Weather

84 mm of rain in the gauge (3.5 ins in the old money!). Mainly overcast but a few sunny periods. Light SE breeze, stronger and gusty at times. More rain forecast bus has not arrived yet. Stepping stones completely submerged and strong current flowing with numerous eddies and audible from the bridge. Lower sections of bank and Flood Tide Island are under water which had been at least 300 mm higher than at present. The track is frankly wet, eroded on the slopes, crossed by several ephemeral streams and with numerous puddles. Mud will be present as soon as the track is being used. New Moon due Feb 1st.

Wildlife Report

Arrived at Allumbah Pocket to find “Mrs Green” and “Popeye” the Green Ringtail Possums in adjoining trees and suspect that they they are cohabiting at present and making arrangements for the next generation.
On the other side of the entrance was a very well concealed Lumholtz’s Tree Kangaroo who was very difficult to photograph and I got only glimpses of his face.
I introduced all three to a new resident to the village who was eager to discover our local wildlife.
Not to be left out the other male Green Ringtail was still in the tree next to the Bridge. His nose seems to be slightly longer than most of his ilk and he is obviously likes to be well informed about the coming and goings on the track so I have named him “Nosey”.
The Spotted Catbird was on her nest today as evidenced by her erect tail.
As I crossed the Suspension Bridge a Willie Wagtail landed to enjoy a tasty cicada for breakfast.
An Eastern Water Dragon was as usual on the Horseshoe Rocks.
At Snodgrass’s Pool a Platypus was observed “hovering” against the current. She made her way to some semi submerged branches and foliage and submitted herself to an extremely comprehensive toilet routine which I was very pleased to photograph.
I took yet more photos of the cicadas and will really have to submit them to my Cicada guru and find out what they all are.
As mentioned Full Tide Island is completely submerged and at The Log Jam none of the logs can be seen and the Concrete Slab is also under water.
At the base of Log Jam Peninsula I spotted a Golden Orb-weaver Spider with a huge web anchored to the Evodia Tree which is still in flower.
On to the Overhanging Bushes where the as yet un-named Green Ringtail Possum was in the River Oak tree near bush Number One.
In the bush I checked out the Gerygone nest and found it occupied by a large yellow bill which I suspect belongs to a rapidly developing chick.
At the tip of Picnic Peninsula I saw a Platypus foraging along the far bank. She then started to climb the bank making several unsuccessful attempts and I think that she was endeavoring to reach one of several burrows in that area. I wondered if she had perhaps been flushed out of her burrow by the high water level. I was not until I reviewed the images on the computer that I discovered that she had a persistent diagonal line across her back running from her neck on the left to under her right foreleg. It was not clearly defined as a “ring” but I am fairly certain that this was “Ringneck” . It is probably significant that it must be almost exactly 1 year since I first saw her only 10 metres away from where she was observed today!
Nothing more was seen until I checked the bank on the Yungaburra side after crossing Highway Bridge. As I made my way across the vacant lot, a Brushturkey was preening his tail.
I ducked under the overhanging vegetation and found a young Lumholtz’s Tree Kangaroo splendidly displayed on a low open branch. The shutter got another workout!
The second Spotted Catbird was also sitting on her nest.
On to the Overhanging Fig Tree where the Coppery Brushtail Possum was displaying her assets.
Along Bunya Street I was lucky enough to see the Bush Stone-curlews together with their two chicks and they seem to have created a quick escape route from the nature strip into the sanctuary of the garden.

Green Ringtail Possum. Pseudochirops archeri

Lumholtz’s Tree Kangaroo. Dendrolagus lumholtzi

Willie Wagtail. Rhipidura leucophrys

Spotted Catbird. Ailuroedus maculosus

Eastern Water Dragon. Physignathus lesueurii

Platypus. Ornithorhynchus anatinus

Platypus 2 at Picnic Peninsula

Cicadas

Golden Orb-weaver Spider. Nephila pilipes

Fairy Gerygone. Gerygone palpebrosa

Australian Brushturkey. Alectura lathami

Coppery Brushtail Possum. Trichosurus vulpecula

Bush Stone-curlew. Burhinus grallarius

28 mm of rain in the gauge. Cloudy with brief sunny periods and occasional light showers. NW breeze at 10 knots. Track wet with numerous shallow puddles and sections of black mud. Boots not necessary but don’t wear your best white Rebocks. Water level high and almost all of the Stepping Stones are submerged. Moon waning. 3rd Quarter + 2 days. New Moon 1st. Feb.

Wildlife Report

At late start today after the weekly shop.
I walked across Bunya Street and almost immediately saw a Hornbill Friarbird which looked worth a photo. We often see them in our garden but much less often when I am on Patrol.
At the entrance to Allumbah Pocket “Popeye” the Green Ringtail Possum had moved to the trees to the left but “Mrs Green” was absent today.
Another male Possum had occupied the favoured perch in the tree next to the Suspension Bridge.
At the Other Side there was again no sign of activity at the nest of the Spotted Catbird.
An Eastern Water Dragon was on the skyline of Horseshoe Rocks. Several very small juvenile dragons were darting around in the vicinity, one of which ran across the track in front of me and another was photographed in front of the Memorial Bench.
The Cicadas were very active again this morning as shown by the photo of one of the Grey Gum trees. A Red Roarer and a Green Barron were photographed.
Flood Tide Island was today living up to it’s name with the Creek flowing fast all around it.
Only one Saw-shelled Turtle was seen at The Log Jam, possibly because almost all of the logs were submerged and I think that the one occupied was in fact floating.
A large Turtle was attempting to climb a tree on the far bank of Platy’s Pool.
The large Spiders all seemed to have been washed away by the rain.
Along the Overhanging Bushes my only sighting was of another Green Ringtail Possum in one of the River Oaks near the base of Picnic Peninsula. I showed him to an Asian couple who had already visited the Possum near Lloyd’s Bridge following my directions.
At the Narrows another Turtle was on a sloping log against the far bank.
White Headed Pigeons are returning to the area over the past few days and one happened to be perching in a convenient spot where the walking track returns to the Highway.
At the Platypus Viewing Pool I thought that I was in luck when something black broke the surface but it turned out to be the hind leg of a large Turtle.
I could spot no sign of Curlews at Nick’s Camping area. As I approached I saw the smoke of a fire and a fellow pushing a lawn mower so I was about to turn around when I looked closer in front of me and found the pair of Bush Stone-curlews lying in the lee of a log pile.
Along Bunya Street I spotted from some distance away a pair of Curlews in front of our neighbours garden. I took a long range shot in case they got up which indeed they did and revealed a pair of chicks which had been concealed by Mum. They were quite content to seek only mild concealment nearby and I obtained a series of photos.

Hornbill Friarbird. Philemon yorki

Green Ringtail Possum. Pseudochirops archeri

Eastern Water Dragon. Physignathus lesueurii

Red Roarer Cicada. Psaltoda aurora

Green Baron Cicada. Psaltoda magnifica

Saw-shelled Turtle. Elseya latisternum

White-headed Pigeon. Columba leucomela

Bush Stone-curlew. Burhinus grallarius

Weather

No rain in the gauge. Sunny with scattered cloud. No significant breeze. Track damp with small areas of wet mud. Water level steady. Moon phase. Last Quarter tonight.

Wildlife Report

On arriving at Allumbah Pocket I immediately found “Mrs Green” the Green Ringtail Possum in her regular tree fork to the left of the main entrance.
In the very next tree another Green Ringtail was sitting on a branch while hugging the slim trunk and did not appear to be in any hurry to move. I have often seen possums in this posture when about to start climbing but never resting in this position!
While photographing these two I also sighted a pair of Eastern Whipbirds which I have heard in this location several times in the past. Unfortunately they would not stay still enough for me to get a photo.
In one of the trees in front of the Picnic Shelter a solitary Lumholtz’s tree Kangaroo was hiding in the foliage and could only be photographed with some difficulty.
Fortunately “Popeye”, the Green Ringtail who regularly occupies the tree next to the Suspension Bridge, was much more cooperative.
The Spotted Catbird could not be seen on the nest today but an Eastern Yellow Robin was waiting nearby to greet me.
A small Eastern Water Dragon was on the skyline of Horseshoe Rocks and a larger specimen was on the rocks alongside the path to the Upper Level but went into hiding on my approach.
“Whitespot”, another of my Green Ringtail Possum friends, was again doing her best to hide in one of the trees at Snodgrass’s Pool.
As I continued towards Platypus Bend a pair of Pacific Black Ducks were swimming up the Creek at a speed which made images difficult in the early morning light.
I did manage to photograph a Saw-shelled Turtle taking a breath in this location.
Cicadas were again making quite a racket and I looked to see if I could spot any new species. As there are more than 200 species of Cicadas in Australia it is not easy to identify them.
There were no cicadas on the grass stems today bit I did Photograph a Blue Triangle butterfly in the grass.
At the Log Jam it was rather early for Turtles to be sunning themselves but a Water Dragon was peering at me from behind one of the logs.
At the Overhanging Bushes I again photographed the large Golden Orb-weaver Spider.
I was a little disappointed not to find another Green Ringtail Possum today.
From the base of Picnic Peninsula I saw a Platypus heading towards me at a rate of knots and hastened down to water level in the hopes that he would approach. He actually swam right up to me before diving and appeared to be foraging so I anticipated that he would need a minute of two on the surface to masticate his catch. Unfortunately this was not the case and he immediately made his speedy way downstream.
I saw nothing more until the Car Park from where I spotted a Bush Stone-curlew at Nick’s Camping Area and as I headed towards the pair I watched them see off a Brush Turkey which had the effrontery invade their patch! When I arrived they were getting their breath and smartening up and I photographed this activity.
Crossing the Highway I checked out the Yungaburra bank of the Creek where the second Spotted Catbird was in residence.
I also located a Lumholtz’s Tree Kangaroo when it was unwise enough to move some branches and revealed it’s position. I had not been able to see it from Dowling’s Corridor and found a place where I could see it only with some difficulty.
I next checked out the Overhanging figtree and found a Coppery Brushtail Possum in residence and just for a change showing me a very good view of it’s bottom!
The Magpie Lark was not on the nest this morning but several Australasian Figbirds were in the tree.

Green Ringtail Possum. Pseudochirops archeri

Lumholtz’s Tree Kangaroo. Dendrolagus lumholtzi

Eastern Yellow Robin. Eopsaltria australis

Eastern Water Dragon. Physignathus lesueurii

Saw-shelled Turtle. Elseya latisternum

Red Roarer Cicada. Psaltoda aurora

Grass Faerie Cicada. Parnkalla muelleri

Blue Triangle Butterfly. Graphium sarpedon

Golden Orb-weaver Spider. Nephila pilipes

Platypus. Ornithorhynchus anatinus

Bush Stone-curlew. Burhinus grallarius

Spotted Catbird. Ailuroedus maculosus

Coppery Brushtail Possum. Trichosurus vulpecula

Australasian Figbird. Sphecotheres flaviventris

Weather

10 mm or rain in the gauge. Overcast with early drizzle. Diminishing later. Minimal breeze. Water has been over lower parts of bank but now falling again. Track moist with numerous shallow puddles. Moon Phase 3rd Quarter – 3 days.

Wildlife Report

Planned to go on Patrol early this morning but waited until drizzle appeared to have ceased and took umbrella in case.
Was pleased to spot a Green Ringtail Possum in a tree along Bunya Street marking the front boundary of one of the Creek side dwellings and this set the tone for the day.
“Popeye” the Green Ringtail Possum was again present in the tree next to the suspension Bridge and was being inspected by visitors from Townsville under the guidance of my neighbour.
At the Other Side I checked the Spotted Catbird nest and observed that the erect tail was again present.
Two Eastern Water Dragons were photographed at the Horseshoe rocks and at the Upper level.
Another Green Ringtail was in the dense foliage of a tree close to Snodgrass’s Pool and with some difficulty I was able to establish that this was “Whitespot”.
An interesting feature today was that many of the very noisy Cicadas were today on the stalks of flowering grass in the adjoining pasture. I identified Red Roarers, Grass Faeries and Green Barons confirmed with photos. There were also numerous nymphs of the Grass Faeries.
At The Log Jam a solitary Saw-shelled turtle was on one of the few logs available.
At the lower level near Platy’s Pool the Green Ringtail Possum was again present and as I photographed him I noted waves emanating from under the large Syzygium Tree.
A Platypus soon appeared and was followed up the creek to the base of Picnic Peninsula where he had a good scratch and brush up on the branches of the recently fallen tree before continuing upstream.
The large Golden Orb-weaver Spider was photographed near No 5 of the overhanging bushes.
The Fairy Gerygone nest was still intact but not occupied this morning.
After crossing the Highway Bridge without any further sightings I checked out Nick’s Camping Area where I took a few shots of one of the Bush Stone-curlews.
I crossed the Highway to check the second Spotted Catbird’s nest which was still occupied.
As usual I scanned the surrounding trees and noticed an aberrant bump in an unfamiliar tree and it took only a minute to find that it was a single Lumholtz’s Tree Kangaroo. I suspect that this is the mother seen in this spot several times with her joey which has now been sent off to make its own living.
On the way home along Bunya Street I again disturbed a pair of Masked Lapwings who I presume have a nest somewhere in the vicinity.

Green Ringtail Possum. Pseudochirops archeri

Spotted Catbird. Ailuroedus maculosus

Eastern Water Dragon. Physignathus lesueurii

Red Roarer Cicada. Psaltoda aurora

Grass Faerie. Parnkalla muelleri

Saw-shelled Turtle. Elseya latisternum

Platypus. Ornithorhynchus anatinus

Golden Orb-weaver Spider. Nephila pilipes

Bush Stone-curlew. Burhinus grallarius

Lumholtz’s Tree Kangaroo. Dendrolagus lumholtzi

Masked Lapwing. Vanellus miles miles

Weather

No rain in the gauge. Light overcast early thickening as day progressed. Still some short sunny periods. SE breeze to 15 knots at times. Track very slightly damp. Water level down and Stepping Stones almost available for use. Moon Full + 2 days

Wildlife Report

On arrival at Allumbah Pocket today I was greeted by a Rufous Shrikethrush and a Spangled Drongo both of which were prepared to have their photos taken.
“Popeye” the Green Ringtail Possum had found a slightly different pitch in the tree next to the Suspension Bridge and was only just visible from the track but from the Bridge he provided a good image.
As I crossed the bridge I heard a splash as an Eastern Water Dragon left the water in a hurry and I was able to catch him on the rock which he then climbed.
No one was at home on the Catbird’s nest this morning.
Over the past few days I have noted a number of large webs belonging to Orb-Weaver Spiders of the variety which roost at the periphery of a web by day and rebuild each evening. I checked out a large but damaged web under one of the tall Syzygium Trees near Snodgrass’s Pool and discovered the owner under a leaf at the attachment of one of the major support strands. They are always difficult to photograph but I got a couple of reasonable images.
This was followed by an Eastern Water Dragon on the Middle Rocks and another at the Upper Level.
At Snodgrass’s Pool a juvenile Saw-shelled Turtle was emulating “Tensing” Turtle and perching on the top of a branch well above the water level.
Cicadas of several species were calling today and Red Roarers could be seen in profusion in some of the Grey Gum Trees. I took shots of one group who then started passing “rain” and I was able to catch one in the act! I also found and got a shot of a Green Baron on the trunk of a Bottlebrush.
Along this section of the track I also saw an Eastern Water Skink at the water’s edge.
At The Log Jam several Saw-shelled Turtles were present including a trim female who was admiring her reflection in the water. I watched as a much larger male sneaked up onto her log and crept towards her. She was obviously taken by surprise when he got closer and did not look particularly pleased. He continued on regardless until he was mounted on top of her. I think that I now know at least one reason for Turtles climbing on each other!
At Platy’s Pool I spotted another Green Ringtail Possum on one of the lower level trees and a visiting family arrived just in time to see him.
A few metres on I took more images of the very large Golden Orb-weaver Spider who today was parceling up a cicada.
Under the Highway Bridge I saw that the Yungaburra Volunteers have almost finished building a substantial wooden barrier fence along the edge of the track. It should certainly make things much safer when it is wet and muddy. They should be commended for their efforts.
While crossing the Highway Bridge a squally shower arrived as I watched a Platypus continue foraging while completely ignoring the weather. I managed to get a couple of shots before seeking cover.
When the rain eased slightly I spotted a Bush Stone-curlew at Nick’s Camping Area so I started across the paddock.
The heavens then opened making me wish that this was not the day I had decided to leave home without my umbrella. By the time I had reached the limited shelter of a Bamboo Clump I was soaked and keeping my camera more or less dry under my hat.
From the cover however I got some shots of the pair of Curlews looking out at the rain.
Deciding that I couldn’t get much wetter I continued on across the Highway in search of Tree Roos but it was even worse under the trees so I sheltered under the Overhanging Fig Tree. I soon found that I was sharing the cover with one of the spotted Catbirds who was squawking in the canopy overhead.
When the rain eventually eased I continued on taking photos of another Green Ringtail along the lane to Bunya Street and a shot of the Magpie Lark sitting on it’s nest.

Rufous Shrikethrush. Colluricincla megarhyncha

Spangled Drongo. Dicrurus bracteatus

Green Ringtail Possum. Pseudochirops archeri

Eastern Water Dragon. Physignathus lesueurii

Garden Orb-weaver Spider. Eriophora Ssp. ?

Saw-shelled Turtle. Elseya latisternum

Red Roarer Cicada. Psaltoda aurora

Green Baron Cicada Psaltoda magnifica

Eastern Water Skink. Eulamprus quoyii

Golden Orb-weaver Spider. Nephila pilipes

Platypus. Ornithorhynchus anatinus

Bush Stone-curlew. Burhinus grallarius

Magpie Lark. Grallina cyanoleuca

Weather

No rain. Sunny with some scattered cloud. Light SE breeze. Track dry. Water level down about 150 mm. Full Moon.

Wildlife Report

Birds seemed to be well and truly out and about this morning and a Crested Pigeon and a Kookaburra were showing off on the highest spot they could find.
At the informal entrance to Allumbah Pocket, “Mrs Green” the Green Ringtail Possum was in her regular tree fork but seems to have parted company with her joey.
“Popeye” the male Green Ringtail was occupying the same spot as usual in the tree next to the Suspension Bridge. I waited for the imminent arrival of Nic with her 3 children and Puppy who were thrilled to see him.
We also saw a Platypus downstream of the Bridge although it was too distant for a good photo.
I checked out the nest of the Spotted Catbird and the birds tail was again visible sticking up in the air.
The family went on ahead while I looked without success for Dragons and Turtles until one of the boys ran back to tell me that they had found a Tree Kangaroo on the ground!
I was wildly jealous as by the time I arrived the young animal had climbed into the small Camphor Laurel tree just upstream of Platypus Bend but I still got some nice shots. I am also publishing two of Nic’s images as they are so unusual.
Continuing on I photographed another Red Roarer Cicada of which there were quite a number on the Gum Trees.
We found nothing at the Log Jam but the Mistletoe Clump near Platy’s Pool was again in use. The view was not good but I was able to confirm the occupant to be a Coppery Brushtail Possum in antisocial mode.
Along the Overhanging Bushes I found the large Golden Orb-weaver spiders seen last time and another which had constructed it’s web across the track.
The Fairy Gerygone was again sitting on her nest and I think that the pic was the best yet.
From the Highway Bridge I saw a very small Eastern Water Dragon on the rocks below.
I could see the Bush Stone-curlews at Nick’s Camping area from the Car Park but they fled on sight of me. I eventually managed to get a shot of one.
No Tree Roos to be seen on the Yungaburra bank today but the Spotted Catbird was still sitting on the nest
In the Camphor Laurel tree at the bottom of next door’s garden a pair of Magpie Larks were very actively involved in what I presume was a pre-nup dispute and I got a shot of one of the birds looking very haughty and claiming ownership of the nest!

Crested Pigeon. Ocyphaps lophotes

Laughing Kookaburra. Dacelo novaeguineae

Green Ringtail Possum. Pseudochirops archeri

Platypus. Ornithorhynchus anatinus

Spotted Catbird. Ailuroedus maculosus

Lumholtz’s Tree Kangaroo. Dendrolagus lumholtzi

Red Roarer Cicada. Psaltoda aurora

Coppery Brushtail Possum. Trichosurus vulpecula

Golden Orb-weaver spider. Nephila pilipes

Fairy Gerygone. Gerygone palpebrosa

Eastern Water Dragon. Physignathus lesueurii

Bush Stone-curlew. Burhinus grallarius

Magpie Lark. Grallina cyanoleuca

Weather

No rain. Bright sunny day with some scattered cloud. Light variable breeze. Track slightly damp only. Water level falling. Full moon 17th January

Wildlife Report

A nice early start this morning and quite cool.
On arrival at Allumbah Pocket I went to my first point for observing Tree Kangaroos and immediately saw some movement in the canopy. It took only a little movement to observe an adult Lumholtz’s Tree Kangaroo enjoying his breakfast.
Two local lasses appeared on the scene and were delighted to see him.
In the tree next to the Suspension Bridge “Popeye” the Green Ringtail Possum was in his usual spot and looking very comfortable.
I crossed to The Other Side and checked the nest of the Spotted Catbird where I could see a tail projecting into the air. I was unable to get a better view of the occupant but it was good to see the nest occupied.
On the rocks behind the Picnic Shelter I could see the head of an Eastern Water Dragon and from the path back to the main track I obtained an excellent view.
I met my neighbour Cath and we briefly discussed the wildlife and related local politics!
Just past the Memorial Bench I noted some water disturbance and spotted a Platypus foraging along the far bank. I fired off a few long range shots but left when he showed no intention of approaching me.
The Cicadas were again noisy but today I saw no sign of “rain”. I took photos of several adult Red Roarer and Grass Faerie Cicadas.
Today there were few Turtles around but I took a photo of one blowing bubbles on the surface.
There are still many “Christmas Beetles” to be seen but all up in the canopy where the flowers are. Today I could see them buzzing around the crown of a Euodia Elleryana the host plant for the Ulysses Butterfly. The resulting image is far from a good photo but does record their presence.
My next sighting was in the Mistletoe Clump near Platy’s Pool which I thought was vacant today but took a shot just in case. To my surprise there was a grey animal in residence but showing no identifying features. I don’t think it was large enough to be a Tree Roo so I assume it was a Common Brushtail Possum.
At No 5 of the Overhanging Bushes two Golden Orb-weaver Spiders had cast their webs
one above the other between two trees.
In the River Oak next to Bush No 2 another Green Ringtail Possum was in residence and viewed by some passing locals.
I visited the nest of the Fairy Gerygone and the occupant flew out as I approached.
Near the Bench along the Narrows I was again able to see a Tree Kangaroo in the canopy of a tree on the far bank although the view was not good.
After crossing Highway Bridge I visited the Bush Stone-curlews who were enjoying the surroundings of Nick’s Camping Area.
On the way to visit the Yungaburra Bank of the Creek I saw and photographed a flight of Pelicans soaring gracefully in a thermal.
One on the bank I was able to get a few shots of an adult Lumholtz’s Tree Kangaroo and a partial view of her joey.
I also checked out the large bird’s nest found on my last visit and found to my surprise it was occupied by a Spotted Catbird so I now have three occupied nests on the go!
Along Bunya Street a pair of Masked Lapwings were strutting their stuff and one stood still long enough for me to snatch a photo.

Lumholtz’s Tree Kangaroo. Dendrolagus lumholtzi

Green Ringtail Possum. Pseudochirops archeri

Spotted Catbird. Ailuroedus maculosus

Eastern Water Dragon. Physignathus lesueurii

Platypus. Ornithorhynchus anatinus

Red Roarer Cicada. Psaltoda aurora

Grass Faerie Cicada. Parnkalla muelleri

Saw-shelled Turtle. Elseya latisternum

“Christmas Beetle” in Euodia Elleryana tree.

Common Brushtail Possum. Trichosurus vulpecula (I think)

Golden Orb-weaver Spider. Nephila pilipes

Bush Stone-curlew. Burhinus grallarius

Australian Pelican. Pelecanus conspicillatus

Masked Lapwing. Vanellus miles miles

Weather

No rain in the gauge. Sunny with scattered clouds. Light SE Breeze. Track drying but still some damp areas and small puddles. Water level falling. Full Moon on 18/01

Wildlife Report

A large Laughing Kookaburra was waiting to greet me at Allumbah Pocket today and at least he waited to laugh until I had left the immediate vicinity!
In the tree next to the Suspension Bridge, “Popeye” the Green Ringtail Possum was tucked in his regular spot very close to the bridge.
As I crossed the Bridge I saw a tiny Saw-shelled Turtle on a log below and as I have seen few Turtles on my last few outings I took his photo. This proved to be quite unnecessary as there were Turtles everywhere today.
A larger Saw-shelled Turtle was on the rocks near the Memorial Bench but did not provide a quality image.
I had a very brief encounter with an Eastern Water Dragon at the Upper Level but he had vanished before I managed to lift my camera.
In the Grey Gum Trees along the fence line there were numerous Red Roarer Cicadas and I found that I was being showered with urine, otherwise known as “cicada rain”, from the tree tops. I managed to capture some of the falling droplets in one of the images.
I saw nothing else until the Log Jam where two larger Saw-shelled Turtles were on top of the concrete slab and made quite a splash as they returned to the water.
In the Mistletoe clump near Platy’s pool the Coppery Brushtail Possum was asleep with the “Do Not Disturb” sign in evidence.
The numerous Syzygium Trees are all in flower and “Christmas Beetles” are active in the canopy so I took a very long range shot of one at Picnic Peninsula.
At the Narrows just below Highway Bridge a Platypus was busy feeding and demonstrating her ability to “hover” against the considerable current. She continued to surface repeatedly within a small area and was enjoyed by a lady from Cairns with a tribe of children.
A very small Eastern Water Dragon was observed under the Bridge
The family accompanied me to the Yungaburra Bank where we found a very cooperative Lumholtz’s Tree Kangaroo and her well grown joey who were in one of the smaller trees and hence quite close to us. We were joined by a lady from Kuranda and a visiting relative.
I ended the Patrol by visiting the Bush Stone-curlews at Nick’s camping area but they are still in a very anxious mood and difficult to photograph.

Laughing Kookaburra. Dacelo novaeguineae

Green Ringtail Possum. Pseudochirops archeri

Saw-shelled Turtle. Elseya latisternum

Red Roarer Cicada. Psaltoda aurora

Coppery Brushtail Possum. Trichosurus vulpecula

“Christmas Beetle”. Phyllotocus macleayi

Platypus. Ornithorhynchus anatinus

Eastern Water Dragon. Physignathus lesueurii

Lumholtz’s Tree Kangaroo. Dendrolagus lumholtzi

Bush Stone-curlew. Burhinus grallarius

Weather

20 mm of rain in the gauge. Overcast and drizzling intermittently throughout the day. Appeared to have cleared a little after lunch and managed to complete Patrol without opening my umbrella. Light variable breeze. Track wet with numerous puddles. Not much mud. Water level risen another 75 mm. Moon phase First Quarter + 2 days

Wildlife Report

Nothing seen along Bunya Street and more unusually nothing at Allumbah Pocket.
My first sighting of the day was at the upper level near Snodgrass’s Pool where an Eastern Water Dragon was taking his ease.
Cicadas were again noisy and in the Gum Trees along the fence line I sighted several Red Roarers and a few metres farther on a number of a smaller species which I believe to be Grass Faerie Cicadas.
In the vicinity of Flood Tide Island a male Cairns Birdwing Butterfly came to visit and as I was starved of sightings I took his photo.
I saw nothing then until Platy’s Pool where a Coppery Brushtail Possum was again asleep in the Mistletoe Clump.
I also spotted a large Saw-shelled Turtle on a tree growing out from just above the waterline on the far bank.
At The Narrows I saw the tail of a Lumholtz’s Tree Kangaroo hanging down in one of the trees on the far bank and with a bit of effort I was able to obtain a reasonable view which I showed to a couple from Newcastle who were visiting their son and his children in Bentley Park.
While crossing the Highway Bridge I found the Coppery Brushtail Possum with her joey in the bush near the centre.
Two juvenile Eastern Water Dragons were also seen on the rocks below.
I walked across the paddock to visit the Bush Stone-curlews who were being a bit standoffish at Nick’s Camping Area.
I ended the Patrol by obtaining a slightly better view of the Tree Roos from the Yungaburra side of the Creek

Eastern Water Dragon. Physignathus lesueurii

Red Roarer Cicada. Psaltoda aurora

Grass Faerie Cicada. Parnkalla muelleri

Cairns Birdwing Butterfly. Ornithoptera priamus

Coppery Brushtail Possum. Trichosurus vulpecula

Saw-shelled Turtle. Elseya latisternum

Lumholtz’s Tree Kangaroo. Dendrolagus lumholtzi

Bush Stone-curlew. Burhinus grallarius

Weather

9 mm of water in the gauge. Heavy overcast with intermittent rain, heavy at times. Wind variable, mainly from SE and gusty with showers. Track damp to wet. Extensive shallow puddles. Little mud resulting from lack of traffic. Water level up 75 mm. Moon – First Quarter.

Wildlife Report

Did not venture out this morning but by lunch time Cyclone Tiffany was in the middle of Cape York in the region of Princess Charlotte Bay and thus posing little threat to the Tablelands. The weather radar looked fairly clear so I went out on patrol carrying my trusty umbrella which is more for the benefit of the camera than myself.
At Allumbah Pocket I soon spotted a Pale-yellow Robin which remained stubbornly facing away from me. It then flew down to the ground within a metre of my feet before posing of a convenient branch. I am sure that he is one of my regulars.
Close by in the tree next to the Suspension Bridge “Popeye” the Green Ringtail Possum was looking rather damp and almost within touching distance from the Bridge.
The water level was up again but I photographed a very small juvenile Eastern Water Dragon on one of the rocks still visible.
While doing this I heard a slight noise and found that a small Lumholtz’s Tree Kangaroo had jumped from the tree onto the top of the southern support pole of the bridge. Before I could get my camera up she had crossed the beam to the northern pole where she paused for a minute or two allowing me to get her in focus. She then crossed into the neighbouring tree where a Possum often roosts before clambering down to the bushes on the B and B side of the fence.
I had no sooner finished with her than I spotted a Spotted Catbird, presumably the owner of the nearby nest, squatting on a branch and looking thoroughly miserable! She was however very cooperative!
At the upper level I photographed a moderately sized but well coloured male Eastern Water Dragon.
Nothing was seen then until the Log Jam where two Saw-shelled Turtles were sharing one of the few logs still above water.
The Coppery Brushtail Possum was back in residence in the Mistletoe Clump near Platys Pool but appeared rather sleepy.
While crossing Highway Bridge I leaned over to photograph a juvenile Water Dragon on one of the rocks below.
Finally I visited Nick’s Camping Area where on of the campers disturbed the Bush Stone-curlews who sprinted off in opposite direction but I managed to get a couple of snaps. One would think that the temporary visitors would have more consideration for the long term residents!

Pale Yellow Robin. Tregellasia capito

Green Ringtail Possum. Pseudochirops archeri

Eastern Water Dragon. Physignathus lesueurii

Lumholtz’s Tree Kangaroo. Dendrolagus lumholtzi

Spotted Catbird. Ailuroedus maculosus

Saw-shelled Turtle. Elseya latisternum

Coppery Brushtail Possum. Trichosurus vulpecula

Bush Stone-curlew. Burhinus grallarius