Category Archives: Uncategorized

Wednesday 16th February 2022. 0840 – 1015

Weather

16.5 mm of rain in the gauge. Scattered cloud about 6/10 with sunny periods. Light SE breeze. Track wet from rain overnight. Water level up again and strong flow in the Creek. Moon Phase – Full Moon tomorrow.

Wildlife Report

I bagged a couple of shots before leaving home this morning with a couple of less common visitors.
Firstly a Sulphur- crested Cockatoo decided to visit the tall gum at the bottom of our garden and soon afterwards the Mistletoebird was busy making his breakfast from the berries of the Medinilla.
Allumbah Pocket was less exciting with nothing at all seen although as soon as I had crossed the Suspension Bridge I photographed the rear end of a Green Ringtail Possum in a tree close to the Bridge supports. It is not the first time I have seen a GRP in this location and it is completely impossible to improve upon the view.
Nothing was then seen until the trees opposite Snodgrass’s Pool where a Spectacled Monarch was observed having a comprehensive preen.
On to The Log Jam where I immediately spotted the bubbles of a submerged Platypus which soon surfaced. She appeared keen on travel and I had to walk fast to keep up with her as she proceeded upstream, while I snatched a few random shots.
I got ahead of her at Platys Pool where she popped up under the River Cherry tree and I got a couple of better shots followed by some more at Overhanging Bushes.
At that point I pointed her out to a couple visiting from Townsville and we followed her on to Stringers Stretch. We were joined by a group of younger women and they all came with me to The Narrows where I spotted what I thought was two Lumholtz’s Tree Kangaroos which were high in a tree on the opposite bank.
When I stopped to look unsuccessfully for Bats under the bridge they all went on leaving me in peace while I photographed the Coppery Brushtail Possum at the centre of the Bridge and the Bush Stone-curlews at Nick’s Camping Area.
Crossing the Highway to the West Bank of the Creek I found not two but three Tree Roos and was able to get a shot of all three together plus individual photos. I believe that they were a mother with a young joey, together with the well grown juvenile which was encouraged to leave home several weeks ago and now returned to the fold!
The Spotted Catbird was not seen on the nest but was heard calling nearby.
In the Overhanging Fig Tree ” Tatty” the second Coppery Brushtail was presenting her less desirable features but deigned to turned round and look at me for the second time in a week!
The whole episode was watched by an unknown Green Ringtail Possum roosting in the same tree.
Access to the Bunya Street Curlews was again limited by a parked vehicle but I believe that they are still thriving.

Sulphur – crested Cockatoo. Cacatua galerita

Common nearby but seldom seen in our garden

Mistletoe Bird. Dicaeum hirundinaceum

Breakfasting on Medinilla berries

Green Ringtail Possum. Pseudochirops archeri

Antisocial Possum at The Other Side
Watching events in the Overhanging Fig Tree

Spectacled Monarch. Symposiachrus trivirgatus

Preening

Platypus. Ornithorhynchus anatinus

In a hurry on the surface
At Platys Pool under the River Cherry
Heading towards Overhanging Bushes

Lumholtz’s Tree Kangaroo. Dendrolagus lumholtzi

View from Track. Two tails hanging from a mass of Roo
Three for the price of one! Left joey,
Centre almost full grown juvenile, Right adult female.
Very active Joey clambering around on it’s own.
Well grown juvenile a little more sedate.
Mum wishing they would leave her in peace!

Coppery Brushtail Possum. Trichosurus vulpecula

Next to Highway Bridge
“Tatty” in Fig Tree. Torn ear just visible.

Bush Stone-curlew. Burhinus grallarius

At Nick’s Camping Area

Monday 14th February 2022. 0740 – 0900

Weather

2.5 mm of rain in the gauge. Scattered cloud with sunny periods. Moderate Easterly breeze, gusting at times to 20 knots. Track damp after early morning shower. Water level down about 20 mm but still high. Moon Phase – Full Moon 17 Feb.

Wildlife Report

A rare occasion when nothing was seen at Allumbah Pocket.
At The Other Side the Spotted Catbird was again sitting on the side of it’s nest and I was able to snap it.
From the Upper Level near Snodgrass’s Pool I could see a male Green Ringtail Possum in the group of trees opposite the Pool and maintaining a watch on “Whitespot” the female GRP who was in her regular River Cherry Tree on the Creek bank.
I saw nothing then until Log Jam Peninsula where numerous White-headed Pigeons were in the taller trees.
In the Evodia tree near the base of the Peninsula I was sorry to note the absence of the Golden Orb-weaver Spider who’s web had been wrecked. This usually occurs when the spider is eaten by a predator or sometimes in strong winds.
Along Dowling’s Corridor I saw a pair of Rufous Shrike-thrushes and got several shots of one. I also took photos of a White-headed Pigeon and a Bar-shouldered Dove.
Under the Bridge I again took some shots of Large-footed Fishing Bats.
From Highway Bridge I observed a small juvenile Eastern Water Dragon on the rocks below and also a pair of half grown Dragons in close physical proximity. It is certainly not breeding season at present and little is known about their breeding habits. Perhaps they are just friends with benefits?
The pair of Bush Stone-curlews were enjoying the sumptuous surroundings at Nick’s Camping Area and seemed more relaxed today.
No one was at home on the Eastern Creek Bank today but “Tatty” the Coppery Brushtail Possum was in her usual spot. One of her ears was actually just visible but I couldn’t determine any details.
The Bunya Street Curlews were present with both of their chicks but unfortunately my visit coincided with that of the Postie and I was unable to obtain a photo.
After arriving home we had this little visitor to a Medinilla bush which we have in a pot just outside our kitchen door. It is one of my favourites, a Mistletoebird seen peeking out from between the leaves.

Spotted Catbird. Ailuroedus maculosus

Although a very conspicuous bird when sitting out in the open she is very well camouflaged when surrounded by twigs and leaves.

Green Ringtail Possum. Pseudochirops archeri

Male GRP in the tree opposite Snodgrass’s Pool
“Whitespot” seems to have plenty of tummy on view. Perhaps her gentleman admirer has already been visiting?

Rufous Shrikethrush. Colluricincla megarhyncha

One of a pair seen, I think a juvenile still being fed by mother.

White-headed Pigeon. Columba leucomela

Plenty of them around this morning

Bar-shouldered Dove. Geopelia humeralis

Regularly seen along the Creek but I see them so often at home I don’t usually bother to take a photo.

Large-footed Fishing Bat. Myotis macropus

Different views of the same animals

Eastern Water Dragon. Physignathus lesueurii

Very small juvenile.
Two immature Dragons getting close and personal

Bush Stone-curlew. Burhinus grallarius

A flower in the scene so possibly celebrating Valentine’s Day?

Coppery Brushtail Possum. Trichosurus vulpecula

Glimpse of an ear seen through the tree fork.

Mistletoebird. Dicaeum hirundinaceum

Gorgeous!



Saturday 12th February 2022. 0935 – 1105

Weather

No rain in the gauge. Scattered cloud with sunny periods. Light SE breeze. Track dry almost throughout. Water level has fallen slightly but still high. Moon Phase – First Quarter + 4 days.

Wildlife Report

Arriving at Allumbah Pocket I checked out the informal entrance and could see a Green Ringtail Possum but in an unfamiliar tree. Closer inspection revealed that this was “Popeye” a male Possum but I was unable to find any sign of “Mrs Green”.
Close by on the other side of the main entrance a Lumholtz’s Tree Kangaroo could be readily seen high in the canopy but I was unable to obtain a decent view of it’s face.
At this point a couple originating in Glasgow but now living in Townsville arrived on the scene and seemed somewhat amazed to be seeing the resident wildlife before they had actually entered the track! They joined me for the remainder of the patrol.
“Nosey” the other male GRP was back in his regular pitch close to the Suspension Bridge.
Crossing the bridge I observed that the water level is falling slowly but the Stepping Stones are still well submerged.
At The Other Side the Spotted Catbird could be seen sitting on the edge of her nest although somewhat obscured by the surrounding foliage.
No Water Dragons were seen on the Rocks and Turtles were also conspicuous by their absence.
At Snodgrass’s Pool “Whitespot”, one of the female GRPs, had moved to a previously used perch in the clump of Camphor Laurel trees next to the sign board.
A few Red Roarer Cicadas could be seen high on the trunks of the Grey Gum Trees but were too far away to photograph.
We saw nothing while approaching or at The Log Jam but on the upstream side of the Peninsula I noticed ripples emanating from the Bank. I suspected a Platypus but it turned out to be a large Saw-shelled Turtle foraging on the overhanging foliage.
At the base of the Peninsula the Golden Orb-weaver Spider was still minding her web.
At Platys Pool a small Eastern Water Dragon leapt into the water and ran on the surface for a couple of metres before submerging. This behaviour is often seen when they perceive our presence to be a threat.
A few White-headed Pigeons were observed but were too high to be photographed with any success.
Nothing else was seen until half way across the Highway Bridge where the Coppery Brushtail Possum was in her regular perch beside the walkway.
From the Car Park the silhouette of two Bush Stone-curlews could be seen at Nick’s Camping area so we approached until close enough to take some shots.
Continuing on to the Yungaburra side of the Creek we were disappointed to find no more Tree Roos and the Catbird was absent from it’s nest.
“Tatty” the second Coppery Brushtail Possum was in the Fig Tree, showing her nether regions and ignoring us completely. She gets her name from a torn and tatty left ear which is seldom seen.
The Bunya Street Curlew Family were today visiting the other side of the street but allowed us close enough to obtain some good photos.

Green Ringtail Possum. Pseudochirops archeri

“Popeye” inspecting us from a new perch.
Checking from another angle.
“Nosey” another male possum on his perch next to the Suspension Bridge
“Whitespot” one of my female Possum friends in the trees next to Snodgrass’s Pool
A very well concealed Green Ringtail Possum at Overhanging Bushes
Another unknown GRP in a Camphor Laurel tree at Picnic Peninsula.

Lumholtz’s Tree Kangaroo. Dendrolagus lumholtzi

Not the best view but always good to see them
Turned around but still hiding face!

Spotted Cat Bird. Ailuroedus Maculosus

Bird sitting on the side of her nest

Saw-shelled Turtle. Elseya latisternum

Very Large Turtle foraging along the bank

Golden Orb-weaver Spider. Nephila pilipes

Male spider risking his life above. The small globular spiders are interlopers who poach scraps from the webs of large spiders.

Coppery Brushtail Possum. Trichosurus vulpecula

Alongside Highway bridge less than 5 meters from passing semi-trailers!
The usual view of “Tatty”

Bush Stone-curlew. Burhinus grallarius

At Nick’s Camping Area happy in their little slum
The Bunya Street Family exploring the West side of the road
Close Up of the chicks

Thursday 10th February 2022. 0915 – 1045

Weather

No rain. Sun shining form a cloudless sky. Very light southerly breeze. Track drying but still some wet muddy area. Flow strong. Water level remains high. Moon – first Quarter + 2 days

Wildlife Report

I left home a bit later this morning in the hope of seeing more of the reptiles and perhaps a Platypus.
Along Bunya Street there were a number of White-headed Pigeons in the trees, one of which provided a good close-up.
At Allumbah Pocket a team of men were clearing undergrowth from around a nearby power pole with two chainsaws running at full blast.
In spite of this, “Mrs Green” the Green Ringtail Possum was sitting quietly in one of the trees between the two entrances and as ever looking at me without any concern. Wild animals are amazing!
At The Other Side there was no activity on the Catbird’s nest and no more Possums.
At Horseshoe Rocks I snapped an Eastern Water Dragon while another was seen on the rocks opposite Snodgrass’s Pool.
“Whitespot” the other female GRP was looking quite smug as she had reclaimed her usual roost in the River Cherry tree.
Several more White-headed Pigeons were seen along Log Jam Peninsula while above the concrete slab opposite the tip an Eastern Water Dragon was enjoying the sun.
Next to the Evodia tree at the base of the Peninsula the Golden Orb-weaver Spider was again photographed.
Near No 2 of the Overhanging Bushes the local Green Ringtail Possum had moved his roost to a dense mass of foliage so his photo is of rather poor quality.
A couple of small Bats were again photographed under the Highway Bridge.
From the Car Park I spoted a Curlew at Nick’s Camping Area and on approaching I could see the pair of them enjoying their Bower!
I crossed the road as usual but no Tree Roos were seen although the Spotted Catbird was again sitting on her nest.
The Coppery Brushtail Possum was in the Fig Tree but refusing to acknowledge my presence.
The Bunya Street Curlews were today half way up our neighbours drive in a nice family group.
As I walked up our drive a juvenile Brushturkey took off from the bushes alongside.

White-headed Pigeon. Columba leucomela

Seen along Bunya Street

Green Ringtail Possum. Pseudochirops archeri

“Mrs Green” at Allumbah Pocket. Not in the least bothered by the chainsaws!
“Whitespot”. Happy to have reclaimed her bed.
In dense foliage at Overhanging Bushes

Eastern Water Dragon. Physignathus lesueurii

At Horseshoe Rocks
Near Snodgrass’s Pool
At The Log Jam

Golden Orb-weaver Spider. Nephila pilipes

Plenty of males risking their lives

Large-footed Myotis. Myotis macropus

Under Highway Bridge

Bush Stone-curlew. Burhinus grallarius

In their Bower
Family group along Bunya Street

Spotted Catbird. Ailuroedus maculosus

Bird on nest

Coppery Brushtail Possum. Trichosurus vulpecula

Familiar pose!

Tuesday 8th February 2022. 0740 – 0905

Weather

No rain. Light overcast with occasional brief sunny periods. Cloud thickening later. Light SE Breeze. Track drying although some parts remain wet and muddy where water is draining from the paddocks. Creek still running fast with water level stable. Moon – First Quarter +2.

Wildlife Report

After Sunday’s amazing Patrol it was inevitable that today would be something of an anticlimax so it was hardly surprising that at Allumbah Pocket I saw only one Green Ringtail Possum “Nosey”, and even he had moved to a much less favourable location but in the same tree next to the Suspension Bridge.
At The Other Side I could see a blob identified as a GRP in the tree next to the Bridge but it was so high in very dense foliage that only a very poor photo was possible.
At the nest of the Spotted Catbird things took a slight turn for the better in that when I emitted a few “clicks” the bird stuck up her head to investigate and I saw it for the first time on the nest.
At Snodgrass’s Pool I thought that “Whitespot” was in residence but in fact a male Possum was “sleeping in her bed”. This not uncommon as Possums often seemed to use the same roost as others and I have even seen Tree Kangaroos taking a turn.
At Log Jam Peninsula a Catbird was making a lot of noise and then followed me as I moved along the track although I never saw it.
Under the Highway Bridge I was on the lookout for Bats and found a pair of what were probably Large-footed Myotis but with much more of their bodies exposed than I have seen before.
At the Car Park I spotted a pair of Mistletoebirds which were more intent in investigating the barbed wire fence than the several clumps of Mistletoe in the vicinity. They were very quick moving and hard to photograph.
At Nick’s Camping Area the Bush Stone-curlews were much more relaxed and looked a loving couple as they sat under the table!
The second Spotted Catbird was predictably not visible on the nest near the Bridge as I could still hear the bird calling in the vicinity.
The Coppery Brushtail Possum was in her regular spot and giving me as anticipated the usual view.
Along Bunya Street I was delighted to find the Bush Stone-curlew family intact with both chicks lying prone and providing some interesting images.
The Yellow Honeyeater was visiting the same Grevillea bush and provided another photo. Some details of the images seem different to any others that I can find of this bird but I am unable to otherwise identify it. I shall seek advice.

Green Ringtail Possum. Pseudochirops archeri

“Nosey” in a new location in the tree next to the Suspension Bridge
The blob in the tree at The Other Side
“Who’s been sleeping in “Whitespot’s” bed?”

Spotted Catbird. Ailuroedus maculosus

Birds eye visible at top of nest.

Large-footed Myotis. Myotis macropus

Two bats hanging from the under side of the bridge

Mistletoebird. Dicaeum hirundinaceum

Looking rather ruffled
Interesting posture!

Bush Stone-curlew. Burhinus grallarius

Love Birds at Nick’s
One of the Bunya St parents in the position often used to protect chicks.
The other parent with one chick.
Close up of chick 1
Chick 2

Yellow Honeyeater. Stomiopera flava

Appearance of eye differs from published photos and drawings ??

Sunday 6th February 2022. 0835 – 1010

Weather

2 mm of rain in the gauge. (20 mm on 5th). Cloudy early. Sunny with scattered cloud later. Light SE breeze. Track mostly only damp but in places ephemeral streams crossing track and some extensive areas of wet mud especially at base of Log Jam Peninsula extending on to Platys Pool and parts of Overhanging Bushes. Water level stable with Stepping Stones well covered. Moon 1st quarter 08 Feb.

Wildlife Report

A moderately early start without exhausted dogs who declined to accompany me.
At entrance to Allumbah Pocket I immediately sighted “Popeye” the Green Ringtail Possum but was unable to see “Mrs Green”. Two local dog walkers enjoyed seeing “Popeye”.
Reliable “Nosey” the other male GRP was in his favourite spot next to the Suspension Bridge.
At The Other Side there was no sign of the Catbird and the nest appeared empty.
I had only a fleeting glimpse of an Eastern Water Dragon on the Horseshoe Rocks.
In the undergrowth and Guinea Grass between Middle Rocks and the track I sighted some activity with two different birds which I was not immediately able to identify. Subsequent checking revealed a White-browed Scrubwren and what I believe to be an Atherton Scrubwren.
In the Syzygium Tree near Snodgrass’s Pool, “Whitespot” the female Green Ringtail Possum was wide awake and wished me Good Morning.
Nothing then until the upstream side of Log Jam Peninsula where I photographed the resident golden Orb-weaver Spider.
At Platys Pool a pair of Orange-footed Scrubfowl flew across to the far bank where I managed a snap shot of one.
Near No 2 of the Overhanging Bushes the unnamed Green Ringtail was in his usual River Oak tree and as I was pointing him out to two young blokes from Malanda I sighted another GRP in a tree closer to the Creek.
On the upstream side of Picnic Peninsula a small Group of White-headed Pigeons were in on of the River Cherry trees.
Half a dozen or so Large-footed Myotis aka Fishing Bats were roosting in one of the deck joints beneath the Highway Bridge. They are very interesting in that they fly low above the water trailing their feet to catch insects and small fish.
On to the Highway Bridge without further sightings except a juvenile water dragon which darted into the undergrowth from the rocks under the bridge.
The pair of Bush Stone-curlews were enjoying their section of stylish real estate at Nick’s Camping Area.
I crossed the Highway to the West bank of the Creek where I immediately saw a Lumholtz’s Tree Kangaroo. She was quite High up the tree but I had a good unobstructed view and could also see her from the opposite side of the tree.
On viewing the photos I saw that she had a pouch joey which stuck out it’s head while I was watching. The shots from the other side after a delay while I visited the nest of the spotted Catbird showed a foot protruding from the pouch after the joey had retreated!
The Coppery Brushtail Possum was again in the Overhanging Fig Tree with her head tucked down and I could see her left ear which has an obvious tear. As I scanned the tree for other possums she put up her head and I got some excellent shots. I will call her “Tatty” short for “tattered and torn”.
Along Bunya Street the Masked Lapwings were again active and I noticed one of them affecting a limp so I suspect that they have a nest nearby!
The Bush Stone-curlews were again on show although I could only see one of the chicks today. I hope that it was just in hiding.
I finished the Patrol with a couple of photos of a Yellow Honeyeater in the garden of another neighbour.

Green Ringtail Possum. Pseudochirops archeri

“Popeye” at Allumbah Pocket
“Nosey” next to the Suspension Bridge
“Whitespot” near Snodgrass’s Pool
In the River Oak at Overhanging Bushes
In a Bottle Brush at the creek’s edge

White-browed Scrubwren. Sericornis frontalis

In small bush near ground level
Better focused although partly obstructed

Atherton Scrubwren. Sericornis keri

Searching for insects
Another view

Golden Orb-weaver Spider. Nephila pilipes

In Evodia Tree

Orange-footed Scrubfowl. Megapodius reinwardt

Snap shot in poor light

White-headed Pigeon. Columba leucomela

In River Cherry Tree

Large-footed Bat aka Fishing Bat. Myotis macropus

Under Highway Bridge

Bush Stone-curlew. Burhinus grallarius

Classy joint
Bunya Street Family

Lumholtz’s Tree Kangaroo. Dendrolagus lumholtzi

High in the Tree but good view
Hello! She’s got another pair of ears between her front feet!
From the other side of the tree. Paw sticking out of her pouch!

Spotted Catbird. Ailuroedus maculosus

Bird on nest near Highway Bridge

Coppery Brushtail Possum. Trichosurus vulpecula – “Tatty”

Good morning to you too “Tatty” !

Masked Lapwing. Vanellus miles miles

Along Bunya Street

Yellow Honeyeater. Stomiopera flava – juvenile

Along Bunya Street

Friday 4th February 2022. 0740 – 0905

Weather

15.5 mm of rain in the gauge. Overcast. Light drizzle at times. Very light variable breeze. Track wet with several ephemeral streams running over it. Some puddles and areas of black mud. Grass saturated in places. Water level steady. Brisk flow. New Moon + 2

Wildlife Report

Thomas was feeling rather tired after yesterday and as our Granddaughter Emma was keen to make the best of her last day on the Tablelands we set off early without him.
We found nothing at the entrance to Allumbah Pocket but in the tree next to the Suspension Bridge “Nosey” the Green Ringtail Possum had returned to his regular spot.
At The Other Side the Spotted Catbird was showing her tail on the nest.
Another Green Ringtail was in the tree behind the Picnic Shelter but stubbornly refused to show it’s face.
At the Upper Level opposite Snodgrass’s Pool I saw a moderate size Eastern Water Dragon who went into hiding at the sight of me.
At the Log Jam another Dragon was lying on the Concrete Slab but moved onto the foliage when we appeared. He was duly photographed.
At the base of the Peninsula the Golden Orb-weaver Spider was still doing her thing.
We were on the lookout for a Platypus but apart from several false alarms we had no luck.
At Dowling’s Corridor a juvenile and rather untidy Willy Wagtail came to visit.
Under the Highway Bridge several Large-footed Bats were roosting but not in the usual concrete joint.
The Coppery Brushtail Possum was fast asleep in her bush near the Centre of the Bridge.
A juvenile Eastern Water Dragon was seen on the rocks beneath the Bridge.
We again spotted a Bush Stone-curlew at Nick’s Camping Area but as we got closer the recumbent female roused herself and headed for cover.
We crossed the Highway and went to the Eastern bank of the Creek where there were unfortunately no Tree Kangaroos.
The Spotted Catbird’s nest was empty but Emma soon spotted the bird on a branch on the far bank. When it flew closer I got several shots of it.
At the Overhanging Fig Tree the Coppery Brushtail Possum was today favoring us with her tail as well as her behind. Another Green Ringtail Possum was partly concealed in the foliage.
Along Bunya Street the Pair of Bush Stone-curlews with their two chicks were again in front of our neighbours house.

Green Ringtail Possum. Pseudochirops archeri

“Nosey” next to the suspension Bridge
Unidentified Green Ringtail at The Other Side
In the Overhanging Fig Tree

Spotted Catbird. Ailuroedus maculosus

Erect tail at right side of nest
The bird taking a spell off the nest near the Highway Bridge

Eastern Water Dragon. Physignathus lesueurii

At The Log Jam
Juvenile under Highway Bridge

Golden Orb-weaver Spider. Nephila pilipes

Willie Wagtail. Rhipidura leucophrys

Scruffy juvenile

Little Broad-nosed Bat. Scotorepens greyii

Roosting under Highway Bridge
Another pair

Coppery Brushtail Possum. Trichosurus vulpecula

Sleepy Possum next to Highway Bridge
Bottom and brush in the Fig Tree

Bush Stone-curlew. Burhinus grallarius

At Nick’s Camping
Adults with chicks in front along Bunya Street
Family on their feet

Thursday 3rd February 2022. 0905 – 1030

Weather

20 mm or rain in the gauge. Overcast with brighter periods. Some light showers. Variable southerly breeze. Water level falling slowly. Track wet with several streams crossing it and frequent puddles. Numerous muddy areas. New Moon + 1

Wildlife Report

My Granddaughter still very keen to see a Tree Kangaroo in the wild so set out this morning to try and rectify.
For the first time in many months Thomas. who is now fully recovered from his foot surgery, decide that he he would like to come with us and was a very good boy.
Nothing was seen at the entrance to Allumbah Pocket but as soon as we rounded the bend near the Picnic shelter I spotted two Lumholtz’s Tree Kangaroos in the tree arising from the water’s edge just to the right of the shelter. Both animals were quite cooperative in permitting portraits of themselves and to provide icing on the cake, “Nosey” the Green Ringtail Possum was sharing the same tree!
At the Other Side an erect tail showed that the Spotted Catbird had returned to the nest.
Two Eastern Water Dragons were posing on the skyline of Horseshoe Rocks although the image of one was very poor due to adverse lighting conditions.
Many cicadas could be heard calling but few were seen and all higher up the trees so no photos were taken.
Along the upstream side of Log Jam Peninsula several White-headed Pigeons were observed.
In the Evodia Tree at the base of the Peninsula the Golden Orb-weaver Spider’s web was seen again and photographed.
At Picnic Peninsula a bird which I thought to be a Catbird flew across. I flashed off a few long distance shots which proved subsequently that it was indeed a Spotted Catbird. This explained the absence of a bird on the nest when we visited it later.
From the Car Park we again saw the local Bush Stone-curlews at Nicks Camping Area and took some photographic proof.
While going to check the Catbird’s nest we saw another Green Ringtail Possum in a tree almost overhanging the Highway Bridge.
The Coppery Brushtail Possum was again showing it’s behind in the Fig Tree.
The Bunya Street Curlews were parading in front of our neighbour’s house and both chicks were present and correct.

Lumholtz’s Tree Kangaroo. Dendrolagus lumholtzi

Mother on guard duty.
A better view of her face. Opening of pouch is just visible.
Joey on nearby branch
Another view

Green Ringtail Possum. Pseudochirops archeri

“Nosey” sharing the same tree.
Near Highway Bridge

Spotted Catbird. Ailuroedus maculosus

Bird’s tail erect on right side of nearest branch

Eastern Water Dragon

Distant view of Catbird at Picnic Peninsula

Eastern Water Dragon. Physignathus lesueurii

One of the Dragons at Horseshoe Rocks

White Headed Pigeon. Columba leucomela

At Picnic Peninsula
Another with breast puffed out.

Golden Orb-weaver Spider. Nephila pilipes

In Evodia Tree

Bush Stone-curlew. Burhinus grallarius

At Nick’s Camping Area
Parents with one chick at Bunya Street
The missing infant

Coppery Brushtail Possum. Trichosurus vulpecula

Coppery Brushtail Possum in Fig tree.

Tuesday 2nd February 2022. 0730 – 0900

Weather

4.5 mm of rain in the gauge. Overcast. Variable southerly breeze. Track wet with a few puddles. Water level falling slowly. New Moon today.

Wildlife Report

On Patrol this morning I enjoyed the pleasurable company of my granddaughter who is visiting from Townsville.
In the trees to the left of the entrance to Allumbah Pocket, “Popeye” the Green Ringtail Possum was found in a different tree. I could see no sign of Mrs Green but she may well have been hiding somewhere.
“Nosey”, another Green Ringtail, was occupying his regular spot in the tree next to Lloyd’s Suspension Bridge.
At The Other Side we were greeted by a Spotted Catbird calling from the private property over the fence and we soon saw her in the branches of a small tree. I took several photos and she continued calling throughout.
Cicadas of several different species were calling loudly from the the grey Gum Trees along the fence line but were too high to be worth photographing.
At the Log Jam a juvenile Eastern Water Dragon was seen on a short tree branch just above the water while a larger specimen ran out across the water before submerging.
In the Mellicope elleriana tree at the base of Log Jam Peninsula I took some more pics of the Golden Orb-weaver Spider .
The nest of the Gerygone now appears to be empty.
While crossing the Highway Bridge I again photographed the Coppery Brushtail Possum in the bushes alongside.
A couple of metres further on a juvenile Eastern Water Dragon was seen on the rocks below.
From the Car Park we could see the silhouette of a Bush Stone Curlew but they became agitated as we approached so photos were not highly successful.
Continuing on to the Creek bank on the Yungaburra side we saw an Australian Brushturkey roosting on a low branch.
In the nest of the Spotted Catbird I could see the tail of the bird for the first time while from the other side the head could be observed.
Continuing on to the Overhanging Fig tree the Coppery Brushtail Possum was displaying only her large rear end and tail.
Immediately above a Green Ringtail Possum was watching us with interest.
Returning home along Bunya Street, the Bush Stone curlews were again present in front of our neighbour’s property and the two chicks were lying at their feet.

Green Ringtail Possum. Pseudochirops archeri

“Popeye”
“Nosey”
In the Overhanging Fig Tree

Spotted Catbird. Ailuroedus maculosus

On a tree in Private Property but only about 30 m from the Nest at the Other Side
A better image higher in the same tree
Nest of Catbird near Highway Bridge with tail erect
Head of bird from opposite side of the tree.

Eastern Water Dragon. Physignathus lesueurii

Small Dragon at The Log Jam
Small juvenile at Highway Bridge

Golden Orb-weaver Spider. Nephila pilipes

Wrapping a Cicada

Coppery Brushtail Possum. Trichosurus vulpecula

From Highway Bridge
In the Overhanging Fig

Bush Stone Curlew. Burhinus grallarius

Anxious birds at Nick’s Camping Area.
Adult with 2 chicks along Bunya Street
Family Group

Australian Brushturkey. Alectura lathami

Roosting Turkey having a lie in!

Monday 31st January 2022. 1345 – 1510

Weather

No rain in the gauge. Overcast. Light SE breeze. Water level falling revealing patches of alluvial mud where the bank had been inundated. Track still wet but no standing water. Muddy areas beginning to dry. New Moon 2nd February.

Wildlife Report

A later start today and drizzling lightly as I left home. Nothing much to be seen at Allumbah Pocket except that “Nosey” the Green Ringtail Possum was in his regular position in the tree next to the Suspension Bridge.
No obvious activity in the water but a minute juvenile Eastern Water Dragon was on one of the rocks under the bridge.
At The Other Side the presence of the Spotted Catbird in the nest was indicated by it’s erect tail.
A mature Saw-shelled Turtle was on a rock near the Memorial Bench.
At the Upper Level opposite Snodgrass’s Pool a moderately sized Water dragon was on view.
Investigating the trees a few metres further on I was surprised to find a juvenile Lumholtz’s Tree Kangaroo concealed in the foliage. It was very reluctant to move but by trying various viewpoints I was able to obtain some quite good shots. I suspect that this is the same animal seen on the ground at Platypus Bend last week.
A good number of Red Roarer Cicadas were again seen on the grey Gum Trees, some of them urinating from a great height.
A large Saw-shelled Turtle was on the sloping log at Snodgrass’s Pool and a gang were on top of the Concrete Slab at The Log Jam.
In the Evodia Tree at the base of Log Jam Peninsula the large Golden Orb-weaver Spider was again present.
On the sloping log near the Overhanging Bushes another group of Saw-shelled Turtles were climbing on each other.
At The Narrows a Platypus was exploring the far bank but almost immediately moved to my side and gave me a good performance. Light conditions unfortunately were far from ideal.
The Camping Area Bush Stone-curlews were again being terrorized by the gardening activities and as I hid behind a clump of large Bamboos awaiting a photo opportunity I saw between the trunks a White-bellied Cuckooshrike asking to be photographed.
I also managed to catch the Curlews from the same spot.
Crossing the highway to the Yungaburra side of the Creek I got another shot of the Spotted Catbird on it’s nest.
The Coppery Brushtail Possum was again in the overhanging Fig Tree and for a change was revealing half of her face!

Green Ringtail Possum. Pseudochirops archeri

“Nosey”
Close up from the bridge.

Eastern Water Dragon. Physignathus lesueurii

Juvenile on rocks under the Bridge
At The Upper Level

Spotted Catbird. Ailuroedus maculosus

Tail on view at the Other Side
Close to Highway Bridge

Lumholtz’s Tree Kangaroo. Dendrolagus lumholtzi

Hiding my face
You can see half of me!
And my tail as well.

Saw-shelled Turtle. Elseya latisternum

At The Log Jam
Near Overhanging Bushes

Platypus. Ornithorhynchus anatinus

At The Narrows
Getting very close
As close as it is possible to get!

White-bellied Cuckooshrike. Coracina papuensis

At Nick’s Camping Area

Bush Stone-Curlew. Burhinus grallarius

Hiding from the gardener!

Coppery Brushtail Possum. Trichosurus vulpecula

At the Overhanging Fig Tree. Note tail on right.