Weather

No rain. Sunny with scattered cloud. Intermittent light breeze. Track slightly damp. Water level high but steady.

Wildlife Report

Thomas and I set off after lunch today and soon found a number of White-headed Pigeons in the trees along Bunya Street.
At Allumbah Pocket, no less than 3 Green Ringtail Possums were present. In the trees to the left of the entrance the female was well exposed apart from a few branches in just the wrong position to make photography difficult. Down the informal entrance near the Volunteer’s Storage Shed “Piratical Pete” was waking from his siesta which he demonstrated by a good scratch followed by an open mouthed yawn. “Popeye” was in the other side of the formal entrance but in deep shade.
A Black-faced Monarch came and posed for me in front of the Picnic Shelter.
While crossing Lloyd’s Bridge I met a couple, recently arrived on the tablelands and very interested in wildlife so they ambled along with me.
Nothing was seen at the Other Side but an Eastern Water Dragon was on Horseshoe Rocks and a Saw-shelled Turtle on the rocks in front of the Memorial Bench.
A Platypus then popped up in front of us although near the far bank and surfaced several times while moving slowly downstream.
I continued on my own photographing another Turtle at Snodgrass’s Pool and a pair of tiny Turtles at Platypus Bend.
On then to the Log Jam where more Turtles were on top of the concrete slab and my new friends caught me up.
No luck then until Stringers Stretch where a Platypus was already being watched at almost the same spot as No 2 from yesterday. His behaviour was essentially boring for several minutes and I took some long range shots while Thomas manged to get a good pat and had his ears tickled. The Platypus then climbed onto a log and gave a repeat performance although unfortunately further away and was observed by several couples passing along the walk.
I continued on photographing a Golden Orb-weaver near the Highway Bridge.
While crossing the bridge the local couple waved at me to cross the Highway where they had been smart enough to spot a female Lumholtz’s Tree Kangaroo with a joey in a tree on the creek bank of the vacant lot.
A good spot to complete the Patrol.

White-headed Pigeon. Columba leucomela

Green Ringtail Possum. Pseudochirops archeri

Black-faced Monarch. Monarcha melanopsis

Eastern Water Dragon. Physignathus lesueurii

Platypus. Ornithorhynchus anatinus

Saw-shelled Turtle. Elseya latisternum

Golden Orb-weaver Spider. ssp Nephilla

Lumholtz’s Tree Kangaroo. Dendrolagus lumholtzi

Weather

1 mm or rain. Sunny with scattered clouds. Some thundery clouds along the Eastern horizon. Light intermittent breeze. Track damp. Water level high, steady.

Wildlife Report

Left home alone after lunch and on arrival at Allumbah Pocket found one of the regular Green Ringtail Possums in the trees on the left of the entrance. No others that I could find.
Crossing Lloyd’s suspension bridge the Fruit Bats were again visible in the trees on the Village bank but quiet and inactive.
A Saw-shelled Turtle was on a rock near the Memorial Bench and an Eastern Water Dragon was poking it’s head up from the Horseshoe Rocks.
At the path to the Upper Level opposite Snodgrass’s Pool, “Scarface” the large Eastern Water Dragon was on his accustomed perch.
A row of Turtles were occupying the recently fallen tree in the Pool.
As I continued on towards Log Jam Peninsula a Rainbow Bee-eater flew ahead of me and I eventually got close enough to take a photo.
More Turtles were seen on the far bank and on top of the concrete slab at The Log Jam.
I stood for a couple of minutes before noticing ripples radiating from the bank on the upstream side of the Peninsula and a Platypus soon appeared. After a couple of dives however he set off upstream.
I caught up with him again at Platys Pool and watched while he completed a few dives. While doing this I photographed two more Turtles on the far bank and a Spangled Drongo preening after a quick dip in the creek. I have been surprised by the different birds which drink from the surface while on the wing or take a splash into the water.
The Platypus suddenly noticed me and did a crash dive before setting off upstream at high speed. I saw him again near the other fallen tree but lost him among the debris dammed up behind it so I crossed to the other side of Picnic Peninsula where a group of people were Platypus watching.
A different animal was diving repeatedly on the far side of Stringers Stretch so I sat and waited to see if he would come any closer.
After a few minutes the other viewers moved away to observe number 1 Platypus who had arrived at the tip of the Peninsula. Number 2 decided that the time had come for his morning ablutions and commenced with some genteel scratching on a partly submerged log. This was clearly not adequate so he removed to a floating log which allowed home to get completely clear of the water where he got down to serious business. I recorded so many images that I found if very difficult to select the best so I have displayed a selection in order with the final and I think the best being when No 2 observed No 1 swimming past!
I continued on and again found the Chocolate Brushtail Possum half way across the Highway Bridge although he refused today to show his face. I did get some rather good pics of his claws!
One of the Bush Stone-curlews was along at the far end of Nick’s Car Park enjoying the proximity of various attractive artifacts!

Green Ringtail Possum. Pseudochirops archeri

Spectacled Flying Fox. Pteropus conspicillatus

Saw-shelled Turtle. Elseya latisternum

Eastern Water Dragon. Physignathus lesueurii

Rainbow Bee-eater. Merops ornatus

Platypus. Ornithorhynchus anatinus

Spangled Drongo. Dicrurus bracteatus

Common Brushtail Possum. Trichosurus vulpecula

Bush Stone-curlew. Burhinus grallarius

Weather

5 mm of rain overnight. Sunny with scattered clouds early leading to increasing thundery clouds and light showers later. Track damp. Water level high, steady.

Wildlife Report

A later start today with no companion.
A lone Green Ringtail Possum at the entrance to Allumbah Pocket was today in the trees to the right. He was obviously tired with his head covered by his tail making identification difficult.
Nothing to be found at The Other Side or on the Rock Piles but a solitary Saw-shelled Turtle was on the fallen tree at Snodgrass’s Pool.
On the upstream side of the Log Jam Peninsula I noted some suspicious ripples and a small female Platypus soon revealed herself. Poor light made photography difficult but she was busy feeding and enabled me to get a couple of shots.
At Picnic Peninsula I spotted another Platypus rounding the corner and although I tried to get closer I was only able to get a distant view.
As I crossed the Footbridge I saw a mixed family group with numerous children who were busy watching another Platypus feeding within a very small area. Photography was again limited by poor light but a few of numerous images turned out quite well.
I met a young biology teacher from Sydney who was very much enjoying the experience.
Half way across the Highway Bridge a small chocolate coloured Brushtail Possum was in a favourite bush and I managed to obtain a good image of her face.
Not a hugely productive walk in comparison with recent days but to see three Platypus was certainly encouraging and made up the shortage of other species.

Green Ringtail Possum. Pseudochirops archeri

Saw-shelled Turtle. Elseya latisternum

Platypus. Ornithorhynchus anatinus

Common Brushtail Possum. Trichosurus vulpecula

Weather

5 mm of rain overnight. Bright and sunny with scattered cloud increasing later. Few showers during the afternoon. Track damp. Water level steady.

Wildlife Report

Needed a bit more exercise after cutting grass this morning. Thomas exhausted so set out alone after a false start due to lack of memory card!
Along Bunya Street I spotted a large Paper Wasp nest in one of the Creek Side gardens and closer examination revealed that the wasps were primarily yellow in colour with orange /red stripes on the abdomen. I haven’t identified them as yet.
“Piratical Pete” the Green Ringtail Possum had moved today to a tree nearer the Yungaburra Volunteers storage shed but could see no sign of the female.
The Flying Foxes were still in the trees downstream from Lloyd’s Bridge but not as many as yesterday
A complete lack of Tree Kangaroos today which was disappointing after yesterday but hardly surprising.
A moderately sized Saw-shelled Turtle was occupying a rock near the Memorial Bench accompanied by a much smaller mate. The Turtles were out in force however on the recently fallen tree at Snodgrass’s Pool and a similar crowd were double stacked on top of the concrete slab at the Log Jam. Made me wonder if they were having a Picnic Outing.
Had a brief view of “Scarface” the Eastern Water Dragon at the path to the Upper Level near Snodgrass’s Pool. Managed to get a good view of his face again and the ulcerated area is definitely decreasing in size to the extent that I was unable to see his teeth today!
A White-headed Pigeon was photographed nearby as I was checking for roosting Possums.
Along Log Jam Peninsula I photographed a leaf completely covered by scarlet beetles with blue/green heads and legs. I saw a similar specimen on tomatoes recently at home and thought it was one of the Harlequin Bugs.
At Platys Pool a Platypus was busy foraging along the far bank but fortunately came closer and I was able to record a couple of good shots.
A juvenile Water Dragon sprinted away from the track on Picnic Peninsula and stopped to hide in the grass.
The Golden Orb-weaver Spider neighbours were now on either side of the path near the Highway Bridge.
In the bushes along the lane leading to Bunya Street I noted a couple of small brown birds foraging. The photo is provisionally identified as a Large-billed Scrubwren.

Paper Wasp. ? Ropalidia ssp

Green Ringtail Possum. Pseudochirops archeri

Spectacled Flying Fox. Pteropus conspicillatus

Saw-shelled Turtle. Elseya latisternum

Eastern Water Dragon. Physignathus lesueurii

White-headed Pigeon. Columba leucomela

Harlequin Bugs. ssp unknown

Platypus. Ornithorhynchus anatinus

Golden Orb-weaver Spider. ssp Nephila

Large-billed Scrubwren. Sericornis magnirostris

Weather

10 mm of rain overnight. Light overcast with occasional brief sunny periods. Little or no breeze. Track damp. Water level steady.

Wildlife Report

With steam puffing gently from my ears after a minor disagreement on the phone I decided that a walk along the Creek would be good fro my blood pressure and for once Thomas was in agreement.
A short distance along Bunya Street a Golden Penda was in bloom and my Honey Bees were busy harvesting nectar.
Continued on the Allumbah Pocket where today there were two Green Ringtail Possums in the clump of trees to the left of the entrance. The first spotted was the aging male “Piratical Pete” and the other was the supposed female who has been recently in the area. It would be most unusual if possums of the same sex were roosting so close to each other.
I had noticed a lot of noise coming from further down the Creek and as I crossed Lloyd’s Bridge the reason was revealed. A mob of Flying foxes were spread through a group of trees on the Creek Bank and making a fair din.
Having seen a Tree Kangaroo for two consecutive days I was looking particularly for them but was still slightly surprised to spot a very well concealed Lumholtz’s Tree Kangaroo in the Camphor Laurel Tree which overhangs the Picnic Table at The Other Side. Her back and tail were not difficult to find but her face was almost impossible to see until I walked round to the other side of the tree. While doing this I was joined by an enthusiastic lady from Sydney who had seen a smaller Tree Roo in a nearby tree on the previous evening and as I scrambled over the nearby rocks I looked up and saw a joey almost directly above her. Moving round the tree again we were able to get some perfect views of the baby.
On Horseshoe Rocks and the next rock pile I saw a couple of Eastern Water Dragons and then bumped into a family from Mount Sheridan with four young children. The youngest were obviously getting rather fractious so I escorted them back to see the Tree Roos which quietened them down! They had already seen a platypus near the Viewing Platform at the start of their walk.
Nothing then until the Overhanging Bushes where I glanced across to the tall Casuarina Trees on the opposite bank and saw a female Tree Kangaroo with well grown joey sharing a branch. As I maneuvered to obtain the best view a saw that there was yet another Tree Roo exposing only hindquarters and tail in a different tree a few yards away. First time I have ever seen 5 wild Tree Kangaroos on the same walk!
I managed to get more than my fair share of adequate photos before another stint of tourism showing the Roos to a guided group from Cairns and getting some well deserved attention for Thomas.
No Platypus for me today but photographed a golden Orb Weaver Spider at the Narrows.
Half way across the Highway Bridge a small chocolate coloured Brushtail Possum was roosting in the dense bush which they seem to favour and I eventually coaxed it into giving me a smile.
Looking in vain for a Platypus, I spotted a Kookaburra having a quick bath at the very far end of the Viewing Pool
I thought I had finished when I photographed the regular Bush Stone-curlew along Bunya Street but as we arrived at our driveway, an immature White-bellied Cuckooshrike landed on a branch right in front of me and continued calling for it’s mother to bring more food!

Golden Penda + European Honey Bee. Xanthostemon chrysanthus + Apis mellifera

Green Ringtail Possum. Pseudochirops archeri

Spectacled Flying Fox. Pteropus conspicillatus

Lumholtz’s Tree Kangaroo. Dendrolagus lumholtzi

Eastern Water Dragon. Physignathus lesueurii

Golden Orb-weaver Spider. ssp Nephila

Common Brushtail Possum. Trichosurus vulpecula

Laughing Kookaburra. Dacelo novaeguineae

Bush Stone-curlew. Burhinus grallarius

White-bellied Cuckooshrike. Coracina papuensis – juvenile

Weather

Only 0.5 mm of rain in the gauge. Cloudy with brief sunny periods. Very light southerly breeze. Track dry. Water level steady. Very little current.

Wildlife Report

After yesterday’s success decided to make an early start although too early for Thomas who elected to stay home and assist with the housework.
At the entrance to Allumbah Pocket found the Green Ringtail Possum in the same spot as yesterday and the Lumholtz’s Tree Kangaroo in the same tree but in a slightly different location. The Possum was very cooperative but the only feature of the Tree Roo easily distinguishable was the tail. Fortunately this is sufficiently diagnostic to prevent the image being nothing but a blob in a tree! A visitor from Ayr on his morning walk arrived at the perfect moment to see both animals and could hardly wait to get back to the B&B and tell his wife.
Continuing on, my next sighting was in the trees opposite Snodgrass’s Pool where “White Spot” the Green Ringtail Possum was roosting. It now seems certain that she has lost her offspring.
At The Log Jam a handsome Eastern Water Dragon was reclining on a submerged log and presenting an excellent photo opportunity complete with reflection.
While attending to his portrait I observe some light ripples emanating from the opposite bank and a Platypus soon surfaced. I watched for about 10 minutes in the hope of a closer view but it remained at stubbornly long range so the images were not of great quality. As I was about to give up a visiting couple arrived and stayed for a brief glimpse.
A Silvereye and a Lewin’s Honeyeater were observed but did not obliged with photographs.
Along Dowling’s Corridor two fruit bats were roosting in the crown of a tree and a few shots were taken.
Close to the Highway Bridge, two Golden Orb-weaver Spiders were seen within a couple of metres and another was observed trussing up a Dragon Fly while crossing the Bridge.
In the paddock adjoining Nick’s Camping Area several Masked Plovers were feeding in company with a flock of Magpie Larks.

Green Ringtail Possum. Pseudochirops archeri

Lumholtz’s Tree Kangaroo. Dendrolagus lumholtzi

Eastern Water Dragon. Physignathus lesueurii

Platypus. Ornithorhynchus anatinus

Flying Fox. Species unknown

Golden Orb-weaver Spider. ssp Nephila

Masked Lapwing. Vanellus miles miles – immature

Magpie-lark. Grallina cyanoleuca

Weather

2 mm of rain in the gauge. Overcast with intermittent drizzle. Light SE breeze. Tract slightly damp. Water level down 10mm

Wildlife Report

Feeling my age this morning with an exacerbation of long standing shoulder pain and activities also curtailed by the weather. Decided later in the morning that a Creek Walk was about all that I could manage and am very glad that I did!
On reaching Allumbah Pocket, immediately sighted a Green Ringtail Possum to the left of the entrance. Was able to introduce her to three young men from Townsville before taking some photos.
Moved to the other side of the entrance where I was delighted to spot a Lumholtz’s Tree Kangaroo in the usual spot but well concealed by the foliage. I managed to obtain a few adequate images in spite of this and showed him to a Mum with two children who also saw the Possum.
Photographed a small juvenile Saw-shelled Turtle on the rocks beneath the suspension bridge before meeting again with the 3 boys. I hope that they were able to follow my instructions and found the Tree Roo.
A Pacific Emerald Dove was in the tree to the left of the entrance to Gumtree on Gillies B&B.
No Water Dragons were around but another Turtle was on the fallen Tree at Snodgrass’s Pool.
At Log Jam Peninsula a small Golden Orb-weaver Spider had spun her web between two bushes and made a good photo. Another was seen near the Highway Bridge.
There were a lot of visitors along the Walk this morning and I pointed a couple from Cairns, a local family group and a couple from Melbourne towards the Tree Roo and the Possum. Thomas scored his share of attention.
Along Stringers Stretch I thought I was in luck when I sighted ripples radiating from the bank although the amplitude was rather small. It turned out to be another Saw-shelled Turtle nosing into the bank and imitating a Platypus.
So no luck with Platypus today although one of the families I met had seen one yesterday.
The solitary Bunya Street Curlew was in the same spot across the road from home.

Green Ringtail Possum. Pseudochirops archeri

Lumholtz’s Tree Kangaroo. Dendrolagus lumholtzi

Saw-shelled Turtle. Elseya latisternum

Pacific Emerald Dove. Chalcophaps longirostris

Golden Orb-weaver Spider. ssp Nephila

Bush Stone-curlew. Burhinus grallarius

Weather

3 mm of rain in the gauge. Increasing cloud during the morning with several showers from late morning onward. South Easterly wind, strong and gusty at times. Track damp. Water level fallen another 10 mm.

Wildlife Report

Pleased that I was carrying my umbrella when it started raining as soon as I reached the entrance to Allumbah Pocket.
Spotted an amorphous furry mass in the trees on the right side of the entrance and with considerable effort I was able to establish that it was definitely a Possum, probably a Green Ringtail, but I think for the first time ever I was unable to find an angle from which any sort of worthwhile photo could be obtained.
Continued on and in the tree next to the Suspension Bridge a much more cooperative Green Ringtail took a good look at me before climbing into the canopy.
Having crossed to The Other Side I noted some GRP scats on the bench in front of the board commemorating Lloyd Abel’s contribution to the Suspension Bridge which bears his name.
There were no Eastern Water Dragons to be seen today and only a solitary Saw-shelled Turtle on the recently fallen tree at Snodgrass’s Pool.
Birds were quite vocal as I continued on and I managed to obtain shots of an immature Spectacled Monarch and an Eastern Yellow Robin in the trees around Platypus Bend.
A White-headed Pigeon posed nicely for me at Picnic Peninsula.
Arriving at the Platypus Viewing Platform a family pointed out a Platypus feeding actively in front of them. I soon discovered that they were the daughter of and old friend, visiting from Darwin with her daughter in law and children. We were treated to a virtuoso performance for some minutes.
The Bush Stone-curlew family had returned to the Golden Cane Palm clumps near the medical centre and another solitary bird was in one of the Creek Side gardens along Bunya Street.

Green Ringtail Possum. Pseudochirops archeri

Saw-shelled Turtle. Elseya latisternum

Spectacled Monarch. Symposiachrus trivirgatus – juvenile

Eastern Yellow Robin. Eopsaltria australis

White-headed Pigeon. Columba leucomela

Platypus.Ornithorhynchus anatinus

Bush Stone-curlew. Burhinus grallarius

Weather

No rain. Mostly cloudy with some short sunny periods. Blustery SE wind. Track dry. Water level fallen by 50 mm.

Wildlife Report.

Today might be described as a combination of famine and feast in that the number of species seen were few but those that were present were in large numbers.
There were no Possums in the usual spots at Allumbah Pocket but in one of the water side trees just downstream of the Picnic Shelter a Green Ringtail Possum was occupying a place where I have previously seen a Lumholtz’s Tree Kangaroo. The view was poor and at some distance but I was able to record the sighting.
Thomas and I crossed the Suspension Bridge but found nothing at The Other Side or at Horseshoe Rocks but a fairly large Saw-shelled Turtle was on one of the rocks in front of the Memorial Bench.
Another three turtles were in a row on the fallen tree at Snodgrass’s Pool, two more atop the concrete slab at The Log Jam and a final specimen on the far bank at Platys Pool.
Saw nothing much else apart from a Black-faced Monarch which declined to be photographed until No 3 of the Overhanging Bushes where a small male Green Ringtail Possum was sitting on a branch providing a very good view of his back. His face was viewed with considerable difficulty.
Just beyond the Footbridge is a tree overhanging the fence which I have been checking daily for years. Today for the first time a Green Ringtail Possum was in residence. I noted that the white fur at the margin of it’s right ear was of uneven distribution and thought for a moment that it could be “White Spot” but it seemed to be a male which ruled that out!
Yet another GRP was in a bush near the centre of the Highway Bridge Walkway at a spot where I have previously seen a Brushtail Possum. It is curious to me that both Brushtail and Green Ringtail Possums and Lumholtz’s Tree Kangaroos seem to share a liking for certain spots and certain trees.
In the Paddock next to the Car Park a pair of Crested Pigeons were busy foraging although not very keen on being photographed.
No sign of Bush Stone-curlews today but a final Green Ringtail was displaying it’s rear in the fig tree which overhangs the vacant lot.
A White-headed Pigeon was in one of the trees next to the lane leading from Quincan Cottage Cafe to Bunya Street.

Green Ringtail Possum. Pseudochirops archeri

Saw-shelled Turtle. Elseya latisternum

Crested Pigeon. Ocyphaps lophotes

White-headed Pigeon. Columba leucomela

Weather

Heavy rain overnight with 34 mm in gauge. Increasing cloud during morning and further heavy showers in the early afternoon. Minimal breeze but some wind with showers. Track wet. Water level up 50mm.

Wildlife Report

Had no intention of going on Patrol today until I saw a Platypus photo posted by SB in Tree Kangaroo and Mammal Group with the suggestion that the best time to see one was immediately after rain.
On with gumboots, grabbed umbrella and off I went. It was too wet for Thomas!
While looking for the female Possum near the entrance to Allumbah Pocket I was sighted by a Pale-yellow Robin who came to checked me out.
There was no Green Ringtail at that location but I did find a very bedraggled specimen of indeterminate sex on the opposite side of the entrance.
Two Eastern Water Dragons were seen at Horseshoe Rocks and I also had a brief glimpse of Scarface on the path to the upper level but he wasn’t feeling photogenic today.
A Pied Currawong was perched in one of the Gums by the side of the walk but was the only sighting until Picnic Peninsula where I saw one of the previously seen Golden Orb-weaver Spiders.
A juvenile Eastern Water Dragon was on the rocks under the Highway Bridge in spite of a substantial flow of water from the street drain outlet nearby.
I was unable to find the Curlews today but did spot a very pretty Green Ringtail Possum in the trees alongside the walkway from Quincan Cafe car park to Bunya Street.
From the same spot I observed a family group of Peaceful Doves including several juveniles.

Pale-yellow Robin. Tregellasia capito

Green Ringtail Possum. Pseudochirops archeri

Easter Water Dragon. Physignathus lesueurii

Pied Currawong. Strepera graculina

Golden Orb-weaver Spider. Ssp Nephila

Peaceful Dove. Geopelia placida