Weather

No rain in the gauge. Clear and sunny early with clouds increasing. Variable breeze, early Northerly but later from South, gusty, 15-20 knots. Track slightly damp. No standing water and mud almost dry. Water level down about 150 mm. Moon First Quarter – 2 days

Wildlife Report

I took my first photos before leaving home as Green “Christmas Beetles” were foraging in the small Bottle Brush flowers in our front garden. This was just as well as on the Patrol the only beetles seen were in the tree tops and inaccessible.
At the bottom of Penda Street the Red Roarer Cicadas were extremely noisy so I detoured to some of the gum trees just up the hill and snapped a couple.
My first sighting at Allumbah Pocket was a Lumholtz’s Tree Kangaroo, well concealed in the foliage of the tree just downstream of the Picnic Shelter. By climbing part of the way down the bank I was able to get quite a good view of her face. I was also also able to introduce her to a couple of local Dachshund owners.
While walking across the Suspension Bridge I took photos of three very small Saw-shelled Turtles.
In the tree to the right of the Bridge at the far bank a Possum was again roosting high in the foliage making photography impossible.
In a large tree at the South end of Horseshoe Rocks another female Tree Kangaroo was reclining on a branch only about 7 metres above the ground and providing an unobstructed view. A group of escorted tourists then arrived on the scene so I left their guide to do his thing!
At the Upper Level I took a couple of shots of a colourful male Eastern Water Dragon.
The Cicadas were beginning to thin out but I came upon a fine Red Roarer on the trunk of one of the Gums along the fence line and took some close up shots.
Nothing then until The Log Jam where a couple were watching a Platypus. I joined them and also told them where to find the Tree Roos.
Not a single Green Ringtail Possum along the Overhanging Bushes today but I got another shot of the Fairy Gerygone in her nest.
Near the tip of Picnic Peninsula I photographed a swimming Turtle in the absence of anything else.
While crossing the Highway Bridge I took a shot of a very small Eastern Water Dragon.
The Bush Stone-curlews seem to be settling in to Nick’s Camping Area so I wandered across and took a few snaps in spite of rather testing back lighting.
At the entrance to the walkway through to Bunya Street there is a River Oak with a very large clump of Mistletoe which I have checked out many times without seeing much. Today I was rewarded by the sighting of a Green Ringtail Possum which made my day.
Along Bunya Street a Laughing Kookaburra was photographed although he failed to give me a chorus to video.

Christmas Beetle. Phyllotocus macleayi

Red Roarer Cicada. Psaltoda aurora

Lumholtz’s Tree Kangaroo. Dendrolagus lumholtzi

Saw-shelled Turtle. Elseya latisternum

Eastern Water Dragon. Physignathus lesueurii

Platypus. Ornithorhynchus anatinus

Fairy Gerygone. Gerygone palpebrosa female in nest

Bush Stone-curlew

Green Ringtail Possum. Pseudochirops archeri

Laughing Kookaburra. Dacelo novaeguineae

Weather

No rain. Bright and sunny with hardly a cloud in the sky. Cool SW breeze 10 knots. Track damp. Puddles and mud drying up rapidly. Water level fallen 100 mm. New Moon + 2 days.

Wildlife Report

Started a little later today after trimming grass edges prior to mowing.
In the trees to the right of the entrance to Allumbah Pocket I spotted a well concealed Green Ringtail Possum high in the canopy. It appeared somewhat bulky and below the animals tail which is reaching out to a neighbouring branch is what looks to me like a very small tail hanging out of a pouch. Only time will tell.
As I crossed Lloyd’s Suspension Bridge a Spangled Drongo was making a lot of noise but was too distant for a good photo.
In the tree downstream of the Bridge supports, another Green Ringtail was in the same spot as on my last visit but even better concealed and I was quite unable to get a decent image.
I next located the bird’s nest seen last time and almost immediately heard a Catbird squawking behind me. Turning round I located it in a nearby tree and it appeared to be calling in spite of a large beak full of what looked more like food than building material.
I was able to show it to a passing Granny who was having great difficulty in locating her grandchildren who appeared to have vanished.
In the flowering Syzygium tree near Snodgrass’s Pool “Christmas” beetles could be heard buzzing and I did manage to get a rather distant shot. Several Honeyeaters were also present but too busy to be photographed and a few North Queensland Day Moths were also present.
At the Upper Level rocks an Eastern Water Dragon was posing for me.
I was looking out for Cicadas which were again very noisy but instead sighted a small but colourful beetle which I believe is an Eight Spotted Leaf Beetle.
At The Log Jam two Saw-shelled Turtles of considerably different sizes were occupying adjoining logs.
While leaving the Peninsula a White-bellied Cuckooshrike flew into a tree ahead of me and I as soon as I turned from photographing it I saw a Bar-shouldered Dove which appeared to be sitting on a typical ramshackle nest.
The Mistletoe Clump near Platys Pool was still providing shelter for a Coppery Brushtail Possum which was again asleep.
Near No 3 of the Overhanging Bushes my regular Green Ringtail was in one of his alternate perches in the River Oak.
I crept up to the birds nest in Bush No 1 and was thrilled to find a female Fairy Gerygone in residence and presumably sitting on a clutch of eggs.
I walked another few metres and found yet another Green Ringtail in the Camphor Laurel tree which hangs over the Picnic Table. I have been checking this tree out of late since being told that GRPs had been seen there.
At the tip of the Peninsula a Macleay’s Honeyeater was busy in the flowers of another Syzygium tree.
The fifth Green Ringtail of the day, another male, was in the tree on the paddock side of the track next to the fence strainer on the corner.
A few metres further on I met an Indian family now resident in Melbourne who were so enthusiastic that I took them back to see all three of the nearby possums.
On the rocks under the Highway Bridge I photographed a juvenile Eastern Water Dragon. There seem to be a variety of different sized juvenile dragons resident in this corner who compete for sunbathing space and I never know which I am going to see.
At the Platypus Viewing Pool I was about to give up when I saw the bubble pattern indicating a Platypus below and it soon popped up for a few quick shots before vanishing again.
As I left the Car Park I was again seen off by a pair of Willie Wagtails who appeared to be protecting a couple of juveniles hiding in the Bamboo Clump.
My final sighting for today was a White-headed Pigeon which was in the tree often favoured by possums along the footpath to Bunya Street.

Green Ringtail Possum. Pseudochirops archeri

Spotted Catbird. Ailuroedus maculosus

“Christmas Beetle” Phyllotocus macleayi

Eastern Water Dragon. Physignathus lesueurii

Eight-spotted Leaf Beetle. Paropsisterna pustulata

Saw-shelled Turtle. Elseya latisternum

White-bellied Cuckooshrike. Coracina papuensis

Bar-shouldered Dove. Geopelia humeralis

Coppery Brushtail Possum. Trichosurus vulpecula

Fairy Gerygone. Gerygone palpebrosa. Female on nest

Macleay’s Honeyeater. Xanthotis macleayana

Platypus. Ornithorhynchus anatinus

Willie Wagtail. Rhipidura leucophrys

White-headed Pigeon. Columba leucomela

Weather

37 mm of rain in the gauge after heavy showers during the night. Heavy overcast but no sign of immediate showers on the BOM radar. Track wet with numerous puddles and water running down the path in a couple of places. Some areas of black sticky mud. Very little breeze. Water level risen about 50 mm. Cafe au lait water due to run off sediment. New Moon.

Wildlife Report

Weather looking very dismal early but by 0800 it had brightened up somewhat so I headed out carrying an umbrella just in case.
Saw nothing along Bunya Street or at Allumbah Pocket although I did note that Cicadas were very loud particularly downstream and it would have been quite difficult to hold a conversation.
As reached the other side of the Bridge I immediately spotted a Green Ringtail Possum in the tree just downstream of the main Bridge Support pole. It was fairly easy to see but surrounded by dense foliage and no further identification was possible.
I headed as usual towards the Picnic Shelter and almost immediately became aware of some activity in the canopy of a small tree on the Creek side of the track. A moderately large and robust bird appeared to be constructing a nest but working on the opposite side of the structure and I was reluctant to move around too much which might have frightened it away. I fired off a mass of images whenever I glimpsed the bird above the nest and although there are only flashes to be seen I have no doubt that it was a Spotted Catbird which I had no idea built nests in trees.
I will post a number of images with which you can make up your own minds.
On to the Picnic shelter where “Popeye” the male Green Ringtail Possum fixed his beady eyes upon me.
At the Middle Rocks I found two Eastern Water Dragons, both of which appeared to be male, sitting on adjoining rocks and staring each other out.
They were introduced to a couple with a child in a pushchair who were trying to find a Platypus.
Continuing on I noticed that the Cicada song was decreasing but kept my eye on the Grey Gum Trees alongside the track and soon spotted a Red Roarer Cicada although too far up the tree for a good photo.
I spotted nothing else of interest until Platys Pool where the Coppery Brushtail Possum was again in the Mistletoe Clump. He was sound asleep after a disturbed night so the photo is hardly spectacular.
Along the Overhanging Bushes the Green Ringtail was in his regular roost and was awake but also looking rather grumpy . Two ladies from Cairns were interested to see him.
Another hiatus until the Highway Bridge where the second Coppery Brushtail Possum was also sound asleep and refusing to be disturbed.
The Juvenile Easter Water Dragon was in a slightly different location under the bridge but provided a good photo.
The Bush Stone-curlews were in a slightly different location and looked as if they might have adopted an ornamental table as a Wedding Bower.

Green Ringtail Possum. Pseudochirops archeri

Spotted Cat Bird. Ailuroedus maculosus

Eastern Water Dragon. Physignathus lesueurii

Red Roarer Cicada. Psaltoda aurora

Coppery Brushtail Possum. Trichosurus vulpecula

Bush Stone-curlew. Burhinus grallarius

Weather

16 mm of rain inn he gauge. Clear blue sky with increasing cumulus clouds during course of Patrol. Light southerly breeze. Track damp with a few small muddy areas. Water level fallen about 100mm. Stepping stones still submerged. 1 day before New Moon.

Wildlife Report

Almost immediately after leaving home I spotted a flight of 7 or 8 large black and white birds soaring over the village. Through my x 12 lens I could see that they were Pelicans and I spent a few minutes trying to photograph them as the flew swiftly and were frequently obscured by the intervening treetops.
I found nothing of interest at Allumbah Pocket but as I crossed the suspension Bridge I saw a very small juvenile Saw-shelled Turtle on one of the rocks below.
At Snodgrass’s Pool one of the large Syzygium trees is flowering again after the heavy rain and numerous beetles could be heard buzzing in the canopy but were not close enough to photograph.
As I approached the Log Jam I spotted ripples emerging from the foliage overhanging the water. A Platypus soon emerged and continued to forage in the pool for several minutes presenting herself intermittently to have her picture taken. A local couple accompanied by their dogs were also enjoying the experience.
Several Turtles were also feeding in the vicinity and I got a snap of one as it surfaced.
In the mistletoe clump in a River Oak near Platys Pool a Coppery Brushtail Possum was again in residence and showing his little pink nose.
At the Overhanging Bushes I have several times recently seen a pair of Rails either landing in the flowering grasses or in the shorter grass at the edge of the track. Today I saw the pair fly into the paddock quite close to the fence so I waited for a few minutes and was rewarded by one of the birds emerging onto the track where I confirmed it to be a Buff-banded Rail.
This lead me along to the large River Oak close to No 2 Bush where the Green Ringtail Possum was also at home.
I checked out the birds nest close by and today I was lucky enough to see a small bird emerge and think that it was a Gerygone. I hope to identify it in the near future.
While crossing the Highway Bridge I said hello as usual to the resident Coppery Brushtail Possum and to the juvenile Eastern Water Dragon on the rocks below.
From the Car Park I was able to see one of the Bush Stone-curlews at Nick’s Camping Area and found him as usual surrounded by tastefully arranged artifacts while his partner was lying in the grass nearby.

Australian Pelican. Pelecanus conspicillatus

Saw-shelled Turtle. Elseya latisternum

Platypus. Ornithorhynchus anatinus

Coppery Brushtail Possum. Trichosurus vulpecula

Buff-banded Rail. Gallirallus philippensis

Green Ringtail Possum. Pseudochirops archeri

Eastern Water Dragon. Physignathus lesueurii

Bush Stone-curlew. Burhinus grallarius

Weather

81mm of rain in the gauge. Overcast. Light rain and drizzle throughout the morning. Light southerly breeze. Track damp with some puddles and muddy areas particularly at the base of Log Jam Peninsula and Platys Pool. Water level risen about 300 mm and Stepping Stones all submerged. Moon phase Last Quarter + 3

Wildlife Report

It was too wet to be worth chasing wildlife this morning but after lunch it seemed to have stopped raining and I decided to take an umbrella and give it a go.
Nothing was seen along Bunya Street but at Allumbah Pocket a Green Ringtail Possum was just visible in dense foliage of the tree low on the Creek bank just downstream of the Sheltered Picnic Table.
The high water level was obvious as I crossed the bridge and was unable to see the Stepping Stones.
I found nothing at The Other Side but as I walked down the edge of the Horseshoe Rocks I spotted a female Lumholtz’s Tree Kangaroo with her joey in a tree between the track and the Creek. They were easy to spot on a horizontal branch but surrounding foliage made photography difficult. While I was firing off a large number of images I met up with a visitor from East Gippsland, Victoria and a local couple with their dogs who were delighted to see the Roos.
I then saw very little until Log Jam Peninsula where an Eastern Yellow Robin perched in a nearby tree.
At the Overhanging Bushes another Green Ringtail Possum was on his regular perch in the River Oak and was also seen by my Victorian friend who had caught me up.
I photographed a Black Faced Monarch, probably a juvenile, along Stringers stretch.
At The Narrows we found a Platypus having some difficulty with the current as it foraged busily just below the Highway Bridge. It came very close to us when we were joined by a Kiwi family from Brisbane who shared my surname!
While crossing the Bridge I found the Coppery Brushtail Possum in residence and showed her to a group of young visitors from Melbourne. I also pointed them towards the Tree Roos.
On the rocks under the Bridge a juvenile Eastern Water Dragon was taking the air.
As I walked across the Car Park to see if any Bush Stone-curlews were around I was roundly scolded by a pair of Willie Wagtails who might have thought that I was going to disturb their hunting.
The Patrol was completed when I found the Green Ringtail Possum and her joey in the regular tree beside the pathway through to Bunya Street.

Green Ringtail Possum. Pseudochirops archeri

Lumholtz’s Tree Kangaroo. Dendrolagus lumholtzi

Eastern Yellow Robin. Eopsaltria australis

Black Faced Monarch. Monarcha melanopsis juvenile

Platypus. Ornithorhynchus anatinus

Coppery Brushtail Possum. Trichosurus vulpecula

Eastern Water Dragon. Physignathus lesueurii

Willie Wagtail. Rhipidura leucophrys

Weather

23 mm of rain in the gauge. Overcast with forecast showers. Occasional weak sun. Light variable breeze.. Track slightly damp. Water level remains low. Moon Last Quarter.

Wildlife Report

I start today by reporting the unusual visit of male Eastern Koel to our back yard. We have seen the female of the species on a number of occasions and often heard the characteristic call but this is the first time we have seen the male here.
I have also included images of a Cairns Birdwing laying eggs on our Aristolochia vine as it always inspires me to take more photos.
I started today’s Patrol just after 9 am after a leisurely breakfast and along Bunya Street I soon spotted the Bush Stone-curlews in the same spot although today the chicks could only just be seen underneath Mum.
I found nothing at Allumbah Pocket but as soon as I stepped onto the Suspension Bridge I saw a Platypus busy foraging between the Bridge and the Stepping Stones and managed to get a few shots,
After checking out The Other Side I returned to the waters edge and found the Platypus still in the vicinity but with no inclination to approach me. While doing this a Saw-shelled Turtle slipped off a rock as I approached and this was the only one I saw today.
On a rock nearby a Skink was enjoying what there was of the morning sun.
At the Horseshoe Rocks an Eastern Water Dragon was on the skyline rocks and another larger specimen was on the Middle Rocks.
I spotted ripples spreading from the far bank and soon located another Platypus which crossed the Creek and emerged in front of me at a distance of less than 2 metres. I was then entertained to 6 minutes of almost constant activity as the Platypus engaged in a comprehensive cleaning and scratching routine involving some quite extraordinary contortions and postures. Towards the end of this a family visiting relatives locally and accompanied by two large dogs arrived and enjoyed the spectacle.
The heavy rain during the night had caused a lot of damage to the blossoms of the Syzygium trees so there were few insects around although some of the nectar feeding birds were active including a Dusky Honeyeater.
I met up with two more semi local family groups, the second group appearing along the Overhanging Bushes where I was able to show them a Green Ringtail Possum which they had been seeking. During our chat the patriarch of the family told me that according to Parks and Wildlife there are seven Lumholtz’s Tree Kangaroos resident along this stretch of Petersons Creek. This estimated sound quite reasonable to me although the are of the Creek concerned was not clear and I am not aware of any surveys.
Nothing else was seen until the Highway Bridge where the Coppery Brushtail Possum was in residence in the bushes near the centre of the span and this completed activities for the day.

Eastern Koel. Eudynamys orientalis

Cairns Birdwing Butterfly. Ornithoptera priamus – female

Bush Stone-curlew. Burhinus grallarius

Platypus. Ornithorhynchus anatinus

Shade Skink. Saproscincus lewisi

Eastern Water Dragon. Physignathus lesueurii

Dusky Honeyeater. Myzomela indistincta

Green Ringtail Possum. Pseudochirops archeri

Coppery Brushtail Possum. Trichosurus vulpecula

Weather.

No rain. Bright sunny day with few scattered clouds. No breeze at this time. Track dry. Water level low. Moon Full + 5 days

Wildlife Report.

Started early again today and soon sighted one of the Bush Stone-curlew in the area between two of the Creek-side gardens. She was lying down and I thought I could see something protruding from her wing covers on either side. On editing the images two chick were revealed.
Nothing was seen at the entrance to Allumbah Pocket so in view of a reported injured Wallaby in the vicinity I made a route march to Frawley’s Pool. I saw no sign of it but I obtained a nice photo of a Golden Orb-weaver Spider almost blocking the track and had a distant sighting of a Forest Kingfisher diving into the Pool.
Returning to Allumbah Pocket I did a more thorough check and found that “Popeye” the Green Ringtail Possum was still in the tree next to the Suspension Bridge.
Nothing was around at The Other Side but a smart looking Eastern Water Dragon was showing off his profile on the Middle Rocks.
From Platypus Bend I could hear a Spotted Cat Bird calling from the far bank but was unable to see him.
In all of the flowering Syzygium Trees “Christmas” Beetles were very active but particularly in the tree near Full Tide Island where I took some photos. I was joined there by a family from the Gold Coast who promptly set off back to the Suspension Bridge when told of the GR Possum! (Dad had a large lens on his camera).
The Catbird was keeping pace with me along the Far Bank until I reached Log Jam Peninsula where he swooped down into the low bushes right in front of me but would not stay still. He was then abused by a Black-faced Monarch driving him up into a taller tree where I managed to get a few shots in one of which he was still calling.
Nothing was then seen until the Overhanging Bushes where the Green Ringtail was back in his foliage clump on the large River Oak.
At The Narrows I again spotted a female Lumholtz’s Tree Kangaroo with her well grown joey and they were being unusually cooperative. It was obviously morning wash and brush-up time and they took it in turns to groom themselves providing some interesting shots. At this point the Gold Coast Family caught up with me again and were able to enjoy the view.
A Pacific Black Duck swam nonchalantly past us as we stood at the water’s edge.
At the Viewing Platform I had a fleeting Glimpse of a Platypus at long range.
I also spotted a Bush Stone-curlew over at Nick’s Camping Area and went across to where he was standing happily surrounded by human accoutrements.
I finished by seeing the other family of Bush Stone-Curlews in the garden across the road from home.

Bush Stone-curlew. Burhinus grallarius

Golden Orb-weaver Spider. Nephila pilipes

Green Ringtail Possum. Pseudochirops archeri

Eastern Water Dragon. Physignathus lesueurii

“Christmas” Beetle. Phyllotocus macleayi

Spotted Catbird. Ailuroedus maculosus

Lumholtz’s Tree Kangaroo. Dendrolagus lumholtzi

Pacific Black Duck. Anas superciliosus

Weather

No rain. High cirrostratus cloud with watery sun. Cool southerly breeze. Track dry. Water level low. Full Moon +2.

Wildlife Report

Pleasantly cool this morning.
On the lookout for the Bush Stone-curlews seen on Sunday and soon found them only a few metres from their previous location. The two chicks were noticeably larger, much more obvious and accompanied by Mum. Dad was keeping a keen lookout close by.
Nothing was found at Allumbah Pocket this morning except a White- headed Pigeon near the covered Picnic Table.
As soon as I reached the other side however I spotted Green Ringtail Possums in two adjoining trees.
The first was in a tree very close to the North Suspension Pole of the bridge and was little more than a straight trunk with a number of short leafy branches which concealed a male Possum. I could only obtain a back view but his nose and whiskers can be seen at the bottom of the image.
A second male was in the same tree as last time which is much more substantial and was I think in the same spot. The picture is somewhat better than my previous effort.
The flowering trees around Snodgrass’s Pool were entertaining a small group of feeding Dusky Honeyeaters, one of which paused long enough for a snap.
A Laughing Kookaburra then flew into one of the Gums along the fence line and posed for a photo.
A few metres further on a Spectacled Fruit Bat gazed at me with mild interest from another of the of the blooming Syzygium Trees.
The tree near Full Tide Island was today full of “Christmas” Beetles which could be heard buzzing in the higher branches and there was a large choice of specimens on the lower flowers.
As I headed along Log Jam Peninsula an Eastern Yellow Robin perched on a sapling in front of me.
At The Log Jam the only Turtle present was taking a breath while perched on a submerged log.
From the upstream side of the Log Jam Peninsula I spotted a Platypus scavenging among the tree roots and then heading upstream.
I caught up with it again at the Overhanging Bushes after pausing to photograph the Coppery Brushtail Possum in the River Oak near Platys Pool.
At the tip of Picnic Peninsula I was joined by a family of locals who were entertained by a prolonged foraging display although unfortunately no close approaches.
No Tree Roos could be found today.
A juvenile Eastern Water Dragon was seen again under the Highway Bridge.

Bush Stone-curlew. Burhinus grallarius

White-headed Pigeon. Columba leucomela

Green Ringtail Possum. Pseudochirops archeri

Dusky Honeyeater. Myzomela obscura

Laughing Kookaburra. Dacelo novaeguineae

Spectacled Flying-fox. Pteropus conspicillatus

“Christmas” Beetle. Phyllotocus macleayi

Eastern Yellow Robin. Eopsaltria australis

Saw-shelled Turtle. Elseya latisternum

Platypus. Ornithorhynchus anatinus

Coppery Brushtail Possum. Trichosurus vulpecula

Eastern Water Dragon. Physignathus lesueurii

Weather

No rain in the gauge. Overcast with glimpses of blue sky and a few sunny periods. Light southerly breeze. Track dry. Water level low. Full Moon.

Wildlife Report.

Another early start to avoid the heat and keep the rest of the day clear for other activities like watching the Test Match.
Along Bunya Street spotted a Bush Stone-curlew lying recumbent in the gap between two of the Creekside gardens. It stood up when it saw me and I quickly took a few shots. It was not until I enhanced the image that I noticed a young chick or possibly two partly hidden in the grass near the feet of the adult!
Nothing was seen at Allumbah Pocket until I reached the tree next to the Suspension Bridge where “Popeye” the Green Ringtail Possum was in the same position as on my last visit. I went back and rechecked the regular Possum perches but still could see no sign of a female.
As I crossed the Bridge I noticed a Saw-shelled Turtle on the surface and anticipating that there would be few Turtles out of the water at this hour I took a couple of shots.
Again there was a blob in the Tree next to the bridge on The Other Side and although I obtain slightly better photos than last time they were sufficient only to confirm the species.
A Rufous shrike-thrush flew into a nearby bush and posed for a photo.
In the tree behind the shelter at The Other Side yet another male Green Ringtail Possum was seen. He was quite timid and moved several times to avoid my attention and I suspect that he may have moved in from outside my regular Patrol area.
An Eastern Water Dragon was on the skyline at Horseshoe Rocks but my pics were of poor quality as her nose was concealed by a twig and the light was challenging.
A much better result was obtained at Middle Rocks and another at the Upper Level.
Christmas Beetles were still present in the flowering tree near Flood Tide Island.
Predictably, nothing was seen at The Log Jam.
I always check out the row of River Oaks between Log Jam Peninsula and Platys Pool and in particular a large clump of mistletoe in the most Northerly tree. Today I was rewarded as a Coppery Brushtail Possum was in residence although the dense foliage made photos difficult.
At the Overhanging Bushes the resident Brush Tail Possum was again in the River Oak there. I also photographed another Turtle taking a breath.
At The Narrows a Lumholtz’s Tree Kangaroo was flaunting her tail in the trees on the far bank and her joey could be seen slightly lower in the tree.
While crossing Highway Bridge I took some shots of the Coppery Brushtail Possum in the bushes near the centre of the span. I think her joey is still with her but it is difficult to be sure.
A juvenile Easter Water Dragon was on the rocks below the bridge.
I anticipated being able to take some better photos of the Tree Roos from this side of the Creek but unfortunately they were too well concealed. You can’t win with all of them all the time!

Bush Stone-curlew. Burhinus grallarius

Green Ringtail Possum. Pseudochirops archeri

Saw-shelled Turtle. Elseya latisternum

Rufous Shrikethrush. Colluricincla megarhyncha

Eastern Water Dragon. Physignathus lesueurii

“Christmas Beetle”. Phyllotocus macleayi

Coppery Brushtail Possum. Trichosurus vulpecula

Lumholtz’s Tree Kangaroo. Dendrolagus lumholtzi

Weather

No rain. Sunny with increasing cumulus clouds. Light variable breeze. Track dry. Water level low. Full Moon on 19th Dec.

Wildlife Report

Another even earlier start as a lot to be done today.
Along Bunya Street I saw a Bush Stone-curlew in the Police compound. It’s mate was in the garden opposite and suffering an acute anxiety attack because I was walking along the street and preventing them from joining up!
At Allumbah Pocket “Popeye” the male Green Ringtail Possum was in the tree next to the Suspension Bridge and so close to the Bridge that he was almost in touching distance.
I figured that “Mrs Green” and her joey must be somewhere in the vicinity and as I reached The Other Side I spotted a blob of terrestrial mammal in the tree immediately to the right of the Bridge. I obtained a view which confirmed that it was a Green Ringtail but it was not possible to establish any further detail.
An Eastern Water Dragons was on the Horseshoe Rocks and a larger specimen at the Upper Level but he dived for cover before he could be photographed.
Along the next section of the track there were numerous spider’s webs shining brightly with the morning dew both in the short grass and in the branches of the Bottle Brushes.
In the flowering tree near Flood Tide Island I photographed a metallic green Beetle which I have now identified as one of the Scarabaeidae, subfamily
Melolonthinae, tribe Sericini, genus Phyllotocus, Sp. macleayi . As such it is not considered a Christmas Beetle as this term officially applies only to Anoplognathus, in the subfamily Rutelinae. I think that I will probably continue to follow local terminology!
Along Stringers Stretch a Platypus was very busy feeding but stayed unfortunately on the far side of the Creek which at that point is quite wide.
At The Narrows I met a group of photographers from Cairns who I sent off to see the Platypus with directions for seeing “Popeye”.
While crossing the Highway Bridge I again saw a juvenile Water Dragon on the rocks below.
At the Viewing Platform I immediately spotted a Platypus which was highly cooperative although at this point the wildlife is too far away for best quality images.
Crossing the Highway to the vacant lot I again saw a male Cairns Birdwing Butterfly and have reached the conclusion that the orange discolouration on his abdomen is not pollen but more likely that he is suffering from a serious fungal infection.
I also saw a pair of Macleay’s Honeyeaters in the branches of the Poinciana Tree.
Among the tall trees at the Creek end of the lot a Black-faced Monarch came to check me out.
In the garden across the road from home the two Bush Stone-curlews are still moping around.

Bush Stone-curlew. Burhinus grallarius

Green Ringtail Possum. Pseudochirops archeri

Eastern Water Dragon. Physignathus lesueurii

Spiders Webs on Bottle Brush bushes

Green Metallic Scarabaeidae Beetle. Phyllotocus macleayi

Platypus. Ornithorhynchus anatinus

Cairns Birdwing Butterfly. Ornithoptera priamus

Macleay’s Honeyeater. Xanthotis macleayana

Black-faced Monarch. Monarcha melanopsis