Weather

No rain. Sunny with scattered cumulus clouds. Track dry. Water level steady. Moon Phase 3rd Quarter +1.

Wildlife Report

Left home this morning after returning from the weekly shop which was fortunately a fairly small one.
I soon spotted a Green Ringtail Possum roosting in the tall tree near the apex of the curve in Bunya Street and got quite a good photo.
Approaching Allumbah Pocket a family of three Pacific Bazas were perched on the power cable and in a nearby tree. This made up for the lack of wildlife to be found at the Pocket and The Other Side.
As I went down the hill towards the Memorial Bench however a Pale Yellow Robin came and passed the time of day.
At Snodgrass’s Pool, “Whitespot” the Green Ringtail Possum had moved into one of the Camphor Laurel trees and I obtained some pleasing shots.
At the Upper Level a large Eastern Water Dragon was enjoying the morning sun.
As I reached Log Jam Peninsula a pair of Spotted Catbirds were calling along the far bank but I was unable to locate them.
At the Jam the largest log was again hosting a Saw-shelled turtle and after a few minuted a small Platypus appeared from under the foliage which hangs from the far bank.
At Platys pool I spotted another Water Dragon on a horizontal branch around 10 metres above the ground. They are obviously very good climbers but I have never seen one as high up as this.
Approaching the Overhanging Bushes another Platypus emerged but headed off round the bend to Picnic Peninsula.
The resident Green Ringtail was today on a branch of the large River Oak and her face could be viewed by going down the nearby informal path. She was shown to the leader of a passing group of tourists.
I caught up with the Platypus again at Stringers Stretch and got a couple of shots while the tour group were enjoying the show.
The small group of Large-footed Fishing Bats were in the same distant spot as recently under the Highway Bridge.
While hunting unsuccessfully for the Curlews I took a shot of a Crested Pigeon.
“Tatty” the Coppery Brushtail Possum had moved to another tree fork and was barely visible.
Along Bunya Street I saw and photographed a male Australasian Figbird.

Green Ringtail Possum. Pseudochirops archeri

Pacific Baza. Aviceda subcristata

Pale-yellow Robin. Tregellasia capito

Eastern Water Dragon. Physignathus lesueurii

Saw-shelled Turtle. Elseya latisternum

Platypus. Ornithorhynchus anatinus

Large-footed Fishing Bat. Myotis macropus

Crested Pigeon. Ocyphaps lophotes

Common Brushtail Possum. Trichosurus vulpecula

Australasian Figbird. Sphecotheres flaviventris

Weather

No rain. Scattered cloud with sunny periods. Light breeze. Track mainly dry. Water level falling slowly. Stepping stones clearly visible but still not possible to cross Creek over them. Moon – Last quarter 21st July

Wildlife Report

Quite an exciting Patrol today with several birds and most of the other typical species on show.
At Allumbah Pocket the Chocolate Brushtail Possum was in the Mistletoe Clump near the Picnic shelter.
As I was leaving the other side I took shots of a White-headed Pigeon.
At the Memorial Bench I came across an assorted group of small birds foraging together and while scarcely moving my feet I obtained photos of a juvenile and an adult Spectacled Monarch, a Pale-yellow Robin and a Rufous Shrikethrush all of which seemed unusually fearless.
“Whitespot” the Green Ringtail Possum was in her favourite tree on the creek bank at Snodgrass’s Pool.
I introduced her to three visiting ladies who had told me that they had seen Flying Foxes, a Platypus and a Tree Kangaroo near the point where the track deviates from the creek on the way to Frawley’s Pool.
On the downstream side of Log Jam Peninsula I spotted a Lumholtz’s Tree Kangaroo sitting in an exposed position on the far bank.
A family group from Adelaide were passing at the time and they followed me as I continued on.
They then spotted a Platypus that I had walked past along the Overhanging Bushes and I retraced my steps following it to Platys Pool.
There is a recently place log seat near the Pool and it is now bearing a fine crop of pale pink fungus.
Two Saw-shelled turtles were again on the sloping log opposite No 3 of the Bushes which was sheltering the regular Green Ringtail Possum.
At Stringers Stretch I saw another Platypus which remained stubbornly on the far side of the Creek.
Several Golden Orb-weaver Spiders were still occupying the Lomandra clump near the Highway Bridge.
Large-footed Fishing Bats were seen again roosting under the Bridge.
As I crossed the Bridge I snapped a juvenile Eastern Water Dragon on the rocks bellow which completed my sightings for the day.

Common Brushtail Possum. Trichosurus vulpecula

White-headed Pigeon. Columba leucomela

Spectacled Monarch. Symposiachrus trivirgatus

Pale-yellow Robin. Tregellasia capito

Rufous Shrikethrush. Colluricincla megarhyncha

Green Ringtail Possum. Pseudochirops archeri

Lumholtz’s Tree Kangaroo. Dendrolagus lumholtzi

Saw-shelled Turtle. Elseya latisternum

Platypus. Ornithorhynchus anatinus

Pink Fungus. Not identified

Golden Orb-weaver Spider. Nephila pilipes

Large-footed Fishing Bat. Myotis macropus

Eastern Water Dragon – juvenile. Physignathus lesueurii

Weather

1 mm of rain. Scattered cloud. Sunny periods. Cool southerly breeze. Track slightly damp. Water level steady. Full Moon + 4 days

Wildlife Report

At Allumbah Pocket I was pleased to find that the Chocolate Brushtail Possum had returned to her perch in the Mistletoe clump near the Picnic Shelter. Her face could not be viewed without the use of a sky hook but her eyes can be seen to the extreme right of the image.
As I was leaving The Other Side a juvenile Brown Cuckoo-Dove flew onto a branch right in front of me and I obtained a series of closeup shots.
At Snodgrass’s Pool, “Whitespot” the Green Ringtail Possum had returned to her tree on the bank but was not in a sociable mood so a shot of her face was extremely tricky and not very good.
As I approached Log Jam Peninsula I saw a Varied Triller who was happy to pose for me.
At the Jam itself I was pleased to view a Saw-shelled Turtle clambering over it’s mate to attain the best spot on the most prominent log. A smaller turtle was happy with a lower log on it’s own.
As I left the Peninsula I heard Sarus Cranes honking and I soon spotted a group of half a dozen or so soaring under a cloud.
Three more Turtles of assorted sizes were on the sloping log against the far bank opposite Overhanging Bushes
Nothing then until the Highway Bridge where three Fishing Bats were occupying the site over the hand rail where I obtain my best views.
As I crossed the Bridge I saw an Eastern Water Dragon swimming in the Viewing Pool but I was not quick enough to capture an image.
I crossed the Highway and from half way across the paddock I could see a Tree Kangaroo in the trees on the East Bank of the Creek.
While I was photographing the Tree Roo a Pale-yellow robin came to see what I was up to.
“Tatty” was photographed on her usual perch in the Fig Tree.
As I arrived a home I noticed that a Case Moth had made itself a home on the plug of a recently installed set of security lights!

Common Brushtail Possum. Trichosurus vulpecula

Brown Cuckoo-Dove. Macropygia phasianella

Green Ringtail Possum. Pseudochirops archeri

Varied Triller. Lalage leucomela

Saw-shelled Turtle. Elseya latisternum

Sarus Crane. Grus antigone

Large-footed Fishing Bat. Myotis macropus

Lumholtz’s Tree Kangaroo. Dendrolagus lumholtzi

Pale-yellow Robin. Tregellasia capito

Saunders’ Case Moth. Metura elongatus

Weather

2.5 mm of rain in the gauge. Overcast with small patches of blue sky permitting occasional brief sunny periods. Some light showers. Very little breeze. Track slightly damp. Water level steady. Full Moon + 2 days

Wildlife Report

Having committed myself to a Patrol this morning, I set off with umbrella raised and hoping that it would not last long.
By the time I arrived at Allumbah Pocket the rain had ceased but my luck was not as good with the Wildlife and I found nothing on the Yungaburra side of the Creek.
It was not until I had just passed the Memorial Bench that a bird flew over me and the Pacific Emerald Dove settled on a branch permitting several photographs.
Near Snodgrass’s Pool I located “Whitespot” the female Green Ringtail Possum in the foliage above the path to the Upper Level. I could see no sign of her joey and suspect that it may have been time for the parting of the ways.
At Platypus Bend a pair of Eastern Yellow Robins were on display and I obtained a few good shots.
After passing the Log Jam I saw three Brushturkeys fossicking along the far bank.
Wildlife remained thin on the ground but at Platys Pool I chatted by some visitors from Adelaide and gave them a few tips.
The small Green Ringtail was on the same perch in Number 3 of the Overhanging Bushes and still difficult to photograph.
Along Stringers Stretch I spotted a Platypus which remained stubbornly close to the far bank as I followed it downstream. At the Northern base of the Picnic Peninsula it started foraging close to the Track and I obtained some satisfactory photos.
Along Dowling’s Corridor I spotted a Cuckooshrike and a Spangled Drongo fly into a tree in the paddock and obtained a couple of shots which were publishable after treatment with my new software!
The Golden Orb-weaver Spiders were again in the Lomandra clump below the Highway Bridge and I snapped one of them.
Under the Bridge I located a solitary Large-footed Fishing Bat close enough for a good shot.
The Pair of Bush Stone-curlews had returned today to Nick’s Camping Area and were both happy to pose for me.
After crossing the Highway I could only find “Tatty” the Coppery Brushtail Possum who was as usual displaying only her back.
On the fence opposite my house I photographed a Rainbow Bee-eater making a meal of one of my Honey Bees.

Pacific Emerald Dove. Chalcophaps longirostris

Green Ringtail Possum. Pseudochirops archeri

Eastern Yellow Robin. Eopsaltria australis

Australian Brushturkey. Alectura lathami

Platypus. Ornithorhynchus anatinus

White-bellied Cuckooshrike. Coracina papuensis

Spangled Drongo. Dicrurus bracteatus

Golden Orb-weaver Spider. Nephila pilipes

Large-footed Fishing Bat. Myotis macropus

Bush Stone-curlew. Burhinus grallarius

Rainbow Bee-eater. Merops ornatus

Weather

No rain. Cold but sunny with hardly any cloud. Very light southerly breeze at times. Track dry apart from a few small areas of soft mud. Water level steady. Moon Full tomorrow.

Wildlife Report

Before I left home this morning a pair of Australian King Parrots were enjoying the hospitality of our garden and provided some good photos.
Once again I saw nothing at Allumbah Pocket but as soon as I had crossed the Suspension Bridge I spotted “Nosey” one of the Green Ringtail Possums in one of the trees just over the fence of “Gumtrees on Gillies” B&B. She was low down and in the open and several good views were obtained.
As I took my photos a puffed up Brushturkey observed my activities from a branch just behind me and had no intention of being disturbed.
A couple of small and timid Saw-shelled Turtles were briefly seen on the rocks near the Memorial Bench.
At the Log Jam two Turtles were occupying the prominent exposed log but one unfortunately slid into the water as I arrived.
As I was leaving the Peninsula I observed a pair of Eastern Yellow Robins but they were frightened away by a group of noisy visitors before I could lift my camera.
At Platys Pool an escorted group of tourists were enjoying a Platypus sighting. I waited my turn and managed to get a couple of shots when they had all left the scene.
The small Ringtail Possum was still in residence at No 3 of the Overhanging Bushes but very difficult to photograph through the dense foliage.
The Golden Orb-weaver Spiders were in the Lomandra clump near the Highway Bridge.
Under the span I managed to locate a small group of Large-footed fishing Bats within range of my camera.
After crossing the Bridge the only friend on show today was “Tatty” the Coppery Brushtail Possum who was again showing only her back.

Australian King Parrot. Alisterus scapularis

Green Ringtail Possum. Pseudochirops archeri

Australian Brushturkey. Alectura lathami

Saw-shelled Turtle. Elseya latisternum

Platypus. Ornithorhynchus anatinus

Golden Orb-weaver Spider. Nephila pilipes

Large-footed Fishing Bat. Myotis macropus

Coppery Brushtail Possum. Trichosurus vulpecula

Weather

No rain. Cold and mostly cloudy with some sunny periods. Track mostly dry. Water level down about 50 mm. Moon Phase 1st Quarter +3 days

Wildlife Report

Nothing to be found again at Allumbah Pocket but after crossing the Suspension Bridge I found a Brown Cuckoo-Dove and a pair of White-headed Pigeons at The Other Side.
I heard a couple of Turtles fall into the water near the Memorial Bench and at Snodgrass’s Pool two moderately sized Saw-shelled Turtles were on the sloping log against the far bank.
I was then alerted by distant honking and spotted a small group of Sarus Cranes soaring under a cumulus cloud.
Another Turtle was on top of the concrete slab at The Log Jam and a much larger specimen on the Bottlebrush trunk on the far bank of Platys Pool.
A couple seated on the bank were already watching a feeding Platypus and it continued to forage at some distance as we were joined by a pair of male photographers.
On to Picnic Peninsula where a small Eastern Water Dragon was on the sloping log against the far bank.
In the vicinity of the Highway Bridge I photographed one of the resident Golden Orb-weaver Spiders and some rather distant Large-footed Fishing Bats under the Bridge.
As I crossed the bridge I spotted a juvenile Water Dragon on the rock below and close by a Rainbow Skink was enjoying a patch of sun.
From the Platypus Viewing Platform I photographed a tiny Saw-shelled Turtle on the tip of the tree branch which rises from the water. This photo was enhanced with some new Topaz software I have recently purchased with impressive results. Several other images were also given the same treatment and I have noted them accordingly.
I was unable to find the Bush Stone-curlews today but after crossing the Highway I soon spotted a Lumholtz’s Tree Kangaroo on the East Bank and was joined there by a small group of visitors from NSW. The surrounding branches did not make for good photos.
“Tatty” the Coppery Brushtail was the only Possum seen today and was not showing her best side!

Brown Cuckoo-Dove. Macropygia phasianella

White-headed Pigeon. Columba leucomela

Sarus Crane. Grus antigone

Saw-shelled Turtle. Elseya latisternum

Platypus. Ornithorhynchus anatinus

Eastern Water Dragon. Physignathus lesueurii

Golden Orb-weaver Spider. Nephila pilipes

Large-footed Fishing Bat. Myotis macropus

Rainbow Skink. Carlia rubrigularis

Lumholtz’s Tree Kangaroo. Dendrolagus lumholtzi

Coppery Brushtail Possum. Trichosurus vulpecula

Weather

Rain. 125 mm in the gauge over the past 3 days. Beautiful bright sunny morning with blue sky apart from some light cloud along the Western horizon. Quite cool. No breeze initially but beginning to fill from the SE later in the Patrol. Track wet but better than expected. Some ephemeral streams and a lot of water draining off the grazing land. Water level up 100 mm, cafe au lait in colour and a strong current. Stepping stones invisible with strong eddies covering them. Moon Phase – First Quarter tomorrow.

Wildlife Report

All trees have had leaves stripped by a good drenching which should have made spotting easier but the tree dwelling animals are not there to spot!
Saw nothing at Allumbah Pocket and the first sighting was not until the path to the Upper Level near Snodgrass’s Pool where I took shots of a White-headed Pigeon and a Brown Cuckoo-Dove.
There were a fair number of visitors along the track including two organized groups and they were in fact all that I saw until the approaches to Highway Bridge.
Several Golden Orb-weaver Spiders were present in the Lomandra clump while under the bridge there were more Large-footed Fishing Bats present than recently. I have noticed previously that more seem to shelter during periods of rain.
A recent query motivated me to measure the concrete joint where the bats were photographed today and it was found to be 40 mm wide.
While crossing the Highway Bridge I spotted “Calamity” the Coppery Brushtail Possum in the bush near the bridge centre though she was very difficult to photograph.
In the Paddock next to the Car park I saw a Forrest Kingfisher perched on a post although too far away for a good photo.
The Bush Stone-curlews were lying down in the Pizzeria Beer Garden this morning, perhaps recovering from the night before.
The juvenile Brushtail Possum had her black tail hung out to dry from the Hollow Tree but that was all I could see of the family.
Along Bunya Street I saw a White-cheeked Honeyeater feeding from the only flower on my neighbours Bottle Brush tree.
At home the Bees were out enjoying the sun after three days when they have hardly left their new horizontal hive.

White-headed Pigeon. Columba leucomela

Brown Cuckoo-Dove. Macropygia phasianella

Golden Orb-weaver Spider. Nephila pilipes

Large-footed fishing Bat. Myotis macropus

Common Brushtail Possum. Trichosurus vulpecula

Forrest Kingfisher. Todiramphus macleayi

Bush Stone-curlew. Burhinus grallarius

White-cheeked Honeyeater. Phylidonyris niger

European Honey Bee. Apis mellifera

Weather

2 mm of rain only. Overcast with occasional very light drizzle. Sky brightening at times. Light southerly breeze. Track damp with some sticky mud but not soft enough to be a problem. Water level remains steady. Moon – First Quarter – 3 days

Wildlife Report

Nothing to be found at Allumbah Pocket this morning apart from a Pale-yellow Robin who seemed determined to have it’s photo taken.
There was no further activity until I reached Snodgrass’s Pool where I came upon a trio of workers from a cafe in Cairns. Included were two visitors from Italy and I was able to tell them that they were standing beneath two Green Ringtail Possums as “Whitespot” and her joey were roosting above.
I tried the path to the Upper Level and at the top saw a large Eastern Water Dragon which unfortunately vanished before I could raise my camera.
Nothing more was seen until The Log Jam where a medium sized Saw-shelled Turtle was on one of the logs while a tiny specimen was on a floating branch nearby.
Ar Platy’s Pool I noted ripples coming from beneath foliage on the far bank and a Platypus soon appeared. It entered an area of grasses rooted in the water but emerged for a good long look just as another couple of visitors from Wollongong arrived on the scene.
Along Stringers Stretch another Turtle was taking the air on a floating log.
The collection of Golden Orb-weaver Spiders were still present in the Lomandra clump near Highway Bridge and some photos were taken.
A couple of Large-footed Fishing Bats were also available under the Bridge.
From the Car Park I could see one of the Bush Stone-curlews at Nick’s Camping Area and was able to get shots of both of them today.
After crossing the Highway I got more photos of the Brushtail Possums in the Hollow Tree and “Tatty” the Coppery Brushtail in her Fig Tree.

Pale-yellow Robin. Tregellasia capito

Green Ringtail Possum. Pseudochirops archeri

Saw-shelled Turtle. Elseya latisternum

Platypus. Ornithorhynchus anatinus

Golden Orb-weaver Spider. Nephila pilipes

Large-footed Fishing Bat. Myotis macropus

Bush Stone-curlew. Burhinus grallarius

Common Brushtail Possum. Trichosurus vulpecula

Weather

No rain in the gauge. Overcast with occasional very light drizzle. Moderate SE breeze. Track slightly damp. Water level steady. New Moon tonight.

Wildlife Report

I found nothing at the informal entrance to Allumbah Pocket but on the other side of the Parking Area, “Mrs Green” one of the Green Ringtail Possums was roosting on an open branch. Her head was tucked down preventing a good view of her face but you can’t win them all.
While crossing the Suspension Bridge I spotted a large Saw-shelled Turtle resting in shallow water with his head exposed and took a couple of shots.
At Snodgrass’s Pool I was disappointed not to find “Whitespot” another GRP but carried on checking the other trees in the area. As I came back down from the Upper Level I noted a density in the foliage of the trees on the North side of the path and closer inspection revealed “Whitespot” and her joey sitting on a branch. Photography proved difficult but I eventually got a couple of respectable views of Mum’s face.
I also photographed a White-headed Pigeon, one of a pair perched nearby.
On to the Log Jam where one of the logs was occupied by a moderate Saw-shelled Turtle.
I chatted to a visiting family at Platy’s Pool but could find nothing to show them and in fact found nothing more myself until I reached the Lomandra clump near the Highway Bridge where there are now 4 juvenile Golden Orb-weaver Spiders.
Under the Bridge the group of three Large-footed Fishing Bats were occupying their regular spot and there were a few more bats at the extremity of my spotlit vision.
At Nick’s Camping Area I could only locate one of the Bush Stone-curlews today. Perhaps the male had gone to the Pub.
At the far side of the vacant block only one Brushtail Possum, the chocolate juvenile, was visible. I don’t know if he has been left to his own devices or the adults were down in the tree hollow.
“Tatty” the Coppery Brushtail was still turning her back in the Fig Tree.
Along the path through to Bunya Street a pair of Hornbill Friarbirds were busy feeding on ripe Pawpaw.

Green Ringtail Possum. Pseudochirops archeri

Saw-shelled Turtle. Elseya latisternum

White-headed Pigeon. Columba leucomela

Golden Orb-weaver Spider. Nephila pilipes

Large-footed Fishing Bat. Myotis macropus

Bush Stone-curlew. Burhinus grallarius

Common Brushtail Possum. Trichosurus vulpecula

Hornbill Friarbird. Philemon yorki

Weather

No rain in the gauge. Overcast with occasional very light drizzle. Cold gusty breeze, direction variable. Track slightly damp. Water level steady and clarity improving. New Moon on 29th June.

Wildlife Report

With my relatively early start there were more birds around and I photographed a Rainbow Bee-eater and a Hornbill Friarbird along Bunya Street and a Brown Cuckoo-Dove at Allumbah Pocket.
Arboreal marsupials were lacking but as I crossed the Suspension Bridge I was able to snap a Platypus which swam underneath me.
Reliable “Whitespot” the Green Ringtail Possum and her joey were higher in the canopy of their favourite tree but I was able to obtain a good shot of Mum between the branches. I family group joined me there and kept in touch for the remainder of the Patrol.
Nothing more was seen until No 3 of the Overhanging Bushes where another Green Ringtail was present but very well concealed and difficult to photograph.
At Stringers Stretch a Platypus appeared but remained stubbornly close to the far bank and no worthwhile photos were obtained.
Several juvenile Golden Orb-weaver Spiders were still present in the Lomandra clump below the Highway Bridge.
Under the bridge a small group of Large-footed Fishing Bats were seen and a Pale-yellow Robin put in a distant appearance.
From the Platypus Viewing Platform a tiny Saw-shelled Turtle was observed on top of the sloping branch.
After crossing the Highway I photographed the two Brushtail Possums in the hollow tree while “Tatty” the Coppery Brushtail was showing a little more of herself.
I finished the Patrol with the sighting of another Rainbow Bee-eater along Bunya Street.

Rainbow Bee-eater. Merops ornatus

Hornbill Friarbird. Philemon yorki

Brown Cuckoo-Dove. Macropygia phasianella

Platypus. Ornithorhynchus anatinus

Green Ringtail Possum. Pseudochirops archeri

Golden Orb-weaver Spider. Nephila pilipes

Large-footed Fishing Bat. Myotis macropus

Saw-shelled Turtle. Elseya latisternum

Common Brushtail Possum. Trichosurus vulpecula