Weather

No rain overnight. Overcast with sunny periods. No breeze. Track dry. Water level very low.

Post

A brief trip to the Big Smoke of Atherton this morning taking the opportunity to photograph the Sarus Cranes from the highway on the way home. Have added them here for additional interest.
Thomas and I were again disappointed to find no Curlews along Bunya Street and No Possums at Allumbah Pocket.
At The Other Side we visited as usual the sheltered Picnic Table and wee delighted to see a pair of Fairy Gerygones in the nearby tree. This appears to be a favourite spot where I have seen them several times before but rarely for long enough to photograph.
A female Eastern Water Dragon was on the Horseshoe Rocks and was able to photograph her from 2 aspects.
The larger Eastern Water Dragon at the rocks opposite Snodgrass’s Pool was similarly obliging.
The same could not be said for the Turtles at The Log Jam who were notable today for their absence. In fact none were seen anywhere along the Creek.
At the Overhanging Branches I was surprised in view of the recent tree clearance to find small male Green Ringtail Possums in Bushes No 3 and 1. Neither were easily visible but I manged to produce some evidence of their existence!
Was sad to find the nest of the Pacific Emerald Dove at picnic point deserted. They have had insufficient time to raise chicks since an adult bird was last on the nest and I presume that raiders have been active.
No Platypus were seen today.
A spectacular Flame Tree was in flower in the paddock next to the Path Entry.
A juvenile Easter Water Dragon was on the rocks under Highway Bridge.

Sarus Crane. Grus antigone

Fairy Gerygone. Gerygone palpebrosa

Eastern Water Dragon. Physignathus lesueurii

Green Ringtail Possum. Pseudochirops archeri

Dove’s nest abandoned

Flame Tree. Brachychiton

Please Share this:

• Facebook

Customize buttons

Like this:

https://widgets.wp.com/likes/#blog_id=164044500&post_id=5313&origin=www.platypuspatrol.com&obj_id=164044500-5313-60a76317ef3b7 Edit Search for:

Welcome to my blog.

I hope that you enjoy the images and information shown on my blog

Use the menu to obtain additional details about the animals seen.

If you enjoy my blog please follow me and pass it on to your friends.

Please Like and Follow Us:-

Get new posts by email:

Weather

2 mm of rain overnight. Overcast with occasional sunny periods and light showers. Heavier showers during the afternoon. Track slightly damp. Water level remains very low.

Post

Before leaving home I photographed three very smart male King Parrots who were enjoying the offering on the bird table .
The weather was looking settled as we left but it started raining quite hard as we reached Allumbah Pocket.
Were sheltered under the trees as we photographed a “blob” high in the canopy which I am sure was our regular Green Ringtail Possum. With the eye of faith I can see the dorsal stripes on the right side of the image!
Sheltered for a few minutes under the picnic shelter allowing a rather noisy family to overtake us. They gave up and returned after reaching the other side.
Found an Eastern Water Dragon at Horseshoe Rocks and when a small Skink came to investigate we photographed him as well. They are quite numerous among the smaller plants and leaf litter but rarely stay still long enough to be photographed.
On the downstream side of Log Jam Peninsula we found a Platypus foraging under the overhanging grasses but when he emerged he set off immediately across the widening Creek which put a stop to serious photography.
At the Log Jam there was a splendid display of Saw-shelled Turtles which were also seen at several other locations.
Thomas and I then sheltered from a heavy shower for several minutes under the large Camphor Laurel tree and did not get significantly wet.
Moving on to the overhanging bushes the chain saws had been busy and nothing was seen.
At Picnic Peninsula two large Saw-shelled Turtles were seen in the water and another on the large log along Stringers Stretch.
Visited the Emerald Dove’s nest which was still being looked after by the male. He must have the Afternoon Watch.
Another large Turtle was on a submerged log along The Narrows.
A juvenile Water Dragon was spied on the rocks under the Highway Bridge but no image was obtained. Nearby two Turtles of widely differing sizes were sharing a shallow bank.

Australian King Parrot. Alisterus scapularis

Green Ringtail Possum. Pseudochirops archeri

Eastern Water Dragon. Physignathus lesueurii

Shade Skink. Saproscincus spp. Poss basiliscus

Platypus. Ornithorhynchus anatinus

Saw-shelled Turtle. Elseya latisternum

Pacific Emerald Dove. Chalcophaps longirostris

Weather

No rain. Scattered cloud with sunny periods. Very light intermittent breeze from NW. Track dry. Water level very low.

Post

A late start today to fit in to domestic activity and because this time of day proved very successful last week.
The pair of Bush Stone-curlews had moved from the Police compound to a garden on the other side of the road.
Nothing seen at Allumbah Pocket except a Saw-shelled Turtle taking a breath at the water surface.
The large Golden Orb-weaver Spider had disappeared from the far side of the Suspension Bridge as had all of the others seen previously.
At Horseshoe Rocks a small Eastern Water Dragon was partly concealed among the rocks in a difficult light location so a very average image was recorded.
Numerous red Bottle Brushes were in flower and worthy of a photo and were also attracting a group of Dusky Myzomela.
At the base of Log Jam Peninsula we bumped into Grant, a Platypus Patrol follower, who made friends with Thomas and then accompanied us for the remainder of the Patrol.
At the Log Jam no Turtles were present but ripples from behind the concrete slab on the far bank indicated the presence of a Platypus. It soon appeared but continued foraging along the far bank so photo opportunities were limited.
Grant had already enjoyed a close encounter with 2 Platypuses along the narrows.
At the Overhanging Bushes the small male Green Ringtail Possum was in his regular location in Bush No 1. He is rarely well exposed for photography but we did our best.
The male Pacific Emerald Dove was again on nest duty at the base of Picnic Peninsula.
Nothing more was seen until the Platypus viewing Platform where a Platypus could be observed for several minutes but remained at excessive range.
I was sorry to find that the Bunya Street Curlews had moved on with their chick and I am yet to discover their new location.

Bush Stone-curlew. Burhinus grallarius

Saw-shelled Turtle. Elseya latisternum

Eastern Water Dragon. Physignathus lesueurii

Bottle Brushes

Platypus. Ornithorhynchus anatinus

Green Ringtail Possum. Pseudochirops archeri

Pacific Emerald Dove. Chalcophaps longirostris

Weather

No rain. Light overcast clearing later. Sunny and hot. Slight SE breeze. Track dry. Water level low.

Post

An earlier start today aiming to complete our exercise before it became too hot.
Thomas raring to go today having been neglected on my last outing and we made short work of the Bunya Street section, pausing only to photograph the pair of Bush Stone-curlews in the Police Compound.
At Allumbah Pocket the Green Ringtail Possum was perched at a lower level and much more visible. Her joey had not yet got out of bed although it’s tail was hanging out in the open.
Met a visiting couple waiting to cross the Suspension Bridge and told them where to look for the Possum which they repaid by admiring Thomas thus making his day.
As a result of this meeting I did not check for the resident Golden Orb-weaver and also missed the others seen on my last Patrol.
An Eastern Water Dragon was on one of the rocks opposite Snodgrass’s Pool and was photographed from both sides.
A few small birds were active in the Bottle-brush bushes but moving too quickly to be photographed.
On to the Log Jam where a couple from Kairi had spotted a Platypus. Joined them for an extended viewing session and a chat during which the Platypus moved slowly down the Creek and stopped for a good scratch in the shallows. The family were delighted to join the Thomas Admiration Society by which time he was having difficulty holding his head up!
No Turtles were present on the Logs although I did spot several taking the air at the water surface.
For the first time in several weeks no Possums were seen at the Overhanging Bushes but the male Pacific Emerald Dove was still sitting on his nest at the base of Picnic Peninsula.
At The Narrows an Orange-footed Scrubfowl was busy excavating leaves on the far bank and was photographed at fairly long range.
To make up for their absence elsewhere, a tiny Saw-shelled Turtle had climbed to the top of a stake in front of the Platypus Viewing Platform.
Final and best sighting for the day was the pair of Bush Stone-curlews in the garden nearly opposite our home. I was a little concerned that Mum was sitting in a different position but a closer look revealed a beautiful chick sitting beside her with I think another under her wing. The proud Father was standing alongside!

Bush Stone-curlew. Burhinus grallarius

Green Ringtail Possum. Pseudochirops archeri

Eastern Water Dragon. Physignathus lesueurii

Platypus. Ornithorhynchus anatinus

Pacific Emerald Dove. Chalcophaps longirostris

Orange-footed Scrubfowl. Megapodius reinwardt

Saw-shelled Turtle. Elseya latisternum

Shot Of The Day

Weather

No rain overnight. Overcast with occasional brief sunny periods. Minimal breeze. Track dry. Water level low.

Post

A somewhat different Patrol today with a late start to meet with 13 members of U3A Happy Snappers at Allumbah Pocket. Thomas was of course extremely fed up to be left at home but I couldn’t really manage him as well!
We started with a brief chat about cameras and what I use and I distributed maps of Petersons Creek.
Then moved all of 5 metres to the trees at the entrance to the walk where a Green Ringtail Possum was in residence. I suspect that it was my regular girl with baby but she was uncooperative, very high in the tree and with her back turned.
I snapped an Eastern Yellow Robin while most of the group were occupied.
Crossed the Suspension Bridge making sure not to overload it ( rated to carry 10 persons ) and visited the Golden Orb-weaver Spider on the downstream side of the bridge support.
At The Other Side where there was more room and somewhere to sit we had a short chat about the wildlife we were about to see and some spotting techniques.
Fortunately the locals decided to turn it on for the visitors.
A small Eastern Water Dragon was on the skyline of Horseshoe Rocks but was quickly frightened by the crowd.
A larger male was however perched on the rocks opposite Snodgrass’s Pool and stayed for a large number of photos.
Ambled on to Platypus Bend where a bubble pattern indicated a submerged Platypus which soon surfaced. She proceeded with a virtuoso performance coming right into the near bank and continued feeding for at least 10 minutes.
At the same time some of the group were diverted by a huge Stick Insect which invited itself to the party by climbing the leg of a female member! The insect was removed to the fence and also found herself the subject for photography.
Near Flood Tide Island a few Honeyeaters were feeding on scarlet Bottle Brush and I took a few shots while waiting for the group to catch up.
At the Log Jam only one small Saw-shelled Turtle was in residence to represent his species although I did see a number in the water.
At the Overhanging Bushes, “Chocolate” the Brushtail Possum was again absent but the small Green Ringtail Possum was concealed in Bush No 1 and although not being very helpful found himself a photo star.
A lady who had been lagging behind then announced that she had just seen a Lumholtz’s Tree Kangaroo on the far bank so several of us retraced our steps and I was able to catch a few half decent snaps of the first Tree Roo I have seen at Petersons Creek since early in the year.
We moved on again and most members were able to photograph the male Pacific Emerald Dove taking his turn on the nest.
Some members of the group decided at this time to turn back but I and a few others continued on observing three more large Golden Orb-weaver Spiders, one at the Platypus viewing Platform.
A fleeting glimpse of another Platypus was obtained from under the Highway Bridge and a distant shot of the same animal was taken from the Viewing Platform. One member walking ahead of the group was fortunate to observe this Platypus under the bridge and take some excellent video of it having an enjoyable scratch!
We returned to the starting point along Bunya Street where my regular female Bush Stone-curlew was on her nest. When first spotted she was standing but settled on her eggs before I could photograph them.
The final sighting of the day was an Orange-footed Scrubfowl which crossed the road near the Police compound and I was able to catch it traversing the creek side garden.
Another excellent Patrol which I hope was enjoyed by all.

U3A Happy Snappers. Homo sapiens

Green Ringtail Possum. Pseudochirops archeri

Pale-yellow Robin. Tregellasia capito

Golden Orb-weaver Spider. Nephila Sp

Eastern Water Dragon. Physignathus lesueurii

Platypus. Ornithorhynchus anatinus

Stick Insect. One of the Phasmatidae

Dusky Honeyeater. Myzomela obscura

Saw-shelled Turtle. Elseya latisternum

Lumholtz’s Tree – Kangaroo. Dendrolagus lumholtzi

Pacific Emerald Dove. Chalcophaps longirostris

Bush Stone-curlew. Burhinus grallarius

Orange-footed Scrubfowl. Megapodius reinwardt

Weather

No rain. Hot and sunny with scattered cloud. Light breeze from south easterly direction. Track dry. Water level low.

Post

Set off with Thomas for a brisk walk to settle an enjoyable lunch but in fact proceeded at our habitial photographers dawdle.
Found the Bush Stone Curlews enjoying a patch of shade in their custodial compound but a couple of ID photos didn’t seem to bother them.
A Green Ringtail Possum was in the group of trees at the entrance to Allumbah Pocket and in fact was almost above the tarmac.Tried loooking from a number of angles and managed to spot the tail of her joey but did not get a chance to photograph it.
Noted a Saw-shelled Turtle on one of the Stepping Stones.
The Golden Orb-weaver spider from above the bridge had gone but the specimen to the side of the path was still there and well illuminated by the afternoon sun.
At Horseshoe Rocks a single Eastern Water Dragon was peering our from behind the rocks. Probably a female.
On then to The Log Jam where a total of seven Saw-shelled Turtles were enjoying the sun.
More Turtles were seen on the fallen River Oak which is still straddling the Creek.
“Chocolate” the Brushtail Possum was absent today but in No 1 of the Overhanging Bushes the small male Green Ringtail was still hiding in the foliage.
At the base of Picnic Peninsula the Pacific Emerald Dove was still incubating her eggs.
Several small birds were active along the Narrows and a Spectacled Monarch was photographed.
Nothing more seen until Bunya Street where the pair of Bush Stone-curlews were respectively guarding and sitting on their eggs.

Bush Stone-curlew. Burhinus grallarius

Green Ringtail Possum. Pseudochirops archeri

Golden Orb-weaver Spider. Nephilla Ssp

Eastern Water Dragon. Physignathus lesueurii

Saw-shelled Turtle. Elseya latisternum

Pacific Emerald Dove. Chalcophaps longirostris

Spectacled Monarch. Symposiachrus trivirgatus

Shot Of The Day

Weather.

No rain. Scattered cloud with sunny periods. Little or no breeze. Track dry. Water level low and bottom visible in many areas. Need some decent rain.

Post.

A very good morning as two birds were photographed on our front bird table, one a new species for me, and a pair of Cairns Birdwing Butterflies were copulating on our patio lounge having been rescued from a concrete slab in full sun. I don’t think they would have survived if left to their own devices.
Photographing the above motivated Thomas and I to don our patrolling gear and set off.
We were soon rewarded when we sighted a female Green Ringtail Possum with joey at the entrance to the walk at Allumbah Pocket although they were rather high up for a first class photos.
Deviated to the Old Boiler Shed where we saw a pair of Fairy Gerygones but they were too busy to be photographed.
We returned to the Suspension Bridge where the two Golden Orb-weaver Spiders were still in position and the second one just off the track was in the process of securing a Honey Bee.
At this point we met a couple of visitors who were not only interested but also joined the Thomas appreciation society so we backtracked to show them the Possums.
At the Horseshoe Rocks we sighted a moderate sized Eastern Water Dragon.
Saw a small group of assorted birds including a Scarlet Honey Eater and a silver Eye but all very fast moving.
At The Log Jam two Saw-shelled Turtles were in residence.
A Spectacled Monarch gave us a good display along the Peninsula and Thomas received yet more admiration from two young women going in the opposite direction!
At Platy’s Pool observed concentric waves radiating from the point and having readied my camera to shoot the anticipated Platypus, was perfectly poised to get several shots of a Rakali or Australian Water Rat. I have seen them several times before but have not been in position to get a photo.
While walking along the stretch of Overhanging Bushes observed two small birds busy around the grass stems and in the hope that they might be a pair of Cisticola shot off a few photos. My guess proved to be correct!
In spite of the recent tree clearing, “Chocolate” the Common Brushtail Possum was at home in Bush No 2.
In the next bush, No 1, the small male Green Ringtail Possum had returned to his perch.
At the apex of Picnic Peninsula a moderately large male Eastern Water Dragon was relaxing on an inclined log.
The Pacific Emerald Dove continues to incubate her eggs on the usual untidy nest at the base of the Peninsula.
No Platypus to be seen today.
As we crossed the Highway Bridge spotted another dark coloured Brushtail Possum in one of the trees which sprouts from the bank alongside the steps below the Walkway.
It did not wish to communicate.
The female Bunya Street Bush Stone-curlew continues to incubate her eggs.

Bar-shouldered Dove. Geopelia humeralis

Red-winged Parrot. Aprosmictus erythropterus Juvenile female.

Cairns Birdwing Butterfly. Ornithoptera priamus

Green Ringtail Possum. Pseudochirops archeri

Golden Orb-weaver Spider. Nephila Sp

Eastern Water Dragon. Physignathus lesueurii

Saw-shelled Turtle. Elseya latisternum

Spectacled Monarch. Symposiachrus trivirgatus

Rakali a.k.a. Australian Water Rat. Hydromys chrysogaster

Golden-headed Cisticola. Cisticola exilis (? diminuta)

Common Brushtail Possum. Trichosurus vulpecula – “Chocolate”

Pacific Emerald Dove. Chalcophaps longirostris

Bush Stone-curlew. Burhinus grallarius

Shot of the Day

Weather

No rain. Sunny without a cloud in the sky. No breeze. Track dry. Water level low.

Post

Emma’s last day with us so made and early start although anticipating a fair amount of noise as Yungaburra Volunteers working on the track this morning.
As we left home, 5 male King Parrots were changing places on the front bird table and managed to include 4 of them in a photo. Never seen this number of males in a flock before.
In the garden of the Police House a pair of Bush Stone Curlews were holding court.
At the house on the Penda Street corner, Golden Retriever Bella welcomed Thomas and us in full voice.
Nothing was seen at Allumbah Pocket but the Golden Orb-weaver spider was still above the far end of the Suspension Bridge and another was in her web a few metres away on the right side of the track.
A Pacific Emerald Dove flew above us as we left the bridge and was photographed in a nearby tree.
At Horseshoe Rocks a large female Eastern Water Dragon was occupying a prominent position.
Disappointed that we were unable to see any sign of “White Spot” the Green Ringtail Possum but she may have hidden in view of the escalating noise.
At the Log Jam, a large male Water Dragon was occupying one of the larger logs but the Turtles were absent.
At the base f the Peninsula we noticed a Platypus moving along the Far Bank so we accelerated our pace hoping to meet her en route to or at Platy’s Pool.
He surfaced briefly under the bank at Platy’s Pool but dived immediately and did not reappear.
At the Overhanging Bushes, the fallen River Oak Tree was being removed and we had to wait briefly as log retrieval reached a critical phase.
We were amazed to find that “Chocolate” the Common Brushtail Possum was in the same perch in the bush very close to the chainsaws. She was very reluctant to show her face and may have had her fingers in her ears!
At the base of Picnic Peninsula Emma spotted a Pacific Emerald Dove sitting on a nest in a small bush beside the path.
As we were leaving the Walk we noticed two distant birds in the paddock nearby and they turned out to be Australasian Swamphens.
From the Platypus Viewing Platform we had a distant glimpse of another Platypus but were only able to photograph the classic water disturbance.
The pair of Bush Stone-curlews were in the same Bunya Street garden with mother on the nest while father had found a delightful spot surrounded by human paraphernalia!

Australian King Parrot. Alisterus scapularis

Bush Stone-curlew. Burhinus grallarius

Golden Orb-weaver Spider. Nephila Ssp

Pacific Emerald Dove. Chalcophaps longirostris

Eastern Water Dragon. Physignathus lesueurii

Common Brushtail Possum. Trichosurus vulpecula

Australasian Swamphen. Porphyrio melanotus

Platypus. Ornithorhynchus anatinus

Shot of the Day.

Weather

0.5 ml of rain in the gauge from an early morning shower. Sunny with scattered cloud. Light southerly breeze, strengthening later. Track dry. Water level low.

Post

Have our granddaughter Emma staying with us for a few days so thrust a digital SLR into her hands, and Thomas and I took her on Patrol along Petersons Creek.
She took such a good set of photos that some of those posted today are hers and she did her own editing as well!
A pair of Rainbow Lorikeets were on the Bird Table as we were leaving and were duly photographed.
At Allumbah Pocket two male Brush turkeys were having a squabble and almost ran under my legs but were moving so quickly that no images were recorded.
At the far end of the Suspension Bridge Emma spotted a large Golden Orb-weaver Spider which we both had a go at photographing.
In the tree opposite the Memorial Bench, “White Spot” the Green Ringtail Possum was sitting on a branch out in the open. No sign of a joey today but from the look of her it had retreated to the pouch.
No Eastern Water Dragons in any of the regular spots and there were no Turtles at the Log Jam.
Action again at the Overhanging Bushes where “Chocolate” the Brushtail Possum was hiding as usual but perked up in response to Emma’s voice with an excellent image resulting.
At the next Bush, No 1, the small timid Green Ringtail Possum was hiding in the foliage and very difficult to photograph.
On the rocks under the Highway Bridge an Eastern Water Skink was relaxing.
The only Saw-shelled Turtle seen today was a tiny specimen attempting to scale a tall stump in front of the Platypus Viewing Platform
The pair of Bush Stone-curlews were in the garden along Bunya Street with the female still incubating the eggs.

Rainbow Lorikeet. Trichoglossus moluccanus

Golden Orb-Weaver Spider. Nephilus Sp

Green Ringtail Possum. Pseudochirops archeri

Common Brushtail Possum. Trichosurus vulpecula

Intrepid Patrol Leader + Thomas

Eastern Water Skink. Eulamprus quoyii

Saw-shelled Turtle. Elseya latisternum

Bush Stone-curlew. Burhinus grallarius

Shot of the Day

Weather

1 mm of rain in the gauge. Bright and sunny in morning and very hot. Some scattered cumulus clouds after lunch. Variable SE breeze. Track Dry.

Post

Shopping this morning for usual supplies + guest expected next week. Took almost as long to put it away as to buy it.
After lunch set off with Thomas to see what we could find. Nothing at Allumbah Pocket but before reaching the far end of the Suspension Bridge spotted a Possum in the tree to the right of the bridge support post.
A beautiful Green Ringtail female with a joey in her arms. Not “White Spot” but could have been the same animal as seen a few days ago. Will have to wait and see. Baby unfortunately did not show it’s face but nice photos anyway.
Two Eastern Water Dragons were seen at the Horseshoe Rocks on the other side of the track from the Memorial Bench. Very difficult light conditions but got a photo of sorts of the larger one.
Saw a Varied Triller in the trees near Platypus Bend. This seems a common spot to see them.
A Saw-shelled Turtle was seen on a recently fallen tree near the base of Log Jam Peninsula. On to The Log Jam itself where four more Turtles were seen.
Another pair of Varied Trillers, an Eastern Yellow Robin and a Rufous Whistler appeared and were willing to be photographed at the exit from the Peninsula.
A collection of four Saw-shelled Turtles of varying size were on the recently fallen River Oak near the Overhanging Bushes
“Chocolate” the Common Brushtail Possum was in her regular spot in Bush 2 and a small male Green Ringtail Possum was in Bush 1. Both were introduce to two mature local ladies who were also directed where to see the female with joey.
Nothing was seen along the final section of the walk but an Easter Water Skink was sunbathing on the rocks under the Highway Bridge
Both of the Bush Stone-curlews were in the garden on the creek side of Bunya Street, the female still sitting on the eggs.

Green Ringtail Possum. Pseudochirops archeri

Eastern Water Dragon. Physignathus lesueurii

Saw-shelled Turtle. Elseya latisternum

Varied Triller. Lalage leucomela

Eastern Yellow Robin. Eopsaltria australis

Rufous Whistler. Pachycephala rufiventris. Male

Common Brushtail Possum (“Chocolate”). Trichosurus vulpecula

Eastern Water Skink. Eulamprus quoyii

Bush Stone-curlew. Burhinus grallarius

Shot of Day. GRP with joey