Weather

Early morning shower 1.5 mm. Sunny in morning and very hot with little cloud and light breeze. Clouding up from midday on with sunny periods. Numerous clouds threatening rain and occasional distant thunder. Gusty breeze at times associated with clouds. Track dry. Water level low.

Post

Morning spent casting ballot in Atherton and running a couple of errands after which it was too hot to do much outside. After lunch was better as result of gathering clouds.
Thomas and I saw nothing at Allumbah Pocket but noted Green Ringtail Possum scats on the benches near the far end of Lloyd’s Suspension Bridge. No sign of the owners but kept our eyes open.
The handsome Eastern Water Dragon was in the same spot on the rocks opposite Snodgrass’s Pool and went up to the Upper Level to obtain a better shot.
On the way back down spotted a Green Ringtail Possum complete with joey in the Camphor Laurel tree alongside the path. Her right ear remained annoyingly obscured by her tail but am fairly certain that a tuft of white hair was present and that this is “White Spot” returned to similar territory as last year!
Introduced her to a interested couple from the SE corner who happened to be passing.
Spotted a Saw-shelled Turtle on a recently fallen tree and another 7 on assorted lookouts at the Log Jam. Pairs seemed to be the order of the day.
A large River Oak had fallen across the Creek from the opposite bank towards the Overhanging Bushes and was also hosting a large Saw-shelled Turtle. The roosts favoured by possums seemed to have suffered little if any damage but I was still quite surprised to spot “Chocolate”, the Common Brushtail Possum in Bush No 2 and a small Green Ringtail Possum in Bush No 1. The latter is not yet used to people and starts climbing as soon as approached.
Both possums met a young man from New York who has been working in Brisbane since March and was returning from a work related visit to the Torres Strait.
We were lucky to see a Platypus at long range in the Platypus Viewing Pool and grabbed a couple of shots.
The regular pair of Bush Stone-curlews were still hanging around Nick’s Car Park but had found a more pleasant spot.
The Bunya Street Curlew is still sitting on her eggs in the garden across the road.

Eastern Water Dragon. Physignathus lesueurii

Green Ringtail Possum. Pseudochirops archeri

Saw-shelled Turtle. Elseya latisternum

Common Brushtail Possum. Trichosurus vulpecula

Platypus. Ornithorhynchus anatinus

Bush Stone-curlew. Burhinus grallarius

Weather

Sunny with scattered clouds after patches of morning rain. Light southerly breeze. Track dry. Water level low and falling.

Post

My latest gardening project is finally finished and had a relaxed morning clearing up the aftermath and putting the tools away. After lunch I was free to take a walk and Thomas was clearly enthusuastic having been thwarted from escaping through the open gate for the past week!
We set out to the distant strains of music from the Folk Festival and it appeared that most of the animals had either stayed up too late last night or were saving themselves for this evening.
Saw nothing at Allumbah Pocket but a fine Eastern Water Dragon was awaiting us at the rocks opposite Snodgrass’s Pool.
At the Log Jam three Saw-shelled Turtles were seen, two of them quite large and occupying the most prominent pitches.
No Possums were seen along the Overhanging Bushes but a Silver Eye paid a brief visit. The photograph is not of great quality but is published in memory of a family member who sustained a fatal injury flying into one of our windows earlier this morning.
In front of the Platypus viewing platform a small Turtle was showing of his climbing skills.
The Fig Tree near the Medical Centre had no Possums at home today but on one branch a small swarm of Asian Honey Bees were in temporary residence.
In the garden of our near neighbours in Bunya Street two Bush Strone-curlews were lying in sepparate garden beds. As I approached the second she stood up and I was thrilled to find on the photo that there were two eggs underneath her.

Eastern Water Dragon. Physignathus lesueurii

Saw-shelled Turtle. Elseya latisternum

Silvereye. Zosterops lateralis

Asian Honey Bee. Apis cerana

Bush Stone-curlew. Burhinus grallarius

Weather

4.5 ml of rain in the gauge from yesterday morning. Sunny with scattered cumulus clouds. Light intermittent southerly breeze. Track dry. Water level falling slowly.

Post

Decided to make an early start today and set off full of enthusiasm to Allumbah Pocket where I endeavored to photograph a Platypus in front of the Picnic Shelter. Turned on the camera to be welcomed by ” No memory card present”. Uttered a few foul oaths and, much to the confusion of Thomas, returned home to insert the card!
Making a second attempt observed a distant Bush Stone Curlew doing his own Patrol of Bunya Street.
Of more interest spotted a Coucal Pheasant in the driveway of a house which backs onto the Creek and managed to grab one shot before it vanished into the undergrowth. Not a very good photo but have never before seen this bird in the vicinity.
From the Suspension Bridge a distant Platypus, probably the same one as seen previously, was busy feeding about 50 mtrs down the Creek.
Another Platypus was seen at Platypus Bend, this one a male in a hurry on the surface and probably looking for love. He soon disappeared from view.
At Log Jam Peninsula a Black-faced Monarch paid a visit but didn’t come as close as I would have liked.
Was pleased to find a Green Ringtail Possum on a River Oak Branch near the Overhanging Bushes and within a few metres spotted “Chocolate” the darkly coloured Common Brushtail Possum hiding in Bush No 2.
Continued on to the narrows where a blob in the canopy caught my attention and proved to be another Green Ringtail Possum, again on a River Oak branch but concealed by Camphor Laurel foliage. I was able to introduce a visitor from Gold Coast although it was too well hidden for his young daughter to see.
Fortunately she was able to see the Platypus which appeared where to Creek leaves the Pool beneath the Highway Bridge which was observed by several more visitors as it swam into the Platypus Viewing Pool and on up the Creek.
The Bush Stone-curlew was still on her nest at Nick’s Camping Area and demonstrating the excellence of her camouflage. Even knowing where she was, I had to get within about 5 mtrs before I spotted her.
One of the Bunya Street Curlews was in his oft used spot by the concrete garden surround. I believe this to be the same one that on two occasions has stood outside our front door calling loudly until he was fed. Were you aware that Bush Stone-curlews like Polish Garlic Sausage ?

Coucal Pheasant. Centropus phasianinus

Platypus. Ornithorhynchus anatinus

Black-faced Monarch. Monarcha melanopsis

Green Ringtail Possum. Pseudcochirops archeri

Common Brushtail Possum. Trichosurus vulpecula

Bush Stone-curlew. Burhinus grallarius

Pic of the Week. Not the Creek, but the sudden influx of Sarus Cranes. Grus antigone.
These have been on either side of Gillies Highway on the Yungaburra side of Barron river.

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

Kreft’s Short-necked Turtle. Emydura kreftii

Common Brushtail Possum. Trichosurus vulpecula

Green Ringtail Possum. Pseudochirops archeri

Bush Stone-curlew. Burhinus grallarius

Spangled Drongo. Dicrurus bracteatus

Shot of the Day

Weather

No rain in the gauge. Patchy cloud with sunny periods. Variable southerly breeze. Track dry. Water level falling slowly.

Post

My new computer is finally restored, set up and functioning as it should and my latest draining project has reached today’s target. Time to go on Patrol and test out the latest incarnation of my photo manipulation software.

While walking along Bunya Street, Thomas and I were pleased to see our regular pair of Bush Stone-curlews in the garden of one of the creek side residences and they are now showing off a well grown chick.
On reaching the bridge at Allumbah Pocket photographed a Brown Cuckoo Dove near the entrance.
When about to cross the bridge, I noticed a Saw-shelled Turtle and an Eastern Water Skink close together on the Stepping Stones so diverted towards the Old Boiler Shed for a closer look and some pics.
Returned to Lloyd’s Suspension Bridge from where I photographed the regular Large Turtle on his rock underneath the bridge.
Glimpsed an Eastern Water Dragon at the Horseshoe Rocks but two more offered good close up views on the rocks opposite Snodgrass’s Pool which I was able to share with two groups of passing tourists.
Between these two, a small flock of Male Figbirds were feasting on a fig tree.
Nothing then until The Log Jam where there was only one Turtle on show bu a Platypus busy feeding close to the far bank. Got some distant shots and also observed another Water Dragon swimming across the pool but not able to get a photo.
Continued on to Platys Pool where a Black-faced Monarch was feeding in the branches above the track and achieved some reasonable shots.
In No 3 of the overhanging bushes a Green Ringtail Possum was perched on a River Oak branch as it crossed over the track. They seem to love these branches where they pass through the canopy of another tree or bush. Met a couple, originally from Lancashire, now living in Perth and was able to introduce them. Thomas enjoyed some well deserved admiration.
Nothing else was seen until Nick’s Camping Area where the pair of Bush Stone-curlews were in residence.
Crossed the Highway to check out the Fig Tree which overhangs the block adjoining The Doctor House. The Brush Tail Possum seems to have moved on but I was lucky enough to spot another Green Ringtail Possum which was a fitting end to the Patrol.

Bush Stone-curlew. Burhinus grallarius

Brown Cuckoo-Dove. Macropygia phasianella

Saw-shelled Turtle. Elseya latisternum

Eastern Water Skink. Eulamprus quoyii

Australasian Figbird. Sphecotheres flaviventris – male

Eastern Water Dragon. Physignathus lesueurii

Platypus. Ornithorhynchus anatinus

Black Faced Monarch. Monarcha melanopsis

Green Ringtail Possum. Pseudochirops archeri

Weather.

Bright and sunny but very humid Light breeze. Cloud approaching from the West. Moon Phase First quarter + 3 days

Wildlife Report

After a couple of months without a visiting the creek the start of a few months suggested that I should perhaps pay a visit and see what is going on.
I enjoyed meeting a few of my old friends although in otherwise it was quite upsetting observing the general deterioration of the walk and to observe some quite drastic and unnecessary pruning. Even worse was the removal of a complete dead tree in which a family of Brushtail Possums used to live and nearby the removal of a perfectly healthy tree in which my friend “Tatty” the Coppery Brushtail Possum formerly roosted and was frequently visited by one or more Green Ringtails.
I did catch up with “Mrs Green” a Green Ringtail in the trees to the left of the entrance to Allumbah Pocket and “Whitespot”, another Green Ringtail in one of her regular trees.
At The Other Side a handsome Coppery Brushtail Possum was in a tree close to the fence.
In a bush nearby a Willie Wagtail came to say hello and I also saw a Spotted Catbird who was pleased to have his photo taken.
Under the Highway Bridge several small groups of Large-footed Fishing Bats were sighted.
In the trees on the East Bank a handsome young Lumholtz’s Tree Kangaroo was a willing participant to a lengthy photo session.

Green Ringtail Possum. Pseudochirops archeri

Coppery Brushtail Possum. Trichosurus vulpecula

Willie Wagtail. Rhipidura leucophrys

Spotted Catbird. Ailuroedus maculosus

Saw-shelled Turtle. Elseya latisternum

Eastern Water Dragon. Physignathus lesueurii

Large-footed Fishing Bat. Myotis macropus

Lumholtz’s Tree Kangaroo. Dendrolagus lumholtzi

Weather

No rain. Bright sunny day without a cloud in the sky. Cool but light southerly breeze. Track dry

Post

A relaxed morning so having completed chores decided that a Patrol was in order.
Thomas and I found nothing but a Spiny Orb-weaver Spider at Allumbah Pocket but he was quite colourful and was duly photographed.
Crossing the Suspension Bridge noted that the Tiny Turtle seems to have established a new home and was the first of numerous brothers and sisters seen today.
A large Eastern Water Dragon was on the rocks opposite Snodgrass’s Pool and when photographed he moved to a position which better displayed him. Unusual in that if they move it is normally to vanish among the rocks.
A Platypus was seen in the Pool but was in a hurry checking his territory, behaviour often observed at this time of year. Two other Platypus seen today were doing the same thing.
The Red Bottlebrushes along the next section of bank had attracted a pair of Scarlet Honeyeaters ( Myzomela) both of which posed for photographs.
A second Platypus was seen at Platypus Bend and again on the surface in a tearing hurry. Wonder what he was looking for?
At the Log Jam there were 5 moderately sized Saw-shelled Turtles on the logs although 3 slid into the water on our approach. Another Tiny Turtle was proudly occupying a very large log.
Just past Platy’s Pool four slightly larger Turtles appeared to be competing for top spot on a sloping log which projects out of the water.
At the start of the Overhanging Bushes, a Green Ringtail Possum was occupying an unusual position on an exposed branch of a large River Oak. I was joined by a French / Italian couple with a baby who now live in Port Douglas. They were very interested and a few metres farther on spotted another GRP which I was about to walk past! It was again in a position where I had not previously seen a Possum.
Under the Highway Bridge I met a family of three from Brisbane who are Wildlife Carers. Gave them some pointers and hope that they found the Possums.
A small juvenile Water Dragon was sunbathing on the rocks under the Bridge.
The regular pair of Bush Stone-curlews were occupying a comfy spot between the chair legs at Nick’s Camping area.
Checked out the Fig Tree which overhangs the vacant lot next to the Doctor House. The Brushtail Possum was not at home but yet another lively Green Ringtail was seen.
The Bunya Street Curlew was back in his regular spot across the road from our place.

Spiny Orb-weaver spider. Gasteracanther sp female

Saw-shelled Turtle. Elseya latisternum

Eastern Water Dragon. Physignathus lesueurii

Platypus. Ornithorhynchus anatinus

Scarlet Honey Eater. Myzomela sanguinolenta male

Green Ringtail Possum. Pseudochirops archeri

Bush Stone-curlew. Burhinus grallarius

Weather

2.5 mm of rain overnight. Overcast with sunny periods. Light breeze. Track damp with a few muddy patches.

Post

This Post has been delayed as when attempting to process the images found that it was not possible to access the disc on which I store my images. Fortunately I have backups but insufficient available disc space disc space to restore them so spent the rest of Saturday and most of Sunday doings some research and ordering a new computer as my present one is like me and showing it’s age!
Thomas and I started out after lunch and saw nothing at Allumbah Pocket apart from a friend enjoying lunch at the shelter.
A tiny Saw-shelled Turtle was occupying the rock under the Suspension Bridge which has recently been the home of a very large specimen.
Then saw nothing until The Log Jam which today had a good display of Turtles. There were a few busy honeyeaters around but not remaining still long enough to photograph.
A Platypus was browsing under the bank foliage at Platy’s Pool but emerged for long enough to be seen by a visitor from France and a small family group.
Another Platypus was feeding at the upstream end of Stringers Stretch but remained at some distance.
On the rocks under the Highway Bridge two immature Eastern Water Dragons were enjoying a glimpse of the sun.
The regular pair of Bush Stone-curlews were again in a delightful spot adjoining Nick’s Car Park!

Saw-shelled Turtle. Elseya latisternum

Platypus. Ornithorhynchus anatinus

Eastern Water Dragon. Physignathus lesueurii

Bush Stone-curlew. Burhinus grallarius

Weather

5 mm of rain. Overcast with intermittent light drizzle. Light breeze with gusts accompanying showers. Track moist. Minimal mud.

Post

After a morning spent pottering in the shed and indoors decided I needed some exercise and as my new camera and lens are weatherproof set off on Patrol with Thomas.
Nothing spotted at Allumbah Pocket or The Other Side.
My latest Eastern Water Dragon mate was hiding behind his rock opposite Snodgrass’s Pool. He is quite a large boy.
A few metres further on spotted a Platypus at some distance heading downstream and flashed off a couple of photos before he vanished.
Closer to Platypus bend another Platypus appeared briefly but provided little opportunity for photography. She was soon replaced however by a much more cooperative animal who fished in the same area for several minutes at reasonably close range.
At the Log Jam in the absence of the sun there were no Turtles to be seen but a Water Dragon was fully exposed on the far bank.
Very few birds were active apart from a few Scarlet Honey Eaters enjoying the Bottlebrush flowers but they refused to sit still long enough to be photographed.
None of my Possums were in their usual spots and even the Bats were roosting elsewhere.
A final Platypus appeared at the Viewing Pool, a male moving on the surface at high speed and again not conducive to photography. His brief appearance was enjoyed by several small groups of visitors who had gathered at the Viewing Platform.
Even the Bush Stone-curlews had deserted me today!

Eastern Water Dragon. Physignathus lesueurii

Platypus. Ornithorhynchus anatinus

Weather

Not rain in gauge. Bright sunny day. No cloud. Track dry.

Post

Heavy mornings work hand loading a trailer full of volcanic rocks at Quincan Quarry and off loading them and arranging most of them along our front boundary.
Thomas and I felt that we had then earned a stroll along Petersons Creek.
Nothing to be seen at Allumbah Pocket but the large Saw-shelled Turtle was on his usual rock underneath Lloyd’s suspension Bridge. He was the first of numerous Turtles seen near the Memorial Bench, at The Log Jam and on the bank at Platy’s Pool.
A handsome Eastern Water Dragon was sunning himself at the Upper Level where the path leaves The Other Side and another was showing only his head on the rocks opposite Snodgrass’s Pool and was admired by a local couple with their dog who befriended Thomas..
A good selection of Turtles were as already mentioned occupying all the vantage points at the Log Jam.
The same male Green Ringtail Possum was in the first of the Overhanging Bushes and introduced him to a young couple and two older ladies from Coffs Harbour and their dog.
Club Foot one of the regular local Brush Turkeys stopped by for a brief chat at the base of Picnic Peninsula.
No Platypus were seen today.
At Nick’s Camping Area the pair of Bush Stone-curlews were having an off with each other and the Bunya Street Curlew was obviously exhausted after a noisy night.

Saw-shelled Turtle. Elseya latisternum

Eastern Water Dragon. Physignathus lesueurii

Green Ringtail Possum. Pseudochirops archeri

Australian Bush Turkey. Alectura lathami

Bush Stone-curlew. Burhinus grallarius