7.5 mm or rain since yesterday. Sunny. Sky clear with scattered high cloud. Little or no breeze. Track wet with numerous small puddles and some mud. Not for white trainers.

Set out early this morning to fit in with appointment to speak to the staff of Yungaburra Visitor Information Centre about the activities of Platypus Patrol.
Thomas and I entered the Walk at Allumbah Pocket and immediately located an antisocial Green Ringtail Possum in the trees to the right of the entrance. Refused to show it’s face so photographs not inspiring.
While crossing Lloyd’s Suspension Bridge an effervescence of bubbles was seen indicating a submerged Platypus near one of the old bridge supports. It soon surfaced and a couple of dives supplied a number of pics before it headed off downstream.
There were signs (scats) of recent Possum activity on the benches near the Suspension Bridge supports at The Other Side and shortly after found White Spot the Green Ringtail Possum at her high level perch close to the Memorial Bench. I was unable to see any sign of her joey through the camera but this is not unusual and it may have temporarily returned to the pouch.
There were no Eastern Water Dragons to be seen, probably too cool for them at the early hour, but at the upper level a pair of Bush Stone-curlews were seen lurking in the long grass.
Opposite Snodgrass’s Pool I investigated the clump of tree where possums are often seen and discovered a delightful female Lumholtz’s Tree-kangaroo with her joey. They were sitting high in one of the trees, bathed in the early morning sunlight providing perfect photographic conditions and I obtained some pleasing images.
No Turtles were seen today. Insects were also absent and even the Cicadas had stopped, or perhaps hadn’t started, calling.
Another Platypus was sighted at Stringer’s Stretch alongside Picnic Peninsula but decline to stop just to suit me.
There were fewer small birds along the Walk today although plenty along Bunya Street when we started.
Arriving at Platypus Viewing Platform I saw one of the owners leave the Rufous Shrike-thrushes nest. Obviously taking time out!
The Bush Stone-curlews had returned to the trees on the East side of the Car Park.
In the water meadows beside the Creek were a flock of Australian White Ibis and a group of Magpie Geese were grazing at the far end of the Paddock.

Green Ringtail Possum. Pseudochirops archeri

Platypus. Ornithorhynchus anatinus

Bush Stone-curlew. Burhinus grallarius

Lumholtz’s Tree-kangaroo. Denrolagus lumholtzi

Australian White Ibis. Threskiornis molucca

Magpie Geese. Anseranas semipalmata

1.5 mm rain overnight. Patchy cloud cover with brief periods of watery sunshine. Light drizzle at times. Bo breeze. Track damp but muddy puddles drying up and much less slippery.

Thomas joined me again this morning but we had no sightings along Bunya Street or at Allumbah Pocket.
A large male Eastern Water Dragon was showing off on the rocks opposite the Memorial Bench and could also be seen from the side.
White Spot the Green Ringtail Possum was in her alternative regular spot opposite Snodgrass’s Pool and was sharing the tree not only with her Joey but also with another GRP, probably a male.
Nothing then until the Log Jam which is emerging from the water but the only occupant was a tiny Saw-shelled Turtle.
At Picnic Peninsula met an interested couple from New Hampshire, USA who admired Thomas and in return were directed how to find the Possums and Dragon.
No Platypus were seen today.
At The Narrows met four young people from Cairns who were delighted to meet Thomas and one of the girls decided on the spot that she needed a Dachshund! They too were given directions.
An Eastern Water Skink was on the rock under the Highway Bridge.
In front of the Viewing Platform the Rufous shrike Thrush was sitting on the nest. The Bush Stone-curlews were having a Sunday morning lie in on the grass near Nick’s Camping Area.

Eastern Water Dragon. Physignathus lesueurii

Green Ringtail Possum. Pseudochirops archeri

Saw-shelled Turtle. Elseya latisternum

Eastern Water Skink. Eulamprus quoyii

Rufous Shrikethrush. Colluricincla megarhyncha

Bush Stone-curlew. Burhinus grallarius

No rain. Scattered cloud with intermittent sunshine. No breeze. Track moist and somewhat muddy. Drying. Water level falling. Still discoloured.

Mutiny in the camp today so on my own.
Nothing seen at Allumbah Pocket or The Other Side.
White Spot was on a particularly difficult perch in her favorite tree which made photography difficult but at least provided enough to identify her.
No sign of Water Dragon, Turtles or Platypuses today. A Freshwater (Keelback) Snake did cross the path in front of me while approaching the Log Jam.
With the lack of wildlife photo opportunities, took a stack of images towards my next project which will be a visual guide to The Walk.
Spotted a different Cicada at The Narrows.
The Rufous Shrike-thrush was still sitting on the nest in front of the Viewing Platform and the Bush Stone-curlews were at the Bamboo Clump.
Spotted a group of as yet unidentified critters at the entrance to The Doctor House
While removing my gear at home a rather handsome Crested Pigeon landed on out bird table and was joined by a Pacific Emerald Dove. Quite unusual as we normally only see the latter in the early morning or late evening.
While watching them, a pair of Yellow Honeyeaters which I have never seen before arrived for some foraging and was able to get a photograph.

Green Ringtail Possum. Pseudochirops archeri

Freshwater Snake. Tropidonophis mairii

Emerald Fairy Cicada. Taurella viridis ??

Rufous Shrikethrush. Colluricincla megarhyncha

Bush Stone-curlew. Burhinus grallarius

Unidentified Critters. ? Banksiae

Crested Pigeon. Ocyphaps lophotes

Yellow Honeyeater. Stomiopera flava

7.5 mm of water in the gauge. Overcast with occasional very light drizzle. Intermittent breeze from West. Track still wet but drying and some areas of sticky mud.

Just for a change approached the Walk unaccompanied by Thomas and from the Highway Bridge end. I had arranged to meet with the Volunteers at 10 am for a meeting with Kev Allan, Regional Manager Land Services regarding safety issues along the Walk.
The Bush Stone-curlews had moved back to the Bamboo Clump today. There were fewer than usual Magpie Geese in the Paddock. One of the Rufous Shrike-thrushes was sitting on the nest in front of the Platypus Viewing Platform.
Along the Narrows I spotted a Little Kingfisher which I had only seen previously at Hasties Swamp. Got a couple of quite good images although I would have wished to be closer.
At the Log Jam there were no Turtles, mainly due to lack of Logs, but a couple from Canada were watching a Platypus just downstream. He put on a very entertaining performance and approached very close to where we were standing so my wishes were answered!
A lone Pacific Black Duck was seen near Platypus Bend.
Opposite Snodgrass’s Pool an Eastern Water Dragon was on the rocks.
White Spot was not visible today but a female Green Ringtail Possum was in the tree downstream from the Suspension Bridge with her joey. It was extremely difficult to obtain a reasonable view but I eventually managed one acceptable portrait and a glimpse between the foliage which does after a fashion show both faces.
Crossing the bridge I found that I was sharing it with a Leaden Flycatcher which flew up into one of the trees making a better photo.
At Allumbah Pocket I photographed a Pale-yellow Robin but there were no Tree Kangaroos or Possums today.

Bush Stone-curlew. Burhinus grallarius

Rufous Shrike-thrush. Colluricincla megarhyncha

Little KIngfisher. Ceyx pusillus

Platypus. Ornithorhynchus anatinus

Pacific Black Duck. Anas superciliosus

Eastern Water Dragon. Physignathus lesueurii

Green Ringtail Possum. Pseudochirops archeri

Leaden Flycatcher. Myiagra rubecula. Male

Pale-yellow Robin. Tregellasia capito

24 mm of rain in gauge. Overcast with few small patches of blue, decreasing. Fitful breeze from south. Track still wet bu dryer than yesterday. Water level falling slowly. Still discolored red but able to see submerged logs so definitely clearing.

Nothing to see at Allumbah Pocket and no sign of Eastern Water Dragons.
White Spot the Green Ringtail Possum was in her favorite tree but looking wet and rather disheveled. Joey not immediately obvious but a change in position revealed a tail and in the 3rd image he is looking at us although the branch unfortunately obscures most of his features!
At Snodgrass’s Pool a pair of White-headed Pigeons flew into a nearby tree and I snatched a photograph.
A few Turtles were seen breathing at the surface but at the Log Jam, although more of the logs are visible there was not much real estate to permit sunbathing.
No Platypus seen.
At the Overhanging bushes a small group of yellowish birds were noted hunting for insects in the foliage and hopping from twig to twig with considerable rapidity. Fired off about 10 shots of which one was half decent and my identification is a juvenile White-throated Gerygone.
At the Viewing Platform the one of the Rufous Shrike-thrushes was on the nest and I was lucky enough to observe another change over!
A small flock of Magpie Geese were in the Paddock but strewn along the fence line.
The Bush Stone-curlews were clearly exhausted, both lying in the grass at Nick’s Camping area, the larger bird having eyes closed as well.

Green Ringtail Possum. Pseudochirops archeri

White-headed Pigeon. Columba leucomela

View of the Log Jam

White-throated Gerygone. Gerygone olivacea

Rufous Shrike-thrush. Colluricincla megarhyncha

Bush Stone-curlew. Burhinus grallarius

25 mm in the rain gauge overnight and another 23 mm during the morning. Now overcast and drizzling gently. Little or no breeze. Track wet with numerous puddles. Stepping Stones and Log Jam completely submerged.

A lull in the rain encouraged me to venture out in foul weather gear and waterproof camera and wade through the puddles. Thomas thought better of it!
Nothing at Allumbah Pocket but a Willie Wagtail and a Varied Triller were having a game at The Other Side.
Opposite Snodgrass’s Pool an Eastern Water Dragon was poking his head out from behind a rock.
A few butterflies were on the wing and one landed nearby near Full Tide Island. My best guess is a Fuscous Swallowtail.
The Log Jam was completely invisible today and saw only a couple of distant Turtles taking a breath as they were swept downstream.
A pair of Pacific Black Ducks were resting on the bank upstream of the Jam.
The track under the Overhanging Bushes was almost a stream but in No 3 a small Green Ringtail Possum was curled up in a ball.
A large volume of water was pouring from the Viewing Pond under the Highway Bridge.
At the Viewing Platform one of the Rufous Shrikethrushes was sitting on the nest.
The Paddock had it’s usual small group of Magpie Geese and a pair of Bush Stone-curlews were today favoring one of the bamboo clumps.

View of Stepping Stones from Bridge

Willie Wagtail. Rhipidura leucophrys

Eastern Water Dragon. Physignathus lesueurii

Fuscous Swallowtail. Papillo fuscus

The Log Jam

Pacific Black Duck. Anas superciliosus

Green Ringtail Possum. Pseudochirops archeri

Strong current under the Highway Bridge

Rufous Shrikethrush. Colluricincla megarhyncha

Bush Stone-curlew. Burhinus grallarius

Magpie Goose. Anseranas semipalmata

9 mm of rain yesterday. Overcast with occasional showers. Breeze variable in strength and direction. Track damp with a few residual puddles and some mud. Water level in the creek steady but Flood Tide Island is now an island.

Late start after shopping and errands but managed to ensure memory card in camera. Arrived at Allumbah Pocket and as we checked the trees at the entrance a Lumholtz’s Tree-kangaroo hopped across the path behind us. As soon as I located it in the undergrowth it hopped of through the trees with no obvious visual problems. When it stopped we were able to approach and take a couple of snaps but after repeating this once it retraced it’s steps and vanished. I was unable to located again either above or on the ground. Have not yet compared the images but suspect that it the same animal which has been seen several times in this area in the recent past.
Crossed over Lloyd’s Suspension Bridge and immediately observed a Green Ringtail Possum (or two) in the tree immediately downstream of the bridge cables. I suspect that this was the season’s first mother with her joey.
White Spot with her joey were today in the tree opposite Snodgrass’s Pool and moved along the branch with joey hanging on in precarious fashion.
On to the Log Jam where the Logs are rising out of the water again. No turtles on the logs but one was noted in the pool taking a breath.
No Platypus seen today.
At the Overhanging Bushes a small male Green Ringtail possum was seen displaying his wares in No 3 as he climbed to a more secluded perch. I was very surprised to find that in Bush No 1 a small female Green Ringtail Possum was relaxing.
Nothing else observed until the Platypus Viewing Platform where I met a very interested couple and had a long chat about Possums and Platypus. They pointed out to me a birds nest situated about three metres in front of and at the same level as the viewing windows. The owners proves to be a pair of Rufous Shrike Thrushes one of whom was feeding the other. The one being fed then hopped out and flew away while the remaining bird took over sitting duties in the nest!
A small group of Magpie Geese were on the bank of the Creek where it curves round out of sight from the Platform.

Lumholtz’s Tree-kangaroo. Dendrolagus lumholtzii

Green Ringtail Possum. Pseudochirops archeri

Saw-shelled Turtle. Elseya latisternum

Rufous Shrikethrush. Colluricincla megarhyncha

Magpie Goose. Anseranas semipalmata

50 mm of rain in gauge this morning. Overcast with occasional patches of blue sky. Light breeze from North East. Track wet with increasing puddles and mud particularly around Platy’s Pool. Water level up again almost submerging the Stepping Stones and only one of the Logs at the Jam showing above water.

Set of this morning with the faithful Thomas but regrettably no memory card so there will be no new images today. Those provided are previous images from the same locations and similar to what I observed today.
As we walked along Bunya Street we noticed one of the resident small dogs was investigating the nature strip on the opposite side from his home. To my astonishment a pair of Bush Stone-curlews emerged from between the bushes behind him and only about 7 meters away! All three vanished hurriedly when the owner appeared to put out his bin.
Almost all of the Stepping Stones again under water and the water like chocolate milkshake. Noticed that the run off from Dowling’s Meadow is almost clear so surmise that the soil coloring the water is coming from recently cultivated land. Will take a drive around to check it out.
White spot the Green Ringtail Possum was in her high level perch with just part of Joeys ear visible. I suspect that he is still going into the pouch when it suits him! Was surprised to find the the male GRP also in the same tree although he was climbing a branch which he continued up into the canopy.
Two Eastern Water Dragons were today in the meadow adjoining The Other Side and perched only on quite small rocks.
Cicadas were making lot of noise but none were visible.
No Turtles at the Log Jam as nothing for them to perch on although we did see some in the water.
No Platypus today and very little activity in the Paddock behind the Car Park.

Bush Stone-curlew. Burhinus grallarius

Green Ringtail Possum. Pseudochirops archeri

Eastern Water Dragon. Physignathus lesueurii

Logs at Jam almost submerged.

25 mm of rain in gauge. Light overcast, clearing to patchy sun. No breeze. Track damp. Minimal puddles.

Thomas turned up his nose this morning but then howled constantly once I had left home!
Only a single Bush Stone-curlew was present today in a Bunya Street garden.
At Allumbah Pocket met up with Darryl and his wife who intend to write an article about Yungaburra in a seniors magazine and are keen to publicize Petersons Creek Walk. They joined me for the rest of the Patrol and I hope that they enjoyed it.
White Spot the Green Ringtail Possum was in her high level perch and not easy to see initially but Joey decided to move around resulting in an interesting view and some good images.
On the rock opposite Snodgrass’s Pool a female Eastern Water Dragon was showing off her tail.
At the Log Jam the logs were again almost submerged and a solitary Saw-shelled Turtle was present.
A couple at Platy’s Pool had just seen a Platypus but it had vanished before our arrival. At the tip of Log Jam Peninsula however a male Platypus passed us moving down stream at high speed.
In the Paddock behind the Viewing Platform a group of Magpie Geese were feeding in company with a few Australian White Ibis and Bush Stone-curlews were scattered around the groups of isolated trees.
At Nick’s Camping Area the pair of Curlews were busy preening themselves and a Black-faced Monarch came to check us out behind Quincan Cafe.

Bush Stone-curlew. Burhinus grallarius

Green Ringtail Possum. Pseudochirops archeri

Eastern Water Dragon. Physignathus lesueurii

Saw-shelled Turtle. Elseya latisternum

Platypus. Ornithorhynchus anatinus

Black-faced Monarch. Monarcha melanopsis

25 mm in gauge overnight. Steady rain easing to continuing very light to light drizzle. Solid cloud cover. No breeze. Track wet with puddles in places, esp. Under Overhanging Bushes, base of Picnic Peninsula and under Highway Bridge. Path from Highway down under bridge is slippery and needs care. Boots not required but don’t wear your best white trainers.

Left dogs at home this morning and set out wearing oilskin jacket and hat and carrying waterproof camera. Images will be of lower quality than usual.
Water level much the same as yesterday with colour brown rather than red.
Drew a blank at Allumbah Pocket and across Lloyd’s Suspension Bridge.
White Spot the Green Ringtail Possum was in her high level perch this morning with little detail to be seen.
It was not warm enough for the Eastern Water Dragons but surprisingly two Saw-shelled Turtles were on display at the Log Jam.
Club Foot the Brush Turkey was at Platy’s Pool close to where we saw him yesterday.
A Platypus was at The Narrows, very close to the Highway Bridge and would have got some good shots with my regular camera.
Plenty of Magpie Geese in the Paddock with a few Australasian White Ibis and Swamphens.
The pair of Bush Stone-curlews had moved back to Nick’s Camping Area,

Stepping Stones seen from Suspension Bridge

Green Ringtail Possum. Pseudochirops archeri

Saw-shelled Turtle. Elseya latisternum

Australian Brush Turkey. Alectura lathami

Puddles on track at Overhanging Bushes No 1

Platypus. Ornithorhynchus anatinus

Under Highway Bridge

Magpie Geese. Anseranas semipalmata

Bush Stone-curlew. Burhinus grallarius