Sunday 16th January 2022. 0750 – 0845

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.