Weather

Sunny with scattered cloud increasing. Frequent light showers later. SE Trade Wind breeze to 15 knots. Track wet in parts with plenty of shallow puddles. Water level remains high. New Moon yesterday.

Wildlife Report.

I left home at 9 a.m. with no obvious risk of rain. Several cars were parked at Allumbah Pocket suggesting that the Holiday Monday was likely to be quite busy along the Creek.
I found very little at the Pocket with the exception of a Pacific Emerald Dove who was sitting with back to me and in very poor light. I fired off a couple of shots without anticipating a good photo.
After a good search I found a very well hidden Green Ringtail Possum, probably “Nosey” in the tree close to the Old Boiler Shed and my photos were only of value to confirm the sighting.
I saw nothing else while crossing the Suspension Bridge or at the other side but passed the time of day with several visitors.
In the Syzygium tree near Snodgrass’s Pool I was pleased to find “Whitespot” the Green Ringtail with her joey perched separately on a branch and got some good shots of both.
As I was completing this I heard a bird singing in an neighboring tree and took several shots of a Varied Triller.
At the Upper Level another Pacific Emerald Dove was foraging on the ground around the smaller trees.
A few metres along the track in mistletoe clump on a low hanging Bottle Brush I spotted and photographed a Mistletoebird which was quite tricky because of it’s rapid movements.
On to the Log Jam where a visiting couple were watching a Platypus actively feeding. I joined them as we followed the animal along the upstream side of the Peninsula where we met a couple from Sweden who accompanied me as it started to rain and I increased my pace accordingly.
We found the Platypus again near the base of Picnic Peninsula were it climbed on a log for an extremely comprehensive session of scratching after which we followed it further around to Stringers Stretch.
The Large-footed Fishing Bats were again under the Highway Bridge.
I found the pair of Bush Stone-curlews waiting in the Beer Garden for opening time before crossing the road where “Tatty” the Brushtail Possum had reverted to her more typical antisocial behaviour in the overhanging Fig Tree.

Green Ringtail Possum. Pseudochirops archeri

Varied Triller. Lalage leucomela

Pacific Emerald Dove. Chalcophaps longirostris

Mistletoebird. Dicaeum hirundinaceum

Platypus. Ornithorhynchus anatinus

Large-footed Fishing Bat. Myotis macropus

Bush Stone-curlew. Burhinus grallarius

Common Brushtail Possum. Trichosurus vulpecula

Weather

6 mm of rain overnight. Overcast with frequent light showers and occasional brief sunny periods. Intermittent gusty breeze from the East. Track wet. Little surface water. Creek high, water clearing slowly. New Moon 1st May.

Wildlife Report

Having checked the online forecast and examined the heavens I was slightly put out when it started to rain as I pulled on my boots but I decided to continue regardless.
By the time I arrived at Allumbah Pocket the shower had passed over and for the remainder of the patrol it remained dry.
Above the clearing in the centre of the Pocket a Golden Orb-weaver spider had spread her web high in the canopy where it was bathed in light and made a quite pleasing photo.
Apart from this I spotted nothing until I ventured down the short path to the Old Boiler House where I found “Nosey” the Green Ringtail Possum in the nearby tree.
My next sighting was also a GRP as “Whitespot” was in the bank side Syzygium tree at Snodgrass’s Pool and I was able to snap both Mum and joey.
The only Saw-shelled Turtle I spotted out of the water today was on the sloping log near the base of Picnic Peninsula.
On the Peninsula I noted that the Queensland Umbrella Tree near the Picnic Table showed signs of a Tree Kangaroo visit although I was unable to spot the perpetrator.
At Stringers Stretch while chatting to a photographer from Kuranda we both had a fleeting glimpse of a Platypus but it refused to reveal itself again.
Numerous Large-footed Fishing Bats were roosting under the Highway Bridge so I had more practice in perfecting my imaging technique.
From the Car Park I could see the resident Bush Stone-curlews so I wandered across for a photo which proved to be my last for the day.

Golden Orb-weaver Spider. Nephila pilipes

Green Ringtail Possum. Pseudochirops archeri

Saw-shelled Turtle. Elseya latisternum

Large-footed Fishing Bats. Myotis macropus

Bush Stone-curlew. Burhinus grallarius

Weather

36 mm of rain in the gauge. Sunny early with increasing cloud from late morning and promise of rain in the afternoon. Steady rain, heavy at times, from1355 on. Track damp to wet with numerous small puddles. Water level up 50 mm from my last visit. Stepping Stones completely covered and water threatening to overflow bank in some areas. Heavy sediment in water. Current strong. Moon Phase – Last Quarter + 3 days

Wildlife Report

After 7 days suffering the combined effects of a heavy cold and persistent wet weather I was feeling rather cooped up and decided to risk a walk along the Creek.
I saw very little at Allumbah Pocket until I discovered a well concealed Green Ringtail Possum in the tree close to the Old Boiler House. No identification was possible.
I also spotted a Spectacled Monarch posing well in a tree nearby.
While crossing the Suspension Bridge I observed that there were very few Fruit Bats in the Camp downstream today.
I also spotted a Saw-shelled Turtle on one of the smaller rocks below the bridge.
At the Upper Level a medium sized Eastern Water Dragon was very cooperative.
At The Log Jam I photographed a pair of Turtles on top of the concrete slab while two more turtles were revealing only their heads near a submerged log.
As I left the Jam it was starting to rain and by the time I reached the base of the Peninsula I felt it wise to open my umbrella.
Two more turtles were on a horizontal branch near the far bank of Platys Pool but the image recorded was spoiled by intervening foliage.
More Turtles were seen on the sloping Log near the base of Picnic Peninsula.
Under the Highway Bridge and out of the rain I was able to get a few nice shots of the Large-footed Myotis.
A moderate sized Water Dragon was sighted under the Bridge but the photo was not worthy of publication.
From the Car Park the Bush Stone-curlews could be seen standing stoically in the rain but they moved towards concealment as I approached. I did get a photo of one which shows the conditions rather well.
The most interesting series of photos obtained today were of “Tatty” the Coppery Brushtail Possum in her usual perch in the Fig Tree. She was far more dynamic than I have previously seen her and appeared to be washing her face in the teaming rain while licking up the water as it ran off!

Green Ringtail Possum. Pseudochirops archeri

Spectacled Monarch. Symposiachrus trivirgatus

Spectacled Flying Fox. Pteropus conspicillatus

Saw-shelled Turtle. Elseya latisternum

Eastern Water Dragon. Physignathus lesueurii

Large-footed Fishing Bat. Myotis macropus

Bush Stone-curlew. Burhinus grallarius

Coppery Brushtail Possum. Trichosurus vulpecula

Weather

5 mm of rain in the gauge. Overcast with occasional light drizzle and a few short sunny periods. Light SE breeze. Track dry. Water level low, steady. Full Moon + 1 day

Wildlife Report

I started the patrol along Bunya Street by spotting a pair of Bush Stone-curlews in one of the Creek side gardens.
Nothing was found at the entrance to Allumbah Pocket but “Nosey” the female Green Ringtail Possum was on her regular perch in the tree next to the Suspension Bridge but facing in the least favourable direction.
Although I could hear Flying Foxes in the distance I could only see a couple in the trees downstream of the bridge.
At Horseshoe rocks a poorly lit Eastern Water Dragon was on the horizon. Another slightly smaller Dragon was next to the path leading to the Upper Level but ducked down into the rocks as I approached leaving only his head showing.
In the group of trees next to the Snodgrass’s Pool sign “Whitespot” another female Green Ringtail was roosting with her joey. I was unable to frame both Mum and joeys faces at the same time but there is an interesting mixture of tails in one image!
At the Log Jam a small female Platypus popped into view as I arrived. I was quickly joined by three young Asian ladies and by another mixed group as the Platypus foraged busily although not unfortunately approaching our view point.
I continued on without much success until the Highway Bridge where I took photos of the Fishing Bats and also one of “Tensing Turtle” on the solitary tree branch in the Platypus viewing Pool.
As I crossed the bridge I saw once again a juvenile Water Dragon on the rocks below.
At the Viewing Platform I took another shot of “Tensing” before going on to Nick’s Camping area where the Bush Stone-curlews were on the edge of the Beer Garden.
None of my friends were to be found on the East Bank or in the Fig Tree so I completed my exercise in a shorter time than usual.

Bush Stone-curlew. Burhinus grallarius

Green Ringtail Possum. Pseudochirops archeri

Eastern Water Dragon. Physignathus lesueurii

Platypus. Ornithorhynchus anatinus

Large-footed Fishing Bat. Myotis macropus

Saw-shelled Turtle. Elseya latisternum

Weather

4.5 mm of rain in the gauge. Overcast with hint of drizzle. SE Trade wind at 15 – 20 knots. Track slightly damp. Water level rise about 20mm. Moon – Full on Sunday 17th

Wildlife Report

With forecast of significant rain later I decided to set off earlier than of late, not expecting the Yungaburra Volunteers to be working on Good Friday although it actually made very little difference.
In the trees between the two entrances to Allumbah Pocket I soon spotted “Mrs Green” the Green Ringtail Possum. She still appears rather large but I have not as yet identified a joey.
In the Mistletoe Clump in the tree on the corner near the Picnic Shelter a Chocolate Brushtail Possum was roosting and was kind enough to open her eyes as a group of locals were passing.
As we were speaking a Platypus appeared briefly in the Creek below us.
There was no one at home in the tree next to the Suspension Bridge but on checking I found “Nosey” the other female GRP near the Old Boiler House and on this occasion I was able to view her face.
Returning to the bridge I saw the Platypus again just below me and took a hurried shot through the safety mesh which is very poorly focused and is published just to confirm her presence as she did not appear again.
While crossing the Suspension Bridge I again photographed the Spectacled Flying -foxes in their camp downstream.
An Eastern Water Dragon posed for me near the path to the Upper Level.
“Whitespot” could not be seen on the Creek Bank but I investigated and found her again with her joey in the trees opposite the Snodgrass’s Pool sign.
At Platypus Bend I took a few shots of a Lewin’s Honeyeater who was foraging for breakfast.
At The Log Jam a Saw-shelled Turtle was on the submerged portion of a log with just his head above water.
At Picnic Peninsula I met two young lady followers of my blog who had seen a pair of Double-eyed Fig Parrots in a tree near the Highway Bridge. They had unfortunately moved on before I arrived.
Of much better quality than recently were my images of the Large-footed Fishing Bats who were roosting in the same spot under the Bridge.
The resident Bush Stone-curlews were viewed again at Nick’s Camping Area.
The Left Bank had nothing for me today but in the nearby Fig Tree “Tatty” the Coppery Brushtail Possum was resting, with another Green Ringtail Possum close by.
I completed my Patrol with two Masked Lapwings on the grass along Bunya Street.

Green Ringtail Possum. Pseudochirops archeri

Common Brushtail Possum. Trichosurus vulpecula

Platypus. Ornithorhynchus anatinus

Spectacled Flying Fox. Pteropus conspicillatus

Eastern Water Dragon. Physignathus lesueurii

Lewin’s Honeyeater. Meliphaga lewinii

Saw-shelled Turtle. Elseya latisternum

Large-footed Fishing Bat. Myotis macropus

Bush Stone-curlew. Burhinus grallarius

Masked Lapwing. Vanellus miles miles

Weather

5 mm of rain in the gauge. General overcast with occasional very light showers. Breeze intermittent Easterly. Track slightly damp. Water level low, steady. Moon phase – Full on 17th April.

Wildlife Report

Saw very little along Bunya Street or on either side of the entrance to Allumbah Pocket but in the tree next to the Suspension Bridge two Green Ringtail Possums were present. Neither were going out of their way to express their identity but the one in front of the Picnic Shelter was possibly “Popeye”. The other perched next to the Bridge was I am sure “Nosey” but sitting with her face turned in an inconvenient direction.
A couple with a small child were in the process of crossing the bridge so I waited briefly so that they could see the Possums.
While crossing the Bridge myself I photographed the Flying-fox camp downstream which was well occupied today.
At The Other Side a Brushturkey was enjoying a dust bath which I thought was much preferable than doing it in my garden.
Two Eastern Water Dragons were by the side of the path to the Upper Level but the larger animal made himself scarce leaving the other to have his photo taken.
Returning to the main track I immediately spotted a Platypus upstream of Snodgrass’s Pool and being observed by a couple of locals. The all moved in my direction but the Platypus remained stubbornly close to the far bank and out of good photo range.
There was nothing at all to see at The Log Jam but at Platys Pool a large Turtle was looking out from the far bank which at this point was somewhat closer to me.
At the Narrows I soon spotted the resident female Lumholtz’s Tree Kangaroo on her regular branch on the East Side. I have decided to name her “Eyeful”. I was unable to spot her joey but got several good shots of her.
Under the Highway Bridge a number of Large-footed Fishing Bats were present but I had left my spotlight at home and was unable to photograph them.
On the way up to the road level I spoke to a tour leader and told him where to look for the Tree Roo but I don’t know if he was successful.
The pair of Bush Stone-curlews were again at the Camping Area but in a much more natural location.
As I headed to the highway I was spotted by old friends Bill and Juanita and invited them to accompany me to the Left Bank where we got some excellent views of the Tree Kangaroo, now with her joey beside her.
They were also seen by a small group of British and Belgian tourists who had seen me from the track pointing out the Roos with my laser.
“Bohemia” the reclusive Left Bank Brushtail Possum was still in residence and providing the usual view.
“Tatty” the Coppery Brushtail was also at home but in an antisocial mood.
My final spot of the day was a Laughing Kookaburra who watched me from a fence as I walked home.

Green Ringtail Possum. Pseudochirops archeri

Spectacled Flying-fox. Pteropus conspicillatus

Australian Brushturkey. Alectura lathami

Eastern Water Dragon. Physignathus lesueurii

Platypus. Ornithorhynchus anatinus

Saw-shelled Turtle. Elseya latisternum

Lumholtz’s Tree Kangaroo. Dendrolagus lumholtzi

Common Brushtail Possum. Trichosurus vulpecula

Laughing Kookaburra. Dacelo novaeguineae

2.5 mm of rain in the gauge. Cloudy with occasional drizzle interspersed with short sunny periods. Moderate Easterly breeze. Track slightly damp. Water level low, steady. Moon – First Quarter +1

Wildlife Report

A mid morning start after some heavy gardening.
Approaching Allumbah Pocket I spied a Kingfisher on a power line and the subsequent image confirmed that it was as I thought a Forest Kingfisher. A good start to the Patrol.
There was no sign of Green Ringtail Possums in the usual spots but I managed to track down one, suspected to be “Nosey”, in deep cover in the tree near the Old Boiler Shed.
The Spectacled Flying-foxes were in contrast easy to see in their camp downstream.
A large Eastern Water Dragon was on a rock next to the Upper Level track near Snodgrass’s Pool.
As I returned to the main track I spotted “Whitespot” in the Syzygium tree on the Creek bank. She was sitting with her joey beside her on a branch rather higher than usual and it was with considerable difficulty that I found a view of her face.
At Platypus Bend the resident dog came down to the Creek to see me off and in the process startled a pair of Orange-footed Scrubfowl which were unfortunately moving too fast for a photo.
At The Log Jam I found nothing apart from a couple of Saw-shelled Turtles taking a breath from the surface of the water.
I was accosted for information by the leader of a tourist group but unusually I had nothing to show him or his clients.
In fact I saw nothing more until I photographed the Large-footed Myotis roosting under the Highway Bridge.
While crossing the bridge I saw as usual a couple of immature Water Dragons on the rocks below.
The Bush Stone-curlews had returned today to more comfortable surroundings in the Beer Garden.
The East Bank had nothing to offer except a Possums Bum and “Tatty” the Coppery Brushtail was hiding behind her tail in the Overhanging Fig Tree.
On my way home I could not resist taking photos of a Bat Plant in my neighbour’s garden.

Forest Kingfisher. Todiramphus macleayii

Green Ringtail Possum. Pseudochirops archeri

Spectacled Flying-fox. Pteropus conspicillatus

Eastern Water Dragon. Physignathus lesueurii

Saw-shelled Turtle. Elseya latisternum

Large-footed Fishing Bat. Myotis macropus

Bush Stone-curlew. Burhinus grallarius

Common Brushtail Possum. Trichosurus vulpecula

Bat Plant. Tacca integrifolia – Malaysian native

Weather

No rain. Sunny with scattered cloud. Fresh breeze from the East. Track dry. Water level continues to fall very slowly. Moon – First Quarter 9th April

Wildlife Report

I was very encouraged today when I spotted a Green Ringtail Possum in a tree close to the apex of the bend along Bunya Street where I have had previous sightings. The animal was high in the canopy in dense shadow but reviewing the facial markings I suspect that this was “Mrs Green” who was not to be found in her usual territory, only around 50 metres away.
A short distance along the road a small group of Silvereyes were flitting around in the foliage of a tree.
At Allumbah Pocket “Nosey” the other resident GRP was also missing in action but a search located her in in a tree on the left side along the short track to the Old Boiler House.
While crossing the Suspension Bridge I took a couple of shots of the Spectacled Flying Foxes in their camp downstream.
At Horseshoe Rocks a large Eastern Water Dragon was exposing just his head between the larger rocks.
Another Water Dragon was along the path to the upper level near Snodgrass’s Pool and a Saw-shelled Turtle was posing on an elevated log in the Pool
I sighted nothing else until the Log Jam where a lone Turtle atop the concrete slab was being observed by two very junior Turtles from a floating log.
A final Turtle was on the sloping log on the far bank opposite No 3 of the Overhanging Bushes.
Along Stringers Stretch a small Platypus was very busy foraging close to the far bank and the resulting images were of value only to confirm the sighting.
From the Observation Bench at The Narrows I was pleased to spy a Lumholtz’s Tree Kangaroo in the trees opposite. I obtained some pleasing shots and spent several minutes pointing her out to a bus full of tourist who arrived on the scene.
The Large-footed Myotis were still roosting under the Highway Bridge.
At Nick’s Camping Area the pair of Bush Stone-curlews permitted a photo.
I went on to the Left Bank where the Tree Roo was actually more difficult to see than she had been from the other side but I added to my portfolio.
The antisocial Brushtail Possum was in the usual spot.
“Tatty” the Coppery Brushtail was on the other hand wide awake and very social.
As I walked up our drive, our Honey Bees were enjoying the flowers of a pink Bottlebrush.

Green Ringtail Possum. Pseudochirops archeri

Silvereye. Zosterops lateralis

Spectacled Flying – Fox. Pteropus conspicillatus

Eastern Water Dragon. Physignathus lesueurii

Saw-shelled Turtle. Elseya latisternum

Platypus. Ornithorhynchus anatinus

Lumholtz’s Tree Kangaroo. Dendrolagus lumholtzi

Large-footed Fishing Bat. Myotis macropus

Bush Stone-curlew. Burhinus grallarius

Common Brushtail Possum. Trichosurus vulpecula

European Honey Bee. Apis mellifera

Weather

No rain. Sunny with scattered clouds. Steady WE Trade Wind to 15 knots. Track dry. Water level falling very slowly. Moon – First Quarter – 3 days.

Wildlife Report

First sighting today was “Nosey” the Green Ringtail Possum on her regular roost next to the Suspension Bridge. She was looking a bit sad today and still no sign of offspring.
A Saw-shelled Turtle was on a rock in front of the Memorial Bench.
On the rocks bordering the path to the Upper Level near Snodgrass’s Pool a large Water Dragon was very hard to photograph in the existing light conditions.
Nothing more was sighted until The Log Jam where two more Turtles were above the concrete slab and a Tiny Turtle was watching them from a floating log.
A visiting family were waiting patiently in the hope of spotting a Platypus.
At the Overhanging Bushes I chatted with a local Mum and kids who I often share things with.
Along Stringers Stretch I came across a Platypus busy foraging in a very small area against the far bank. I was bout to give up when she climbed on a log and indulged in a comprehensive scratching session which I was able to record from my seat on the bank.
Another Green Ringtail was in the last bush on the paddock side of the track before the Footbridge. He got bored with my attention and I took another shot from the side as he moved higher into denser foliage.
At Dowling’s Corridor a Pacific Emerald Dove landed in a tree in front of me and as I took photos a Spotted Catbird perched withing a few metres and was also captured.
More images followed of the Golden Orb-weaver Spider in the Lomandra clump and the Large-footed Fishing Bats roosting under the Highway Bridge.
Looking down from the bridge I again saw a juvenile Water Dragon.
The pair of Bush Stone-curlews were at Nick’s Camping area and a lot more relaxed today.
I took another shot of the antisocial Brushtail Possum on the East Bank followed by “Tatty” the Coppery Brushtail In the Overhanging Fig Tree.
I finished the Patrol with a pic of a White-headed Pigeon beside the footpath to Bunya Street.

Green Ringtail Possum. Pseudochirops archeri

Saw-shelled Turtle. Elseya latisternum

Eastern Water Dragon. Physignathus lesueurii

Platypus. Ornithorhynchus anatinus

Pacific Emerald Dove. Chalcophaps longirostris

Spotted Catbird. Ailuroedus maculosus

Golden Orb-weaver Spider. Nephila pilipes

Large-footed Fishing Bat. Myotis macropus

Bush Stone-curlew. Burhinus grallarius

Common Brushtail Possum. Trichosurus vulpecula

White-headed Pigeon. Columba leucomela

Weather

No rain in the gauge. Bright and sunny with scattered clouds. Cool southerly breeze. Track dry. Water level falling slowly. New Moon + 3 days

Wildlife Report

Much less humid today but still hot in full sun.
Along Bunya Street I spotted a brightly coloured Australasian Figbird in one of the creek side gardens.
At Allumbah Pocket “Mrs Green” the Green Ringtail Possum was in the higher perch in her regular tree and quite hard to see well. I took a number of shots from various spots but the best view was from close to the tree trunk. From this angle she appeared to be a very bulky Possum indeed and I strongly suspect that she has a Joey in the pouch.
“Nosey” the other female GRP was again in the tree next to the suspension Bridge but in a perch much further back in the tree and distant from the Bridge.
While crossing the bridge I photographed a large Saw-shelled Turtle on one of the Stepping Stones which are starting to appear above the water.
At the Other side while checking the tree behind the Picnic Shelter I snapped an Eastern Water Dragon on the rocks below.
Another Dragon was seen at Horseshoe Rocks although in very bad light conditions and larger Dragons were on both sides of the path to the Upper Level but neither stayed long enough for a photo.
At the Log Jam only a single very small Saw-shelled Turtle was on on of the logs.
I also had a brief view of a Platypus which appeared from under the grasses on the far bank but dived as I raised my camera and was not seen again.
I passed several groups of visitors some of whom were rather noisy which may have had a bearing on the lack of sightings.
I again photographed the Golden Orb-weaver spider in the Lomandra near the Highway Bridge.
Beneath the span I took more shots of the resident Large-footed Fishing Bats with more success than on the past couple of visits.
Two Water Dragons were seen and snapped below the Bridge.
The pair of Bush Stone-curlews were at Nick’s Camping area but I was unable to persuade them to pose together.
On the Left Bank I could find no one at home other than the rather boring Chocolate Brushtail Possum showing his behind.
In the Overhanging Fig Tree “Tatty” the other Brushtail was again facing the camera with her forelegs in front and held in a rather curious posture.

Australasian Figbird. Sphecotheres flaviventris

Green Ringtail Possum. Pseudochirops archeri

Saw-shelled Turtle. Elseya latisternum

Eastern Water Dragon. Physignathus lesueurii

Golden Orb-weaver Spider. Nephila pilipes

Large-footed fishing Bat. Myotis macropus

Bush Stone-curlew. Burhinus grallarius

Common Brushtail Possum . Trichosurus vulpecula