Cyclone Nathan finally managed to cross the coast 100km
north of Cooktown on its second attempt. Here in the Port Douglas/Julatten area
attempt one brought some wind and much needed rain along with several frigate
birds. These could be seen in the skies above Port Douglas and Thala Beach. The
second attempt brought only a few drops of rain and a light breeze as the
cyclone was much further north.
 |
| Buff-breasted Paradise-Kingfisher |
Birwatching Tropical Australia has been having some good
sightings of Buff-breasted Paradise-Kingfisher in Julatten. 8 adults and 2 juveniles were seen on one of
last week’s tours. Mt Lewis is as good as it always is with great sightings of
Blue-faced Parrot-Finch this month. We
also saw a 2.5m long Amethystine Python along the walking track which made for
a bit of excitement for our visitor from Perth!
 |
| Blue-faced Parrot-Finch |
One of the ponds at Port Douglas produced an impressive 24
Pied Herons for a photographer from Melbourne and the Wandering
Whistling-Ducklings and Magpie Goslings produced plenty of oh’s and ah’s from
the ladies.
 |
| Wandering Whistling-Duck |
The Metallic Starlings nesting at Mossman have managed to
pump out a third brood of youngsters again this season.
 |
| Metallic Starling |
As we look forward to the cooler dryer months of winter
our shore birds and summer migrants are preparing to leave our shores. Departures
should begin within the week.
Happy Birding to all!
