Sunday 11th October 2020. 0850-1005

Weather

No rain. Sunny with some scattered clouds. Light S-SE breeze. Track dry. Water level falling.

Post

On arrival at Allumbah Pocket spotted a “blob” in the trees to the right of the entrance. In spite of 10 minutes spent investigating from a variety of angles I was unable to identify this although review of the images are in favor of a mammal, probably a Ringtail Possum or possibly a small Tree Kangaroo.
While crossing Lloyd’s Suspension Bridge observed a small Saw-shelled Turtle on the flat rock close to the far bank.
Nothing was seen then until The Log Jam where a solitary Turtle was in residence. I believe it to be a Kreft’s Short-necked Turtle and photos were duly taken.
At Number 4 of the Overhanging Bushes I was delighted to see “Chocolate” the darkly pigmented Common Brushtail Possum who I haven’t seen since she vacated the Fig Tree near the Medical Centre.
Within a very short distance I located a Green Ringtail Possum on the branch of a River Oak behind Bush No 2, and another in the foliage of Bush No 1. All three Possums were introduced to a local couple with their dog and two other couples, one from Townsville.
At Nick’s Camping Area the regular pair of Bush Stone-curlews were in residence. The female was in the same spot as she was on my last visit so I suspect that she is sitting on eggs. The male was skulking under a nearby table but was induced to move to a more photogenic location.
While checking out the paddock next to the Medical Centre a small flock of Spangled Drongos were cavorting in a large silky Oak Tree

Saw-shelled Turtle. Elseya latisternum

This rock is often occupied by a large Turtle who occupies almost all of the space available.

Kreft’s Short-necked Turtle. Emydura kreftii

These Turtles are far less common here than the Saw-shelled. They have a smoother carapace, fewer nodules on the neck and yellowish streaks extending back from the eye and along the lower jaw.

Common Brushtail Possum. Trichosurus vulpecula

Very dark brown fur with almost black face and tail. Noted to be seen on the Tablelands but considered to be a colour variation rather than a different species.
Not sure who is doing the peeping here!

Green Ringtail Possum. Pseudochirops archeri

On branch of Casuarina. Note ticks on Rt ear.
Better view of face.
Hidden among the foliage. Ticks on the ear again.
That’s a better view

Bush Stone-curlew. Burhinus grallarius

Female probably incubating eggs.
Male standing guard.

Spangled Drongo. Dicrurus bracteatus

Tow of a small flock of Drongos in a Silky Oak Tree.

Shot of the Day

Decided to add this category as the last image is the one shown in the Facebook Short Cut