backed Orioles.
When paperbarks and Moreton Bay ashes are flowering, they are teaming with Dusky Honeyeaters, Brown Honeyeaters, Yellow Honeyeaters, Helmeted Friarbirds and Scaly-breasted Lorikeets.
Pacific Baza is quite common in this reserve; the birds can be spotted moving between branches of paperbark trees. Tawny Frogmouths often roost at the entrance to the track.
Three species of bronze-cuckoos (Little, Shining and Horsfield’s Bronze-cuckoo) are regularly found here in summer. Other bush birds common here include Leaden Flycatcher, Rufous Whistler, Little Shrike-thrush, Varied Triller, Spangled Drongo, White-breasted Woodswallow and Forest Kingfisher. Occasionally, Australian King-Parrot, Rufous Fantail, White-eared Monarch (breeding in the reserve), Satin Flycatcher and Grey Goshawk have been recorded.
Slade Point Nature Reserve
The reserve is located in north Mackay in the vicinity of Keeleys Road Wetland. It protects 73ha of nearly vanished costal dune vegetation and paperbark wetland typical of the Mackay region.
To get there, from Slade Point Rd turn east into Teal St. At the end of this street you’ll find the start to one of the walking tracks through the reserve. Another entry is from the end of Pacific Esp at Lamberts Beach. There are three circuit walks through the reserve. Good facilities can be found in Ran Chandra Park along Lamberts Beach.
Over 130 species have been recorded in the Slade Point Reserve. Key species are Orange-footed Scrubfowl, Black-faced Monarch, Black Butcherbird, Rose-crowned Fruit-Dove and Barred Cuckoo-shrike. Other birds of interest include Yellow Honeyeater, Bar-breasted Honeyeater, Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo, White-bellied Cuckoo-shrike, Fairy Gerygone and Torresian Imperial-Pigeon.
The main attraction of the Reserve is Orange-footed Scrubfowl; their mounds are scattered through the area.
Fruiting trees lure Barred Cuckoo-shrikes, Rose-crowned Fruit-Doves, Torresian Imperial-Pigeons, Channel-billed Cuckoos and Australasian Figbirds.
Torresian Imperial-Pigeon
Birds found along the walks include Forest Kingfisher, Varied Triller, Lemon-bellied Flycatcher (rare), Dusky Honeyeater, Olive-backed Sunbird and Fairy Gerygone. Three species of butcherbirds can be found side-by-side in the reserve (Pied, Grey and Black Butcherbird).
Check terns on Lamberts Beach. Among Greater Crested Terns, Lesser Crested Terns and Roseate Terns can occasionally be found. In the Ran Chandra Park, enjoy flocks of Red-tailed Black-Cockatoos demolishing wild almond nuts.
Waders can be found on the west side of the peninsula outside the reserve. Turn west into Swallow St from Slade Point Rd and observe the waders on the mudflats from the Slade Pt Swallow St Park. Large numbers of common migratory waders can be seen feeding there. A giant fig tree stands at the end of Swallow St. Inspect it for the presence of Barred Cuckoo-shrikes, Torresian Imperial-Pigeons, Rose-crowned Fruit-Doves and Brown-capped Emerald-Doves.
Harbour Road Wetland
This wetland is located at the corner of Harbour Rd and Slade Point Rd, just south of Keeleys Road Wetland. This is a good site for the waterbirds and waders. A large, shallow lagoon is situated just next to Slade Point Rd. The only access to the site is through the Big 4 Caravan Park; you’ll need to ask for permission to explore the property.
To get there, from Mackay CBD take Harbour Rd and stop near the caravan park. Site coordinates are 21o06’39’’S and 149o12’30’’E.
Over 100 bird species have been recorded at the Harbour Road Wetland. Key species are Glossy Ibis, Brolga, Black-necked Stork, Marsh Sandpiper and Torresian Imperial-Pigeon. Other birds of interest include Magpie Goose, Buff-banded Rail, Latham’s Snipe, White-necked Heron, Olive-backed Sunbird, Yellow Honeyeater and Bar-breasted Honeyeater.
The site is known for good numbers of Glossy Ibises; up to 100 birds can be seen feeding in the lagoon near the caravan park. The lagoon is often filled to the brim with Magpie Geese, Plumed Whistling-Ducks, Eurasian Coots, Grey Teals, Australian Pelicans, Royal Spoonbills and Radjah Shelducks. In the caravan park, you may come across several families of Bush Stone-curlews. Watch out for Buff-banded Rails skulking under the caravans.
Common waders here include Pied Stilt, Sharp-tailed Sandpiper, Black-fronted Dotterel, Red-kneed Dotterel, Comb-crested Jacana and Latham’s Snipe. The latter is regularly found at the lagoon’s edge.
Australian Reed-Warblers and Tawny Grassbirds will be calling from the reeds and cumbungi. Bush birds found around this site include Forest Kingfisher, Olive-backed Sunbird, Varied Triller, Rufous Whistler, Helmeted Friarbird, Little Friarbird, Dusky Honeyeater, Yellow Honeyeater, Brown Goshawk and Black Kite.
East Point
This site is located on the north head of Pioneer River. The estuary, mangroves and coastal dune vegetation in the river mouth provide excellent habitats for a range of birds, particularly for the waders, waterbirds and seabirds. Hundreds of pelicans, cormorants and terns can be seen here feeding in the shallows.
To get there, from Harbour Rd take Ron Searle Dr and drive to the coast. Turn right into East Point Dr which leads to the tip of East Point. From Mulherin Park on, this is a deep sand 4WD track. The only facilities in the area are located in Mulherin Park.
Over 90 bird species have been recorded at East Point. Key species are the waders, Lesser Crested Tern and Beach Stone-curlew. Other birds of interest include Little Tern, Striated Heron, Little Bronze-cuckoo, Rainbow Bee-eater, Mangrove Honeyeater and Brown Quail. Rarities at this site include Great-billed Heron, Masked Booby and White-winged Black Tern.
Mangrove Honeyeater
Flocks of up to 15 Lesser Crested Terns have been reported. Other terns here include Little Tern, Caspian Tern and Australian Gull-billed Tern. Lesser Sand Plovers are being counted here in huge flocks, up to 1,300 birds in a flock. Other common waders include Whimbrel, Greater Sand Plover, Far Eastern Curlew, Ruddy Turnstone, Red-necked Stint, Bar-tailed Godwit and Black-tailed Godwit. Rarer species include Beach Stone-curlew, Wandering Tattler, Grey Plover and Sooty Oystercatcher.
It should be plenty Australasian Pipits and Brown Quails in the dunes. Rainbow Bee-eaters breed here regularly. Other birds in the area include Varied Triller, Oriental Dollarbird, Dusky Honeyeater, Brown Honeyeater, Chestnut-breasted Mannikin, Horsfield’s Bronze-cuckoo and Silvereye.
Occasionally, Great-billed Heron takes temporary residence in the Pioneer River mouth, moving between the Bassett Basin and the mouths of Barnes Creek and Vines Creek.
Padaminka Wildlife Refuge
This 72ha private property is located 2km south of Walkerston and 15km west of Mackay. It was originally a dairy farm but in the year 2000 the wetland was restored and native bushes and trees planted. The site is now listed as the Nature Refuge and Land for Wildlife. It protects a large area of locally endangered bimble box woodland. The refuge can be visited by appointment only. Please call the owners, Ian and Andrea Gottke, on (07) 4966 8020 or 0459 362911. The kind hosts are wildlife carers specialising in rescue and rehabilitation of koalas.
To get there, from Bruce Hwy(A1) in Mackay take Peak Downs Hwy (70) to Walkerston. In Walkerston, take Kellys Rd and when the road turns sharply west continue straight to the property. GPS coordinates are 21o10’43’’S and 149o03’26’’E.
Over 160 bird species have been found in Padaminka Wildlife Refuge. Key species are Pale-vented Bush-hen, Lemon-bellied Flycatcher, White-browed Robin, Large-tailed Nightjar and Powerful Owl. Other birds of interest include Australian Swiftlet, Red-chested Button-quail, Helmeted Friarbird, Yellow Honeyeater, Bar-breasted Honeyeater, Spectacled Monarch, White-eared Monarch and Torresian Imperial-Pigeon. Rarities include Black Bittern, Lewin’s Rail, Red-backed Button-quail, Buff-breasted Paradise-Kingfisher and Superb Fruit-Dove.
The star attraction of the site is Pale-vented Bush-hen. The first place to look for them is around the bottom dam. They also live near the creek where they breed and can regularly be found with small chicks. The bottom dam is also good for Buff-banded Rail, Lewin’s Rail (rare), White-necked Heron, Plumed Whistling-Duck and Wandering Whistling-Duck. Oriental Dollarbirds often hunt over the dam.
The top dam is a favourite bathing and drinking place for many birds. Look for Spectacled Monarch, White-eared Monarch, Brown-capped Emerald-Dove, Grey Fantail, White-winged Triller and Little Shrike-thrush.
Brolgas visit the wetlands occasionally. White-throated Nightjars van be observed at dusk hunting over the dams.
Nocturnal birds are also a feature of this site. Look for Southern Boobook and Barking Owl. Bush Stone-curlews breed on the property; their favourite hangouts are the recent burnout spots. The farm management includes regular localised backburns to prevent major bushfires. During the burns, resident Barn Owls come during the day to hunt rats and mice escaping from the fire. Tawny Frogmouths often nest in the tree at the back door of the house.
Grevilleas and bottlebrushes planted on the property are a magnet for honeyeaters such as Bar-breasted Honeyeater, Dusky Honeyeater, Yellow Honeyeater and Blue-faced Honeyeater. Three species of friarbirds (Helmeted, Little and Noisy Friarbird) can be seen feeding together.
Kinchant Dam
This large storage dam, nestled among the hills covered with dry eucalypt forest, is located about 40km west of Mackay. To get there, from Bruce Hwy(A1) in Mackay take Peak Downs Hwy (70) and drive to Eton. Turn right into Victoria St which will soon change name to Marian-Eton Rd (5). After 4km turn sharp right to continue on Marian-Eton Rd. Next, turn west into Kinchant Dam Rd which will take you to the recreational area at the dam. Site facilities include shelters, picnic tables and toilets around the dam and a café in the caravan park.
About 160 bird species have been recorded around Kinchant Dam. Key species are Great Crested Grebe, Cotton Pygmy-goose, Green Pygmy-goose, Brolga and Squatter Pigeon. Other birds of interest include Magpie Goose, Nankeen Night-Heron, Radjah Shelduck, White-winged Triller, Yellow-throated Miner and Forest Kingfisher. Rarities include White-backed Swallow, King Quail, Black-tailed Native-hen, Australian Bustard, Black Falcon and Square-tailed Kite.
Green Pygmy-goose
On the hilly access road to the lake, we came across three Squatter Pigeons squatting on the roadside. Forest Kingfisher, Yellow-faced Honeyeater and Little Friarbird were in the bush. In trees at the picnic area near the dam wall, we saw a small flock of Yellow-throated Miners as well as Scaly-breasted Lorikeets, White-breasted Woodswallows, Sacred Kingfisher and Olive-backed Oriole.
The best birding spot proved to be for us the area of shallow water covered with water lilies and bulrushes opposite the Kinchant Waters Caravan Park. Aquatic vegetation was teeming with waterbirds, many with babies in tow. Proud Comb-crested Jacana fathers were carrying their chicks under the wings, with their long-toed feet dangling out. Ducklings of Wandering Whistling-Ducks and Cotton Pygmy-geese were paddling in rows behind their parents. A Great Crested Grebe was dozing on the water with two chicks on its back. Strangely enough, a Muscovy Duck was taking care of two own chicks and four Whistling-Duck ducklings, apparently adopted.
There were also plenty of Magpie Geese, Plumed Egrets, Great Egrets, Hardheads and a couple White-necked Herons. Pied Stilts were nesting on small elevated patches of land surrounded by shallow water. Other waders in the area included Marsh Sandpiper, Latham’s Snipe and Black-fronted Dotterel. A family of Brolgas foraged on the other side of the bay.
One of the small trees in the caravan park is a regular roost of Nankeen Night-Herons. We observed Torresian Imperial-Pigeon feeding in a palm tree. An Olive-backed Oriole’s nest was hanging nearby. A resident pair of Bush Stone-curlews is easy to find on the grounds.
We investigated a farm road leading south away from the carpark. A King Quail crossed the road and Pheasant Coucals roosted low in the roadside bushes. In the grass, we found Tawny Grassbird, Brown Quail, Australasian Pipit, Golden-headed Cisticola and Chestnut-breasted Mannikin.
This area is good for raptors. Large groups of Black Kites were flying over the dam wall. We also saw Wedge-tailed Eagle, White-bellied Sea-Eagle, Nankeen Kestrel, Brown Falcon and Australian Hobby.
Eungella Plateau
The plateau sits on top of an isolated mountain range and is towering 800m over the Pioneer Valley. It is covered by lush rainforest and surrounded by the sea of dry eucalypt forest. This is the place where subtropical and tropical rainforest meet so several species occur here at their northernmost or southernmost range limits. The majority of the plateau lies within the Eungella National Park. You will also find here the charming Eungella township, Eungella Dam and several state forests.
Eungella National Park protects many unusual plants and animals. Notably, Eungella Honeyeater is not found anywhere else in the world.
The site is located 80km west of Mackay. To get there, from Bruce Hwy (A1) in Mackay turn west into Peak Downs Hwy (70) and later take Mackay-Eungella Rd (64) which will lead you to the Eungella township. If you are approaching from the north, from Bruce Hwy (A1) 90km south of Proserpine take Marian-Hampden Rd (5) and in Marian take a right turn into Mackay-Eungella Rd.
The last 5km before Eungella is hair-raising although the road is sealed all way up. You’ll have to take viciously steep hairpin bends head-on. The most famous one was named by the locals the Devil’s Elbow. We happened to be driving on that road one morning in dense fog which strongly amplified our experience. On the Devil’s Elbow we saw a non-articulated truck with a long tray which did not make the bend and was backing down all the way over the sharp bends. If you think you had enough emotions for the day driving uphill, wait until you are descending back to Finch Hatton on the same road.
A range of accommodation is available in Eungella, Finch Hatton and Broken River. There is only one camping area in the National Park, called Fern Flat, located on the banks of Broken River. A good picnic area with toilets, picnic tables and barbecues, is located nearby. Several short tracks start from there. You may also camp on the banks of Eungella Dam, 24km from Eungella. There is also a 20km walking track, many lookouts and waterfalls on the plateau. A map of short walking tracks can be downloaded here: https://parks.des.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0030/167538/mackaygw-shortwalks-map.pdf.
Over 180 species are on the Eungella Plateau’s birdlist. Key species are Eungella Honeyeater, Squatter Pigeon, Australian Swiftlet, Barred Cuckoo-shrike and Red-backed Button-quail. Other birds of interest include Regent Bowerbird, Superb Fruit-Dove, Torresian Imperial-Pigeon, Wompoo Fruit-Dove, Topknot Pigeon, Noisy Pitta, White-eared Monarch, Azure Kingfisher and Grey Goshawk. Rarities include Sooty Owl, Barking Owl, Pale-vented Bush-hen, Buff-breasted Paradise-Kingfisher, Satin Flycatcher, Peregrine Falcon and Little Eagle. There is also a good chance to find the platypus.
The site is all about the locally endemic Eungella Honeyeater. This bird is a close relative of Bridled Honeyeater and was only recognised as a separate species in 1983. It is only found Eungella Plateau and birdwatchers from all over the world flock here to see it. It can be found in a dense rainforest with plenty of climbers. Look for them in the flowering pandanus vine, this is their favourite food. When the vines stop flowering, honeyeaters are forced to source food over a wider area (mostly looking for lerp) and then it is much more difficult to find them. There are a few good spots to find them, all in the rainforest on the western border of the National Park. These include Chelmans Rd, Snake Rd, the first few kilometres of Diggings Rd and the Broken River picnic area and surrounds.
Chelmans Road
This is the most reliable place to find Eungella Honeyeater. To get there, from Mackay-Eungella Rd (64) in Eungella turn north into Cummings St. Out of town it will change name to Darlymple Rd. Drive 16km through the farmland and rainforest to a junction with Chelmans Rd. Turn left and drive about 3km to the end of Chelmans Rd. Stop before the ranch gate. On the left you’ll see dense bush with plenty of pandanus vines and staghorn ferns on the trees. This is the site. During our visit in February, Eungella Honeyeaters were very vocal and quite easy to spot but tricky to photograph.
Eungella Honeyeater’s habitat at Chelmans Rd
Other birds we found in this area included Brown Thornbill, Large-billed Scrubwren, Eastern Spinebill, Lewin’s Honeyeater, Brown Cuckoo-Dove and Rufous Fantail. Male Regent Bowerbird flew over the farm buildings. A Southern Boobook, roosting in the pandanus vine, was being attacked by a group of Eastern Yellow Robins and other small bush birds.
If you miss Eungella Honeyeater at Chelmans Rd, try Snake Rd nearby, the turnoff from Darlymple Rd is just about 200m to the south.
Eungella Honeyeaters have been reported from the bush about 300m from the turnoff, opposite the natural therapy place. Look also about 2.5km further down the road, opposite the properties numbered 238 and 240. GPS coordinates here are 21o03’26’’S and 148o33’01’’E.
Bush along Snake Rd is also good for White-throated Treecreeper, Varied Sittella, Crimson Rosella, Superb Fruit-Dove (plenty), Wompoo Fruit-Dove and Noisy Pitta.
When driving along Darlymple Rd to Chelmans Rd, it is worth stopping at Peases Lookout. Pepperberry trees around the lookout were fruiting when we visited and were heavy with pigeons such as Superb Fruit-Dove, Wompoo Fruit-Dove, White-headed Pigeon and Torresian Imperial-Pigeon. Russet-tailed Thrushes were foraging on the ground.
Another good stop on the way was the start of an unsealed section of the road. There is rainforest on one side and farmland on the other side of the road. Our findings here included Bar-breasted Honeyeater, Yellow Honeyeater, Russet-tailed Thrush, Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo, Crimson Rosella, Brown Gerygone, Large-billed Scrubwren and plenty of Red-browed Finches.
Eungella
Everywhere you turn in Eungella, there is something to see. One of the best places is a small park and an oval on the corner of North St and the road to the Goodes Lookout. GPS coordinates are 21o07’49’’S and 148o29’38’’E. Extraordinary congregations of button-quails and quails have been recorded several times in this slightly overgrown sports field. For example, in January 2017 birders reported Red-backed Button-quail (12), Painted Button-quail (3), King Quail (3) and Brown Quail (5) at the same time. Look also for Tawny Grassbird, Common Cicadabird, Forest Kingfisher, Scarlet Honeyeater and Buff-banded Rail.
Scarlet Honeyeater
At Goodes Lookout, watch birds flying around and below you. See pigeons moving in the canopies. Occasionally, large flocks of Tree Martins, Masked Woodswallows and White-browed Woodswallows can be observed flying around the lookout. Raptors here include Wedge-tailed Eagle, Pacific Baza and Peregrine Falcon.
Another good spot is a short, 1.6km-long Pine Grove Circuit. Stop at the Pine Grove carpark not far from the General Store. The walk runs through the enchanted rainforest, dripping with moisture from the morning fog. At the start of the walk, a large flying-fox colony is established. Birds often found at the beginning of this track include Noisy Pitta (listen to its ‘walk to work’ call), Yellow-throated Scrubwren, Large-billed Scrubwren, Wompoo Fruit-Dove and Grey Goshawk.
Regent Bowerbirds often visit gardens and accommodation behind the General Store.
Another place to visit is Schumanns Rd, situated just north of Eungella. Turn left into this road from Darlymple Rd. You’ll have a chance to find Grey Goshawk here, they are spaced regularly every few kilometres along this road. Also, Eungella Honeyeaters can occasionally be spotted here. Other birds in the area include Spectacled Monarch, Black-faced Monarch, Eastern Spinebill, Noisy Pitta, Brown Gerygone and nearly all fruit-eating pigeons, in particular Wompoo Fruit-Dove, Rose-crowned Fruit-Dove and Topknot Pigeon.
Diggins Road
Drive south past the General Store on Eungella Dam Rd. After 1.2km turn right into Diggins Rd, a narrow, steep dirt track. On the first few kilometres look for Eungella Honeyeaters. We found two birds about 800m from the turnoff, site coordinates were 21o08’36’’S and 148o29’17’’E.
The trees were teeming with small brown birds, such as Brown Gerygone, Large-billed Scrubwren and Brown Thornbill. A male Regent Bowerbird, brightly plumed, flew along the treeline. A single fruiting tree was feeding Topknot Pigeons, Brown Cuckoo-Doves and White-headed Pigeons. The walk also produced Scarlet Honeyeater, Noisy Pitta, Spectacled Monarch, Golden Whistler and Barred Cuckoo-shrike.
Sky Window Picnic Area
Just past the turnoff to Diggins Rd you’ll see the Sky Window picnic site with a large carpark. White-headed Pigeons are common around the area.
Three short walking tracks start here: Sky Window Circuit, Cedar Grove Track and Palm Grove Circuit. The first few hundred metres of Cedar Grove Track are the place to look for Russet-tailed Thrush, Brown-capped Emerald-Dove and Large-billed Scrubwren. On the Sky Window Circuit, you may find Regent Bowerbird, Little Shrike-thrush, Crimson Rosella, Pacific Baza, Black-faced Monarch, Superb Fruit-Dove and Wompoo Fruit-Dove. Occasionally, Satin Flycatcher can be spotted.
Broken River
Broken River with its platypus viewing deck is the major tourist attraction in the Eungella National Park. Good birding can be experienced nearby at the Broken River Picnic Area, Fern Flat Camping Area and 800m-long Rainforest Discovery Circuit.
Look for Eungella Honeyeaters here. They can be found in the bush near the crossing and around the picnic site. Azure Kingfishers are common along the river. Large, raucous flocks of Sulphur-crested Cockatoos come to drink here. Nankeen Night-Herons may be roosting in trees by the river.
When watching the platypus from the deck, look also for White-eared Monarchs (often nesting near the platform). Other birds here include Brown-capped Emerald-Dove, Brown Gerygone, Scarlet Honeyeater, Brown Thornbill and Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo. There are also plenty of red-legged pademelons, hiding in dense shrubbery.
The short Rainforest Discovery Circuit starts and finishes at the Broken River Picnic Area. Granit Bend Circuit is an extension of this walk. Eungella Honeyeaters are occasionally found along this walk; look for them at the junction of both tracks. Look also for Regent Bowerbird, Noisy Pitta, Dusky Honeyeater, Fairy Gerygone and Golden Whistler.
Male Golden Whistler
Tawny Frogmouth and Southern Boobook can be heard or seen when camping at Fern Flat. Birds common around the camping area include Lewin’s Honeyeater, White-throated Treecreeper, Spectacled Monarch, Superb Fruit-Dove, Black-faced Monarch and Australian King-Parrot.
Eungella Dam
Eungella Dam is a scenic lake fringed by dry eucalypt forest. It is located 24km south of Eungella. It can be reached from Eungella via Eungella Dam Rd. Bitumen ends at the point where rainforest is replaced with farmland. Camping area with good facilities including cold showers is provided on the banks of the dam.
On your way, stop at the junction of Eungella Dam Rd and Crediton Loop. Sooty Owls have been regularly recorded here. Look also for Topknot Pigeon, White-headed Pigeon, Common Cicadabird and Golden Whistler.
The main species to look for before reaching the Eungella Dam is Squatter Pigeon. These are often found foraging by the roadside in the dry, grassy woodland about 2-3km before the dam. GPS coordinates to a likely place are 21o12’26’’S and 148o26’03’’E. Other birds here include White-bellied Cuckoo-shrike, Rufous Whistler and Noisy Friarbird.
A good selection of waterbirds can be found around the dam. Some, such as Eurasian Coots and Hardheads, congregate here in their thousands. The dam is the stronghold of Great Crested Grebes and Cotton Pygmy-geese; they gather here in large numbers. Other waterbirds on the lake include Magpie Goose, Glossy Ibis, Caspian Tern, Yellow-billed Spoonbill and Comb-crested Jacana.
Bush birds around the camping area include Yellow-throated Miner, Forest Kingfisher, Wonga Pigeon, Great Bowerbird and Varied Triller.
Finch Hatton Gorge
Finch Hatton Gorge is part of the Eungella National Park. It sits at the base of Eungella Plateau. To get there, from Mackay-Eungella Rd (64) just past Finch Hatton turn into Owens Creek Rd, go over Owens Creek and then turn west into Gorge Rd that will take you to the Park 11km away. At the end of the road, you’ll find Finch Hatton Picnic Area and the start of the Finch Hatton Gorge Track running along Rawson’s Creek and Finch Hatton Creek to Araluen Cascades (2.8km return) and Wheel of Fire (4.2km return). Dense rainforest regrowth dominates the area.
Buff-breasted Paradise-Kingfishers are regularly found here. Pale-vented Bush-hens can occasionally be encountered near the creeks. Australian Swiftlets breed in the gorge and are often seen flying over the forest at dusk.
Three species of monarch can be found here. The most numerous is Spectacled Monarch but you may also come across White-eared Monarch and Black-faced Monarch. Seven species of fruit-eating pigeons occur in the area. The most numerous are Superb Fruit-Doves and Brown Cuckoo-Doves.
Small flocks of Metallic Starlings are occasionally spotted wandering through the rainforest. Other species found in Finch Hatton Gorge include Orange-footed Scrubfowl, Eastern Spinebill, Rufous Fantail, Brown Gerygone, Restless Flycatcher, Fork-tailed Swift and Pacific Baza.
Restless Flycatcher
Just before reaching the gorge, you’ll pass the Platypus Bushcamp, an interesting accommodation option with campsites and tree houses without walls, set in a lowland forest. There is a Platypus viewing pool and a rock swimming pool here. There are plenty of birds here, an easy way to see the same birds that are expected to live in the gorge. As an added bonus, same of them are quite tame and can be observed at close quarters. There are plenty of fruit-eating pigeons here and plenty of Azure Kingfishers. Australian Swiftlets are nearly guaranteed.
Finch Hatton
Finch Hatton is a small village near the Cattle Creek in Pioneer Valley. It is a good place to stay while exploring the plateau. We holidayed a few days in February in the Pioneer Valley Showgrounds, a large, grassy camping area located near Cattle Creek. Large fig trees are scattered throughout the grounds.
The main attraction were flocks of Torresian Imperial-Pigeons coming to roost in trees in the camping area. Every evening, Australian Swiftlets were darting for insects over the grounds. Fruiting fig trees were filled with Topknot Pigeons, Superb Fruit-Doves, Australasian Figbirds and very noisy Channel-billed Cuckoos. The latter congregated in the village in large numbers, they were everywhere.
About 50 Black Kites were roosting overnight near Cattle Creek. The creek was lined with casuarinas and paperbarks, mostly covered with climbers. The birds there included Black Butcherbird, Restless Flycatcher, White-browed Scrubwren, Red-browed Finch and three gerygone species (Fairy, Brown and White-throated Gerygone).
We also enjoyed good birding in the village, particularly in streets south of Anzac Pde (64) where about the third of the houses were abandoned and already overgrown with bushes and trees, mostly lilly-pillies and fig trees. At the time of our visit they were fruiting. We observed about 40 Channel-billed Cuckoos that seemed to have divided the territory between themselves and in small groups were energetically chasing away all potential competition to the fruit. The biggest brawls were with Pied Currawongs which seemed to lose every time. Once we observed a large (50 strong) flock of Torresian Imperial-Pigeons which landed taking no notice of the cuckoos and for a time being calmly took over the area. In spite of the fighting, there was enough food to share and other diners that managed to sneak in included Bared Cuckoo-shrikes, Rose-crowned Fruit-Doves, Superb Fruit-Doves, Australian King-Parrots and, on the ground, Brown-capped Emerald-Doves and Peaceful Doves.
Families of Bush Stone-curlews were wandering among the houses and in the parkland areas. In the row of flowering bottlebrushes along Anzac Pde we found a variety of honeyeaters including Bar-breasted Honeyeater, Yellow Honeyeater, Dusky Honeyeater and White-throated Honeyeater.
In front of the local pub, in a line of decorative coloured light bulbs, one bulb was broken and a pair of Willie Wagtails built a nest in the socket and had a chick in it.
Willie Wagtail’s nest in a light bulb socket
About 2.5km west of Finch Hatton, at the corner of Mackay-Eungella Rd (64) and Thornes Rd, we found four Squatter Pigeons feeding on the side of the road. GPS coordinates for this spot are 21o08’27’’S and 148o35’03’’E.
Cape Hillsborough National Park
This raggedly beautiful, 1,000ha National Park is situated in the stunning location on the Central Queensland coast 50km north of Mackay and 1,000km north of Brisbane. The Park features a wide range of habitats including coastal islands, mangroves, open eucalypt forest, dunes and beaches. Lowland rainforest and vine thickets are found along the creeks and hillside gullies.
To get there:
from Mackay travel 20km in the northerly direction on Bruce Hwy (A1), then turn east into Seaforth Rd (Yakapari-Seaforth Rd on some maps). After another 20km turn right into Cape Hillsborough Rd. The main entrance to the Park is about 10km away.
Coming from the north, from Bruce Hwy (A1) in Mount Ossa turn left into Mount Ossa-Seaforth Rd (partially unsealed). After 15km turn right into Seaforth Rd at the T-junction, then quickly left into Cape Hillsborough Rd which will take you to the Park.
There is only one small camping area in the Park at Smalley’s Beach. There is also the Cape Hillsborough Tourist Park at the end of Cape Hillsborough Rd. More camping areas are provided in the neighbouring coastal villages of Seaforth and Ball Bay. The Park has a large day-use area stretched along the foreshore in front of the tourist park, with good facilities and plenty of space. There are several walking tracks in the Park including Diversity Boardwalk (1.2km return), Beachcomber Cove Track (2.2km return), Hidden Valley Track (2km return) and Yuibera Plant Trail (1.2km return).
Over 160 species are on the Cape Hillsborough National Park’s birdlist. Key species are Australian Yellow White-eye, Mangrove Golden Whistler, White-eared Monarch, Buff-breasted Paradise-Kingfisher, Black Butcherbird and Large-tailed Nightjar. Other birds of interest include Metallic Starling, Broad-billed Flycatcher, Collared Kingfisher, Mangrove, Gerygone, Spectacled Monarch, Rose-crowned Fruit-Dove, Torresian Imperial-Pigeon, Orange-footed Scrubfowl and Olive-backed Sunbird. Among the rarities are Red-browed Pardalote, Satin Flycatcher, Shining Flycatcher, Lemon-bellied Flycatcher, Great Bowerbird, White-browed Robin and White-gaped Honeyeater.
Smalley’s Beach
The small, shady camping area along the Smalley’s Beach is located 11km off Cape Hillsborough Rd. At low tide, the mudflats in front of the beach are good for the waders such as Red-capped Plover (nesting there), Whimbrel, Australian Pied Oystercatcher and Sooty Oystercatcher. A pair of Beach Stone-curlews is resident on the beach.
Rainbow Bee-eater
In the campsite, look for Blue-winged Kookaburra, Bush Stone-curlew and White-bellied Cuckoo-shrike. Other birds here include Fairy Gerygone, Large-billed Gerygone (in the paperbarks), Spangled Drongo, Rainbow Bee-eater, Leaden Flycatcher and Black Butcherbird.
During our visit in February there was an influx of Brahminy Kites, about 20 in total, many of them juveniles. In summer, Metallic Starlings are breeding in trees along Cape Hillsborough Rd between the turnoff to Haliday Bay and the turnoff to Smalley’s Beach.
It is also a good idea to pop into the Old Station Teahouse in Cape Hillsborough Rd. The old trees in the grounds attract a wide variety of honeyeaters and fruit-eating pigeons that can be observed at leisure while sipping your morning tea. Even White-gaped Honeyeater can be found here.
Diversity Boardwalk
A small carpark marks the entrance to a 1.2km walk through the mangroves, paperbark swamp and vine thicket. The site is located off Cape Hillsborough Rd before reaching the day-use area. GPS coordinates are 20o55’21’’S and 149o01’57’’E.
This is the place to look for Australian Yellow White-eye and Mangrove Golden Whistler. Both species have been recorded here several times. The former is mostly found in the mangroves at the start of the walk.
Olive-backed Sunbirds, Dusky Honeyeaters and Spectacled Monarchs are common. Other birds along this walk include White-eared Monarch, Shining Flycatcher, Wompoo Fruit-Dove, Black Butcherbird, Rufous Fantail, Brown Quail and Varied Triller. Four gerygone species can be found along the track. Most common is Fairy Gerygone but look also for Large-billed, Brown and Mangrove Gerygone. Noisy Pitta can be found in the undergrowth at the interface of mangroves and open eucalypt forest.
Day-use Area and Caravan Park
Orange-footed Scrubfowls and Australian Brush-turkeys are tame and can be observed wandering between the picnic tables. During our visit, the best birding happened at a row of old trees growing on the beach fringe. Especially popular with the birds were fruiting native rohans where we counted 20 Rose-crowned Fruit-Doves, the most we’ve seen in one place to date. There were also a few Superb Fruit-Doves and Torresian Imperial-Pigeons. Eleven White-breasted Woodswallows snuggled up together in a tree in the carpark. In the caravan park grounds we spotted Great Bowerbird and also Bush Stone-curlews, Brown-capped Emerald-Doves and Tawny Frogmouths. Pacific Baza was moving between the trees.
Other birds we found in this area included Black Butcherbird, Helmeted Friarbird (nesting), Olive-backed Sunbird, Collared Kingfisher, Fairy Gerygone and Lemon-bellied Flycatcher. On the beach we ticked off Whimbrel, Australian Pied Oystercatcher, Eastern Reef Egret, Striated Heron, Australian Gull-billed Tern and Lesser Crested Tern.
A pair of Australian Pied Oystercatchers, banded in Queensland
Beachcomber Cove Track
The track starts at the northern end of the day-use area. It meanders through open eucalypt forest and the rainforest with hoop pines, ferns and vines. It ends at the Beachcomber Cove. You can walk there or back along the beach at low tide. The first section with an eucalypt forest is best for birding. You may find here White-throated Nightjar, Tawny Frogmouth, Common Bronzewing, Fairy Gerygone, Yellow Honeyeater, Noisy Friarbird, Great Bowerbird, Leaden Flycatcher and Rufous Whistler. Look for Satin Flycatcher in the gully on the seaside of the track.
Hidden Valley Trail
This track starts on the right side of the caravan park and takes you to the mudflats and mangroves. A 4WD vehicle is recommended.
Bushland at the end of the track is fantastic for monarchs; White-eared, Black-faced and Spectacled Monarchs may be found here in close proximity. Look also for Helmeted Friarbird, Black Butcherbird, Mangrove Honeyeater, Collared Kingfisher, Shining Flycatcher and Broad-billed Flycatcher.
On the mudflats, you may see Far Eastern Curlew, Whimbrel, Striated Heron and White-bellied Sea-Eagle. We watched one struggling on the beach with a catch of a large stingray.
Yuibera Plant Trail
This track is an off-shoot of the Hidden Valley Track. It is a walking track only. We found here breeding White-eared Monarchs. The most common species in the area were Fairy Gerygone, Olive-backed Sunbird and Spangled Drongo. There were also Orange-footed Scrubfowl, Leaden Flycatcher, Yellow Thornbill, Brown-capped Emerald-Dove, Wompoo Fruit-Dove, Eastern Reef Egret, Caspian Tern, Pacific Golden Plover and Southern Boobook. Metallic Starlings are often recorded here but we did not get them.
Seaforth
Seaforth is a charming beachfront village located 35km northwest of Mackay, best known as a popular fishing destination. For us, it is a special place where family groups of Bush Stone-curlews are the main decoration of the local backyards. Habitats here include extensive sandflats in front of beaches and mangroves, Victor Creek estuary, bushy foreshore, parklands and remnants of rainforest. All that is surrounded by the sea of sugar cane.
Besides being in the proximity to the Cape Hillsborough National Park, Seaforth has several good birding spots including Finlaysons Point, Victor Creek boat ramp, Ball Bay and Haliday Bay. Seaforth is recognised as a reliable wader site.
To get there:
From Mackay travel 20km in the northerly direction on Bruce Hwy (A1), then turn east into Seaforth Rd (Yakapari-Seaforth Rd on some maps) and drive to the village.
Coming from the north, from Bruce Hwy (A1) in Mount Ossa turn left into Mount Ossa-Seaforth Rd (partially unsealed). After 15km turn left into Seaforth Rd at the T-junction and drive to the village.
Site facilities include picnic tables and toilets which are located in the foreshore reserve.
About 100 bird species have been recorded at Seaforth. Key species are Bush Stone-curlew, Beach Stone-curlew, Large-tailed Nightjar, Metallic Starling and Lesser Crested Tern. Other birds of interest include waders, Radjah Shelduck, Great Bowerbird, Collared Kingfisher, Brown-capped Emerald-Dove, Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo and Torresian Imperial-Pigeon. Rarities include Oriental Cuckoo, Barred Cuckoo-shrike, Australian Swiftlet and Long-billed Corella.
Finlaysons Point
Finlaysons Point is a well-known wader site. To get to the site, turn left at Seaforth into Palm Ave which will change name to Walsh Ave and then into Seaforth-Port Newry Rd. At the point of second name change, where the road turns sharply to the left, take an unsealed bush track to your right (called Finlaysons Point Rd) which will get you to the Point through the bushland.
A pair of Beach Stone-curlews regularly breeds there. It is an important area for Sooty Oystercatcher; up to 19 birds have been counted in wader surveys. A small flock of Lesser Crested Terns is found regularly among Greater Crested Terns. Other birds in the area include Far Eastern Curlew, Whimbrel, Australian Pied Oystercatcher, Striated Heron, Brush Cuckoo, Mangrove Honeyeater and Olive-backed Sunbird.
Sooty Oystercatcher
Oriental Cuckoos are occasionally found in summer in the bush around the Point.
If you continue further on along Seaforth-Port Newry Rd, it will take you to a large boat ramp area. The mangroves and bushland in this spot may prove to be very productive. Look for Mangrove Gerygone, Collared Kingfisher, White-browed Robin, Rainbow Bee-eater, Black Butcherbird, Black-faced Monarch, Varied Triller and Brahminy Kite.
Seaforth Village
On the sandflats, look for Lesser Sand Plover, Greater Sand Plover, Great Knot and Grey-tailed Tattler among the common waders.
Besides Bush Stone-curlews, common birds in the village include Radjah Shelduck, Plumed Whistling-Duck, Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo, Helmeted Friarbird, Rainbow Bee-eater and Channel-billed Cuckoo. Be on the lookout for Greater Bowerbirds in local gardens. A small flock of Long-billed Corellas can be spotted with Little Corellas in the parkland areas. Three friarbird species are common in the village: Helmeted, Noisy and Little Friarbird. Other birds in Seaforth include Yellow Honeyeater, Dusky Honeyeater, Metallic Starling, Oriental Dollarbird, Forest Kingfisher and Olive-backed Sunbird.
Ball Bay Camping Area
This is a flat, large, grassy camp located behind the beach, with the Ball Hill as a background. It is a good place to stay when exploring the Cape Hillsborough National Park and surrounds. To get there, from Cape Hillsborough Rd turn left into Ball Bay Rd and drive straight to the waterline. Turn left at the T-junction to get to the camping area, located at the corner of Ward Esp and Coconut Grove.
We stayed in the Ball Bay Camping Area for nearly a week while exploring the area. Every evening, 2-3 Large-tailed Nightjars were calling each other. One was always perched on the powerline, the other two in the trees. When they finished, groups of Bush Stone-curlews were calling out from every corner of the village. Some were landing in the middle of our campsite and, with their necked outstretched, vocalising in something that looked like a regular meeting. We were often woken up in the middle of the night by the screeching of a pair of Barn Owls. Tawny Frogmouth was stealthily hunting moths through the night around the village street lamps.
Every morning, a large group of raptors, mostly Brahminy Kites, Black Kites, Whistling Kites and Wedge-tailed Eagles, were riding the thermals over the Ball Hill to get high in the sky. At dusk, as we got back from a day of birdwatching, Radjah Shelducks and Plumed Whistling-Ducks were raiding our camp and the village in search of supper titbits.
We located a Great Bowerbird’s bower along Ward Esp. Bush birds around the camp also included Dusky Honeyeater, Bar-breasted Honeyeater, Yellow Honeyeater, Rainbow Bee-eater (plentiful), Pale-headed Rosella, Orange-footed Scrubfowl, Fairy Gerygone and Olive-backed Sunbird. Among waders on the sandflats we spotted two Terek Sandpipers.
St Helens Beach
St Helens Beach is a small coastal town located 70km north of Mackay and 13 km northeast of Bruce Hwy. A long, pristine beach stretches in front of the village while a large wetland with patches of coastal scrub and rainforest is situated behind it. Mangroves can be found near the estuary.
To get there, from Bruce Hwy (A1) at Calen turn east onto the route signposted to St Helens (Pratts Rd, left to Old Bowen Rd, right to Wewak Rd and finally left to St Helens Beach Rd). A campsite is provided near the beach at the end of Murray Rd.
Over 120 species are on the St Helens Beach’s birdlist. Key species are the waders, Great Bowerbird, Orange-footed Scrubfowl, Metallic Starling, Cotton Pygmy-goose and Satin Flycatcher. Other birds of interest include White-necked Heron, Magpie Goose, Comb-crested Jacana, Azure Kingfisher, Torresian Imperial-Pigeon, Olive-backed Sunbird, White-browed Robin, Varied Triller and Helmeted Friarbird. Rarities include Superb Fruit-Dove, Brolga and Black-necked Stork.
White-browed Robin
As you approach the village, about 1-2km before it, the road runs through a wide area of wetlands and paperbark swamps. GPS coordinates are 20o50’32’’S and 148o48’28’’E. Brolgas and Black-necked Storks are often found here. Magpie Geese like roosting in the paperbarks in large flocks. Other birds here include Cotton Pygmy-goose, Comb-crested Jacana, Royal Spoonbill and Plumed Egret.
There is a small loop in the paperbark forest before the village. This is a night roost of Red-tailed Black-Cockatoos. Bush birds here include Azure Kingfisher, Blue-winged Kookaburra, Dusky Honeyeater, Scarlet Honeyeater, Spectacled Monarch and Tree Martin.
This area is a good wader site. Waders can be found on the sandflats in front of the village. In particular, large flocks of Australian Pied Oystercatchers gather here. Other waders include Bar-tailed Godwit, Far Eastern Curlew, Whimbrel and Red-necked Stint.
Check the mangroves near the boat ramp for the presence of Mangrove Gerygone, Collared Kingfisher, Helmeted Friarbird, Black Butcherbird and Varied Triller.
Birds around the village include Metallic Starling, Torresian Imperial-Pigeon, Rose-crowned Fruit-Dove, Radjah Shelduck, Great Bowerbird, Oriental Dollarbird, Olive-backed Sunbird, Orange-footed Scrubfowl and White-browed Robin.
Travellers Rest Caravan Park
This caravan park is located in the Midge Point village between Mackay and Airlie Beach. This a special place, an ideal stop on your way to Airlie Beach. Travellers Rest is a good place for birdwatchers. You’ll be enjoying waterbirds, shorebirds and rainforest species. The site is set in 70ha of nearly untouched semi-tropical forest with a shady track running through it. A pristine beach with the waders is only a short walk away. At low tide you can cross the creek and walk for miles on the beach.
The address is 29 Jackson St, Midge Point. To get there, about 100km north of Mackay turn east into Midge Point Rd and drive to the coast. The street name changes to Bundesen Ave in the village. Turn right into Peters Ave, right again at the T-junction into Park Dr and then left into Jackson St. For bookings call 07 49476120. Accommodation options include cabins, caravan sites and grassy tent sites.
Over 120 bird species have been recorded at Travellers Rest. Key species are Orange-footed Scrubfowl, Bush Stone-curlew, Radjah Shelduck and the waders. Other birds of interest include Yellow Honeyeater, Helmeted Friarbird, Spectacled Monarch, Brown-capped Emerald-Dove, Great Bowerbird and Blue-winged Kookaburra. Rarities include Squatter Pigeon, White-eared Monarch and Australian Swiftlet.
We had a great time in this charming place. Bush Stone-curlews walked among the caravans. We spotted Pacific Baza nesting in a tree near the site. You can easily find here six kingfisher species: Azure, Forest, Collared and Sacred Kingfisher as well as Laughing and Blue-winged Kookaburra. The latter two held a singing competition in the morning. In our opinion, Laughing Kookaburras won hands down. Orange-footed Scrubfowl, normally shy and retiring birds, here they run across open spaces, engaging into cock fights and screeching loudly. Together with Australian Brush-turkeys, they kept a sharp eye on our breakfast table, hoping to snatch a morsel. This was also a habit of several Radjah Shelducks that waddled from cabin to cabin, conducting inspections under the tables. Torresian Imperial-Pigeons arrived in a large flock, because palms were fruiting. Fairy Gerygones sang their hearts out in the morning.
Other birds readily noticeable in the caravan park included Great Bowerbird, Olive-backed Sunbird, Spangled Drongo, Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo, Tawny Frogmouth and Southern Boobook that was calling at night. Irregularly, flocks of Australian Swiftlets may appear from nowhere.
Feeding on the mudflats were Radjah Shelducks, Striated Herons, Little Egrets, Eastern Reef Egrets and Australian Gull-billed Terns. Waders included Red-capped Plover, Red-necked Stint, Whimbrel, Far Eastern Curlew and Bar-tailed Godwit. Occasionally, Ruddy Turnstone had been recorded.
A walk through the bush produced Spectacled Monarch, Oriental Dollarbird, Restless Flycatcher, Helmeted Friarbird, Dusky Honeyeater, Yellow Honeyeater and White-bellied Cuckoo-shrike.
Turkey mound at Travellers Rest – appropriated garden mulch
Cathu State Forest
Cathu State Forest is adjacent to the Eungella National Park. It is located approximately 50km south of Proserpine and 70km northwest of Mackay. The areas sitting at the base of the Clarke Range are dominated by white gum/ironbark woodland and exotic pine plantations. Dense rainforest, tall wet eucalypt forest and hoop pine plantations grow on the slopes of Clarke Range.
The forest is signposted from Bruce Hwy as ‘Cathu State Forest camping 12.4km’. Turn west into Cathu-Oconnell River Rd and then turn right into Cathu Forest Rd which will take you to the Jaxut camping area. The campground GPS coordinates are 20o48’59’’S and 148o36’29’’E.
The first 2.5km of the road from the turnoff from Bruce Hwy is in a decent condition but a 4WD vehicle is recommended for the rest of the route. The road continues beyond the camping site and climbs steeply up the Clarke Range. A lookout is located 6km past the campsite at the altitude of 824m, allowing spectacular views of Whitsunday Islands and Conway National Park. Facilities include toilets and picnic tables as well as a short track along Pandanus Creek. See also the site map, downloadable here: https://parks.des.qld.gov.au/parks/cathu/pdf/cathu-sf-map.pdf.
Over 130 species have been recorded in the Cathu State Forest. Key species are Lemon-bellied Flycatcher, Orange-footed Scrubfowl, Azure Kingfisher, Pacific Baza and Grey Goshawk. Other birds of interest include Wompoo Fruit-Dove, White-bellied Cuckoo-shrike, Yellow Honeyeater and Olive-backed Sunbird. Rarer species in the area include Squatter Pigeon, Noisy Pitta and Rufous Owl.
On your way to the forest, stop near the Oconnell River; Azure Kingfishers are resident there. You can also expect White-necked Heron, Yellow-billed Spoonbill, Oriental Dollarbird and, in the long grass, Golden-headed Cisticola, Tawny Grassbird, Chestnut-breasted Mannikin and Pheasant Coucal.
Around the Jaxut camping area look for Fairy Gerygone, Varied Triller, Olive-backed Sunbird, Lemon-bellied Flycatcher, Orange-footed Scrubfowl, White-bellied Cuckoo-shrike and Pacific Baza. During the night, you may hear or see Barking Owl, Southern Boobook, Spotted Nightjar, Bush Stone-curlew and even Rufous Owl.
In the dry forest, you may get Rufous Whistler, White-winged Triller, Yellow Thornbill, White-throated Gerygone, Dusky Woodswallow, Fuscous Honeyeater, Forest Kingfisher and Squatter Pigeon (occasional sightings).
The rainforest on the way to the lookout is worth investigating but the road is very steep and may be slippery. Bird species here include Superb Fruit-Dove, Brown-capped Emerald-Dove, Spectacled Monarch, Large-billed Scrubwren, Noisy Pitta, Lewin’s Honeyeater, Topknot Pigeon and Shining Bronze-cuckoo.
Lewin’s Honeyeater
Conway National Park
This beautiful 22,500ha coastal Park is located on the Whitsunday Coast, 900km northwest of Brisbane. The main feature of the Park is Conway Peninsula. It is covered with one of the largest areas of lowland tropical rainforest in Queensland. Huge hoop pines grow on the ridge and in wet gullies, rising above the rainforest canopy. Other habitats here include dry vine thicket, mangroves, open woodland with grass tree understory and paperbark/pandanus forest.
To get there, from Bruce Hwy (A1) just north of Proserpine turn into Shute Harbour Rd (59) to Airlie Beach, 26km away. From there, continue for about 6km to the Park entrance through a day-use area where the Park facilities are provided (toilets, large shelters, picnic tables). There are several small carparks along Shute Harbour Rd allowing access to various walking tracks through the Park. Designated bush camping areas are provided. See also map of the Conway National Park, downloadable here: https://parks.des.qld.gov.au/parks/conway/pdf/conway-np-cp-map.pdf.
Over 150 bird species are on the Conway National Park’s birdlist. Key species are Buff-breasted Paradise-Kingfisher, Large-billed Gerygone, Fairy Gerygone, Superb Fruit-Dove, Metallic Starling, Shining Flycatcher, Spectacled Monarch and Orange-footed Scrubfowl. Other birds of interests include Wompoo Fruit-Dove, Noisy Pitta, Torresian Imperial-Pigeon, Black Butcherbird, Little Bronze-cuckoo, Blue-winged Kookaburra, White-browed Robin, White-eared Monarch, Olive-backed Sunbird, Eastern Reef Egret and Mangrove Honeyeater. Rarities include Brown-backed Honeyeater and White-gaped Honeyeater.
Conway Circuit
The main attraction of the Park, Buff-breasted Paradise-Kingfisher, occurs in good numbers along Conway Circuit, in particular along the section between the carpark and the turnoff to the Wompoo Way, including Kingfisher Circuit.
To get the Conway Circuit, from Bruce Hwy travel on Shute Harbour Rd for 12km towards Airlie Beach, then turn right into Brandy Creek Rd. Next, travel on unsealed Forestry Rd to the carpark. Conway Circuit runs through the Park as far as Airlie Beach, 27km one way. This walking track has been renamed; it used to be called Whitsunday Great Walk.
Fruit-eating pigeons are the main bird group to be encountered in the rainforest. Look for Superb Fruit-Dove, Rose-crowned Fruit-Dove, Wompoo Fruit-Dove, Torresian Imperial-Pigeon and Brown-capped Emerald-Dove. Spectacled Monarchs are very common here. Other birds in the area include Metallic Starling, Black Butcherbird, Noisy Pitta, Varied Triller, Dusky Honeyeater and White-eared Monarch. Four species of gerygones can be found here. Large-billed and Brown Gerygones are common but you may also come across Fairy Gerygone and White-throated Gerygone.
Buff-breasted Paradise-Kingfisher, half-way in a termite mound nest
Conway NP Day-use Area
The day-use area is situated along Shute Harbour Rd past the Whitsunday Airport. Coastal Fringe Circuit (1.2km) starts from this point and runs through the lilly-pilly regrowth, then mangroves and back in the rainforest with huge fig trees.
Around the day-use area look for Little Bronze-cuckoo, Rufous Fantail, Spectacled Monarch, Fairy Gerygone, Lewin’s Honeyeater and Helmeted Friarbird.
Along the track you may find Orange-footed Scrubfowl, Noisy Pitta, Rose-crowned Fruit-Dove, Wompoo Fruit-Dove, Pale-headed Rosella, Large-billed Gerygone, Shining Flycatcher, Broad-billed Flycatcher and Brown Goshawk.
Mt Rooper Carpark
This is small carpark without any facilities near a small wetland where Eastern Reef Egrets like to roost. The walking track from the carpark runs to Mt Rooper and further on to Swamp Bay. The first few hundred metres is open woodland with a dense understory of grass trees. Then the track forks, running through a dense lilly-pilly rainforest. The left fork leads to Swamp Bay, the right fork to Mt Rooper.
Grass tree understory in Conway National Park
Look for honeyeaters in the open woodland, especially for Little Friarbird, Yellow Honeyeater and Dusky Honeyeater. Lilly-pilly rainforest may produce a selection of fruit-eating pigeons. Noisy Pitta can also be found here. Other birds include Spectacled Monarch, Black-faced Monarch, Brown Gerygone, Large-billed Scrubwren and Channel-billed Cuckoo.
Conway Beach
This location is not part of the National Park but it is a good wader site at the mouth of Proserpine River, adjacent to Conway National Park.
To get there, from Bruce Hwy (A1) just north of Proserpine turn into Shute Harbour Rd (59) towards Airlie Beach. After approximately 5km turn right into Conway Rd and drive to the end of the road to two small coastal hamlets of Wilson Beach and Conway Beach.
Stop on your way near the boat ramp on the river and check the mangroves and mudflats, looking for Black Butcherbird, Helmeted Friarbird, Black-faced Monarch, Collared Kingfisher, Mangrove Gerygone, Dusky Honeyeater, Far Eastern Curlew and Brahminy Kite.
Further down on Conway Rd, turn right into the road to Wilson Beach. The waterfront off the Esplanade has a small swamp, mature fig trees and mangroves near the river. Birds in the area include Far Eastern Curlew, Whimbrel, Lesser Crested Tern, Buff-banded Rail, Tawny Grassbird, Oriental Dollarbird, Collared Kingfisher, Forest Kingfisher, Great Bowerbird, Dusky Honeyeater, Helmeted Friarbird, Black Butcherbird and Brown Quail.
Back up on Wilson Beach Rd and turn right. At the end of Conway Rd, you’ll find a caravan park on the verge of a long, empty beach. At low tide, large numbers of waders feed there. Commonly found are Pacific Golden Plover, Far Eastern Curlew, Bar-tailed Godwit and Red-capped Plover. Rarer species include Terek Sandpiper, Black-tailed Godwit, Lesser Sand Plover, Sooty Oystercatcher and occasionally Double-banded Plover. Among the waders you may find Eastern Reef Egret, Striated Heron, Royal Spoonbill, Australian Gull-billed Tern and Little Egret.
In the caravan park grounds, look for Bush Stone-curlew, Torresian Imperial-Pigeon, Olive-backed Sunbird and Horsfield’s Bronze-cuckoo.
In the bushland along the foreshore you may get Metallic Starling, White-breasted Woodswallow, Helmeted Friarbird, Mangrove Honeyeater, Little Bronze-cuckoo, Varied Triller, Spectacled Monarch and Large-billed Gerygone. Both Blue-winged and Laughing Kookaburras occur here in good numbers. Large-tailed Nightjar may be calling during the night. Brown-backed Honeyeaters have been recorded here, at the southernmost occurrence for this species.
Airlie Beach
This tourist coastal town is not part of the Conway National Park but this is the place where most visitors stay while exploring the Park and the Whitsundays.
Good birding may be found on the Bicentennial Walkway. This 4km-long waterfront walk with boardwalks and fantastic coastal views stretches from the Airlie Beach Lagoon to Cannonvale Beach. The beach in town east of the Fairy Tree Park is good for the waders. A pair of Beach Stone-curlews resides near the mangroves. It is also a roosting site for Bar-tailed Godwits, Grey-tailed Tattlers and Australian Pied Oystercatchers. Occasionally, Common Sandpipers, Ruddy Turnstones and Sooty Oystercatchers turn up there. Look also for Eastern Reef Egret, Striated Heron, Lesser Crested Tern and Osprey. A resident flock of Peaceful Doves displayed an unusual feeding behaviour – they were avid beachcombers.
Along Bicentennial Walkway we also found Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo, Great Bowerbird, Spangled Drongo, Metallic Starling, Shining Bronze-cuckoo, Fairy Gerygone, Common Cicadabird and many groups of White-breasted Woodswallows. Local fig trees were visited by Barred Cuckoo-shrikes, White-headed Pigeons and Torresian Imperial-Pigeons.
Check the terns roosting on yachts in the marina; among Greater Crested Terns there is a chance of spotting Black-naped Tern or Lesser Crested Tern.
Proserpine
Proserpine is a large town on Bruce Hwy about 1,000km north of Brisbane, a gateway to the 74 Whitsunday Islands. When visiting some local tourist attractions such as Gold Coffee Plantation or Whitsunday Crocodile Safari, pay attention to the birds; you may be surprised with what you may find.
Glen Isla Road
The road leads east from Bruce Hwy (A1) at Proserpine, running through sugar cane plantations and large wetland areas to Proserpine River where the Whitsunday Crocodile Safari is located. GPS coordinates are 20o25’03’’S and 148o38’41’’E.
This site is very productive and reliable. The wetlands should yield Magpie Geese, Plumed Whistling-Ducks, Comb-crested Jacanas, Pied Stilts and Royal Spoonbills. Other waterbirds regularly found here include Glossy Ibis, Black-necked Stork, Brolga, Latham’s Snipe and Azure Kingfisher. The particularly good time to visit is when the ponds are starting to dry out and waterbirds get concentrated. Swamp Harriers are often seen over the wetlands. In the wet, grassy areas look for Zitting Cisticola, Golden-headed Cisticola, Tawny Grassbird and Brown Quail.
Golden-headed Cisticola
When you take the safari cruise, on top of the show-stealing saltwater crocodiles look for Buff-banded Rail, Whimbrel, Common Sandpiper, Radjah Shelduck, Pied Stilt, Striated Heron, Black-necked Stork, White-bellied Sea-Eagle and Brahminy Kite. There is also a small chance to see Mangrove Robin; it was reported several times from the cruise.
Other birds along Glen Isla Rd include Pheasant Coucal, Australian Bustard, Helmeted Friarbird, White-breasted Woodswallow, Scaly-breasted Lorikeet and Yellow Honeyeater. At night, Barn Owls and Barking Owls can be heard along the road and in Proserpine.
Chapmans Lagoon
This site is a small lagoon located on the eastern outskirts of Proserpine. From Bruce Hwy (A1) near the Caltex station take Horsford Pl, then find a track leading to the lagoon. GPS coordinates are 20o24’05’’S and 148o35’27’’E.
Black-necked Storks regularly visit this site. Other regulars include Radjah Shelduck, Plumed Whistling-Duck, Comb-crested Jacana, White-necked Heron and Royal Spoonbill. You may also find Forest Kingfisher, White-breasted Woodswallow, Chestnut-breasted Mannikin and Rainbow Bee-eater around the lagoon.
Whitsunday Gold Coffee Plantation
Male Olive-backed Sunbird
This site is located along Bruce Hwy, just north of Proserpine, opposite the turnoff to Shute Harbour Rd. This is the biggest coffee plantation in Queensland and a nice place to stop for the Australian-made coffee.
Large numbers (30-40 birds) of Bush Stone-curlews quite often welcome visitors at the entrance to the plantation. Other birds at the property include Olive-backed Sunbird, Yellow Honeyeater, Helmeted Friarbird, Australasian Pipit and Great Bowerbird. If you are travelling from the south, get your first glimpse of White-gaped Honeyeaters here.
Lake Proserpine
Also known and signposted in the field as ‘Peter Faust Dam’, the lake is situated 26km west of Proserpine. This fantastic fishing destination is also a good birdwatching site. The dam is surrounded by dry bushland and farmland.
To get there, from Bruce Hwy (A1) at Proserpine take Main St. It will change name several times (to Faust St, Crystalbrook Rd and finally to Station Rd). Facilities along the lake include shaded picnic tables, barbecues, toilets, carpark and boat ramp. No camping is allowed.
About 100 bird species have been recorded around Lake Proserpine. Key species are Great Crested Grebe, Glossy Ibis, Cotton Pygmy-goose, Magpie Goose, Comb-crested Jacana, White-bellied Sea-Eagle and Osprey. Other birds of interest include Pheasant Coucal, Brown Cuckoo-Dove, Forest Kingfisher, Common Cicadabird, Helmeted Friarbird and Bar-breasted Honeyeater. Rarer birds in the area include Australian Bustard, Squatter Pigeon and White-gaped Honeyeater.
Great Crested Grebes breed on the lake and can often be found fishing among dead trees at the northern end of the dam. In the shallow end of the dam, look for Cotton Pygmy-goose, Comb-crested Jacana, Pied Stilt, Black-fronted Dotterel, White-necked Heron and Great Egret. Whiskered Terns may be flying over the water.
Bush around the recreational area may produce Little Shrike-thrush, Leaden Flycatcher, Bar-breasted Honeyeater and White-throated Honeyeater.
Past the boat ramp, Station Rd runs through the bush and long grass where you may find Black-faced Monarch, Brown Gerygone, Red-backed Fairy-wren, Pheasant Coucal and Black-shouldered Kite.
Crystalbrook Rd runs through sugar cane plantations along Proserpine River. Apart from thousands of Chestnut-breasted Mannikins, you may encounter here Emu, Australian Bustard, Pale-headed Rosella, Pheasant Coucal and Nankeen Kestrel.
Bowen-Ayr Coast
This area covers the coast and its corresponding hinterland from Proserpine to south of Townsville.
1 Bowen
5 Ayr Area
9 Bowling Green Bay National Park
10 Wongaloo (Cromarty) Wetlands
11 Nome
Bowen
Bowen is the oldest town in North Queensland. It is located near Bruce Hwy (A1) in the Whitsunday region, half-way between Mackay and Townsville. The range of habitats in the area includes mangroves, beaches, freshwater lagoons, woodland and the Bowen Saltworks; the latter are good for the migratory waders.
There are two turnoffs leading to town from Bruce Hwy: Lower Don Rd when approaching from the north and Don St when approaching from the south.
Mullers Lagoon Park
This 23ha area is the best and most popular birding site in Bowen. It consists of a large freshwater lagoon and 12ha of the local botanical gardens. The site supports a wide variety of ever-changing selection of the waterbirds and waders.
The site is located in the centre of town near Woolworths, at the corner of Herbert St and The Soldiers Rd. Main access is from Soldiers Rd. Site facilities include a picnic area with toilets, benches, picnic tables and barbecues. A walking track runs on the southern border of the lagoon and through the peninsula.
Over 140 bird species have been recorded in Mullers Lagoon Park. Key species are Radjah Shelduck, Black-necked Stork, Red-necked Avocet, Nankeen Night-Heron and Cockatiel. Other birds of interest include waders, Bush Stone-curlew, Pallid Cuckoo, Torresian Imperial-Pigeon, Grey Butcherbird, Great Bowerbird, Yellow-throated Miner and Red-winged Parrot. Rarities include Chestnut Teal, Sooty Oystercatcher, Plum-headed Finch and Little Eagle.
A 1.5m-long old freshwater crocodile likes to rest on the banks of the lagoon. It is tame and nice.
In the evening, a white cloud of Cattle Egrets and Australian White Ibises descends to roost in the park. Bush Stone-curlews breed on site and are tame. The lagoon is a reliable site for Radjah Shelduck, a small flock is resident here. A family of Black-necked Storks is a regular feature of the park; they have a nest in the area.
A mixed breeding colony of waterbirds is established on the island in the middle of the lagoon, mostly Australian White Ibises and Little Black Cormorants. Among them you may spot the nests of Nankeen Night-Herons, Australasian Darters, Royal Spoonbills, Plumed Egrets and Little Pied Cormorants. The place is appropriately noisy and smelly. In the lagoon vegetation, Plumed Whistling-Ducks, Pacific Black Ducks and Australasian Grebes are nesting.
Breeding colony on the island in Mullers Lagoon
In the dry, waterbirds congregate here in huge numbers, particularly Grey Teals and both species of Whistling-Ducks. In August 2015, about 5,000 Plumed Whistling-Ducks completely covered the islands and filled the lagoon. Also in the dry, waders appear to take advantage of the emerging mudflats, particularly large flocks of Red-necked Avocets, Black-fronted Dotterels and Sharp-tailed Sandpipers. Other waders recorded around the lagoon include Latham’s Snipe, Marsh Sandpiper and Curlew Sandpiper.
Don River Mouth
Don River mouth is a good wader site. It can be reached from Queens Beach Esp. To get there, if driving from Mullers Lagoon Park, drive north on The Soldiers Rd, turn left into Tollington Rd which will change the name to Golf Links Rd, turn right into Mount Nutt Rd and proceed onto Queens Beach Esp, driving to the carpark at the end of the road. GPS coordinates here are 19o58’02’’S and 148o13’22’’E.
Look for the waders along the beach, they often roost and feed at the river mouth. Common species here include Far Eastern Curlew, Whimbrel, Grey-tailed Taller, Pacific Golden Plover, Lesser Sand Plover and Red-capped Plover. Beach Stone-curlew is a regular feature.
Other birds in the area include Little Egret, Striated Heron, White-bellied Sea-Eagle and Brahminy Kite. The mangroves support a good population of Collared Kingfishers. Bush birds include Great Bowerbird, Yellow Honeyeater and Torresian Imperial-Pigeon.
Horseshoe Bay Foreshore
There are several parks and native vegetation stands around the Horseshoe Bay. A pathway runs along the beach through the parks and in front of holiday accommodation. A variety of bird species can be found in this area. Check the fruiting palms and figs; we got there Torresian Imperial-Pigeon, Brown-capped Emerald-Dove, Eastern Koel, Channel-billed Cuckoo, Australasian Figbird, Helmeted Friarbird, Great Bowerbird and Pied Currawong. Cones on the casuarinas attracted a large flock of Red-tailed Black-Cockatoos which then stayed the night in the palms in front of our guesthouse. White-bellied Sea-Eagle and Brahminy Kite were patrolling the beaches.
During the night, Tawny Frogmouth was hunting moths by the swimming pool. Families of Bush Stone-curlews, scattered through the area, were calling the whole night.
Other birds along the foreshore included Scaly-breasted Lorikeet, Yellow Honeyeater, Blue-faced Honeyeater, Yellow-throated Miner, Pale-headed Rosella, Olive-backed Sunbird, Fairy Gerygone and White-bellied Cuckoo-shrike.
Yellow-throated Miner
Bowen Jetty
This is the best place for the waders in Bowen. They feed on the mudflats that stretch from the saltworks up to the marina. To observe them, drive along Santa Barbara Pde, selecting suitable vantage points along the route.
You’ll have a chance to observe Beach Stone-curlews that gather here in good numbers (up to 6-8 birds) to feed on crabs. In winter, a large flock of Australian Pied Oystercatchers stays on this beach. Other common waders here include Grey-tailed Tattler, Pacific Golden Plover, Bar-tailed Godwit and Red-capped Plover. Occasionally, Sooty Oystercatchers visit the area. Feeding among the waders may be Little Egrets, Eastern Reef Egrets and masses of Grey Teals and Pacific Black Ducks.
You can always find here good numbers of terns, particularly Caspian Tern and Australian Gull-billed Tern. From time to time, Black Noddies visit the harbour.
Bowen Rest Area
This rest area is located on the foreshore of McCanes Bay, just opposite the Bowen Visitor Information Centre (with the Big Mango) on Bruce Hwy (A1) south of Bowen. There is a good bush strip along the beach, and you can watch the waders from there. Look for Australian Pied Oystercatcher, Sooty Oystercatcher, Whimbrel, Red-capped Plover and Common Greenshank.
Mangrove Honeyeaters are resident in the mangroves. Other birds found in the area include Eastern Reef Egret, Little Egret, White-breasted Woodswallow, Great Bowerbird, Olive-backed Oriole, Dusky Honeyeater, Striated Pardalote and Brahminy Kite.
Striated Pardalote
Molongle Creek Mouth
At this site search for the Australian Yellow White-eye. To get there, from Bruce Hwy (A1) about 40km northwest of Bowen turn into Molongle Beach Rd and drive 6km on a sealed road to the creek mouth. GPS coordinates at the turnoff from the highway are 19o53’03’’S and 147o42’10’’E.
Check the mangroves for the Australian Yellow White-eye at the creek mouth behind the Molongle Creek Caravan Park. Watch for the crocodiles. An approximate GPS position here is 19o50’16’’S and 147o42’01’’E. There are also sporadic records of Mangrove Golden Whistler from this site.
In the mangroves, look also for Mangrove Honeyeater, Dusky Honeyeater, Mangrove Gerygone, Shining Flycatcher and Collared Kingfisher (occasional sightings).
The creek mouth is a good high tide roost for the waders that stand on constantly shifting sandbars. Look for Australian Pied Oystercatcher, Pacific Golden Plover, Lesser Sand Plover, Black-tailed Godwit, Bar-tailed Godwit, Far Eastern Curlew, Great Knot, Caspian Tern, Australian Gull-billed Tern, Little Tern and Little Egret. Brahminy Kite may circle over the mangroves.
In the surrounding coastal scrub, you may find Olive-backed Sunbird, Golden Whistler, Spectacled Monarch, Rufous Fantail, Spangled Drongo and Leaden Flycatcher. On farmland near the caravan park, look for Squatter Pigeons; they like to sunbathe on the road.
Wunjunga Wetlands
These spectacular wetlands are located along Beachmount Rd south of the Burdekin River mouth. To get there, from Bruce Hwy (A1) about 30km south of Ayr turn into Beachmount Rd and drive to the coast – the road is sealed. Approximate GPS coordinates at the turnoff are 19o47’13’’S and 147o31’35’’E. The wetlands are scattered along the 5km stretch of the road. The end section of this road is called Wunjunga Rd. It runs along the beach and leads to the Burdekin River mouth.
A mix of good bird habitats here includes freshwater wetlands, mangroves, coastal scrub, saltmarshes and beaches. The site became popular with birdwatchers in December 2018 when Little Ringed Plover decided to stay in the area for several months.
Over 110 bird species have been recorded at Wunjunga Wetlands. Key species are the waders, Zitting Cisticola, Black-necked Stork, Glossy Ibis, White-winged Black Tern, Little Tern, Cockatiel and Swamp Harrier. Other birds of interest include Brolga, Magpie Goose, Australian Bustard, Horsfield’s Bushlark, Brown Songlark, Black Butcherbird and Yellow Honeyeater. Rarities include Little Ringed Plover, Australian Pratincole, Oriental Pratincole, Baillon’s Crake, Australasian Shoveler and Peregrine Falcon.
Good birding happens along the whole 12km-long Beachmount Rd, from the junction with Bruce Hwy to the river mouth. The wetlands start about 5km from the turnoff from Bruce Hwy, after passing the third cattle grid. The famous Ring Plover was found in the area of that third cattle grid. It continues to visit every summer; last time it was recorded in March 2020.
We visited this site several times and the most spectacular visit was at the height of wet season in February 2020. Just at the turnoff from the highway, three Australian bustards welcomed us, close to the main road. Water was everywhere. The huge mass of birds on the flooded land resembled the Kakadu National Park at its best. The fields were white and black with thousands of white egrets, Royal Spoonbills and all three ibis species, even Glossy Ibis was plentiful (over 200 birds). In several places, the paved road was under the flowing water. The birds packed tightly at these points, picking up small fish and invertebrates carried with the current and clearly visible over the bitumen. White swarms of Whiskered Terns were hunting over the flooded land. Among them were several White-winged Black Terns, already in their pretty breeding plumage. Pied Stilts were nesting on temporary islands, formed by the rising water levels. Ducks and grebes dispersed far away from the road.
Fishing on the road at the Wunjunga Wetlands after heavy summer rains
At the end of summer, when the wetlands start to dry out, large numbers of waders can be found there, in particular Pied Stilt, Sharp-tailed Sandpiper, Curlew Sandpiper and Red-capped Plover. It is a very good spot for Marsh Sandpiper that can be found in ditches along the road. Besides Whiskered Tern and White-winged Black Tern, you’ll also see Little Tern and Caspian Tern here. Black-necked Storks are a regular feature among the masses of waterbirds including Plumed Egrets, White-necked Herons, Magpie Geese and Black Swans. Occasionally, an enormous flock of Glossy Ibises (300-400 birds) may descend on the area.
In the wetlands near the fifth cattle grid, Baillon’s Crake and Latham’s Snipe were recorded. The former was also found at the second causeway after third cattle grid (when driving towards the coast).
Common birds in the grassland along the road include Horsfield’s Bushlark, Australasian Pipit, Brown Quail and Golden-headed Cisticola. Brolgas and Australian Bustards may be walking through the tall grass. Look for Zitting Cisticola in the saltmarshes along the road.
When you reach the beach, expect to see Greater Sand Plovers, Lesser Sand Plovers, Whimbrels and Far Eastern Curlews. In the vegetation on coastal dunes, look for Black Butcherbird, Varied Triller, Little Shrike-thrush and Shining Flycatcher.
Common raptors in the area include Swamp Harrier, Brown Falcon, Wedge-tailed Eagle and White-bellied Sea-Eagle.
Home Hill Area
Home Hill is a small town located on the south side of Burdekin River. Many good birding opportunities can be found in this area.
Ayr-Dalberg Road
The road runs along the northern banks of Burdekin River, the turnoff from Bruce Hwy (A1) is located 4km south of Ayr. Birding is good along this road, even if it runs mostly through sugar cane plantations and other cropland.
We stopped at the Rock Weir, a rocky island on the Burdekin River opposite the BQC Quarries. GPS coordinates are 19o42’12’’S and 147o17’32’’E. Little Eagle was flying over the river. Black-bellied Crimson Finches were foraging in the reeds. In the bushes were Leaden Flycatcher, Forest Kingfisher, White-throated Honeyeater, Spangled Drongo and Rainbow Bee-eater.
Next, we stopped near the irrigation reservoir on Ayr-Ravenswood Rd. The adjoining cane field was freshly harvested and there was a lot of bird activity there. There were hundreds of Pacific Black Ducks, Masked Lapwings, Whiskered Terns, Australian Gull-billed Terns, Great Egrets and White-faced Herons. In smaller numbers were Plumed Egrets and White-necked Herons.
Further down the road, a tractor was ploughing a stubble field. Trailing behind it were hundreds of Cattle Egrets, Torresian Crows, Black Kites and Straw-necked Ibises. Seeing all these birds on the fields brought us a few champagne moments.
Black Kite
In the scrub at the Eight Mile Creek crossing, we found Grey-crowned Babbler, Great Bowerbird, Sacred Kingfisher, Rufous Whistler and Leaden Flycatcher.
Kirknie Road
This 40km-long road starts in Home Hill and meanders through the farmland along the Burdekin River up to the hills covered with dry eucalypt woodland. Turn southwest from Bruce Hwy (A1) into Kirknie Rd just before the bridge over the Burdekin River.
The first 15km of this route runs through the agricultural land, mostly sugar cane with patches of corn and other grains. When the corn has been harvested, stubble fields are regularly visited by large flocks of Brolgas (400-500 birds).
A waste transfer station is located near Home Hill, with huge flocks of Black Kites circling above. Occasionally other raptors are recorded including Black Falcon.
On the powerlines along the road, look for White-breasted Woodswallow, Pale-headed Rosella, Forest Kingfisher, Nankeen Kestrel and Brown Falcon. Check the irrigation channels where many waterbirds can be found including Great Egret, White-necked Heron, Yellow-billed Spoonbill and Royal Spoonbill.
Alligator Creek Crossing is a regular spot for Azure Kingfisher. In the bush near the crossing you may come across Yellow Honeyeater, Dusky Honeyeater, White-gaped Honeyeater and Helmeted Friarbird.
The remaining 25km of the route runs mostly through the grazing country with remnants of dry woodland. A lagoon is situated at Tompkin’s Crossing; Cotton Pygmy-geese are regularly found there.
A section of the road before Kirknie may produce Squatter Pigeons. Other birds here include Red-backed Kingfisher, Black-faced Woodswallow and Black-shouldered Kite. Autumn and winter lures huge numbers of Tree Martins and Welcome Swallows that appear along Kirknie Rd.
Groper Creek Road
Large temporary wetlands along Groper Creek Rd can quickly fill with the waterbirds and waders at the beginning of the dry season.
To get there, at the outskirts of Home Hill turn off Bruce Hwy (A1) into First St by the racecourse. Turn right at the T-junction into Groper Creek Rd and drive nearly to the coast. The wetland is located on the southern side of the road just before the junction with Fry Rd. Approximate GPS coordinates are 19o41’13’’S and 147o29’60’’E.
Large flocks of Sharp-tailed Sandpipers often use these wetlands. Look also for Marsh Sandpiper, Curlew Sandpiper, Pied Stilt, Comb-crested Jacana, White-necked Heron and Yellow-billed Spoonbill.
Other birds along the road include Australian Bustard, Brush Cuckoo, Red-winged Parrot, Varied Triller and Chestnut-breasted Mannikin.
Spotswood Wetlands
These are extensive wetlands located on southern side of the Burdekin River mouth. The wetland worth visiting is located in Inkerman along Arthur Spotswood Rd. To get to there, take Wallace Rd from Bruce Hwy (A1) at Inkerman, about 10km south of Home Hill. Observations can be conducted from the main road, i.e. Arthur Spotswood Rd, further called Gladys Rd, at the GPS location 19o43’35’’S and 147o31’53’’E, and from Peak Rd that branches off Wallace Rd and leads to a private property called Spotswood Park. GPS coordinates here are 19o43’36’’S and 147o31’59’’E.
Over 160 bird species have been recorded on the wetlands. Key species are the waders, White-browed Crake, Radjah Shelduck, Glossy Ibis, Cotton Pygmy-goose and Barn Owl. Other birds of interest include Brolga, Black-necked Stork, White-necked Heron, Little Grassbird, Australian Swiftlet, Bush Stone-curlew, Azure Kingfisher and Large-tailed Nightjar. Among the rarities are Eastern Grass Owl, Lemon-bellied Flycatcher, Red-backed Button-quail, Squatter Pigeon, Common Sandpiper, Baillon’s Crake and White-throated Nightjar.
Wallace Rd runs through the grazing land and sugar cane plantations with a margin of tall grasses along the road. When the grasses are seeding, large flocks of often over a thousand Chestnut-breasted Mannikins descend on the area. Seeing their mini-murmuration (synchronous movement of the flock) low in the air is truly memorable.
Waders commonly found around the Spotswood Wetlands include Pied Stilt, Red-necked Avocet, Marsh Sandpiper, Sharp-tailed Sandpiper, Common Greenshank, Latham’s Snipe and Comb-crested Jacana. White-browed Crakes occur here in good numbers. You can also come across Buff-banded Rail and Baillon’s Crake.
Waterbirds congregate at the wetlands in masses, particularly Magpie Geese, Pacific Black Ducks, Australian Pelicans, Australasian Grebes, Cattle Egrets and even Glossy Ibises. Substantial flocks of White-winged Black Terns (20-30 birds) are regularly found here. Australian Reed-Warblers and Little Grassbirds can be heard from the wetland vegetation.
A group of non-breeding Australasian Grebes
Bush birds in the area include Brush Cuckoo, Pallid Cuckoo, Yellow-throated Miner, Yellow Honeyeater, Forest Kingfisher and Olive-backed Sunbird. In the grassy areas you may see Black-bellied Crimson Finch, Plum-headed Finch, Brown Quail and occasionally Red-backed Button-quail.
A good variety of nocturnal birds can be found at this site, especially on the Spotswood Park property. Barn Owls are common along Arthur Spotswood Rd. Barking Owls often roost near the entrance gate of the property. Bush Stone-curlews are common and can be seen anywhere. Other finding at this site include Large-tailed Nightjar, Southern Boobook and Tawny Frogmouth. The lucky ones have seen Eastern Grass Owl flying over the grassland at dusk.
Common raptors include Swamp Harrier, Osprey, Brown Falcon and Whistling Kite.
Wallace Creek Boat Ramp
To get there, from Bruce Hwy (A1) at Inkerman turn into Wallace Rd, then turn right into Peak Rd and drive to the end of the road where you’ll find a boat ramp on the Burdekin River. Site coordinates are 19o44’09’’S and 147o33’21’’E.
Red-chested Button-quails were recorded a few times in wet grasses along the road about 1km before the boat ramp. In the mangroves along the river look for Shining Flycatcher, Mangrove Gerygone, Mangrove Honeyeater and Brahminy Kite.
Along Peak Rd, you may come across Horsfield’s Bushlark, Australian Bustard, Pallid Cuckoo, White-breasted Woodswallow, Brown Falcon and Nankeen Kestrel.
Ayr Area
Ayr is a small sugar cane town located 110km north of Bowen and 90km south of Townsville. Most of the land has been cleared for sugar cane and other crops however there are some scattered good birding areas, mostly mangroves, saltmarshes, freshwater wetlands, beaches and estuaries. Small isolated populations of Australian Yellow White-eyes and Zitting Cisticolas can be found here. Also, a large variety of waterbirds and waders visit this region.
Plantation Creek
This is a well-known Australian Yellow White-eye site, situated on the private property just 12km from Ayr. To get there, take Queen St from Bruce Hwy (A1) in Ayr, then turn right into Soper Rd, followed by turning second left into Airdmillan Rd. Drive 12km to the site which is situated not far from the Plantation Creek. The road name will change half-way to Old Wharf Rd. Leave the car by the culvert at the start of the levee, with a freshwater pond on the right and saltmarshes on the left. GPS coordinates are 19o31’58’’S and 147o29’22’’E. Walk about 100m on the levee to the creek lined with mangroves. Find a decaying landing in the mangroves, it is not visible from the outside. The owner of this property is friendly towards the birdwatchers so please be mindful not to spoil this relationship.
This is the best spot for Australian Yellow White-eyes in the area. Look for them also further down the road, up to the boat ramp.
About 80 species are on the Plantation Creek’s birdlist. Key species are Australian Yellow White-eye, Azure Kingfisher, Shining Flycatcher and White-winged Black Tern. Other birds of interest include Collared Kingfisher, Black Butcherbird, Large-billed Gerygone, Olive-backed Sunbird, Spectacled Monarch, Glossy Ibis and Comb-crested Jacana. Rarities include Black Bittern, Mangrove Robin, White-eared Monarch, White-browed Crake, Common Sandpiper and Australian Pratincole.
While on Old Wharf Rd when driving to the site, check the wetlands on both sides of the road. With sufficient water, usually there will be plenty of Magpie Geese, Royal Spoonbills, Brolgas and Black-fronted Dotterels. Black-necked Storks are often observed. Stop when you see a patch of bush with plenty of Burdekin plums. When fruiting, Brown Cuckoo-Doves and Channel-billed Cuckoos should be there.
Walking along the levee to the old landing, in the freshwater swamp you may find White-browed Crake, Comb-crested Jacana, Green Pygmy-goose, Sharp-tailed Sandpiper, Marsh Sandpiper, Little Grassbird and Australian Reed-Warbler. Sometimes the freshwater swamp is filled to the brim with Magpie Geese, up to 2,000 birds were recorded. In the saltmarshes on the other side of the levee, there may be Little Egret, Pied Stilt, Pacific Golden Plover, Red-capped Plover and Brolga. Whiskered Terns, Australian Gull-billed Terns, Caspian Terns and White-winged Black Terns are often observed hunting over the swamps.
A group of Caspian Terns with a single White-winged Black Tern (in the middle),
one Australian Gull-billed Tern and one Silver Gull
We found four Australian Yellow White-eyes in the mangroves near the old landing. There was also a pair of Shining Flycatchers busy repairing a nest. Other findings along the creek included Olive-backed Sunbird, Large-billed Gerygone, Sacred Kingfisher, Dusky Honeyeater and Spectacled Monarch.
In the mangroves near the boat ramp at the end of the road, we sighted a pair of Mangrove Robins. On the mudflats were Little Egret, Great Egret, Striated Heron and the usual raptors (Brahminy Kite, White-bellied Sea-Eagle) roosting in trees.
Alva Beach
Alva Beach is a relaxed coastal village located 16km northeast of Ayr. Mudflats and sandflats off the beach are a fantastic place for observations of the waders, particularly when they are feeding along the shore 1-2 hours after high tide. The sandspit is used by them later for roosting. Other habitats there include mangroves, saltmarshes, wetlands and grassland along Beach Rd.
To get there, from Bruce Hwy (A1) in north Ayr turn east into Burke St (signposted to a boat ramp). The road will change name to Beach Rd. The section of this road in Alva Beach is called Sandowns St, from where you’ll have access to extensive sandflats and the sandspit. From Sandowns St continue onto Causeway Rd, then on a track leading to Lynch Beach where you’ll find another good vantage point for the observation of the waders.
Over 180 bird species have been recorded in Alva Beach. Key species are the waders (including Beach Stone-curlew), Zitting Cisticola, Shining Flycatcher, Little Tern and White-winged Black Tern. Other birds of interest include Black Butcherbird, Forest Kingfisher, White-eared Monarch, Yellow Honeyeater, Green Pygmy-goose, Black-necked Stork, Brolga, Torresian Imperial-Pigeon and Osprey. Among the rarities are Eastern Yellow Wagtail, Grey Plover, Common Sandpiper, Terek Sandpiper, Australasian Shoveler, Plum-headed Finch and Black-tailed Native-hen.
A small population of Zitting Cisticolas resides near Alva Beach. Look for them on the cattle paddocks around the township and saltmarshes along Causeway Rd.
In the bushland along Alva Beach, you may see Dusky Honeyeater, Black Butcherbird, Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo, Great Bowerbird, White-eared Monarch, Golden Whistler, White-browed Robin, Yellow-throated Miner and Blue-winged Kookaburra. Rainbow Bee-eaters often roost in their hundreds on the foreshore.
White-winged Black Terns are regularly found in good numbers in March-April, often in their beautiful breeding plumage.
Twenty eight species of waders have been found at this site. On Alva Beach, Beach Stone-curlew is a regular feature. Common waders here include Pacific Golden Plover, Whimbrel, Far Eastern Curlew, Bar-tailed Godwit, Great Knot, Greater Sand Plover and Lesser Sand Plover. On Lynch Beach you may see Australian Pied Oystercatcher, Grey-tailed Tattler and Red-capped Plover. At the saltmarshes in Causeway Rd, Red-necked Avocets are occasionally found in huge numbers.
Red-necked Avocets
Wetlands surrounding Beach Rd are good for Marsh Sandpiper, Curlew Sandpiper, Sharp-tailed Sandpiper, Common Greenshank, Red-kneed Dotterel, Black-tailed Godwit and Latham’s Snipe.
About 1.5km from Alva Beach, on the eastern side of Beach Rd you’ll see a lovely waterhole, covered with water lilies. Site GPS coordinates are 19o28’22’’S and 147o27’58’’E. Green Pygmy-geese and Comb-crested Jacanas are regularly there. You may also get Hardhead, Hoary-headed Grebe, Glossy Ibis, White-browed Crake, Marsh Sandpiper, Red-kneed Dotterel, Latham’s Snipe and Brolga. This is the place where Eastern Yellow Wagtails were recorded in December 2012.
A large wetland is situated along Beach Rd about 4-5km before Alva Beach. Site GPS coordinates are 19o29’10’’S and 147o26’53’’E. After heavy rains, the wetland spills onto both sides of the road and thousands of waterbirds arrive including Pied Stilts, Grey Teals, Australian White Ibises and Royal Spoonbills. Among them there will be Glossy Ibises, Brolgas, White-necked Herons, Black-necked Storks, etc.
Coming back from Alva Beach, we observed a paddock being ploughed. Flocks of Australian Gull-billed Terns, Whiskered Terns and Black Kites were following the tractor. A flock of Brolgas was picking morsels from the freshly turned soil. A pair of White-bellied Sea-Eagles was flying very low over the field, apparently finding some opportunities for themselves, too.
Lilliesmere Lagoon
Lilliesmere Lagoon is a freshwater wetland which is essential for irrigation and also utilised by masses of birds. The site is located on the outskirts of Ayr between Lilliesmere Rd and Beach Rd. The large area of the water surface is covered by pink lilies and water hyacinth. Cumbungi and sedges line the shore.
To get there, from Bruce Hwy (A1) in north Ayr turn east into Burke St. The road will change name to Beach Rd. Take left into Barr St to get to the lagoon. Site coordinates are 19o30’07’’S and 147o23’51’’E.
Key species is Cotton Pygmy-goose; flocks up to 50 birds are seen here regularly year-round. This is also a roosting site for Nankeen Night-Herons, look for them in trees along Barr St and any trees around the lagoon. The site is also a favourite place for Magpie Geese, returning for the night rest after wreaking havoc the whole day on the surrounding cropland. Red-backed Kingfishers can be regularly seen in winter. Other birds of interest include Comb-crested Jacana, Australasian Grebe, Black-necked Stork, Hardhead, White-breasted Woodswallow, Rainbow Bee-eater, Swamp Harrier and White-bellied Sea-Eagle.
Red-backed Kingfisher
Burstall Road Farm Lagoon
To get there, from Beach Rd near Lilliesmere Lagoon turn into Burstall Rd. The lagoon is located on the south side of Burstall Rd before reaching Schrank Rd. GPS coordinates are 19o31’56’’S and 147o26’28’’E.
Plumed Whistling-Ducks gather on the banks of this lagoon in their thousands. Also, a variety of other common waterbirds favour this site including Hoary-headed Grebe, Royal Spoonbill and Hardhead. Common Sandpipers are regular visitors.
Peggy Bog Road
To get there, drive Burstall Rd to a T-junction, then turn left into Peggy Bog Rd. You’ll find a fantastic area of cumbungi and reeds on the right near the end of this road. GPS coordinates are 19o31’01’’S and 147o29’10’’E.
When we visited there, a pair of Brolgas had a half-grown chick in tow. Magpie Geese were also nesting in the swamp. White-browed Crakes were skulking between the clumps of cumbungi. We also sighted Marsh Sandpiper, Latham’s Snipe, Comb-crested Jacana, Plumed Egret, White-necked Heron, Little Grassbird, Australian Reed-Warbler and Golden-headed Cisticola.
Continuing on Peggy Bog Rd through a stock gate, you’ll get to the Ocean Creek boat ramp. In this last section, the road runs through the samphire flats (saltmarshes). Australian Pratincole was recorded there several times. Horsfield’s Bushlark, Brolga and Australian Bustard are also found in this area.
On the mudflats near the boat ramp, look for Far Eastern Curlew, Common Sandpiper, White-winged Black Tern, Australian Gull-billed Tern and Whiskered Tern.
Other birds that can be encountered along Peggy Bog Rd include Pallid Cuckoo, Black-bellied Crimson Finch, Spangled Drongo, Rainbow Bee-eater, Australasian Pipit, Australian Hobby and Nankeen Kestrel.
Duck World Wetland Lagoon
This is a large, shallow wetland, located on a private property north of the Brandon township along Toll Rd, approximately 12 northwest of Ayr. The site is surrounded by sugar cane plantations. During the Wet, thousands of waterbirds and waders congregate here, creating an amazing picture. Especially good times are at the end of the wet season or during severe droughts inland.
To get there, from Bruce Hwy (A1) at Brandon turn north into Spiller St. The road name soon changes to Colevale Rd. Next, turn left into Jack Rd. After approximately 1km veer left into Toll Rd. GPS coordinates at the site gate are 19o30’03’’S and 147o17’50’’E. Scope will be needed to scan the wetlands. The biosecurity rules now require you to call before entering: 0417 191 578. We advise to call beforehand to avoid disappointment.
Over 150 species are on the Duck World Wetland Lagoon’s birdlist. A herd of water buffalos also frequents the wetlands. Key species are White-winged Black Tern, Pink-eared Duck, Black-necked Stork, Brolga, Glossy Ibis and Yellow-billed Spoonbill. Other birds of interest include waders, Magpie Goose, Australasian Grebe, Horsfield’s Bushlark, Brown Songlark, Little Grassbird, Black-bellied Crimson Finch, Rufous-throated Honeyeater and Swamp Harrier. Rarities include Freckled Duck, Pied Heron, Australasian Shoveler, Australian Pratincole, Common Sandpiper, Black-tailed Native-hen, Lesser Crested Tern and Great Crested Grebe.
White-winged Black Terns frequently congregate here, particularly in March-April. At the end of autumn (May) the place gets covered with Tree Martins, Fairy Martins and Welcome Swallows thanks to the swarms of midges emerging from the wetland.
The biggest flocks of Australasian Grebes in Australia (up to 11,000 birds) were recorded at this site. Other species observed in huge numbers include Pink-eared Duck, Grey Teal, Magpie Goose, Hardhead, Whiskered Tern (forming white swarms over the water), Red-necked Avocet and Sharp-tailed Sandpiper. Rock Doves come in droves from the surrounding farms for a drink of water.
This massive pantry is a magnet for raptors, fourteen species have been recorded. Among them are Spotted Harrier, Swamp Harrier, Peregrine Falcon (resident), Brown Falcon, White-bellied Sea-Eagle and Wedge-tailed Eagle.
Twenty wader species can be found here including Marsh Sandpiper, Curlew Sandpiper, Latham’s Snipe, Black-tailed Godwit and Red-kneed Dotterel. White-browed Crakes and Buff-banded Rails can be found at the edges of the wetland.
Grassland birds include Brown Quail, Australasian Pipit, Brown Songlark, Little Grassbird, Tawny Grassbird, Zebra Finch and Black-bellied Crimson Finch. Bush bird selection includes Rufous Songlark, Black-faced Woodswallow, Great Bowerbird and Brown-backed Honeyeater.
At times of prolonged droughts in the interior, birds such Pallid Cuckoo, Masked Woodswallow, Dusky Woodswallow, Red-backed Kingfisher and White-winged Triller appear.
On your way to the site check these out:
Sun Rice Mill in Colevale Rd, just out of Brandon. When we were passing the mill, thousands of Magpie Geese and Plumed Whistling-Ducks were piled on a heap of rice husks in the mill yard. That was a spectacular view. Dozens of waterbirds foraged in a rice field in front of the mill.
A small lagoon with an irrigation canal at the corner of Toll Rd and Drynie Rd. Cotton Pygmy-geese are regularly found there. Rufous-throated Honeyeaters live in the dense vegetation along the canal.
It may be also worthwhile to check the sugar cane fields along Becker Rd and Jack Rd. We were surprised by the large numbers of Australian Bustards, walking unhurriedly in pairs in the breaks between the cane stands and along the road. Pheasant Coucals, Bush Stone-curlews, Black-faced Woodswallows, White-breasted Woodswallows, Red-backed Fairy-wrens and Nankeen Kestrels were also plentiful. Chestnut-breasted Mannikins were simply uncountable.
Birds at Brandon Rice Mill
Horseshoe Lagoon Area
This site, besides the main location of the Horseshoe Lagoon, also includes a small farm dam south the lagoon, irrigation canals and farmland along Hodel Rd as well as saltmarshes, wetlands and farmland further down along Morris Creek Rd and the mudflats around the boat ramp on the Barramundi Creek at the end of Morris Creek Rd. During the Wet, large temporary wetlands are forming along Morris Creek Rd. These are visited by thousands of waterbirds.
Access to all these spots is from Bruce Hwy (A1), turning north into Hodel Rd about 35km northwest of Ayr and 55km south of Townsville. The turnoff is signposted simply to a ‘Bird hide’. GPS coordinates at the turnoff are 19o32’43’’S and 147o07’09’’E. The next two turnoffs, when driving north from Ayr, lead to Giru.
Over 160 bird species have been recorded around the Horseshoe Lagoon. Key species are Zitting Cisticola, Cotton Pygmy-goose, Magpie Goose, White-browed Crake, White-winged Black Tern and Horsfield’s Bushlark. Other birds of interest include Black-bellied Crimson Finch, Green Pygmy-goose, Glossy Ibis, Comb-crested Jacana, Black-necked Stork, Oriental Dollarbird and Swamp Harrier. Among the rarities are Common Sandpiper, Australian Pratincole and Little Eagle.
Horseshoe Lagoon
Horseshoe Lagoon is a permanent wetland thanks to the supply of irrigation tailwater. It is especially important to birdlife in a dry season. It is a well-known birdwatching spot, equipped with a bird hide.
Waterbirds forming the bulk of the bird mass here include Hardheads (when water becomes deep enough, up to 3,000 birds have been reported), Magpie Geese, Eurasian Coots and Black Swans. Found in good numbers are also Cotton Pygmy-geese, Pied Stilts, Comb-crested Jacanas and Plumed Egrets. Around the bird hide, look for White-browed Crake, Latham’s Snipe and Buff-banded Rail.
A 3m-long crocodile often rests near the bird hide.
In the dense, tall grasses around the lagoon you may find Black-bellied Crimson Finch, Pheasant Coucal, Australian Reed-Warbler, Tawny Grassbird and Brown Quail. Swamp Harriers regularly patrol the lagoon.
On the few scattered trees, you may see Yellow Honeyeater, Rufous-throated Honeyeater, Brush Cuckoo, Black-faced Woodswallow, Forest Kingfisher and Oriental Dollarbird.
A small farm dam located about 200m from the corner of Bruce Hwy and Hodel Rd supports a good population of White-browed Crakes which often pop out in the open at this spot. Australasian Grebes nest here and Yellow-billed Spoonbills are found regularly. Other birds around this pond include Black-fronted Dotterel, Pied Stilt, Marsh Sandpiper, Brown Quail, Black-bellied Crimson Finch and White-breasted Woodswallow.
Hodel Road
The road section between the bird hide and Corrick Plains is good for the grassland birds, particularly Plum-headed Finch, Chestnut-breasted Mannikin, Nutmeg Mannikin, Horsfield’s Bushlark, Brown Songlark and Red-backed Fairy-wren. On the powerlines should be plenty Rainbow Bee-eaters, White-breasted Woodswallows and Black-faced Woodswallows. In autumn and winter, Red-backed Kingfishers and Pallid Cuckoos appear.
Check the turf farm, best after the rains. Latham’s Snipes are often sighted in water puddles there.
Morris Creek Road
Morris Creek Rd, and in particular the saltmarshes near a boat ramp, are the places to look for Zitting Cisticola. The birds are seen mostly on the barbed wire fences on the roadside on the final 400m-long stretch of the road to the boat ramp. The most important spot is about 100m from the boat ramp, at the culvert lined with a few mangroves. GPS coordinates are 19o28’55’’S and 147o09’00’’E.
The Corrick Plains Nature Refuge it is also worth checking (look for an obscure sign at the start of Morris Creek Rd). When we were there, the area was overgrazed to the bare ground however we were lucky to sight one bird on a fence in a belt of tall grass saved from cattle as it was growing outside the fence.
Zitting Cisticola is a cryptic species, easy to misidentify with Golden-headed Cisticola. The best time to observe them is in the breeding season when the males Zitting Cisticolas perform zig-zag flights, emitting their characteristic zit-zit call.
When temporary wetlands appear along Morris Creek Rd, thousands of Magpie Geese arrive together with flocks of Whiskered Terns. These are accompanied by smaller numbers of White-winged Black Terns. You will also see Brolgas, Black-necked Storks, Red-kneed Dotterels, Sharp-tailed Sandpipers, White-necked Herons and Plumed Egrets.
On the mudflats near the boat ramp, Whimbrels, Far Eastern Curlews, Common Greenshanks, Buff-banded Rails, Striated Herons and Little Egrets are often seen. Raptors, mainly Brahminy Kites and White-bellied Sea-Eagles, are often seen patrolling Barramundi Creek.
Juvenile Striated Heron
Giru Area
Giru is a small sugar town, located on the banks of Haughton River close to Bruce Hwy, more or less half-way between Townsville and Ayr. It is surrounded by unending sugar cane plantations with countless irrigation canals. The main feature of this town is its large sugar mill. Giru is a good base for exploring large wetlands of the Bowen-Townsville coast. You can stay at the local camping grounds and observe flocks of waterbirds (such as Brolgas and Magpie Geese) flying overhead as they return every evening to their roosting sites.
To get there, from Bruce Hwy (A1) take Shirbourne Rd or Woodstock-Giru Rd. Facilities in the township include a free camping area, a general store with basic supplies and fuel and a pub.
About 100 bird species have been recorded in the Giru area. Key species are Plum-headed Finch, Red-rumped Kingfisher, Black-necked Stork and Peregrine Falcon. Other birds of interest include Black-faced Woodswallow, Great Bowerbird, Rufous-throated Honeyeater, Forest Kingfisher and Barn Owl. Rarities include Great-billed Heron, Zitting Cisticola and Red-necked Avocet.
Giru Township
Check the powerlines in the township; Red-backed Kingfisher, Forest Kingfisher, Rainbow Bee-eater, Spangled Drongo, White-breasted Woodswallow, Black-faced Woodswallow and Nankeen Kestrel can be found there.
The areas behind the Bowling Club and along railway tracks are good for finches, which find plenty of tall seeding grasses there. We observed a giant flock of Nutmeg Mannikins on the grass stalks. In smaller numbers were Plum-headed Finches, Black-bellied Crimson Finches, Double-barred Finches, Chestnut-breasted Mannikins and House Sparrows. Flowering bottlebrushes near the swimming pool were fantastic for Rufous-throated Honeyeater, Yellow Honeyeater, Yellow-spotted Honeyeater, Blue-faced Honeyeater, Noisy Friarbird, Little Friarbird and Helmeted Friarbird.
The camping area is ruled by Bush Stone-curlews. We also got Channel-billed Cuckoo, Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo, Pheasant Coucal, Torresian Imperial-Pigeon and Collared Sparrowhawk.
Channel-billed Cuckoos
Our main fascination was observing raptors catching Rainbow Lorikeets. A water tower near the Police Station is used by raptors as a landing pad after hunting lorikeets that flock to the sugar mill to gorge on the sweet product. They emerge from the feast so heavy that Peregrine Falcons, Australian Hobbies and Barn Owls have no problems catching them.
Cromarty Creek Boat Ramp
In Giru, turn into Walton St (driving over the railway tracks), next turn left into Donaghue St then right into Cromarty Creek Boat Ramp Rd; look for a small directional sign at the turnoff.
On your way, check a shallow lagoon on the left of Cromarty Creek Boat Ramp Rd – this is a good site for the waders. Site coordinates here are 19o29’40’’S and 147o05’45’’E. We found a large flock of Red-necked Avocets and also Pied Stilts, Common Greenshanks and a pair of Black-necked Storks. Otherwise, the lagoon was filled with Australian Pelicans, Pacific Black Ducks and Black Swans. About 100 Whiskered Terns were feeding over a wet paddock nearby. Other species in the lagoon included Glossy Ibis, Yellow-billed Spoonbill, Great Egret, White-necked Heron and Magpie Goose. Grassy paddocks surrounding the lagoon yielded Golden-headed Cisticola, Horsfield’s Bushlark, Zebra Finch and Australian Bustard.
Further down the road we reached the second creek crossing, then saltpans and saltmarshes. Zitting Cisticola was recorded in the saltmarshes several times but it did not make an appearance for us.
In the mangroves at the end of the road we had an excellent find of Mangrove Robin. Also, Mangrove Gerygones and Mangrove Honeyeaters were singing loudly. A female Shining Flycatcher was on the ground by the boat ramp.
Occasionally, Great-billed Herons are sighted in this area.
Bowling Green Bay National Park
Bowling Green Bay National Park covers 57,900ha of coastal and mountainous country and is located approximately 25km south of Townsville. The Park is divided into three separate sections: Mount Elliot, Cape Cleveland and Bowling Green Bay. The importance of the Park lies in the diversity of its habitats, from the mangroves at the coast to the rainforest at the altitude of 1,200m on Mt Elliot. The wetlands of Bowling Green Bay are so valuable that they have been recognised as a Ramsar site. They are famous for their mass congregations of waterbirds, in particular Brolgas and Magpie Geese.
There are separate entry routes to separate sections of the Park. See map of Bowling Green Bay National Park, downloadable here: https://parks.des.qld.gov.au/parks/bowling-green-bay/pdf/bowling-green-bay-locality.pdf. Most of tourists and birders go to the Mt Elliot section which has easy access and good facilities. In that section, you’ll find the Alligator Creek camping and day-use areas, a boardwalk leading to a fantastic waterhole and a network of short walking tracks. Other sections have only very basic camping sites with no facilities; these are Barratta Creek camping site in the Bowling Green Bay section and Cocoa Creek and Salmon Creek campsites in the Cape Cleveland section. These are utilised mostly by anglers, a 4WD vehicle with good clearance is a must there.
Mount Elliot Section
To get there, from Bruce Hwy (A1) turn west into Alligator Creek Rd about 20km south of Townsville. Drive 6km along the creek to the picnic area and the campsite in the Park. A boardwalk lined with bottlebrushes and figs starts at the far end of the campsite. It will take you to the waterhole.
Waterhole at the end of the boardwalk, lined with flowering bottlebrushes
Birding in this section is largely done at the base of Mt Elliot because the mountain is practically not accessible. The vine scrub along Alligator Creek is the best option. The rainforest species migrate down to this area in winter, frequenting the fruiting figs. Short walking tracks leading from the camping area to the forest may produce both the dry forest and rainforest species.
Over 150 bird species have been recorded in the Mt Elliot section. Key species are White-browed Robin, White-eared Monarch, Noisy Pitta, Northern Fantail and Large-tailed Nightjar. Other birds of interest include Spectacled Monarch, Lemon-bellied Flycatcher, Rufous Fantail, Great Bowerbird, Large-billed Gerygone, Azure Kingfisher, Brush Cuckoo, Rose-crowned Fruit-Dove and Australian Owlet-nightjar. Among the rarities are Oriental Cuckoo, Little Kingfisher, Superb Fruit-Dove, Metallic Starling and White-throated Needletail.
Seventeen honeyeater species can be found in the area including Brown-backed Honeyeater, White-gaped Honeyeater, Yellow-spotted Honeyeater, Dusky Honeyeater and Yellow Honeyeater.
Before getting to the Park, birding can start in the Alligator Creek village. Azure Kingfisher is often seen hunting along the creek. Look also for Pheasant Coucal, Forest Kingfisher, Scaly-breasted Lorikeet, Yellow-faced Honeyeater, Golden Whistler, White-breasted Woodswallow and Northern Fantail. Nankeen Night-Herons roost by the creek. Bush Stone-curlews are resident in the village. Wedge-tailed Eagles are often observed flying over the area.
In the Park, we had the best birding at the start of the boardwalk. White-browed Robins and Noisy Pittas were very visible. Along the boardwalk, we found plenty of honeyeaters in the flowering bottlebrushes. Dusky Honeyeaters were dominant, but we also ticked off Scarlet Honeyeater, Yellow-spotted Honeyeater, Lewin’s Honeyeater, White-throated Honeyeater, Yellow Honeyeater and Little Friarbird. In the fruiting figs nearby, we found Australasian Figbirds, Rose-crowned Fruit-Doves, Torresian Imperial-Pigeons, Brown-capped Emerald-Doves and a single White-headed Pigeon. Two Nankeen Night-Herons were roosting by the boardwalk.
Northern Fantail, Spectacled Monarch and Lemon-bellied Flycatcher were among our finds in the camping area. Brown-backed Honeyeaters were nesting near the picnic area. A mixed flock of Australian Swiftlets and White-throated Needletails was flying over the trees. Brush Cuckoo and Little Bronze-cuckoo were calling. During the night, we listened to Large-tailed Nightjar and Australian Owlet-nightjar and watched Bush Stone-curlews walking among the tents.
Cape Cleveland Section
To get there, 33km south of Townsville turn east from Bruce Hwy (A1) into Cape Cleveland Rd. The road is signposted at the turnoff to the Australian Institute of Marine Science. The access road is sealed but tough 4WD tracks await you in the Park. After 12km from the turnoff head left to the Cocoa Creek camping area. The Salmon Creek camping area is situated further down Cape Cleveland Rd, reached via a coastal township of Cungulla.
Over 160 bird species have been recorded in the Cape Cleveland section. Key species are the waders (such as Beach Stone-curlew, Grey Plover, Terek Sandpiper, Marsh Sandpiper), Brolga, Black-necked Stork and Little Tern. Other birds of interest include Glossy Ibis, Mangrove Honeyeater, Pink-eared Duck, Shining Flycatcher, Collared Kingfisher, Large-billed Gerygone, Oriental Dollarbird and Large-tailed Nightjar. Rarities include Australian Yellow White-eye, Mangrove Golden Whistler, Chestnut Teal, Australasian Shoveler, Red-backed Kingfisher and Metallic Starling.
Cape Cleveland Road Saltpans
The site is located just 1-2km from Bruce Hwy at the approximate position of 19o23’16’’S and 147o01’36’’E. The saltpans are only filled in the wet season or during very high tides. The site is good for the waterfowl and waders. Found here are Marsh Sandpiper, Sharp-tailed Sandpiper, Red-capped Plover (breeding here in good numbers), Red-necked Stint and Red-kneed Dotterel. May is the best month to visit as thousands of waterbirds flock here as the water is drying out. You’ll see masses of Grey Teals, Australian Pelicans and Pink-eared Ducks. The regulars also include Glossy Ibis, Caspian Tern, Brolga and Black-necked Stork.
Cocoa Creek Camping Area
Mangroves at the turnoff to the access road to the camping site may produce Mangrove Robin. Little Kingfisher was recorded several times. Look also for Mangrove Honeyeater, Mangrove Gerygone, Helmeted Friarbird and Brahminy Kite.
Cungulla
To get there, from Cape Cleveland Rd turn right into Carty Rd, further on it will change name to Goodsell Rd. The route is signposted to Cungulla. Sand flies of Cungulla are vicious, use plenty of repellent and cover up.
Mudflats on the northern end of Cungulla, off Snapper Ct, are good for the waders. Regularly seen there are Far Eastern Curlew, Great Knot, Bar-tailed Godwit, Lesser Sand Plover, Greater Sand Plover, Pacific Golden Plover, Australian Pied Oystercatcher and Whimbrel. Rarer species include Terek Sandpiper, Black-tailed Godwit and Common Sandpiper. A pair of Beach Stone-curlews resides near the creek mouth. Before their migration north, Lesser Sand Plovers, Great Knots, Red-necked Stints and Little Terns are stopping here in numbers of 1,000–3,000 birds for each species.
Another good birding spot is a disused boat ramp and sand dunes off Sword St at the south end of the village. Grey Plovers and Terek Sandpipers are commonly seen in this location. Look also for Marsh Sandpiper, Large-billed Gerygone and Striated Heron. Common Sandpiper can occasionally be found near the boat ramp.
In the mangroves up to 100m upstream of the boat ramp, you may come across Shining Flycatcher, Collared Kingfisher, Brush Cuckoo, Varied Honeyeater and Mangrove Honeyeater. Both Varied and Mangrove Honeyeaters are common in this area. These two species interbreed in the Townsville area including Cungulla so beware of strange birds with the characteristics of both species.
Great Knots with two Lesser Sand Plovers
Large-tailed Nightjars are often heard and seen in a small park at the end of Sword St. You may also get there Varied Triller, Great Bowerbird (a bower is located near the mangroves), both Laughing and Blue-winged Kookaburras and Rainbow Bee-eater.
In the foreshore parkland of Cungulla you may find Torresian Imperial-Pigeon (nesting here), Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo, Red-winged Parrot, Forest Kingfisher, Little Shrike-thrush, Little Bronze Cuckoo and Tawny Frogmouth.
Mangroves along Haughton River south of Cungulla are only accessible by boat or kayak. Isolated populations of Australian Yellow White-eyes and Mangrove Golden Whistlers exist there.
Bowling Green Bay Section
This section is located near the coastal village of Jerona. The site is often called Jerona Wetlands. To get there, turn north from Bruce Hwy (A1) into Jerona Rd. The turnoff is located about 63km south of Townsville and 26km north of Ayr. It is further 16km to the village from the turnoff. No signage from Bruce Hwy indicates the national park. An obscure sign before Jerona directs to the Barratta Creek camping site. This camping area is accessible only by 4WD vehicles and is susceptible to tidal influences. The first few kilometres of Jerona Rd is sealed. The rest is unsealed and may have many washouts. The road runs first through the sugar cane plantations which are soon replaced by extensive wetlands on both sides of the road, stretching up to the coast.
When we got there, the fields were freshly planted with sugar cane and completely covered with Magpie Geese (about 3,000 birds) that had a feast on the young seedlings. They were accompanied by flocks of Australian White Ibises, Straw-necked Ibises and Cattle Egrets, busy helping the farmer with the removal of grubs and insects from the recently turned soil. A majestic pair of White-bellied Sea-Eagles was perching on a power pole near the irrigation canal. Powerlines also yielded Brown Falcon, Australian Hobby, Nankeen Kestrel, Pallid Cuckoo, Brush Cuckoo and Black-faced Woodswallows.
Further down the road we came across a couple of large ponds about 50m from the road, enveloped in a cloud of white: Royal Spoonbills, Plumed Egrets, Cattle Egrets, Great Egrets and Australian White Ibises. Nearby, we spotted a family of Brolgas and a Black-necked Stork.
About 9km from Bruce Hwy we reached Jerona Wetlands with shallow water on both sides of the road. Waterbirds there included Glossy Ibis, White-necked Heron, Comb-crested Jacana, Grey Teal, Sharp-tailed Sandpiper, Common Greenshank, Pied Stilt and Whiskered Tern. Swamp Harrier was flying over the area.
Bowling Green Bay saltmarshes
Near the Jerona village, we sighted a single Zitting Cisticola in the saltmarshes (near the directional sign to Barratta Creek campsite). Site coordinates of this spot are 19o27’00’’S and 147o14’02’’E.
Birds in Jerona included Osprey, White-bellied Sea-Eagle, Far Eastern Curlew, Little Egret, Great Bowerbird, Australasian Pipit, Mangrove Gerygone, Mangrove Honeyeater and Australian Bustard.
Wongaloo (Cromarty) Wetlands
Wongaloo Wetlands, previously known as Cromarty Wetlands, are the area of national importance and are recorded in DIWA (Directory of Important Wetlands in Australia). Since 2015, the wetlands have become part of the currently developed 1,600ha Wongaloo Regional Park. The swamp is a natural, ephemeral hydrological system, varying from very wet with dense stands of bulkuru (the primary food source of Magpie Geese) to barren, dry playgrounds to thousands of Brolgas. The wetland is adjacent to the Ramsar site of Bowling Green Bay.
The wetlands and grasslands of Wongaloo are known for the largest regional populations of Brolgas; up to 8,000 birds have been recorded at one time. The wetlands are mostly used as Brolga post-breeding congregation site. Magpie Geese also occur here in huge numbers, mostly in the Wet (up to July in some years). In the Dry, the lagoons dry out and unending grassland is enjoyed by finches. In such conditions this is the best site for finches in the Townsville area.
The new Wongaloo Regional Park also protects regionally unique, important closed forest (black scrub) and poplar gum woodland. Patches of these forests support a good selection of bushland bird species. Most of the Wongaloo Wetland is not yet accessible, with the tracks, a viewing platform and other facilities still being constructed in the regional park.
To get there, 42km south of Townsville turn east from Bruce Hwy (A1) into Cromarty Siding Rd. Watch out for a directional sign to the Australian Institute of Marine Science on Cape Cleveland Rd, a side road preceding Cromarty Siding Rd if coming from Townsville. At the end of the road you’ll find the “Cromarty Gate”. Past the gate veer left into Reed Beds Rd. It will take you to a T-junction with Piralko Rd where you turn right to get back to Bruce Hwy.
Birding can be conducted along the whole route. The start of Cromarty Siding Rd and Piralko Rd are good for bush birds, the rest of the route is interesting due to the waterbirds. Scope is essential.
Over 160 bird species have been recorded around the Wongaloo Wetlands. Key species are Brolga, Magpie Goose, Latham’s Snipe, Black-necked Stork and Plum-headed Finch. Other birds of interest include the waders, Glossy Ibis, Whiskered Tern, Horsfield’s Bushlark, Black-bellied Crimson Finch, Black-faced Woodswallow, White-browed Robin, Lemon-bellied Flycatcher, Australian Swiftlet and Bush Stone-curlew. Rarities include Zitting Cisticola, White-winged Black Tern, Red Knot, Little Kingfisher, Red-backed Kingfisher and Oriental Cuckoo.
Along the first section of Cromarty Siding Rd look for White-browed Robin, Lemon-bellied Flycatcher, Large-billed Gerygone, Golden-backed Honeyeater, Yellow-throated Miner, Little Shrike-thrush, Varied Triller, Brush Cuckoo and Forest Kingfisher. Flocks of Topknot Pigeons are often moving over the tree canopy.
When you get to the wetland, expect to see a wide variety of waterbirds and waders including Cotton Pygmy-goose, Wandering Whistling-Duck, Plumed Whistling-Duck, Royal Spoonbill, White-necked Heron, Glossy Ibis, Whiskered Tern and occasionally White-winged Black Tern.
When the wetlands are dry, finches and other grassland birds thrive such as Plum-headed Finch, Black-bellied Crimson Finch, Chestnut-breasted Mannikin, Horsfield’s Bushlark, Brown Quail, Australian Bustard, Australasian Pipit and Golden-headed Cisticola. If you are lucky, you may spot Zitting Cisticola.
Check the stands of paperbark trees in Piralko Rd for the presence of Yellow Honeyeater, Rufous-throated Honeyeater, Brown-backed Honeyeater, White-gaped Honeyeater, Dusky Honeyeater, Horsfield’s Bronze-cuckoo, Little Bronze-cuckoo and Olive-backed Sunbird.
Horsfield’s Bronze-cuckoo
Although most of the regional park is not yet accessible, you can join regular monthly surveys done by the Townsville Birdlife Group at six selected sites, some described below.
Wongaloo Rainforest
The site is located in the northeastern corner at 19o28’05’’S and 147o03’18’’E. Birds found there include Noisy Pitta, Spectacled Monarch, Black-faced Monarch, Brown-capped Emerald-Dove, Brown Cuckoo-Dove, Rose-crowned Dove, Torresian Imperial-Pigeon, White-browed Robin, Azure Kingfisher and Pacific Baza.
Wongaloo Cattle Yard
The site is situated near the railway track, when Cromarty Siding Rd turns south. It is farmland with a few trees. GPS coordinates are 19o28’02’’S and 147o03’09’’E. It is a good place for Golden-backed Honeyeaters which can be found here in good numbers. Other birds at this spot include Scaly-breasted Lorikeet, Great Bowerbird, Rufous-throated Honeyeater, Lemon-bellied Flycatcher, Black-bellied Crimson Finch, Zebra Finch and Bush Stone-curlew.
Wongaloo Pandanus Point
The site is a 2km track branching off Cromarty Siding Rd and leading straight to the Pandanus Point, northeast of Cromarty. GPS coordinates are 19o27’44’’S and 147o03’39’’E. When the wetlands are drying up, this is a favourite place for the waders such as Pied Stilt, Great Knot, Marsh Sandpiper, Red-kneed Dotterel, Common Greenshank and Sharp-tailed Sandpiper. When the water levels are high, you will find here masses of Magpie Geese, Black Swans, Australian Pelicans and, in smaller numbers, Green Pygmy-geese, Glossy Ibises, Plumed Egrets and Yellow-billed Spoonbills.
Wongaloo Big Ti Tree
The site is situated just north of Pandanus Point. Terns are often found there. Look for Little Tern, Australian Gull-billed Tern, Caspian Tern and Whiskered Tern. When wetlands are dry, you may come across Yellow Honeyeater, Olive-backed Oriole, Spotted Pardalote, Red-winged Parrot, Varied Triller and Bush Stone-curlew.
Nome
This site is located about 18km southeast of Townsville along Willing Dr and Paul James Dr. You’ll find here farmland, wetlands and saltmarshes near the Alligator Creek. GPS coordinates are 19o20’24’’S and 146o56’05’’E. To get there, if driving south from Townsville, turn left from Bruce Hwy (A1) past the Billabong Sanctuary into Bentley Dr. You are already in the Nome area. Turn left into Willing Dr and left into Paul James Dr.
The site is known for many rare vagrant species. For example, in December 2015, Brown Hawk-Owl, a vagrant from south Asia, was found here. It looks similar to Southern Boobook but is a bit smaller. Australian Painted-snipes were recorded here several times, for example in March 2019.
Birds regularly found in this area include Black-necked Stork, Latham’s Snipe, White-necked Heron, Australian Gull-billed Tern, Magpie Goose, Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo and Great Bowerbird.
