Saturday 12th February 2022. 0935 – 1105

Weather

No rain in the gauge. Scattered cloud with sunny periods. Light SE breeze. Track dry almost throughout. Water level has fallen slightly but still high. Moon Phase – First Quarter + 4 days.

Wildlife Report

Arriving at Allumbah Pocket I checked out the informal entrance and could see a Green Ringtail Possum but in an unfamiliar tree. Closer inspection revealed that this was “Popeye” a male Possum but I was unable to find any sign of “Mrs Green”.
Close by on the other side of the main entrance a Lumholtz’s Tree Kangaroo could be readily seen high in the canopy but I was unable to obtain a decent view of it’s face.
At this point a couple originating in Glasgow but now living in Townsville arrived on the scene and seemed somewhat amazed to be seeing the resident wildlife before they had actually entered the track! They joined me for the remainder of the patrol.
“Nosey” the other male GRP was back in his regular pitch close to the Suspension Bridge.
Crossing the bridge I observed that the water level is falling slowly but the Stepping Stones are still well submerged.
At The Other Side the Spotted Catbird could be seen sitting on the edge of her nest although somewhat obscured by the surrounding foliage.
No Water Dragons were seen on the Rocks and Turtles were also conspicuous by their absence.
At Snodgrass’s Pool “Whitespot”, one of the female GRPs, had moved to a previously used perch in the clump of Camphor Laurel trees next to the sign board.
A few Red Roarer Cicadas could be seen high on the trunks of the Grey Gum Trees but were too far away to photograph.
We saw nothing while approaching or at The Log Jam but on the upstream side of the Peninsula I noticed ripples emanating from the Bank. I suspected a Platypus but it turned out to be a large Saw-shelled Turtle foraging on the overhanging foliage.
At the base of the Peninsula the Golden Orb-weaver Spider was still minding her web.
At Platys Pool a small Eastern Water Dragon leapt into the water and ran on the surface for a couple of metres before submerging. This behaviour is often seen when they perceive our presence to be a threat.
A few White-headed Pigeons were observed but were too high to be photographed with any success.
Nothing else was seen until half way across the Highway Bridge where the Coppery Brushtail Possum was in her regular perch beside the walkway.
From the Car Park the silhouette of two Bush Stone-curlews could be seen at Nick’s Camping area so we approached until close enough to take some shots.
Continuing on to the Yungaburra side of the Creek we were disappointed to find no more Tree Roos and the Catbird was absent from it’s nest.
“Tatty” the second Coppery Brushtail Possum was in the Fig Tree, showing her nether regions and ignoring us completely. She gets her name from a torn and tatty left ear which is seldom seen.
The Bunya Street Curlew Family were today visiting the other side of the street but allowed us close enough to obtain some good photos.