Weather

2 mm of rain in the gauge. Overcast with some sunny periods. Light southerly breeze. Track damp but no mud. Water level steady.

Post

Road dry after early morning shower as Thomas and I set out. Many common birds along Bunya Street but not inclined to pose for photos. Had a distant glimpse of two Pacific Bazas and a Rainbow Bee-eater.
Several cars parked at the entrance to Allumbah Pocket and could hear children along the walk. Nothing for us to photograph here or at The Other Side where we gave a wide berth to a Mum with several kids.
Approaching Snodgrass’s Pool a Pacific Baza flew into a tree before flitting to alternative perches nearby and was able to take several photos.
In the group of trees opposite the Pool a Green Ringtail Possum was well concealed and not terribly social but managed to find a view for a photo.
Near Flood Tide Island a Platypus was spotted foraging and with patience and a few changes of position recorded a few good shots. Another Mum with a small boy appeared and was able to direct her to a socially distanced spot where they were could observe and they were soon joined by other members of the family group.
Moving on, another Green Ringtail Possum was seen in the eucalypt next to the large River Oak but was again not easy to photograph. A passing couple were told where to look.
Nothing was observed at the Log Jam but in the stretch of water just upstream another Platypus was sighted but was intent on exploring beneath the bank foliage and gave very limited photo opportunities.
While waiting for her to reappear a small flock of female King Parrots appeared and were more obliging.
Nothing else was seen until the Highway Bridge where a couple of Bats were roosting.
Crossing the Bridge the same Golden Orb-weaver spider had a web just above eye level.
My friends the Bush Stone-curlews could not be found today but the Brushtail Possum was still showing off his bum in the fig tree overhanging the vacant lot next to The Doctor House.

Pacific Baza. Aviceda subcristata

Green Ringtail Possum. Pseudochirops archeri

Platypus. Ornithorhynchus anatinus

Australian King Parrot. Alisterus scapularis

Little Broad-nosed Bat. Scotorepens greyii

Golden Orb-weaver Spider. Nephila pilipes

Common Brushtail Possum. Trichosurus vulpecula

Weather

2.5 mm of rain in the gauge after 17 mm yesterday. Scattered cloud, mostly sunny. Light to moderate SE breeze. Track damp and soft under foot but no mud. Water level steady.

Post

After the usual morning chores and helping to chop veggies for a batch of choko chutney Thomas and I decided to take advantage of some sunshine and go out on Patrol.
Soon spotted a pair of Bush Stone-curlews in one of the creek bank gardens along Bunya Street. Curlews are unfortunately indifferent to the proximity of human structures which sometimes spoils the aesthetics of photographs!
Nothing visible at Allumbah Pocket but a pair of female Australian King Parrots were perched in a tree on the far side of Lloyd’s suspension Bridge.
We passed a couple of walkers at a good distance before checking out The Other Side with negative results.
In the trees opposite Snodgrass’s Pool we found a well concealed Green Ringtail Possum which I think was the male who I have christened Popeye. He was not averse to a few photos but did not wish to come out to play.
The Log Jam came good today after a dodgy start! I was just having a mutter about missing a Turtle which took a dive as we approached when a beautiful Platypus appeared almost under my feet and entertained us for 10 minutes or so. In between times the Saw-shelled Turtle re-appeared in the vicinity on a log and was also photographed.
Moving on an Eastern Yellow Robin approached us as we neared Platy’s Pool and near the tip of Picnic Peninsula we spotted a small Turtle with an even smaller specimen riding piggyback!
Along Dowlings corridor a pair of Pale-yellow Robins were photographed as they busied themselves among the leaves.
At the Highway Bridge I was delighted to see that some work has been done to alleviate the dangerous condition of the path under the bridge. The track has been widened and filled with gravel which appears to have had some cement added in the lowest section. It is a shame that the section at the foot of the steps has been left sloping markedly towards the Creek which in the absence of a hand rail still represents a continuing hazard to the aged or infirm. Perhaps the work is not yet finished. We will just have to wait and see.
Crossing the bridge a small Golden Orb-weaver Spider has built a web in the bushes close by.
The regular pair of Bush Stone-curlews were sleeping in at Nick’s Camping Area and the Chocolate Brush Tailed Possum was still presenting an antisocial view in the fig tree next to the vacant lot adjoining The Doctor House.
The final sighting was of yet another Bush Stone-curlew in a garden along Bunya Street.

At the end of the blog you will find a QR link for use with any smart phone. I would be grateful if you could check this out and get back to me if you have any problems,

Bush Stone-curlew. Burhinus grallarius

Australian King Parrots. Alisterus scapularis

Green Ringtail Possum. Pseudochirops archeri

Platypus. Ornithorhynchus anatinus

Saw-shelled Turtle. Elseya latisternum

Eastern Yellow Robin. Eopsaltria australis

Pale-yellow Robin. Tregellasia capito

Golden Orb-weaver Spider. Nephila Ssp

Common Brushtail Possum. Trichosurus vulpecula

QR Link to Platypus Patrol

To use this link, select your smart phone camera and point at image so that it more of less fills the screen. A link to Platypus Patrol should be displayed.. Tap this to open the blog.

Please let me know it this does NOT work for you. I intend to display this around the place so that visitors ( when they come back!) can easily access the blog and the information it contains.

Weather.

4.5 mm of rain in gauge. Overcast. Few small areas of blue sky with a brief period of watery sun. Light fitful breeze. Track damp. Water level falling slowly.

Post.

At last a period of dry weather with no signs of imminent showers on the Weather App so Thomas and I decided that a visit to the Creek was in order.
Nothing to be seen at Allumbah Pocket or The Other Side apart from a few well behaved visitors.
At The Log Jam a small Saw-shelled Turtle took to the water as we approached leaving a tiny relative as the only representative of his species.
In the trees along the upstream side of the Peninsula a Pacific Emerald Dove came along to inspect us and got his photo taken.
A much larger Turtle was on the sloping far bank of Platy’s Pool and a moderate sized one on top of the post in the Platypus Viewing Pool.
No sign of Platypus today and no luck with Green Ringtail Possums either.
The regular pair of Bush Stone-curlews were resting at Nick’s Camping area.
In the Fig Tree overhanging the vacant block next to The Doctor House the Chocolate Brushtail Possum was once again displaying her nether region.

Saw-shelled Turtle. Elseya latisternum

Pacific Emerald Dove. Chalcophaps longirostris male

Bush Stone-curlew. Burhinus grallarius

Common Brushtail Possum. Trichosurus vulpecula

Weather

No rain. Bright sunny day with few scattered clouds. Cold early but now warming up. Track dry. Water level steady.

Post

Hiatus with bathroom improvements while waiting for plumber to connect water and drainage. Nothing else urgent awaits so decided to take my Weekly Walk.
A pair of Pale-yellow Robins were seen at Allumbah Pocket but did not wait to be photographed.
The Other Side was noisy as one of the Yungaburra Volunteers was busy with a brush cutter but spotted something in one of the trees near the Memorial Bench which was favoured by White Spot the Green Ringtail Possum. A reasonable view was obtained with some difficulty and was able to see enough of the right ear to confirm her identity. She has clearly sent her joey off to fend for himself and is now waiting for Mr Right to come along to start the whole process off again.
After AG’s post which I read this morning it was interesting to note that several of the male River Oaks along the Creek are in full bloom and have assumed a coppery colour in place of the usual dull green.
A splash was heard as I approached The Log Jam and I am fairly certain that a Turtle had plunged into the water from one of the Logs.
Nothing else was seen until the tip of Picnic Peninsula where a juvenile Golden Orb-weaver Spider and it’s web were lit by the sun.
Upstream along Stringers Stretch I spotted an unusual bulge on a semi-submerged log and suspicious of it’s identity I took a photo. Subsequent viewing showed a small Saw-shelled Turtle!
While crossing the Highway Bridge another Golden Orb -weaver was photographed in the bushes along side.
The pair of Bush Stone-curlews were back in charge of Nick’s Beer Garden so the tourist trade is yet to pick up.
In the fig tree overhanging the vacant lot next to the Medical Centre the Chocolate Brushtail Possum was again showing off her posterior.
The Bunya Street Curlews were back in their spot across the road, the smaller bird appearing half asleep and still puffed up against the cold.
A final shot was obtained of a juvenile Australian Brush Turkey who appears to have taken over our back garden and although somewhat wary of Thomas is making itself at home!

Green Ringtail Possum. Pseudochirops archeri

River Oak. Casuarina cunninghami

Golden Orb-weaver. Sp Nephila

Saw-shelled Turtle. Elseya latisternum

Bush Stone-curlew. Burhinus grallarius

Common Brushtail Possum. Trichosurus vulpecula

Australian Brush Turkey. Alectura lathami – juvenile

Weather

7 mm of rain overnight. Overcast with occasional light showers. Light SE breeze. Track damp after showers in the past few days. Water level steady.

Post

Toyed with the idea of going on Patrol for some time and eventually succumbed to urging from Thomas who seemed very keen. Possibly suffering from pangs of jealously as Cody receiving more attention after yesterdays traumatic event.
Birds were active in the gardens along Bunya Street but none close enough for photographs and as soon as we entered Allumbah Pocket they all vanished.
Very little was seen along the first half of the Walk and was quite surprised to see a Saw-shelled Turtle on the far bank of Platy’s Pool. It is a regular haunt but haven’t seen it occupied for ages.
A lone Platypus was foraging along the downstream side of Picnic Peninsula and snatched a few shots before she spotted me, made a rapid dive and vanished.
A second Turtle was seen on the surface along Stringers Stretch.
Even the Bush Stone-curlews were absent today although they have been quite active at night.
The Chocolate Brushtail Possum was in her usual fork of the fig tree but I am still unable to persuade her to show her face!

Saw-shelled Turtle. Elseya latisternum

Platypus. Ornithorhynchus anatinus

Common Brushtail Possum. Trichosurus vulpecula

Weather

No rain. Patchy cloud with sunny periods. Winds East. Gusty at times. Track dry. Water clearing an level falling slowly.

Post

After planting out veggie seedlings and doing a few garden chores decided that a stroll along the Creek with Thomas was the order of the day.
A small Saw-shelled Turtle was sunbaking on the Stepping Stones as we crossed the Suspension Bridge and this set the order of the day as we saw four similar juvenile turtles at various spots along the walk and a larger specimen in the Platypus Viewing Pool.
Two Turtles were at the Log Jam although one did not wish to be photographed and took to the water.
Very noisy at this point as one of the properties along the far bank has had the tree loppers in for 2 days and they have still not finished. Fortunately not too much difference visible from the Creek.
In the larger trees between the Overhanging Bushes a Pacific Baza was minding his own business although a group of smaller birds were unsettled by his presence and took very little notice of us. Photographed not only the Baza, but a Silvereye, a Spangled Drongo, and a Willie Wagtail all within a few metres.
The final pair of juvenile Turtles were on a small log on the downstream side of Picnic Peninsula.
As we arrived at the pool under the Highway Bridge a Platypus dived. It soon surfaced and we stayed for 10 minutes as it continued to feed and then adjourned to shallows under the bank for a late morning scratch and tidy up.
As previously noted, “Tensing” Turtle was perched on the observation post in the Viewing Pool with as usual another Turtle waiting at water level.
After visiting a Bush Stone-curlew at the Car Park we deviated to the fig tree on the far side of the vacant lot and were confronted by our accustomed rear end view of the Chocolate Brushtail Possum.
As we burrowed into the undergrowth seeking a better viewpoint, a Green Ringtail Possum was startled and sprinted up the tree where I lost sight of it. Fortunately it stopped to check us out and I was able to photograph him as well.
The walk was completed by a view of the resident Bunya Street Curlew in his regular spot.

Saw-shelled Turtle. Elseya latisternum

Pacific Baza. Aviceda subcristata

Silvereye. Zosterops lateralis

Spangled Drongo. Dicrurus bracteatus

Willy Wagtail. Rhipidura leucophrys

Platypus. Ornithorhynchus anatinus

Bush Stone-curlew. Burhinus grallarius

Common Brushtail Possum. Trichosurus vulpecula

Green Ringtail Possum. Pseudochirops archeri

Weather

5 mm rain overnight. Showers early clearing to cloud with sunny periods. Intermittent southerly breeze. Track damp from recent rain. Water level falling slowly.

Post

Road now dry and pleasantly cool for walking. Thomas and I found nothing at Allumbah Pocket.
The Memorial Bench was occupied by a group of young people happily ignoring the social distancing rules. We were then overtaken by a couple with a dog giving us plenty of clearance.
Photographed the bright yellow flowers of Jerusalem Artichoke which is common around Yungaburra and the Pinnacles. I presume that it must have been grown here commercially in the past.
At the Log Jam a moderate sized Saw-shelled Turtle was perched on the concrete slab at the far bank but had no companions today.
In the second of the Overhanging Bushes a Green Ringtail Possum was very well concealed in a spot where I previously saw a Brushtail Possum with facial injuries. I haven’t seen a Green Ringtail there before.
We were then overtaken by another couple with two dogs who we later passed going in the opposite direction just below the Highway Bridge.
On the downstream side of Picnic Peninsula an Orange-footed Scrubfowl was busy excavating the far bank and was duly photographed.
While crossing the bridge we checked out the rock beneath where a small Eastern Water Dragon was relaxing.
In the Platypus Viewing Pool a Platypus appeared a couple of times to have her photo taken and a Saw-shelled Turtle was again on top of the post, while another awaited it’s turn at the base.
A pair of Bush Stone-curlews were guarding Nick’s Camping Area and another pair were in a garden along Bunya Street.
There is always something to be seen if you look hard enough!

Jerusalem Artichoke. Helianthus tuberosus

Saw-shelled Turtle. Elseya latisternum

Green Ringtail Possum. Pseudochirops archeri

Orange-footed Scrubfowl. Megapodius reinwardt

Easter Water Dragon. Physignathus lesueurii – juvenile

Platypus. Ornithorhynchus anatinus

Bush Stone-curlew. Burhinus grallarius

Weather

1.5 mm of rain in the gauge. Patchy cloud with sunny periods. Cold southerly breeze. Track damp after early morning shower. Water level up after storm earlier in the week. Stepping stones submerged but visible and washed clear of logs and debris.

Post

Wet foliage not suitable for the work I had in mind in the garden so opted to take Thomas for a walk along the Creek.
As we arrived at The Other Side a Pacific Baza flew across the clearing into the large tree beside us and moving a few paces gave us an excellent view which I made good use of.
While checking out the favoured roost of White Spot, the Green Ringtail Possum and Tree Kangaroos I met one of my neighbours and Post follower with her two dogs and had a brief chat before moving on to Snodgrass’s Pool.
In the trees opposite I was pleased to spot Pete the Piratical Green Ringtail Possum with his tattered right ear. He was very congenial this morning and sat still while I took several pics.
On to the Log Jam Peninsula where a Platypus was making her way along the downstream side. Managed to grab a few quick shots before she disappeared from view.
No Turtles or Water Dragons seen but a Brown Cuckoo-Dove was checking out the leaf litter on the far bank from the opposite side of the Peninsula.
At Platy’s Pool a very friendly Eastern Yellow Robin sat in an overlooking tree and gave me some great photo opportunities.
Near the Footbridge met another friend. Told her about the GRP but when I saw her again along Bunya Street she had been unable to find it!
While walking under the Highway Bridge was excited to see an Azure Kingfisher land in a bush on the far bank. Managed to get my first photo of this species but too far away for a top quality image.
Thought that the Bush Stone-curlews had done a bunk before spotting them in a comfortable spot at the far side of Nick’s Car Park.
Detoured to check on the Chocolate Brushtail Possum who was present but still refusing to face the photographer!
Continuing on our way a flock of Sulphur-crested Cockatoos flew overhead.
The Bunya Street Curlews were still in the garden across the road pretending to be invisible.

Pacific Baza. Aviceda subcristata – female

Green Ringtail Possum. Pseudochirops archeri

Platypus. Ornithorhynchus anatinus

Brown Cuckoo-dove. Macropygia phasianella

Eastern Yellow Robin. Eopsaltria australis

Azure Kingfisher. Ceyx azureus

Common Brushtail Possum. Trichosurus vulpecula

Sulphur -crested Cockatoo. Cacatua galerita

Bush Stone-curlew. Burhinus grallarius

Weather.

1 mm of rain in the gauge. Scattered cloud with sunny periods. Variable light breeze. Track dry throughout. Water level steady.

Post.

After a morning spent reducing the growth in the garden following the wet season decided after lunch to take a stroll along the Creek.
I don’t think that I have ever seen the nature strips along Bunya Street so uniformly well cared for. Guess that there are plenty of blokes around with nothing better to do!
Nothing seen Allumbah Pocket but on reaching the far side of the bridge noted some activity in a tree to the right. There were a couple of Shrike Thrushes flitting around with a larger bird which on closer inspection proved to be female Victoria’s Rifle Bird and I got some good shots.
No sign of Tree Kangaroos or Green Ringtail Possums but on one of the rock piles between the Memorial Bench and Snodgrass’s Pool an Eastern Water Dragon was enjoying the sun. Another larger specimen was on the far bank at the Log Jam and seems to be more vividly coloured unless it is just the brighter light. I also photographed a juvenile water dragon on the rocks beneath the Highway Bridge.
Along Stringers Stretch I photographed the vivid red fruits of the Scented Daphne.
At the base of Picnic Peninsula a Hornbill Friarbird was enjoying the flowers of a Queensland Umbrella Tree and was able to get some photos.
In the Platypus Viewing Pond an adventurous Saw-shelled Turtle was perched on the end of a long post rising from the water.
A pair of Bush Stone-curlews were enjoying Nick’s Camping area and two more were in a garden just across Bunya Street from home.
The Chocolate Brushtail Possum was in her regular location in the fig tree at the far end of the vacant block next to The Doctor House.

Victoria’s Riflebird. Ptiloris victoriae – female

Eastern Water Dragon. Physignathus lesueurii

Fruit of Scented Daphne. Phaleria clerodendron

Hornbill Friarbird. Philemon yorki

Saw-shelled Turtle. Elseya latisternum

Bush Stone-curlew. Burhinus grallarius

Common Brushtail Possum. Trichosurus vulpecula

Weather.

Rain nil. Overcast with some sunny periods. Light breeze. Track dry. Many formerly muddy areas have been filled by Yungaburra Volunteers. Water level steady.

Post.

Time for another exciting escape from the house for a brief period and before we even left saw a large moth roosting on the wall of the car port.
Nice to see so many flowering trees and shrubs and took several photos along Bunya Street.
Spotted nothing at Allumbah Pocket but as Thomas and I came down from The Other Side we noticed a lone White-headed Pigeon which I snapped.
In the tall trees at the southern end of Horseshoe Rocks there was again an amorphous shape high in the canopy and closer inspection revealed the tails of two tree kangaroos. It proved impossible to find a view of either of their faces until in response to a series of tongue clicks, whistles and “Hellos” the joey was eventually persuaded to raise his head and the opportunity was not wasted!
Moving on we spotted a moderate sized male Eastern Water Dragon showing off his bright new skin on one of the rock piles opposite Snodgrass’s Pool.
At the base of Log Jam Peninsula an Eastern Yellow Robing was singing his heart out and at the Jam itself were two Saw-shelled Turtles. The lesser of the two was one of the smallest I have ever seen.
A few more White-headed Pigeons were frightened from the treetops and more again were seen at Picnic Peninsula.
No Platypus were seen today and no sign of Green Ringtail Possums in any of their favoured spots.
Several Insectivorous Bats were roosting under the Highway Bridge but none suitable to be photographed.
A small juvenile Easter Water Dragon was seen and captured on the rocks under the Bridge.
In spite of being very noisy during the night, none of the Bush Stone-curlews were seen. Perhaps they were worried that I might throw a shoe at them if they put in an appearance .

Coprosma Hawk Moth. Hippotion scrofa

Fried Egg Tree. Franklinia axillaris

Christmas Senna. Senna bicapsularis

Brazilian Nightshade. Solanum seaforthianum

White-headed Pigeon.

Lumholtz’s Tree-kangaroo. Dendrolagus lumholtzi

Eastern Water Dragon. Physignathus lesueurii

Eastern Yellow Robin. Eopsaltria australis

Saw-shelled Turtle. Elseya latisternum