Weather

3 mm or rain in the gauge. Overcast with threatening clouds and distant thunder. Wind mainly from the North, gusty at times. Track slightly damp. Water level steady. Moon Phase – First Quarter -1 day.

Wildlife Report

Walking briskly today and hoping to get in a Patrol before the heavens open.
At the entrance to Allumbah Pocket “Mrs Green” the Green Ringtail Possum was in her regular spot and looking very comfortable.
No sign of her other mates so deviated down the short path to the old Boiler House and spotted “Nosey” the other female GRP in a bushy tree to the left of the path.
A small Saw-shelled Turtle was on the first Stepping Stone on the Village side of the Creek, most of the remainder being still under water.
Looked out for Flying Foxes while crossing the Suspension Bridge but could only see 2 or 3 and they were very quiet.
Nothing was visible at The Other Side except a few White-headed Pigeons.
At Snodgrass’s Pool several Turtles were swimming around and two approached each other nose to nose. I have never observed a Polynesian greeting between turtles before!
“Whitespot” had moved to a different spot in the foliage of the Syzygium Tree and could be photographed only with difficulty. I was just able to confirm her identity.
A moderately sized Eastern Water Dragon was on the Rocks opposite the Pool.
A Saw-shelled Turtle was on top of the Concrete Slab at The Log Jam while another was on a horizontal tree trunk at Platys Pool.
A row of them were on show on the sloping log on the Far Bank near the base of Picnic Peninsula with another on a log at the tip.
A number of Large-footed Myotis were roosting under the Highway Bridge and were photographed with the aid of my spotlight.
A couple of juvenile Dragons were observed on the rocks below the bridge.
At Nicks Camping Area two Bush Stone-curlews were photographed separately.
While checking the East Bank for Tree Roos I saw yet another Green Ringtail Possum and a darkly coloured Brushtail Possum was in a large tree close to the water.
In the overhanging Fig Tree the only visitor was a male Eastern Koel and I realised that I had also seen him on my previous visit.
At this point there was an ear splitting crash of thunder so I hurried home expecting at any moment to get soaked. A tremendous electrical storm followed but we had nothing but a few drops of rain.

Green Ringtail Possum. Pseudochirops archeri

Saw-shell Turtle. Elseya latisternum

Spectacled Flying Fox. Pteropus conspicillatus

White-headed Pigeon. Columba leucomela

Eastern Water Dragon. Physignathus lesueurii

Large-footed Myotis. Myotis macropus

Bush Stone-curlew. Burhinus grallarius

Common Brushtail Possum. Trichosurus vulpecula

Eastern Koel. Eudynamys orientalis

Weather

8 mm of rain in the gauge. Light overcast with some blue sky to the north and west. Very humid. Light northerly breeze. Track slightly damp. Water level steady. Moon Phase – First Quarter minus 3 days.

Wildlife Report

As I walked along Bunya Street, birds were enjoying the nectar in one of the Creek side gardens and Brown and Dusky Honeyeaters were photographed.
I approached the trees to the left of Allumbah Pocket entrance and could see “Mrs Green” the Green Ringtail Possum spying on me through her tree fork and from the informal path I could view her from the side.
While crossing the Suspension Bridge I took some shots of the Spectacled Flying Foxes who are still encamped on the Creek Bank.
On the rocks below a brightly coloured Eastern Water Dragon was enjoying a glimpse of the sun.
Another, though less well dressed, Water Dragon was on a rock opposite Snodgrass’s Pool while “Whitespot” the other female Ringtail Possum was in her tree on the Creek bank.
At Platys Pool a White-headed Pigeon was photographed before the rest of her flock took to the air in protest at my visit.
Near the base of Picnic Peninsula I met a small family group who had just observed a Platypus but it managed to elude me.
Under the Highway Bridge I could see a number of Wide-footed Myotis and with the aid of a pocket spotlight which I had remembered to bring along I was able to get a much better view prior to photographing them.
I found one of the Bush Stone-curlews hanging around at the Pizzeria Beer Garden although it’s mate was not in evidence.
There was no sign of Tree Kangaroos today but on the Yungaburra bank of the Creek I spotted a Brushtail Possum roosting in a tree fork with one ear showing. I don’t think that this was “Tatty” bit I could have been looking at the wrong ear!
The Bunya Street family of Bush Stone-curlews, still intact, was on the Creek side of the road today. One of the chicks was lying on the ground in a rather strange position but it seemed otherwise healthy and alert so I hope that it was just posing.

Brown Honeyeater. Lichmera indistincta

Dusky Honeyeater. Myzomela obscura

Green Ringtail Possum. Pseudochirops archeri

Spectacled Flying Foxes. Pteropus conspicillatus

Eastern Water Dragon. Physignathus lesueurii

White-headed Pigeon. Columba leucomela

Large-footed Myotis. Myotis macropus

Bush Stone-curlew. Burhinus grallarius

Common Brushtail Possum. Trichosurus vulpecula

Weather

1 mm of rain. Moderate overcast with cumulonimbus clouds interspersed with some blue sky increasing from North and West. Light SE breeze. Track damp. Water level remains high. New Moon + 2 days

Wildlife Report

No arboreal marsupials were found at Allumbah pocket today but while seeking them I spotted a Pacific Emerald Dove inspecting me from above.
I saw nothing then until Snodgrass’s Pool where “Whitespot” the Green Ringtail Possum was roosting in one of her regular trees.
On then to the Overhanging Bushes where I saw an Eastern Water Dragon on a log sloped against the far bank.
A few metres further on the local Green Ringtail was again on one of his regular branches with a rather nice curl to his tail.
While I was photographing him a Spotted Catbird flew into my field of view and remained for several minutes offering a variety of poses.
There were many White-headed Pigeons around and on Picnic Peninsula a saw one sitting rather nicely and took a photo.
At the narrows I saw one of my least favourite subjects but as I cannot recall seeing a Cane Toad on the Creek Bank before I recorded the event.
Several Large-footed Myotis could be seen under the Highway Bridge and I got one good shot.
As I crossed the bridge I recorded a minute Eastern Water Dragon on the rocks below.
The Bush Stone-curlews were at Nick’s Camping Area so I walked across the paddock for a photo op.
In the Overhanging Fig Tree the only occupant was a Spangled Drongo.

Pacific Emerald Dove. Chalcophaps longirostris

Green Ringtail Possum. Pseudochirops archeri

Eastern Water Dragon. Physignathus lesueurii

Spotted Catbird. Ailuroedus maculosus

White-headed Pigeon. Columba leucomela

Cane Toad. Bufo marinus

Large-footed Myotis. Myotis macropus

Bush Stone-curlew. Burhinus grallarius

Spangled Drongo. Dicrurus bracteatus

Weather

6 mm of rain in the gauge. Blue sky with some high altitude stratus cloud and scattered white cumulus. Light variable breeze. Track slightly damp. Water level falling slowly but Stepping Stones still submerged. New Moon tomorrow 3rd March.

Wildlife Report

“Mrs Green” the Green Ringtail Possum was waiting to greet me to Allumbah Pocket but was sadly the only one of her kind seen today.
I crossed the bridge, pausing to photograph the Fruit Bats roosting further down The Creek.
At the Other Side I photographed a Peaceful Dove and a White Headed Pigeon which were in profusion all along the track.
A rather dull Eastern Water Dragon was in her usual spot at Horseshoe Rocks while a small juvenile was enjoying the sun at the Middle Rocks.
On the rocks close to Snodgrass’s Pool a larger Dragon was present and distinguished by having what appears to be a tumour on the right side of her neck.
In the nearby trees I found myself very close to another White-headed Pigeon which necessitated another snap.
Nothing else was seen until the Highway Bridge where the Large-footed Fishing Bats were still in residence and got a few more shots.
“Calamity” was in her usual spot near the centre of the Bridge and I did spot a juvenile Water Dragon on the rocks below but it didn’t stay long enough for a photo.
None of the Curlews were on show today but “Tatty” the other Brushtail Possum was in the Overhanging Fig Tree. She was showing an ear today but not the torn one!

Green Ringtail Possum. Pseudochirops archeri

Spectacled Flying Fox. Pteropus conspicillatus

Peaceful Dove. Geopelia placida

Eastern Water Dragon. Physignathus lesueurii

White-headed Pigeon. Columba leucomela

Large Footed Fishing Bat. Myotis macropus

Common Brushtail Possum. Trichosurus vulpecula

Weather

6 mm of rain over night. Blue sky with thundery clouds, distant thunder and forecast for rain and storms. Wind variable with occasional gusts relating to storm cells. Track slightly damp. Water level steady. Moon phase – New Moon on 03 March.

Wildlife Report

After a morning of mental pressure decided that I would risk getting wet and get some physical exercise along Petersons Creek.
I found nothing at the entrance to Allumbah Pocket but as soon as I turned the corner I spotted a Tree Kangaroo hiding in the tree in front of the Picnic Shelter. I managed to get some partial face shots with some difficulty but the best photo was obtained from the far side of the Suspension Bridge.
The Flying Foxes have now moved closer to the Creek and I was also able to photograph them from the Bridge
At Horseshoe Rocks an Eastern Water Dragon scuttled from view as I approached but another waited to pose in a convenient position.
In the trees opposite Snodgrass’s Pool a Pacific Emerald Dove came to inspect me and a few metres further on a pair of Laughing Kookaburras gave me a beak full of abuse.
There were numerous White-headed Pigeons in the taller trees and I photographed one along Log Jam Peninsula.
At Stringers Stretch another Water Dragon ran across the full width of the Creek before perching on a log where I captured his image.
There were numerous Wide-footed Fishing Bats roosting in the joins under the Highway Bridge but it is difficult to count them. I think I obtained images of at least a dozen without trying some of the more distant groups.
The Bush Stone-curlews were out in the open at Nicks Camping Area and quite cooperative.
In the Overhanging Fig Tree “Tatty” the Coppery Brushtail Possum was presenting the usual view but generously allowing us to see her tail!
Along Bunya Street one of the resident Curlews was posing with one of the chicks.

Lumholtz’s Tree Kangaroo. Dendrolagus lumholtzi

Spectacled Flying Fox. Pteropus conspicillatus

Eastern Water Dragon. Physignathus lesueurii

Pacific Emerald Dove. Chalcophaps longirostris

Laughing Kookaburra. Dacelo novaeguineae

White-headed Pigeon. Columba leucomela

Large-footed Myotis. Myotis macropus

Bush Stone-curlew. Burhinus grallarius

Coppery Brushtail Possum. Trichosurus vulpecula

Weather

3.4 mm or rain overnight. Clear sky with light high level cloud spreading from the North West. Light variable breeze. Track damp. Water level steady. Moon – Last Quarter + 2 days.

Wildlife Report

Nothing to be found at Allumbah Pocket this morning except for a small flock of White-headed Pigeons in the Quandong Tree in front of the Picnic Shelter.
The next sighting was in one of the River Cherry Trees near the Middle Rocks where a Rufous Shrikethrush was busy foraging.
In the Camphor Laurel trees close to the Snodgrass’s Pool sign, “Whitespot” was in her regular spot although not really in a good mood this morning. She may have had a night disturbed by Yungaburra Markets setting up in the early hours!
At The Log Jam a handsome male Eastern Water Dragon was perched above the concrete slab on the far bank.
I had a busy time at Platys Pool where I first sighted a Chocolate Brushtail Possum in the Mistletoe Clump. As I was maneuvering for a shot I saw a Green Ringtail Possum and as I completed photographing both I noted bubble action indicative of a submerged Platypus close to the Creek Bank. All this within a radius of no more than 5 metres!
The Platypus duly surfaced but was on her way downstream.
At the Overhanging Bushes the Golden Orb-weaver spider was still hanging out.
I spent a bit more time today trying to perfect images of the bats under the Highway Bridge and discovered to my surprise that some of the bats were lying on their sides within the concrete joins of the bridge deck and that a photo taken along the length of the bridge was more revealing.
The Bush Stone-curlews had moved this morning back to the Beer Garden where they seemed to be waiting for opening time.
“Tatty” the Coppery Brushtail Possum was occupying her new fork in the Fig Tree.

White-headed Pigeon. Columba leucomela

Rufous Shrikethrush. Colluricincla megarhyncha

Green Ringtail Possum. Pseudochirops archeri

Eastern Water Dragon. Physignathus lesueurii

Common Brushtail Possum. Trichosurus vulpecula

Platypus. Ornithorhynchus anatinus

Golden Orb-weaver Spider. Nephila pilipes

Large-footed Myotis – Fishing Bat. Myotis macropus

Bush Stone-curlew. Burhinus grallarius

Weather

Only 1 mm of rain in the gauge. Bright and sunny with some high altitude cloud along the Western horizon. No breeze. Track slightly damp. Water level down about 10 mm. Moon Phase – Last Quarter.

Wildlife Report

As I walked towards Allumbah Pocket I was aware of Flying Foxes making a lot of racket in the woodland north of Penda Street so I resolved to go and check them out.
“Mrs Green” the Green Ringtail Possum was still in residence so after saying “Good Morning” to her I headed off piste in the direction of Frawleys Pool.
Where the track again approaches the Creek I could see a few bats on the wing so I moved closer until could get a few indifferent photos of Spectacled Flying Foxes settling in for their daytime sleep.
As I returned I saw a couple of Coppery Brushtail Possums close together but revealing nothing interesting as is their wont. I presume that they were a female with a joey.
Back at Allumbah Pocket I found that “Nosey” the other female GRP had returned to her regular roost next to the Suspension Bridge.
As I turned away from her I looked down at the water and found that a Platypus was in shallow water on top of a stepping stone and commencing her morning ablutions. Her contortions were amazing as she comprehensively scratched and groomed every square centimetre of her pelt over a period of about 5 minutes during which time I recorded 120+ images of which I will show you a small selection!
Moving on to The Other Side I spotted a juvenile Rufous Shrikethrush also tidying up for the day in the tree above the Picnic Shelter.
I then rested my trigger finger until Log Jam Peninsula where I photographed a White-headed Pigeon of which there were many around.
On to the Overhanging Bushes where I was just checking out a Golden Orb-weaver Spider when a bird landed in the tree above me.
I moved slightly and discovered a Spotted Catbird busy foraging among the foliage. I don’t know which of the two nests this one belongs to but both now appear to be empty so I presume the chicks have fledged.
I took more photos of the large Golden Orb-weaver previously recorded and continued on to the Highway Bridge where a Large-footed Myotis was roosting above the path and almost within touching distance.
“Calamity” the Coppery Brushtail Possum was near the middle of the Bridge but even more difficult to photograph than usual.
Two juvenile Eastern Water Dragons were on the rocks below.
No search was necessary to find the Bush Stone-curlews as they had moved to the trees next to the Car Park which has always been one of their favourite spots.
I crossed the Highway and found the female Tree Kangaroo who I have decided to name “Mildred” on account of her widows peak hairline and in memory of a much loved Dachshund. I was unable to see any sign of her joey today and guess that it was having a lie in.
The other Coppery Brushtail was entirely as on previous occasions except that she had moved to a fork higher up in the Fig Tree!

Green Ringtail Possum. Pseudochirops archeri

Spectacled Flying Fox. Pteropus conspicillatus

Common Brushtail Possum. Trichosurus vulpecula

Platypus. Ornithorhynchus anatinus

Rufous Shrikethrush – juvenile. Colluricincla megarhyncha

White-headed Pigeon. Columba leucomela

Spotted Catbird. Ailuroedus maculosus

Golden Orb-weaver Spider. Nephila pilipes

Large-footed Myotis. Myotis macropus

Eastern Water Dragon. Physignathus lesueurii – both juvenile

Bush Stone-curlew. Burhinus grallarius

Lumholtz’s Tree Kangaroo. Dendrolagus lumholtzi

Weather

No rain. Light overcast with sunny periods. No breeze. Track damp. Water level falling slowly. Moon – Last Quarter – 2 days

Wildlife Report

On arrival at Allumbah Pocket I immediately spotted “Mrs Green” the Green Ringtail Possum on one of her regular perches. I had to maneuver slightly to obtain a reasonable view but she was kind enough to show her face on both sides of the tree trunk.
“Nosey” another female GRP was in the same spot as on my last visit and in rotten light but I managed to get a successful image.
Several small birds were feeding in the vicinity including a Rufous Shrikethrush which didn’t feel photogenic today and a Pale-yellow Robin who was happy to pose.
At The Other Side there were a small flock of White-headed Pigeons roosting in the tree behind the Picnic Shelter and more photos were obtained.
On the Middle Rocks a small Eastern Water Dragon was showing off on one of the prominent rocks.
“Whitespot” my favourite female Green Ringtail was in the trees next to the Snodgrass’s Pool sign.
In the Gum Trees near Full Tide Island a Forest Kingfisher was enjoying his breakfast and although the range was rather long I got some satisfactory shots.
At the upstream side of Log Jam Peninsula a Varied Triller came to entertain me.
There was nothing to offer at The Overhanging Bushes except a repeat visit to the Golden Orb-weaver Spider.
At Picnic Peninsula two immature Water Dragons were showing off their climbing skills up a large tree and another juvenile Dragon was seen on the rocks below Highway Bridge.
In the Overhanging Fig Tree, “Tatty” the Coppery Brushtail Possum was displaying her usual view. I have been asked on numerous occasions why she consistently hides her face and have reached the conclusion that If I had a nasty gaping scar on my very prominent ear I would not want it to be displayed regularly on the internet!
My final sighting today was one of the Bush Stone-curlew adults along Bunya Street.

Green Ringtail Possum. Pseudochirops archeri

Pale-yellow Robin. Tregellasia capito

White-headed Pigeon. Columba leucomela

Eastern Water Dragon. Physignathus lesueurii

Forest Kingfisher. Todiramphus macleayii

Varied Triller. Lalage leucomela

Golden Orb-weaver Spider. Nephila pilipes

Coppery Brushtail Possum. Trichosurus vulpecula

Bush Stone-curlew. Burhinus grallarius

Weather

1.5 mm of rain. Scattered cloud increasing to overcast with light intermittent drizzle. Variable light breeze. Track damp with a few puddles and slightly muddy areas. Water level has fallen slightly. Full Moon +3 days

Wildlife Report

I started this morning by photographing a Sulphur Crested Cockatoo on our bird table. Magnificent birds even if they can be destructive at times.
On arrival at Allumbah Pocket I found nothing immediately but in the tree next to the Suspension Bridge “Nosey” the Green Ringtail Possum was hiding in one of her more obscure perches making it almost impossible to obtain a decent photo. She was probably paying me back for my vulgar curiosity on my last visit!
At The Other Side the Spotted Catbird was sitting on her nest but soon took off to go foraging.
A dull coloured Eastern Water Dragon was on the skyline of the Horseshoe Rocks and very poorly lit so the photo was not brilliant.
“Whitespot” the female Green Ringtail Possum was waiting for me in the patch of Camphor Laurel trees next to the Snodgrass’s Pool sign.
I saw nothing then until I was leaving The Log Jam when I spotted a Platypus heading downstream. She was moving at speed and obviously undertaking her own patrol so I concentrated on taking some panned shots as she rounded the Peninsula and hoped that the auto focus was able to keep up with her. Fortunately a few of the shots turned out quite well.
In the Mistletoe Clump close to Platys Pool a Chocolate Brushtail Possum was taking it’s ease but keeping one eye on me.
At The Overhanging Bushes I found another large Golden Orb-weaver Spider.
Along Stringers Stretch a Handsome Water Dragon was stretched along a floating log
A few Large Footed Fishing Bats were roosting under the Highway Bridge. They are very hard to photograph.
As I crossed the bridge I saw three juvenile Eastern Water Dragons on the rocks below with the smallest lying in the water flowing from the Street drain.
I crossed the Highway to the West bank of the Creek and almost immediately spotted the mother Lumholtz’s Tree Kangaroo. She was perched not very securely on a group of vines and small branches with her joey in front of her and I presume having a feed. The sub-adult male had left home again in the manner of human male teenagers who pop home to Mum intermittently to get their washing and ironing done!
At the Overhanging Fig Tree my Coppery friend “Tattie” was showing off her rear end.
I found the Bunya Street Bush Stone-curlews today in the front yard of one of the creek side properties playing hide and seek among the shrubs.

Sulpher-crested Cockatoo. Cacatua galerita

Green Ringtail Possum. Pseudochirops archeri

Spotted Catbird. Ailuroedus maculosus

Eastern Water Dragon. Physignathus lesueurii

Platypus. Ornithorhynchus anatinus

Common Brushtail Possum. Trichosurus vulpecula

Golden Orb-weaver Spider. Nephila pilipes

Large-footed Fishing Bat. Myotis macropus

Lumholtz’s Tree Kangaroo. Dendrolagus lumholtzi

Bush Stone-curlew. Burhinus grallarius

Weather

4.5 mm of rain in the gauge. Scattered cloud with frequent sunny periods. Light NW breeze around 5 knots. Track damp with some muddy patches. Water level remains high. Full Moon + 1 day.

Wildlife Report

I realized as I approached Allumbah Pocket that it was Yungaburra Volunteers work day as revealed by several cars and trucks parked by the entrance and the noise of mechanical tools already commencing.
In spite of this I found a Green Ringtail Possum in the trees to the right of the main entrance although it was very well concealed in a rarely used tree and I was not able to identify it.
In the tree next to Lloyd’s Suspension Bridge I found a Green Ringtail Possum occupying the frequently used perch right next to the Bridge. It was however facing towards the Bridge and it was from there that I checked out it’s full frontal view and observed behaviour that I have not seen before.
It appeared to be holding up an enlarged pouch and at one stage had most of it’s nose thrust within which suggested to me that it was either “Mrs Green” occupying the perch or more likely that “Nosey” who I had mistakenly judged to be male was not only female but had a joey in her pouch. She seemed to be performing a meticulous job which went on for several minutes when she withdrew and gave me the sort of withering look reserved for men who watch ladies other than their wives breast feeding!
At The Other Side the Spotted Catbird could be seen on her nest ignoring the noises from nearby.
At Horseshoe Rocks a medium sized Eastern Water Dragon was on one of the rocks forming the horizon where he remained while I conversed with a couple of the volunteers.
I checked out the trees near Snodgrass’s Pool looking for “Whitespot” my favourite female GRP and was at first unable to spot her but I soon found her in one of the Camphor Laurel trees where she very helpfully turned round to give me a full face view.
Before I had a chance to move on a small Platypus appeared close to the far bank and searched for food for a few minutes without approaching me. When she set off upstream I followed but no close up photo opportunities were forthcoming.
I parted from her at Platypus Bend and continued on seeing little apart from numerous White-headed Pigeons in the canopy of the larger trees.
At the base of Picnic Peninsula I found another Platypus heading downstream and followed her for a short distance without spectacular results.
From Dowling’s Corridor I saw a pair of Orange-footed Scrubfowl on the far bank and had one of them firmly in my sights but she refused to lift her head from the leaf litter.
Under the Highway Bridge I again saw two pairs of Large-footed Fishing Bats which I attempted to photograph. It would be much easier if I could walk on water.
Crossing the Bridge I found “Calamity” the Coppery Brushtail Possum in her thicket alongside the walkway. She usually turns towards me if awake but is hard to photograph because of the intervening twigs and leaves.
On the rocks below there were this morning three very small Water Dragons but all keeping themselves to themselves.
At the Car Park a Rufous Shrikethrush was fossicking in the undergrowth and was duly photographed.
I continued on to Nick’s Camping Area where another Motor Home had arrived but I took a long range shot of one bird which turned out to be a Curlew with another concealed behind it.
On the Yungaburra side of the Creek there were no Tree Roos to be found today and I failed to see the Spotted Catbird which seemed to be flying around me calling.
In the overhanging Fig Tree “Tattie” the second Coppery Brushtail Possum was showing her best side and the Green Ringtail Possum was also doing it’s best to avoid a good photo.

Green Ringtail Possum. Pseudochirops archeri

Spotted Catbird. Ailuroedus maculosus

Eastern Water Dragon. Physignathus lesueurii

Platypus. Ornithorhynchus anatinus

White-headed Pigeon. Columba leucomela

Large-footed Bats. Myotis macropus

Coppery Brushtail Possum. Trichosurus vulpecula

Rufous Shrikethrush. Colluricincla megarhyncha

Bush Stone-curlew. Burhinus grallarius