Tropical Birding Trip Report Australia Photo Journey: August - September 2017
A Tropical Birding SET DEPARTURE tour Australia Photo Journey
21st August – 5th September 2017
One of the most spectacular birds in Australia, the Southern Cassowary who was also bird of the trip.
Tour Leader: Laurie Ross (co-guided by George Lin)
All photos in this report were taken by Laurie Ross / Tropical Birding. www.tropicalbirding.com +1-409-515-9110 [email protected] 1 Page
Tropical Birding Trip Report Australia Photo Journey: August - September 2017
INTRODUCTION:
We started the Australia Photo Tour in the beautiful city of Cairns, Far North Queensland. On the first leg of the tour we found ourselves wedged between the Great Barrier Reef (one of the worlds largest living organisms), and the lush Daintree Rainforest (one of the worlds oldest rainforests). We start the tour on the mudflats of the Cairns Esplanade which was full of shorebirds, followed by the lush Botanic Gardens where we found a pair of nesting Rufous Owls and Little Kingfisher, Australias smallest. We then spent a day out on the Great Barrier Reef where we got up close and personal with Brown Booby’s and Sooty Terns. Next, we spent time in the thick Tropical Rainforest of Kuranda and the Daintree where we found Southern Cassowary and Great-billed Heron. We ended this leg on the Atherton Tablelands where we found great birds such as Red-tailed Black Cockatoos and the super cool Squatter Pigeons.
The second leg took us to Brisbane, here we slowly made our way from the Coast to the Outback. We started the tour near the city where we found a day roosting Powerful Owl holding a flyingfox (large bat) in its talons. The main destination for this leg was the famous Bowra Station, amazing open plains and Mulga Scrub, this is great country for bird photography. Here we found Mulga Parrots, Bourke’s Parrots and Major Mitchell’s Cockatoos. By day five of this leg we were in the thick rainforest of Lamington National Park and the famous O’Reilly’s Rainforest Lodge, here we found some spectacular birds like Regent & Satin Bowerbirds, Alberts Lyrebird, King Parrot and Crimson Rosellas.
The third and final leg of the tour took us far south to the incredible island of Tasmania. The first day we explored the reserves around Hobart including Mount Wellington and the local waterworks; here we found all of Tasmanias Robin species, Grey Currawong, Short-beaked Echidna and Tasmanian Pademelon. Our second day in Tasmania and last day of the tour we ventured down to the stunning Bruny Island, highlights here were the albino Bennett’s Wallaby, Hooded Plover, Pacific Gull, Green Rosella and the rare Forty-spotted Pardalote.
TOP BIRDS & MAMMALS OF THE TRIP:
Its always hard for the group to pick their top five targets from this photography trip, and this trip was next level with birds such as Southern Cassowary, Bourke’s Parrot, Splendid Fairywren, Rufous Owl, Powerful Owl, Alberts Lyrebird, Pink Robin, Flame Robin, Regent Bowerbird and mamals such as Lumholtz’s Tree Kangaroo, Koala, Whiptail Wallaby and Boyd’s Forest Dragon. All making it near impossible to pick a top five but after some deliberation we decided on:
TOP 5 BIRDS
1 - Southern Cassowary 2 - Victoria’s Riflebird 3 - Papuan Frogmouth 4 – Major Mitchell’s Cockatoo 5 – Powerful Owl
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Tropical Birding Trip Report Australia Photo Journey: August - September 2017
TOP 3 MAMMALS
1 – Platypus 2 – Koala 3 – Lumholtz’s Tree Kangaroo
ITINERARY
21st August Arrival in Cairns; afternoon birding in Cairns (Queensland).
22st August The Great Barrier Reef to Kuranda (Queensland).
23st August Cassowary House to Daintree (Queensland).
24st August Daintree River Cruise; Daintree to Mareeba (Queensland).
25th August Rainforest to Outback (Queensland).
26th August Hypipamee National Park to Cairns (Queensland).
27th August Cairns to Goondiwindi (Queensland)
28th August To the Southern Outback – Goondiwindi to Warrego (Queensland).
29th August Bowra Station (Queensland).
30th August Outback to the Western Plains (Queensland).
31st August Rangelands to Lamington National Park (Queensland).
1st September Lamington National Park – O’Reilly’s Rainforest Lodge (Queensland).
2nd September Lamington National Park to Tasmania.
3rd September Hobart and Mount Wellington (Tasmania).
4th September Hobart and Bruny Island (Tasmania).
5th September Departure from Hobart (Tasmania).
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Tropical Birding Trip Report Australia Photo Journey: August - September 2017
TOUR SUMMARY
DAY ONE (21st August):
Cairns City; After meeting in the foyer of the hotel with cameras ready to go we headed over to start the tour at the George Brown Botanic Gardens, I had done a quick reconicince earlier in the day and found some great birds so I hoped that they had stuck around for the group. First stop was a roosting Papuan Frogmouth that I had been told about. She wasn’t in the best place for a photo but still a great bird to start the afternoon. Parking the car we headed over to the freshwater lakes, here we were greeted by a lumbering Australian Brush Turkey, this large and very interesting bird was quite used to people and posed for some nice photos, in the lakes themselves we found Pacific Black Ducks, Radjah Shelduck, White Ibis, Magpie Geese and a lone Dusky Morehen. Around the edge of the lake we were very lucky to find a Little Kingfisher sitting quietly in the shade and a posing male Olive- backed Sunbird and a Little Bronze-cuckoo.
Australia’s smallest Kingfisher, the Little Kingfisher seen at the Cairns Botanic Gardens
At the other end of the gardnes near the salt-water lakes we found a roosting family of Bush-stone Curlews sitting in some amazing afternoon sunlight. Also, a nesting pair of Double-eyed Fig Parrots www.tropicalbirding.com +1-409-515-9110 [email protected] 4 Page
Tropical Birding Trip Report Australia Photo Journey: August - September 2017 with an eye-level nest, the female sat at the nest entrance for a few minutes providing killer views of this beautiful little parrot.
After a great photography session at the Botanic Gardens we headed over to a local park where I had been told some rare Rufous Owls were nesting. Arriving at the tree we were greeted by the peaceful sound (Not really) of squawking Sulphur-crested Cockatoos, this was a good sign the Owl must be up there somewhere. I quickly scanned the tree and half way up looking right back down at me was this huge male Rufous Owl, awesome. In the same area we also had our first views of Rainbow Lorikeets who were nesting in one of the smaller tree hollows, Dusky Myzomela and Yellow Honeyeater hanging out in the same tree.
After a delicious meal at a local Italian restaurant we headed off to bed dreaming of what the Great Barrier Reef would hold for us tomorrow.
The male Rufous Owl showing off for the cameras.
DAY TWO (22nd August):
Michaelmas Cay; This morning we were booked on with Sea Star Cruises to cruise out to Michaelmas Cay on the Great Barrier Reef, we enjoyed breakfast at the hotel before packing the van and heading www.tropicalbirding.com +1-409-515-9110 [email protected] 5 Page
Tropical Birding Trip Report Australia Photo Journey: August - September 2017 down to the docks to meet the boat crew by 7.30am. We had picked a spectacular day to head out, the weather was amazing and we had very little wind. Arriving at Michaelmas Cay around 9.30am, the whole island was alive with birds so we quickly loaded onto a small boat and were transferred over to the Cay and close to all the action.
This photo shows you just how close your get to Brown Booby’s on Michaelmas Cay.
The Cay was covered with birds, we were greeted by big number of both nesting Brown Noddy’s and Sooty Terns along with good numbers of Brown Booby, Great Crested Terns, a single Ruddy Turnstone and a small gang of Greater Frigate Birds which were on the hunt for breakfast. The photo opportunities here are amazing with birds going about their day like we weren’t there which is incredible. After a very productive morning we headed back to the boat for some lunch then cruised over to Hastings Reef for some snorkeling, everyone on the tour was keen to get wet and had a great time seeing what was below the surface.
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Tropical Birding Trip Report Australia Photo Journey: August - September 2017
This Great Frigatebird was out looking for breakfast making for great photo opportunities.
We arrived back in Cairns around 4.30pm and decided to go and try our luck at one of Australia’s best-looking shorebirds, the Beach Stone-curlew. Pulling up to an area I had seen this bird previously we straightaway had one standing out in the open, what a treat. We also had a pair of Black-fronted Dotterels wandering around just in front of us.
Last spot for the day was the Northern end of Cairns Esplanade, here we found some very active Varied Honeyeaters providing a couple of nice photos and a stunning Rose-crowned Fruit-dove sitting quietly in a Fig Tree, great bird to end the day on.
It was now time to have dinner and make our way up to Cassowary House and our accommodation for the night.
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Tropical Birding Trip Report Australia Photo Journey: August - September 2017
The Sooty Terns on Michaelmas Cay always show off in front of the cameras.
DAY THREE (23rd August):
Cassowary House; This morning breakfast was being served at 8am on the front balcony of Cassowary House, here they have fruit and honey feeders around the breakfast table and we were hoping something was going to come down to pose for the cameras with our main target being Cassowary. Luck was on our side, I get a text from Rohan who was making us breakfast “Cassowary with 3 chicks are here” so we race down and were met by this impressive bird with 3 small chicks following closely behind. At the breakfast table we also had female Victoria’s Riflebird, Black Butcherbird, Australian Brush Turkey, Pacific Emerald Dove and a very brief visit by a male Victoria’s Riflebird.
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Tropical Birding Trip Report Australia Photo Journey: August - September 2017
One of the three very small Southern Cassowary babies we saw at Cassowary House
With breakfast done we headed into Mareeba to look for our first Macropod of the trip at Granite Gorge, the drive into Granite Gorge produced Blue-winged Kookaburra, Brown Goshawk in flight and out first Wedge-tailed Eagle soaring above us. Arriving in the car park straight away I spotted our first target the Squatter Pigeon, these characterful pigeons posed beautiful for the cameras. Next we met a large family of Mareeba Rock Wallabys and even managed to find a female with a young joey hanging out of mums pouch. Other birds we found in the area were Laughing Kookaburra, White- throated Honeyeater, Australian Magpie, Yellow Honeyeater, Double-barred Finch, Rufous Whistler, Brush Cuckoo, Spangled Drongo and nesting Grey-crowned Babblers.
Leaving Marreba our next destination was our lodge in the Daintree. Along the way we stopped in at the local golf club where we found a huge group of Eastern Grey Kangaroos, this group is quite use to humans and provided plenty of photo opportunities.
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Tropical Birding Trip Report Australia Photo Journey: August - September 2017
These Squatter Pigeons just posed for the cameras, great looking bird.
Daintree Village (Red Mill House): We arrived at Red Mill house around 3.30pm, checked in and decided to head straight out to see what we could find. Just behind the lodge we found a pair of very shy Lovely Fairywren’s who gave us a brief view from within the dark Rainforest. On Stewart Creek Road just North of the Daintree we got Cattle Egret, Australian Ibis, Straw-necked Ibis, Chestnut- breasted Munia, Welcome Swallow, Forest Kingfisher, Bar-shouldered Dove, Spectacled Monarch and Rufous Fantail.
Further down the road we found Australian Darter and flushed a Latham’s Snipe from the side of the road. We finished up the day looking around the Daintree Village, here we saw Rainbow Lorikeet, Australian Figbird and a pair of Brown-backed Honeyeater.
After a delicious dinner at the local hotel we came home to a Northern Brown Bandicoot on the front lawn of the lodge, nice touch to finish off a great day. www.tropicalbirding.com +1-409-515-9110 [email protected] 10 Page
Tropical Birding Trip Report Australia Photo Journey: August - September 2017
DAY FOUR (24th August):
Daintree River Cruise; This morning we were booked on a 7.00am Daintree River Cruise with one of the best around, Murray Hunt the Daintree River Boatman. This incredible boat trip is usually one of the highlights of this tour and Murray doesn’t usually disappoint. This morning wasn’t any different, only 10 minutes into the cruise we had a Great-billed Heron which is one of Australia’s most wanted birds walk right out into the open. Further down the river we found pairs of photogenic Shining Flycatchers, nesting Olive-backed Sunbirds and Large-billed Gerygone, Azure Kingfisher and another top target Little Kingfisher. This usually shy and tiny bird lived up to its reputation only giving us distant photo opportunities.
One of Australia’s most wanted birds, the Great-billed Heron.
After the cruise, we made our way back to the lodge for breakfast, Trish and Andrew at Red Mill House do a great breakfast, which we were all looking forward to. We did little more photography around the garden with Emerald Dove, Bar-shouldered Dove, Fairy Gerygone and Macleay’s Honeyeater all showing well.
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Tropical Birding Trip Report Australia Photo Journey: August - September 2017
It was now time to make a start towards our next hotel in Mareeba where we would be spending two nights. Along the way I spotted a Metallic Starling nesting tree, these great bird nest community and we were fortunate to find them busily starting to build their nests right in front of us.
The very shiny Metallic Starling showing off its beautiful feathers.
This afternoon we headed south toward Atherton; first stop was the magnificent Curtain Figtree. Here we photographed Pale-yellow Robin and had great views of Grey-headed Robin. The area around Lake Eacham produced Australian Brush-turkey, Orange-footed Scrub-fowl, Australian Figbird and the great looking Barred Cuckoo-shrike who posed for photos.
Last spot for the day was a river near Yungaburra to look for Platypus, after waiting at the hide for an hour without result we decided to wander down the river, after a little persistence the whole group got a view but photos would have to wait for another day.
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Tropical Birding Trip Report Australia Photo Journey: August - September 2017
DAY FIVE (25th August):
Lake Barrine; This morning the vote among the group was to try and photography Victoria’s Riflebird displaying, it was a little early in the season but decided to go anyway. We arrived at the lake and the Riflebirds favorite display pole on sunrise and waited, while waiting we photographed Spotted Catbird, Wompoo Fruit-dove, Yellow-spotted Honeyeater, Eastern Whipbird and Tooth-billed Bowerbird,. Finally at around 7.10am the male Victoria’s Riflebird flew in right to his favorite perch, a few moments later he put on one of the bird worlds best shows. He spread his wings and opened his mouth showing the bright yellow inside, what a show.
Just before his extravagant show the Victoria’s Riflebird looked down to make sure everyone was watching
Yungaburra (Again); Yesterday no one managed a photo of Platypus and it was something all of the guests wanted so back we went for a second try, we went straight back to where we had seen them the previous day there he was! It was now time for breakfast so we headed to the nearby Whistle Stop Café in Yungaburra for a very well-deserved coffee and hearty breakfast.
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Tropical Birding Trip Report Australia Photo Journey: August - September 2017
High on most peoples most wanted mammals while on tour the Platypus
Hastie’s Swamp; We arrived at Hastie’s mid morning, the flooded swamp was filled with life, we had Plumed Whistling-Ducks, Hardhead, Pink-eared Ducks, Australian Grebes, White-necked Heron, Pied Stilt, Australasian Swamphen and hundreds of Magpie Geese.
Nerada Tea Factory; It was now time to try for our next mammal and another very iconic one at that, the Lumholtz’s Tree Kangaroo. Arriving at one of the best places to see one and a lady walked over to me and said “There’s a tree Kangaroo over there” well that’s convenient. Not only was it close to the car, it was sitting right out in the open which rarely happens. Our luck didn’t end there when out the corner of my eye I spotted movement in the small line of Rainforest; I knew straight away it was a Boyd’s Forest Dragon. Again right out in the open, what a morning!
After a very successful morning we drove back into Atherton for some lunch, I have to recommend the Iced Coffees at Prior Preparations in Atherton as the guests raved about them.
Lake Mitchell; Our next spot after a late lunch was Lake Mitchell, this huge wetland is usually alive with birds. We arrived around 3.00pm and it was still very hot but we did manage nice photos of Magpie Goose, Comb-crested Jacana, Australasian Darter, Intermediate Egret and a distant view of Australia second largest bird of prey the White-bellied Sea Eagle. www.tropicalbirding.com +1-409-515-9110 [email protected] 14 Page
Tropical Birding Trip Report Australia Photo Journey: August - September 2017
The Lumholtz’s Tree Kangaroo just sat there posing for the cameras.
My favorite reptile in Far North Queensland, the Boyd’s Forest Dragon. www.tropicalbirding.com +1-409-515-9110 [email protected] 15 Page
Tropical Birding Trip Report Australia Photo Journey: August - September 2017
Mount Molloy; Next spot for the afternoon was a local school to visit a Great Bowerbird and his bower, this entertaining bird has set up home here in the school yard. Hopefully this guy was the first of many Bowerbirds to come on this trip.
Julateen; Our last spot for the day was a stunning patch of Rainforest near Julateen, we were loosing light fast but managed to find Grey Fantail, Spectacled Monarch, Silvereye, Yellow-faced Honeyeater and this stunning male Yellow-breasted Boatbill. Today was going to be a day that would be hard to beat on this trip.
A bird I have wanted to get eyelevel with for a very long time, the gorgeous Yellow-breasted Boatbill
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Tropical Birding Trip Report Australia Photo Journey: August - September 2017
DAY SIX (25th August):
Mount Hypipamee; This morning our main target was Golden Bowerbird, I was told he hasn’t been coming down to maintain his bower very much but we had to try. Arriving nice and early we photographed around the car park until the sun came up to give us some more light, first bird we found was a female Golden Bowerbird feeding on a tree about the path closely followed by our main target the spectacular male Golden Bowerbird not at his bower but he still posed for some nice photos.
We decided to go and check out his bower so into the Rainforest we went; sadly he hadn’t started to dress it up for the upcoming breeding season but still a sight to see. After 30 minutes at the bower I got a text message from George who was in the car park “Cassowary in the car park” so we packed up quickly and made our way back to the opening. We were met by a young Southern Cassowary who strutted around for some great photos, he was quite used to humans so allowed some very close photo opportunities. After 15 minutes of photographing him he vanished into the Rainforest, lucky for us there was a reason for it, a large fully-grown adult Southern Cassowary walked out of the forest and right over to us. What a super impressive bird, he was looking spectacular and huge.
While photographing the Cassowary we had a Wompoo Fruit-dove land above our heads and pose for photos, it was a bird all the participants had seen fly over so it was awesome to get a much better view.
The super colourful and huge Wompoo Fruit-dove www.tropicalbirding.com +1-409-515-9110 [email protected] 17 Page
Tropical Birding Trip Report Australia Photo Journey: August - September 2017
Finishing up in the car park we went out to look at the Crater, along the way we photographed Bower’s Shrike-thrush, Golden Whistler, Bridled Honeyeater and Silvereye. Along the trail we were also met by the young Cassowary again who gave a few of the guests a bit of a fright, heading back to the car park out of the corner of my eye I spot a huge figure in the thick rainforest, it was the beautiful adult Southern Cassowary standing in a small opening in the forest, it was an amazing photo opportunity if I had ever seen one.
Adult Southern Cassowary showing its pristine natural environment.
Leaving Mount Hypipamee it was time to head back to Cairns, everyone wanted to have the afternoon off to do some shopping and explore the city. We had one last stop for the day at the Botanic Gardens as I had a message from a friend telling me about a Papuan Frogmouth on a nest, this bird was one of the guests main targets so we weren’t going to miss out on seeing that. Arriving at the gardens we got straight onto and adult sitting quietly on its nest, in the same area we also had posing Laughing Kookaburra, Orange-footed Scrub-fowl, Olive-backed Sunbird and Double-eyed Fig-parrot.
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Tropical Birding Trip Report Australia Photo Journey: August - September 2017
DAY SEVEN (27th August):
Cairns to Brisbane; This morning we had an early flight to Brisbane, everything went smoothly and we arrived in Brisbane at 10am. We picked up the new hire vehicle, packed all the bags and started heading to our first spot nearby Mount Coot-tha to look for Powerful Owl, Australia’s largest Owl. Today we were extremely lucky with an adult sitting right out in the open with a freshly killed Flying Fox, making for some incredible photos.
We got super lucky with an adult Powerful Owl sitting right out in the open with prey.
After a great start, we headed West towards Goondiwindi and our hotel for the night, coming over the Great Dividing Range out of the corner of my eye I spotted a large furry mammal sitting quietly in a tree, Koala! He was sitting in a small tree that made for great photos, it was a mammal all of the guests had wanted to see so an exciting find.
Warick; Next spot for the afternoon was a city park near Warick, this spot can be awesome for parrots www.tropicalbirding.com +1-409-515-9110 [email protected] 19 Page
Tropical Birding Trip Report Australia Photo Journey: August - September 2017 and today wasn’t any different. First pair of parrots inspecting nest holes were Scaly-breasted Lorikeets, next we found a huge group of noisy Little Corellas feeding on the local sports field and not far from there we found an aduly Tawny Frogmouth sitting quietly in a roost tree. It didn’t stop there with a pair of Eastern Rosellas showing well and multiple pairs of Red-rumped Parrots sitting in the afternoon sun. Other birds in the area were Maned Duck, Great Cormorant, Welcome Swallows, Noisy Miner, Pacific Black Ducks and Galahs.
Koala one of the top mammal targets of the tour found just inland of Brisbane.
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Tropical Birding Trip Report Australia Photo Journey: August - September 2017
Just one of the nest holes we found these beautiful Scaly-breasted Lorikeet nesting
Last spot for the day was a little waterhole about half an hour out of Warick, here we were inundated with hoards of Honeyeaters, Yellow-tufted, White-naped, Fuscous, Yellow-faced, Brown-headed, Black-chinned and a couple of Noisy Friarbirds, that’s 7 species of Honeyeater in one spot, not a bad way to finish the day.
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Tropical Birding Trip Report Australia Photo Journey: August - September 2017
One of Australia’s best-looking Honeyeaters the Yellow-tufted Honeyeater.
DAY EIGHT (28th August):
Goondiwindi; this morning we spent the morning exploring Goondiwindi, we started the day at the local Botanic Gardens. Firsts birds we found were four Pale-headed Rosellas before we even got to the gardens. Once inside we found great numbers of Superb Fairywren’s, Variegated Fairywren’s, Spiny-cheeked Honeyeaters, White-plumbed Honeyeater and Yellow-rumped Thornbills all in the first 30 minutes. The other side of the gardens we found a single Plum-headed Finch, Apostlebirds, Grey-crowned Babbler, Red-winged Parrots and more Superb Fairywren’s. Next it was time for breakfast before our big drive inland to Cunnamulla and our home for the next two days.
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Tropical Birding Trip Report Australia Photo Journey: August - September 2017
The Superb Fairywren’s showed multiple times at the Goondiwindi Botanic Gardens.
Goondiwindi to Cunnamulla; The drive to Cunnamulla was long but broken up by a beautiful Bearded Dragon who posed in the morning sun and a stunning male Red-capped Robin, these little birds never disappoint and this guy was very photogenic. We also had huge numbers of Eastern Grey Kangaroos and Emu along the drive, not sure I have seen so many Emus on one stretch of road. We also found our first perched Wedge-tailed Eagle that didn’t want to stick around for photos and also our first Major Mitchell’s Cockatoo, always a favorite.
Cunnamulla; Arriving in Cunnamulla we headed straight into Bowra Station to pay our entry fee for the following day and find out where all the birds had been hanging out. In our brief afternoon visit we photographed a pair of uncommon Bourke’s Parrots, White-browed Woodswallows, Galahs, Black-tailed Native Hens, Red-kneed Dotterel, Black-fronted Dotterel, White-faced Heron and half a dozen Major Mitchell’s Cockatoos. For a travel day, we sure got some great photos, looking forward to what Bowra Station delivered tomorrow.
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Tropical Birding Trip Report Australia Photo Journey: August - September 2017
Always a crowd pleaser the Male Red-capped Robin.
One of the harder Parrots in Australia to photograph the Bourke’s Parrot www.tropicalbirding.com +1-409-515-9110 [email protected] 24 Page
Tropical Birding Trip Report Australia Photo Journey: August - September 2017
DAY NINE (29th August):
Bowra Station; An early morning into Bowra on sunrise, we headed to a small area we had found the previous morning and set up some nice perches over a small watering hole to see what came down for a drink. It didn’t take long and we had stunning Mulga Parrots perching in front of the cameras followed closely by White-plumed Honeyeaters, Striped Honeyeaters, Peaceful Doves, Crested Pigeons and the local Spotted Bowerbirds who all posed for some amazing photos in the early morning light. In the area, we also had Red-winged Parrots flying around our heads and Hooded & Red-capped Robins looking for breakfast.
One of the many Mulga Parrots who came into drink at our little water hole.
Next it was time to explore more of the property, we soon found a very flashy male Splendid Fairywren who performed well, Crested Bellbird and also a female Chestnut-breasted Quail-thrush.
Back near the Homestead Lake we found more amazing Major Mitchell’s Cockatoos, White-faced Heron, Grey Butcherbird and a nice Yellow-billed Spoonbill. Near the house itself we saw Brown Treecreeper, Emu and Chestnut-crowned Babblers. It was now time to head back into Cunnamulla for lunch. Along the way we flushed Greater Bluebonnets from the side of the road, these very shy parrots lived up to their names and stayed well away from our camera lenses. www.tropicalbirding.com +1-409-515-9110 [email protected] 25 Page
Tropical Birding Trip Report Australia Photo Journey: August - September 2017
Spotted Bowerbirds showed really well at our early morning water hole.
One of the main Mammal highlights on the trip, Short-beaked Echidna. www.tropicalbirding.com +1-409-515-9110 [email protected] 26 Page
Tropical Birding Trip Report Australia Photo Journey: August - September 2017
After lunch and rest at the hotel we headed back out to Bowra for the afternoon, arriving in Bowra we quicly got onto a family of White-winged Fairywrens the male being semi cooperative. Back towards the homestead one of the guests spotted “something” walking along the ground, I reversed the van up and in the open there was a Short-beaked Echidna, he stuck around so everyone got great photos of this very strange critter. In the same area we also found a Spotted Bowerbird Bower and a pair of Australian (Mallee) Ringnecks who posed for a couple of photos.
Next spot was a clearing we had visited briefly the previous day, as soon as we got out of the car we spotted some very uncommon Bourke’s Parrots feeding on the ground, this parrot is nocturnal and usually very difficult to photograph so I was extremely happy to get a shot before they flew away.
For last light everyone was really keen to sit at the Homestead Lake to photograph some of the Cockatoos coming in to drink so that’s were we headed, arriving we were greeted by four Major Mitchell Cockatoos feeding on the ground and having a drink. Other new birds in the area were Chestnut-crowned Babbler, Galah, Brown Treecreeper and Yellow-billed Spoonbill and huge numbers of Emu and Grey Kangaroos.
Australian (Mallee) Ringneck, which I think is one of the best coloured races. www.tropicalbirding.com +1-409-515-9110 [email protected] 27 Page
Tropical Birding Trip Report Australia Photo Journey: August - September 2017
Major Mitchell’s (Pink) Cockatoo, one of the most iconic Cockatoos in Australia.
DAY TEN (30th August):
Cunnamulla to Dalby; Today we had the biggest drive of the trip back towards the coast to Dalby, early in the morning in nice light we caught up with a male Emu closely followed by three small chicks. A little further down the road we found two adult Wedge-tailed Eagles perched out on the plains, we stopped the van and walked up slowly. Lucky for us one of them took off looking like he was going to fly away then all of a sudden did a big turn and felw right over our heads! Awesome.
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Tropical Birding Trip Report Australia Photo Journey: August - September 2017
The largest bird in Australia, the Emu followed closely by three little chicks
Later in the day we found a nicely perched Brown Falcon hanging out with two Major Mitchells Cockatoos, the Brown Falcon then flew over our heads giving the participants great flight photos. Last stop of the day before arriving in Dalby was a small water hole next to the road, arriving we had two Pretty-faced Wallabys pose for a couple of quick photos. Birds in the area were White-winged Choughs, Spotted Pardalote, Yellow-faced Honeyeater and a single White-eared Honeyeater.
We arrived into Dalby around 6pm and enjoyed a nice early night ready for the drive up to O’Reillys the following day.
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Tropical Birding Trip Report Australia Photo Journey: August - September 2017
The stars of our morning in Dalby were the Grey-crowned Babblers.
DAY ELEVEN (31st August):
Dalby; This morning we got up early and headed to Lake Broadwater Conservation Park near Dalby, we had a great morning with a family of Grey-crowned Babblers performing and also Red-winged Parrots, Striated Pardalote, Australian Magpie, Noisy Miner and the local Torresian Crows. We even found a pair of Little Lorikeets perch high in one of the Gum Trees, sadly not good for a photo but great to see.
Dalby to O’Reilly’s Plateau; The drive up to O’Reilly’s was slow and windy but along the way we found Whiptail (Pretty-faced) Wallaby posing out in the open and a sneaky Phesant Coucal. Arriving in O’Reilly’s around 3.30pm was great timing, everyone checked into their accommodation and we headed over to a local Satin Bowerbird Bower. Along with the Satin Bowerbird performing beautifully we were surrounded by all the friendly locals, these included White-browned Scrub-wren, Yellow-throated Scrubwren, Eastern Yellow Robin, Eastern Whipbird and the star of the show the male Regent Bowerbirds which were all looking spectacular and bright ready for the upcoming breeding season.
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Tropical Birding Trip Report Australia Photo Journey: August - September 2017
The Regent Bowerbirds always put on a show at O’Reilly’s Lodge.
The dapper looking Satin Bowerbird. www.tropicalbirding.com +1-409-515-9110 [email protected] 31 Page
Tropical Birding Trip Report Australia Photo Journey: August - September 2017
DAY TWELVE (1st September):
O’Reillys Rainforest Resort; Today we enjoyed the whole day exploring the wonderful grounds of O’Reilly’s Lodge and surrounding Lamington National Park and started the day at the scedulded bird feeding. Here all the wild birds are use to being fed and are so friendly they will eat out of your hand, its incredible that all these wild birds have learned that there is a free meal here every morning. On this morning, we had huge numbers of Regent Bowerbird, Satin Bowerbirds, Crimson Rosellas, King Parrots and Lewin’s Honeyeater’s turn up along with a few Pied Currawongs, Grey Shrike-thrushes, Yellow-throated Scrubwrens and White-browned Scrubwrens, this feeding is always a great chance to get up close and personal with some usually hard to see birds.
After a delicious breakfast, we went exploring the Rainforest, it was reasonably quite but we did manage views of three Alberts Lyrebirds, Eastern Yellow Robins and a small party of Logrunners.
Usually a skulky rainforest dwellwer, this female Logrunner came right in to say hello.
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Tropical Birding Trip Report Australia Photo Journey: August - September 2017
After the photogenic Logrunner, we went back over to see the Satin Bowerbird at this bower again, he was hugely entertaining and even posed for a few photos with blue objects we had collected for him.
The afternoon was spent around the lodge grounds where we improved many of our photos and enjoyed the serenity of the Rainforest, it’s such a beautiful place surrounded by incredible forest and birds. We photographed the local Red-necked Pademelons, Superb Fairywren, Red-browned Firetails, Lewins Honeyeaters. Right on sunset had a couple of Eastern Spinebills finally come down to eye level to show off in some incredible evening light, a great way to finish off another day at O’Reilly’s.
Eastern Spinebill posing in the evening light.
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Tropical Birding Trip Report Australia Photo Journey: August - September 2017
DAY THIRTEEN (2nd September):
O’Reillys Rainforest Resort to Hobart; this was our last morning at O’Reillys and mostly a travel day, but before we headed off to catch our midday flight to Tasmania we enjoyed the 6.45am bird feeding which we couldn’t miss. We enjoyed another great breakfast, packed the bags and off we went. At a quick stop along the way found a Square-tailed Kite nest, sadly only one of the adults was home and was sitting on the nest which didn’t allow very good photos but always a great bird to see.
Red-nacked Pademelons are a common sight around the lawns at O’Reilly’s lodge.
DAY FOURTEEN (3rd September):
Hobart; The whole group decided since the weather wasn’t the best that we would spend the whole day around Hobart, there was plenty to photograph within the city limits and had such a great day we didn’t get back to the hotel until dark.
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Tropical Birding Trip Report Australia Photo Journey: August - September 2017
First stop for the morning was a small park South of the city, here we photographed our first Tasmanian endemic the Yellow Wattlebird, we also had nesting Masked Lapwings on the lawn and New Holland Honeyeaters zipping around the treetops.
Mount Wellington; Once the light improved it was time to drive up Mount Wellington, first stop was Ferntree Gully. Here our target was Pink Robin and as soon as I stepped out of the car I could hear him calling. This stunning little bird was a real nightmare to photograph but after a lot of persistence everyone walked away with some keepers.
One of the tougher Robins to get a good photograph of, the stunning Pink Robin
Second stop half way up the mountain we found a stunning pair of Yellow-throated Honeyeaters and a pair of very photogenic Flame Robins. At the top of the mountain it was very windy so there wasn’t much chance of taking photos of birds but we all enjoyed the stunning views of the beautiful landscape.
After a delicious lunch, we ventured to a small local wetland just North of Hobart, it was brimming with life. We had Chestnut Teal, Hardhead, Tasmanian Native Hens, Eurasian Coots, Australasian Shovelers and huge numbers of rare Freckled Ducks all right in front of the bird hide. www.tropicalbirding.com +1-409-515-9110 [email protected] 35 Page
Tropical Birding Trip Report Australia Photo Journey: August - September 2017
This male Flame Robin posed for everyone up on Mount Wellington
A very hard to find duck, the Freckled Duck photographed just north of Hobart www.tropicalbirding.com +1-409-515-9110 [email protected] 36 Page
Tropical Birding Trip Report Australia Photo Journey: August - September 2017
Last spot for the day was the waterworks near Hobart, arriving at the car park it was all very quiet. We wandered down to the edge of the water and all of a sudden were surrounded by birds. First we found a pair of endemic Dusky Robins, followed closely by a pair of Scarlet Robins which was the last Robin we needed to photograph in Tasmasia. We also photographed Green Rosella, Crescent Honeyeater and Grey Currawong, what an awesome spot. Just before sunset we went for a drive to see what mammals were out and about, we found a very furry Echidna and two Tasmanian Pademelons.
A very photogenic Grey (Clinking) Currawong, which has a spectacular call.
DAY FIFTEEN (4th September):
Hobart to Bruny Island; Our last day in Tasmania lead us to one of Australias best places for birds, Bruny Island. We left the hotel nice and early to make sure we were on the first ferry leaving at 6.30am. Arriving on the island everyone was keen to go and follow up a sighting of albino Bennetts Wallaby’s who had been hangng around. We arrived around 7.30am and checked the first road with no luck; there were lots of Wallabies but no pure white ones, next road and bingo! There it was, the www.tropicalbirding.com +1-409-515-9110 [email protected] 37 Page
Tropical Birding Trip Report Australia Photo Journey: August - September 2017 ghostly figure of a pure white Bennett’s Wallaby feeding with some normal grey ones. A little bit of a walk across a field and we came face to face with it, such a spectacular creature.
The mythical looking albino Bennett’s Wallaby on Bruny Island.
Adventure Bay; after finding the wallaby it was time to get back to the birds, first we got our lens fixed onto a huge Pacific Gull posing on the beach followed by a very abliging pair of Hooded Plovers. Further down the beach we found New Hollands Honeyeaters, Australian Pied Oystercatcher, Sooty Oystercatchers, Dusky Robin, Scarlet Robin, Flame Robin, Yellow Wattlebird and Tasmanian Native Hens. Lunch was next and where else to eat on Bruny Island than Get Shucked which serve some of the freshest Oysters around, after a delicious lunch we walked back out into the carpark only to have a pair of Green Rosella pose for us just off the ground.
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Tropical Birding Trip Report Australia Photo Journey: August - September 2017
It was now time to start making our way North to look for one of our main targets the rare and endangered Forty Spotted Pardalote. The drive north gave us reasonable views of Beautiful Firetail and both Sooty and Australian Pied Oystercatchers.
Checking the first spot for the Pardalotes we had no luck but as soon as I got out of the car I could hear them, with a little bit of patience they came right down to eye-level! What a bird to finish the trip on. It was now time to head back to Hobart, everyone had early morning flights so they all wanted to get back at a reasonable hour.
DAY SIXTEEN (5th September):
Depart Hobart.
We found these Green Rosellas in the carpark of our lunch venue. www.tropicalbirding.com +1-409-515-9110 [email protected] 39 Page
Tropical Birding Trip Report Australia Photo Journey: August - September 2017
One of the main targets when visiting Tasmania, the rare Forty-spotted Pardalote
Bird List:
(Using Clements/e-Bird version 6.9, August 2014).
CASUARIIFORMES: Casuariidae Southern Cassowary Casuarius casuarius Emu Dromaius novaehollandiae
ANSERIFORMES: Anseranatidae Magpie Goose Anseranas semipalmata
ANSERIFORMES: Anatidae Plumed Whistling-Duck Dendrocygna eytoni Freckled Duck Stictonetta Naevosa Radjah Shelduck Tadorna radjah Green Pygmy-Goose Nettapus pulchellus Maned Duck Chenonetta jubata Mallard Anas platyrhynchos Pacific Black Duck Anas superciliosa www.tropicalbirding.com +1-409-515-9110 [email protected] 40 Page
Tropical Birding Trip Report Australia Photo Journey: August - September 2017
Australian Shoveler Anas rhynchotis Gray Teal Anas gracilis Chestnut Teal Anas castanea Pink-eared Duck Malacorhynchus membranaceus White-eyed Duck Aythya australis
GALLIFORMES: Megapodiidae Australian Brushturkey Alectura lathami Orange-footed Scrubfowl Megapodius reinwardt
PODICIPEDIFORMES: Podicipedidae Australasian Grebe Tachybaptus novaehollandiae Hoary-headed Grebe Poliocephalus poliocephalus Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus
CICONIIFORMES: Ciconiidae Black-necked Stork Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus
SULIFORMES: Fregatidae Great Frigatebird
SULIFORMES: Sulidae Brown Booby Sula leucogaster
SULIFORMES: Phalacrocoracidae Little Pied Cormorant Microcarbo melanoleucos Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo Little Black Cormorant Phalacrocorax sulcirostris Pied Cormorant Phalacrocorax varius Black-faced Cormorant Phalacrocorax fuscescens
SULIFORMES: Anhingidae Australasian Darter Anhinga novaehollandiae
PELECANIFORMES: Pelecanidae Australian Pelican Pelecanus conspicillatus
PELECANIFORMES: Ardeidae Pacific Heron A rdea pacifica Great-billed Heron Ardea sumatrana Great Egret Ardea alba Intermediate Egret Mesophoyx intermedia White-faced Heron Egretta novaehollandiae www.tropicalbirding.com +1-409-515-9110 [email protected] 41 Page
Tropical Birding Trip Report Australia Photo Journey: August - September 2017
Little Egret Egretta garzetta Pacific Reef-Heron Egretta sacra Striated Heron Bubulcus striata Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis Rufous Night-Heron Nycticorax caledonicus
PELECANIFORMES: Threskiornithidae Australian Ibis Threskiornis moluccus Straw-necked Ibis Threskiornis spinicollis Royal Spoonbill Platalea regia Yellow-billed Spoonbill Platalea flavipes
ACCIPITRIFORMES: Pandionidae Osprey Pandion haliaetus
ACCIPITRIFORMES: Accipitridae Square-tailed Kite Lophoictinia isura Pacific Baza Aviceda subcristata Wedge-tailed Eagle Aquila audax Swamp Harrier Circus approximans Gray Goshawk Accipiter novaehollandiae Brown Goshawk Accipiter fasciatus Collared Sparrowhawk Accipiter cirrocephalus Black Kite Milvus migrans Whistling Kite Haliastur sphenurus White-bellied Sea-Eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster
GRUIFORMES: Rallidae Australasian Swamphen Porphyrio melanotus Dusky Moorhen Gallinula tenebrosa Black-tailed Native-hen Tribonyx ventralis Tasmanian Native-hen Tribonyx mortierii Eurasian Coot Fulica atra
GRUIFORMES: Gruidae Sarus Crane Antigone antigone Brolga Antigone rubicunda
CHARADRIIFORMES: Burhinidae Bush Thick-knee Burhinus grallarius Beach Thick-knee Esacus magnirostris
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Tropical Birding Trip Report Australia Photo Journey: August - September 2017
CHARADRIIFORMES:Recurvirostridae Pied Stilt Himantopus leucocephalus
CHARADRIIFORMES: Haematopodidae Pied Oystercatcher Haemato pus longirostris Sooty Oystercatcher Haematopus fuliginosus
CHARADRIIFORMES: Charadriidae Masked Lapwing Vanellus miles Red-kneed Dotterel Erythrogonys cinctus Hooded Plover Thinornis cucullatus Black-fronted Dotterel Elseyornis melanops
CHAR ADRIIFORMES: Jacanidae Comb-crested Jacana Irediparra gallinacea
CHARADRIIFORMES: Scolopacidae Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus Far Eastern Curlew Numenius madagascariensis Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres Lathams Snipe Gallinago hardwickii
CHARADRIIFORMES: Laridae Silver Gull Chroicocephalus novaehollandiae Pacific Gull Larus pacificus Kelp Gull Larus dominicanus Brown Noddy Anous stolidus Sooty Tern Onychoprion fuscatus Gull-billed Tern Gelochelidon nilotica Great Crested Tern Thalasseus bergii
COLUMBIFORMES: Columbidae Rock Pigeon Columba livia Spotted Dove Streptopelia chinensis Brown Cuckoo-Dove Macropygia phasianella Pacific Emerald Dove Chalcophaps longirostris Common Bronzewing Phaps chalcoptera Crested Pigeon Ocyphaps lophotes Squatter Pigeon Geophaps scripta Peaceful Dove Geopelia placida Bar-shouldered Dove Geopelia humeralis Wompoo Fruit-Dove Ptilinopus magnificus Rose-crowned Fruit-Dove Ptilinopus regina www.tropicalbirding.com +1-409-515-9110 [email protected] 43 Page
Tropical Birding Trip Report Australia Photo Journey: August - September 2017
Torresian Imperial-Pigeon Ducula spilorrhoa Topknot Pigeon Lopholaimus antarcticus
CUCULIFORMES: Cuculidae Pheasant Coucal Centropus phasianinus Little Bronze-Cuckoo Chrysococcyx minutillus Brush Cuckoo Cacomantis variolosus
STRIGIFORMES: Strigidae Rufous Owl Ninox rufa Powerful Owl Ninox strenua
SWIFTS: Apodidae Australian Swift Aerodramus terraereginae
CAPRIMULGIFORMES: Podargidae Tawny Frogmouth Podargus strigoides Papuan Frogmouth Podargus papuensis
CORACIIFORMES: Alcedinidae Azure Kingfisher Ceyx azureus Little Kingfisher Ceyx pusillus Laughing Kookaburra Dacelo novaeguineae Blue-winged Kookaburra Dacelo leachii Forest Kingfisher Todiramphus macleayii Sacred Kingfisher Todiramphus sanctus
CORACIIFORMES: Meropidae Rainbow Bee-eater Merops ornatus
FALCONIFORMES: Falconidae Australian Kestrel Falco cenchroides Brown Falcon Falco berigora Australian Hobby Falco longipennis
PSITTACIFORMES: Cacatuidae Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo Calyptorhynchus banksii Pink Cockatoo Lophochroa leadbeateri Galah Eolophus roseicapilla Little Corella Cacatua sanguinea Sulphur-crested Cockatoo Cacatua galerita Cockatiel Nymphicus hollandicus
PSITTACIFORMES: Psittaculidae Australian King-Parrot Alisterus scapularis www.tropicalbirding.com +1-409-515-9110 [email protected] 44 Page
Tropical Birding Trip Report Australia Photo Journey: August - September 2017
Red-winged Parrot Aprosmictus erythropterus Bourke's Parrot Neophema bourkii Australian Ringneck Barnardius zonarius Green Rosella Platycercus caledonicus Crimson Rosella Platycercus elegans Eastern Rosella Platycercus eximius Pale-headed Rosella Platycercus adscitus Greater Bluebonnet Northiella haematogaster Red-rumped Parrot Psephotus haematonotus Mulga Parrot Psephotus varius Double-eyed Fig-Parrot Cyclopsitta diophthalma Musk Lorikeet Glossopsitta concinna Little Lorikeet Glossopsitta pusilla Rainbow Lorikeet Trichoglossus haematodus Scaly-breasted Lorikeet Trichoglossus chlorolepidotus
PASSERIFORMES: Menuridae Albert's Lyrebird Menura alberti
PASSERIFORMES: Ptilonorhynchidae Spotted Catbird Ailuroedus maculosus Green Catbird Ailuroedus crassirostris Tooth-billed Catbird Scenopoeetes dentirostris Golden Bowerbird Amblyornis newtoniana Regent Bowerbird Sericulus chrysocephalus Satin Bowerbird Ptilonorhynchus violaceus Spotted Bowerbird Chlamydera maculata Great Bowerbird Chlamydera nuchalis
PASSERIFORMES: Climacteridae Brown Treecreeper Climacteris picumnus
PASSERIFORMES: Maluridae Variegated Fairywren Malurus lamberti Lovely Fairywren Malurus amabilis Splendid Fairywren Malurus splendens Superb Fairywren Malurus cyaneus White-winged Fairywren Malurus leucopterus
PAS SERIFORMES: Meliphagidae Eastern Spinebill Acanthorhynchus tenuirostris Yellow-spotted Honeyeater Meliphaga notata Lewin's Honeyeater Meliphaga lewinii www.tropicalbirding.com +1-409-515-9110 [email protected] 45 Page
Tropical Birding Trip Report Australia Photo Journey: August - September 2017
Yellow Honeyeater Stomiopera flava Yellow-faced Honeyeater Caligavis chrysops Yellow-tufted Honeyeater Lichenostomus melanops Bell Miner Manorina melanophrys Noisy Miner Manorina melanocephala Bridled Honeyeater Bolemoreus frenatus Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater Acanthagenys rufogularis Yellow Wattlebird Anthochaera paradoxa Varied Honeyeater Gavicalis versicolor Singing Honeyeater Gavicalis virescens White-plumed Honeyeater Ptilotula penicillata Brown-backed Honeyeater Ramsayornis modestus Fuscous Honeyeater Ptilotula fusca Dusky Myzomela Myzomela obscura Scarlet Myzomela Myzomela sanguinolenta Brown Honeyeater Lichmera indistincta Crescent Honeyeater Phylidonyris pyrrhopterus New Holland Honeyeater Phylidonyris novaehollandiae White-eared Honeyeater Nesoptilotis leucotis Yellow-throated Honeyeater Nesoptilotis flavicollis Blue-faced Honeyeater Entomyzon cyanotis White-naped Honeyeater Melithreptus lunatus Black-headed Honeyeater Melithreptus affinis Brown-headed Honeyeater Melithreptus brevirostris Black-chinned Honeyeater Melithreptus gularis Macleay's Honeyeater Xanthotis macleayanus Striped Honeyeater Plectorhyncha lanceolata Little Friarbird Philemon citreogularis Helmeted Friarbird Philemon buceroides Noisy Friarbird Philemon corniculatus White-throated Honeyeater Melithreptus albogularis
PASSERIFORMES: Pardalotidae Spotted Pardalote Pardalotus punctatus Forty-spotted Pardalote Pardalotus quadragintus Striated Pardalote Pardalotus striatus
PASSERIFORMES: Acanthizidae
Yellow-throated Scrubwren Sericornis citreogularis White-browed Scrubwren Sericornis frontalis Tasmanian Scrubwren Sericornis humilis Large-billed Scrubwren Sericornis magnirostra Brown Thornbill Acanthiza pusilla www.tropicalbirding.com +1-409-515-9110 [email protected] 46 Page
Tropical Birding Trip Report Australia Photo Journey: August - September 2017
Yellow-rumped Thornbill Acanthiza chrysorrhoa Weebill Smicrornis brevirostris Fairy Gerygone Gerygone palpebrosa Buff-rumped Thornbill Acanthiza reguloides
PASSERIFORMES: Pomatostomidae Gray-crowned Babbler Pomatostomus temporalis White-browed Babbler Pomatostomus superciliosus Chestnut-crowned Babbler Pomatostomus ruficeps
PASSERIFORMES: Orthonychidae Australian Logrunner O rthonyx temminckii
P ASSERIFORMES:Psophodidae Eastern Whipbird Psophodes olivaceus
PASSERIFORMES: Cinclosomatidae Chestnut-breasted Quail-thrush Cinclosoma castaneothorax
PASSERIFORMES:Machaerirhynchidae Yellow-breasted Boatbill Machaerirhy nchus flaviventer
PASSERIFORMES: Artamidae White-breasted Woodswallow Artamus leucorynchus White-browed Woodswallow Artamus superciliosus Black-faced Woodswallow Artamus cinereus Little Woodswallow Artamus minor
PASSERIFORMES: Cracticidae Gray Butcherbird Cracticus torquatus Pied Butcherbird Cracticus nigrogularis Black Butcherbird Cracticus quoyi Australian Magpie Gymnorhina tibicen Pied Currawong Strepera graculina Black Currawong Strepera fuliginosa Gray Currawong Strepera versicolor
PASSERIFORMES: Campephagidae Barred Cuckooshrike Coracina lineata Black-faced Cuckooshrike Coracina novaehollandiae White-bellied Cuckooshrike Coracina papuensis White-winged Triller Lalage tricolor
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Tropical Birding Trip Report Australia Photo Journey: August - September 2017
PASSERIFORMES: Pachycephalidae
Gray Shrikethrush Colluricincla harmonica Bower's Shrikethrush Colluricincla boweri Olive Whistler Pachycephala olivacea Golden Whistler Pachycephala pectoralis Rufous Whistler Pachycephala rufiventris Little Shrikethrush Colluricincla megarhyncha
PASSERIFORMES: Oreoicidae Crested Bellbird Oreoica gutturalis
PASSERIFORMES: Oriolidae Green Oriole Oriolus flavocinctus Australasian Figbird Sphecotheres vieilloti
PASSERIFORMES: Dicruridae Spangled Drongo Dicrurus bracteatus
PASSERIFORMES: Rhipiduridae Willie-wagtail Rhipidura leucophrys Rufous Fantail Rhipidura rufifrons Gray Fantail Rhipidura albiscapa
PASSERIFORMES: Monarchidae Black-faced Monarch Monarcha melanopsis Spectacled Monarch Symposiachrus trivirgatus Magpie-lark Grallina cyanoleuca Leaden Flycatcher Myiagra rubecula Restless Flycatcher Myiagra inquieta
PASSERIFORMES: Corvidae Torresian Crow Corvus orru Little Crow Corvus bennetti Australian Raven Corvus coronoides Forest Raven Corvus tasmanicus
PASSERIFORMES: Corcoracidae White-winged Chough Corcorax melanorhamphos Apostlebird Struthidea cinerea
PASSERIFORMES: Paradisaeidae Victoria's Riflebird Ptiloris victoriae www.tropicalbirding.com +1-409-515-9110 [email protected] 48 Page
Tropical Birding Trip Report Australia Photo Journey: August - September 2017
PASSERIFORMES: Petroicidae Jacky-winter Microeca fascinans Scarlet Robin Petroica boodang Red-capped Robin Petroica goodenovii Flame Robin Petroica phoenicea Pink Robin Petroica rodinogaster Hooded Robin Melanodryas cucullata Dusky Robin Melanodryas vittata Pale-yellow Robin Tregellasia capito Eastern Yellow Robin Eopsaltria australis Gray-headed Robin Heteromyias cinereifrons
PASSERIFORMES: Hirundinidae Welcome Swallow Hirundo neoxena Fairy Martin Petrochelidon ariel Tree Martin Petrochelidon nigricans White-backed Swallow Cheramoeca luecosterna
PASSERIFORMES:Acrocephalidae Australian Reed-Warbler Acrocephalus australis
PASSERIFORMES: Zosteropidae Silver-eye Zosterops lateralis
PASSERIFORMES: Turdidae Bassian Thrush Zoothera lunulata Eurasian Blackbird Turdus merula
PASSERIFORMES: Sturnidae Metallic Starling Aplonis metallica European Starling Sturnus vulgaris Common Myna Acridotheres tristis
PASSERIFORMES: Dicaeidae Mistletoebird Dicaeum hirundinaceum
PASSERIFORMES: Nectariniidae Olive-backed Sunbird Cinnyris jugularis
PASSERI FORMES: Motacillidae Australasian Pipit Anthus novaeseelandiae
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Tropical Birding Trip Report Australia Photo Journey: August - September 2017
PASSERIFORMES: Fringilidae European Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis
PASSERIFORMES: Estrildidae Beautiful Firetail Stagonopleura bella Red-browed Firetail Neochmia temporalis Plum-headed Finch Neochmia modesta Zebra Finch Taeniopygia guttata Double-barred Finch Taeniopygia bichenovii Chestnut-breasted Munia Lonchura castaneothorax
Mammal List:
ECHIDNA: Tachyglossidae
Short-beaked Echidna Tachyglossus aculeatus
PLATYPUS: Ornithorhynchidae
Platyus Ornithorhynchus anatinus
BANDICOOTS: Peramelidae
Northern Brown Bandicoot Isoodon macrourus
KOALA: Phascolarctidae
Koala Phascolarctos cinereus
KANGAROOS, WALLABIES AND TREE-KANGAROOS: Macropodidae
Lumholtz's Tree Kangaroo Dendrolagus lumholtzi
Agile Wallaby Macropus agilis
Whiptail Wallaby Macropus parryi
Eastern Grey Kangaroo Macropus giganteus
Red Kangaroo Macropus rufus
Euro (Common Wallaroo) Macropus robustus
Red-necked Wallaby Macropus rufogriseus
Mareeba Rock Wallaby Petrogale mareeba
Rufous-bellied (Tasmanian) Pademelon Thylogale billardierii
Red-legged Pademelon Thylogale stigmatica www.tropicalbirding.com +1-409-515-9110 [email protected] 50 Page
Tropical Birding Trip Report Australia Photo Journey: August - September 2017
FRUIT BATS: Pteropodidae
Spectacled Flying-fox Pteropus conspicillatus
PIGS: Suidae
Ferel Pig Sus Scrofa
RABBITS AND HARES: Leporidae
European Hare Lepus europaeus
European Rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus
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