tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32525007364381019792024-03-14T02:54:03.024-07:00Daintree NewsLatest observations and stories about the wildlife and environment in the Daintree - Cape Tribulation area, including birdwatching on the Daintree River, and the animals of the Daintree Rainforest.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger151125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3252500736438101979.post-23812831442404022372014-05-13T21:25:00.002-07:002014-05-13T21:25:32.786-07:00Ants in your plants--symbiosis in the Wet Tropics<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Prickly Ant Plant at Keating Lagoon near Cooktown</b></td></tr>
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Ants in Your Plants! Not in your pants. That's a children's ditty.<br /><br />
Prickly Ant Plants.<br />
Symbiotic or mutual relationships in nature can be very fascinating, but here's one that beats them all.<br /><br />
It's a triple whammy of the natural world and it taking place right now throughout Cape York.<br />You can find specimens in the among the mangroves at Cowie Beach, along Marrja Boardwalk at Cape Tribulation, among the melaleaucas at Keating Lagoon outside Cooktown, and the Natures Powerhouse Botanic Gardens at Cooktown.<br />
By far the most easily spotted is in the gardens outside James Cook
Museum, where one endemic Ant Plant species is nicely plaqued and
presented on a paperbark tree. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Ant plant at Marrdja Boardwalk growing among mangroves</b></td></tr>
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The Ant Plant (myrmecodia beccarii) is an epiphytic plant with fibrous inner chambers. It usually grows on paperbarks (melaleucas) or mangrove species. Superficially, it looks like an orchid, but close up, you can see that the outside is covered with prickles. <br />The real action is inside. Golden ants live inside the chambers and patrol the plant to remove leaf-eating pests. Their excreta is absorbed as food by the plant. That's a genuine symbiotic or mutual relationship.<br /><br />
The next symbiotic layer is the arrival of the Apollo jewel butterfly, the larvae of which live inside the plant. They seem to eat either the ant plant tissue and leaves or ant larvae. The butterfly larvae then provide honeydew as food for the ants. In appreciation, the ants protect the larvae.<br /><br />
Complicated? Incredibly so! Interdependency or mutualism--sometimes co-operative, sometimes not.<br />
Figs need wasps to pollinate each and every fig. Buff-breasted paradise kingfishers bore a hole into and inhabit termites nests.<br />Mike D'Arcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07606946953011813766noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3252500736438101979.post-9338203480072290962013-10-21T21:21:00.000-07:002013-10-21T21:21:38.804-07:00Keatings Lagoon in Spring and Summer<br />
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A 4WD drive from Cape Tribulation takes you past Keatings Lagoon near Cooktown.<br />
Visitors have been seeing lots of birds in September and October and the whole show should continue well through November as the waters dry up and leave increasingly scarce pickings and fewer places to hide for hungry water birds.<br />
Last week, we saw Australian Pelicans, magpie geese, royal spoonbills and cormorants across the waterlilies from the Bird Hide. They're spending daytime hours just hanging around until a cooler part of the day. <br />
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Closer to the Hide were two busy groups of Pacific Black Duck and Hardhead Duck. During our last visit, the Pacific Blacks were attracted by some underwater food source, and gradually swelled in numbers. Then, like a mob to a hanging (or drinkers to a shout!), the Hardheads progressively departed their own area, and came swooping and milling together, squawking, diving , splashing and creating a real feeding frenzy.<br />
The Hardhead, incidentally are Australia's only true deep diving duck. Other duck are shallow divers, unlike everyday Australians, who are much deeper animals.<br />
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Red-combed Jacana (or "Jesus" birds) walk, usually in pairs across the lily pads, occasionally hopping with barely a wing beat. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn9crG1f2TQKQZMBFfG6bhCtMJ1sXsWta1rXG9VrNOGzLJFCN4SUmTdVgI8OzD8rwZN24IRKubIPj26f6ZA6YXwwhSg2XUWNi2rnnt7ZQLs1IrOlhyphenhyphenPaoBzIrmS2Y13EkcEHukUOjvb6DR/s1600/IMG_2127.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn9crG1f2TQKQZMBFfG6bhCtMJ1sXsWta1rXG9VrNOGzLJFCN4SUmTdVgI8OzD8rwZN24IRKubIPj26f6ZA6YXwwhSg2XUWNi2rnnt7ZQLs1IrOlhyphenhyphenPaoBzIrmS2Y13EkcEHukUOjvb6DR/s320/IMG_2127.JPG" width="265" /></a>Very occasionally, a visiting family of brolgas can drop in to check out the neighbourhood. Last week, this family of three, the juvenile obvious with its lack of colouring, landed near the entrance of Keatings. It's too late in the season for its wonderfully intricate and graceful mating dance, although they can do it all year around. The dance is often reflected in Indigenous dances.<br />
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Magpie geese are unlike European geese, in that they have half-webbed feet, which enables them to sit on branches and in trees. Weird, but true.<br />
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The Keatings Bird Hide is an interesting 700 metre (12 minute) walk from the carpark, just 5 minutes drive from Cooktown on the Mulligan Highway. <br />
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D'Arcy of Daintree 4WD Tours visits the Lagoon on our Cooktown one day trips from Cow Bay, Diwan and Cape Tribulation.Mike D'Arcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07606946953011813766noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3252500736438101979.post-4959823552660885372013-07-08T02:36:00.000-07:002013-07-08T02:36:07.198-07:00Winter in the Daintree - Kingfishers galore!A busy time of the year in the Daintree with school holidays in all the cold southern states. What could be better than escaping to the tropics?!<br />
It is a lovely time for wildlife - whales off-shore, crocs and tree snakes basking in the sun on the banks of the Daintree River, frogs hiding indoors during the day and lots of lovely birds.<br />
Winter can be good time for seeing kingfishers, and at this time of year the following are visible around Daintree Village.<br />
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<b>Little Kingfisher</b> - Australia's smallest - shy and always near water.<br />
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<b>Azure Kingfisher</b> - bright and confiding and nearly always seen on the Daintree River.<br />
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<b>Forest Kingfisher</b> - often seen on power lines or fences, hunting for skinks, grasshoppers etc. Recognisable by the two white 'headlights' above the bill.<br />
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<b>Sacred Kingfisher</b> - more common in winter as it settles into the warmer weather. Another feeder of arthropods and others.<br />
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<b>Laughing Kookaburra</b> - our early morning chorus. 'Laugh, Kookaburra, Laugh'.<br />
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<b>Blue-winged Kookaburra</b> - more common in the open areas, rather than forest. Great haircut!!<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3252500736438101979.post-42995896402637171812013-03-31T00:32:00.000-07:002013-03-31T00:32:52.706-07:00The 'Wet Season' at lastThere is nothing like some decent rain to bring the tropical lowland rainforest alive, and we have had just that in the last week or so.<br />
The birds, the butterflies, the frogs, the fungi are all coming to life.<br />
Pairs of mating butterflies of all sorts are making the most of sunny weather following good rains, including everyone's favourites, the Ulysses and Cairns Birdwing butterflies.<br />
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The rains have also brought out the rather-stinky 'Bridal Fungi' which emerges from compost heaps and wet earth. Notice the blowflies being attracted to the slimy 'gleba' which emits a rotting smell. They then carry the spore on their feet, or through their intestines, to other locations - thus ensuring further distribution of the fungus. A marvellous world we live in!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBT1klDqvZvb3UnsIXJvToCmcsTwjvUm2C48ECTfoy8gDN4LZlxIHWMiWPw6zc7FPVlyTUtD_RptJqqAXebG6QF6BdGBH1kbVOh3E7nAzoFzvTpD09mH8xBuu8-4WsSNL54Zami_AzszMo/s1600/P1000289.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBT1klDqvZvb3UnsIXJvToCmcsTwjvUm2C48ECTfoy8gDN4LZlxIHWMiWPw6zc7FPVlyTUtD_RptJqqAXebG6QF6BdGBH1kbVOh3E7nAzoFzvTpD09mH8xBuu8-4WsSNL54Zami_AzszMo/s400/P1000289.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bridal Fungi Red Mill House garden</td></tr>
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Many birds have been particularly active since we have had good rains. Red-necked Crake, Bushhen, Black-necked Stork and others.<br />
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A beautiful adult Cassowary was spotted bathing in Noah Creek yesterday - just gorgeous!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjStJsp7D2iU9EMONvC0f2-acRMHjjeHQPcmsUe17ecIc1sAJxejiiWBWw4B2z19AJwsXKRrutEqQzG-RgqDN07nHqpqQvwI5HPHunPAMaRVcy64WW2Jj65Sfyn-uY0G-P3Q6NtHyiV4fVs/s1600/Southern+Cassowary+Miki+Dengels+March+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjStJsp7D2iU9EMONvC0f2-acRMHjjeHQPcmsUe17ecIc1sAJxejiiWBWw4B2z19AJwsXKRrutEqQzG-RgqDN07nHqpqQvwI5HPHunPAMaRVcy64WW2Jj65Sfyn-uY0G-P3Q6NtHyiV4fVs/s400/Southern+Cassowary+Miki+Dengels+March+2013.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Southern Cassowary Miki Dengels March 2012</td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3252500736438101979.post-53636970937497362522013-02-15T22:44:00.000-08:002013-02-27T22:02:42.463-08:00Cuckoos and other cheats<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Spring and summer are the seasons for cuckoos in the Wet Tropics and Daintree, many of which are known to call incessantly, and most of which parasitise other birds nests.</div>
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The smallest, the Little Bronze-Cuckoo, breeds in this region and often uses the hanging nests of the Large-billed Gerygone or Fairy Gerygone to lay their eggs. The newly hatched chick disposes of the birds own eggs, allowing the poor, hapless (much smaller) 'parents' to feed it and it alone.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6QFd9YGBRzCXKDjRlq2jeQviJJFRNtdSLliFtmH9Em-zcDroy8R3vxghbVI2T7YMFWfzDnw0wN5-hoKEN7848GUDsAeiL-7p9vlV_16Ea_Nfc-HHq09gW7pm0SqS_mTuQYqpB9pIF2J6A/s1600/Little+bronze-cuckoo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6QFd9YGBRzCXKDjRlq2jeQviJJFRNtdSLliFtmH9Em-zcDroy8R3vxghbVI2T7YMFWfzDnw0wN5-hoKEN7848GUDsAeiL-7p9vlV_16Ea_Nfc-HHq09gW7pm0SqS_mTuQYqpB9pIF2J6A/s400/Little+bronze-cuckoo.jpg" width="361" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little Bronze-Cuckoo (S.Isoe)</td></tr>
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Other cuckoos in the Daintree region over the season include Brush Cuckoo (which calls incessantly), Channel-billed Cuckoo (Australia's largest cuckoo)and Australian Koel. Closely related, but not a brood parasite, is the rather clumsy but beautiful Pheasant Coucal.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixq_b0jIDBzejUQ7hJL3XoMVGvwkNktgwv03vZX9_UmUiB5O3rMPyexDosRUayDG-FyXMIk4TlWDQAlvQMr3bBU-CTbGioud2j_sJ8AnnI9wJuoTGyYAZHf48vfjlPNUZxZh56sWB70CsM/s1600/Pheasant+Coucal00011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixq_b0jIDBzejUQ7hJL3XoMVGvwkNktgwv03vZX9_UmUiB5O3rMPyexDosRUayDG-FyXMIk4TlWDQAlvQMr3bBU-CTbGioud2j_sJ8AnnI9wJuoTGyYAZHf48vfjlPNUZxZh56sWB70CsM/s400/Pheasant+Coucal00011.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pheasant Coucal (Fred Forsell)</td></tr>
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Large numbers of very noisy Channel-billed Cuckoos are about at present, which plenty of rainforest figs providing their necessary food.<br />
The "wet season" is a fabulous time to be doing some Daintree birdwatching!Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3252500736438101979.post-59162735688700827232013-01-19T23:52:00.001-08:002013-01-19T23:55:05.080-08:00Welcome to Breeding Season in DaintreeAfter a long absence, the Daintree News blog is up and running again!<br />
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Queensland's Wet Tropics are, without doubt, Australia's best wildlife-watching locations with the rich biodiversity that is unique to the tropics. Ranging from sea-level to 900m, there is a diverse range of habitats.<br />
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Daintree, on the coastal lowlands and ranges, has some of the oldest and richest rainforest in the world and is home to a great variety of birds, mammals, reptiles and insects.<br />
Birds and birdwatching are a major focus of the region with birders from around the world visiting to see a huge diversity of species in convenient and comfortable conditions.<br />
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As the 'Wet Season' approaches many local birds are finishing their breeding season, nesting at a time when flowers, fruit and insects are plentiful in the rainforest, and before rainy conditions make it difficult to raise a family. Black Bittern, Shining Flycatcher and Papuan Frogmouth chicks have mostly fledged. These all nest in trees on the banks of the Daintree River and it's best to be gone before the river floods.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfq8dhu9ARcEjzMZfTe0wg29B7sldRwgUcLf4tbz-z2gjJKq5OGWfMDp5WNguOJLAmRaQFE3lixJ2pIl9mCeqOKKKyp4ACww_RjKEGHF6VXZcfwK4t_SQtlEaNvxAZ5tf68y9PTKDIwR2P/s1600/Papuan+frogmouth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfq8dhu9ARcEjzMZfTe0wg29B7sldRwgUcLf4tbz-z2gjJKq5OGWfMDp5WNguOJLAmRaQFE3lixJ2pIl9mCeqOKKKyp4ACww_RjKEGHF6VXZcfwK4t_SQtlEaNvxAZ5tf68y9PTKDIwR2P/s400/Papuan+frogmouth.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Papuan Fogmouth (S.Isoe)</td></tr>
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Others, like the Wompoo Fruit-Dove, are more likely to breed outside their main nesting season. This pair have been building their somewhat-flimsy nest in the past week. They appear to have chosen a sheltered spot, so should be successful.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wompoo Fruit-Dove (A.Forsyth)<br />
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One of the great breeding success stories are the Metallic Starlings who migrate from New Guinea in huge numbers in August each year to breed. Their nesting colonies are massed in often-huge trees and are used year after year. They are communal nesters and can raise two, or sometimes three, broods in a season..</div>
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Adapting well to urban life, the following photo is of nesting colony in one of several palms in the carpark at Smithfield Shopping Centre.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Metallic Starling (T.Forsyth)</td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3252500736438101979.post-24501573251659790382012-04-01T23:45:00.000-07:002013-02-27T22:18:09.205-08:00Fungi in the Forest<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Fungi play an important role in the tropical rainforests of the Daintree as they help to break down plant matter on the forest floor. They are a hugely diverse kingdom and large numbers of species are found locally.</div>
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These few were found in just a short walk around a rainforest garden in Daintree Village, and include Woody Shelf Fungi which will grow on trees and probably contribute to their death. They will then live off the rotting timber for years, each year adding new layers with fresh colours.</div>
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Smaller, softer, more delicate and shorter-lived 'gilled' fungi like these examples below also grow on timber and add wonderful colours and textures to the rainforest floor.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtKqirRjJaIgH_FzGl-K15dCPvkBXEnzn-EbTwpPNAI1eMnCIvSB1Z4zvAkuq_sy_PKm4T1S4495s1uHE3hD0KceZtM4flZZxsWYMKHY5doOaCHJIbf2xLKWKlDDUUv_TJ0NLTRnlWhPkK/s1600/P1030239.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtKqirRjJaIgH_FzGl-K15dCPvkBXEnzn-EbTwpPNAI1eMnCIvSB1Z4zvAkuq_sy_PKm4T1S4495s1uHE3hD0KceZtM4flZZxsWYMKHY5doOaCHJIbf2xLKWKlDDUUv_TJ0NLTRnlWhPkK/s320/P1030239.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3252500736438101979.post-26389147736264671052012-01-13T22:04:00.000-08:002013-02-27T22:15:43.305-08:00No rain, but plenty of birds!!While January can often be humid and rainy here in Daintree, this isn't the case this year (to date). Clear, cloudless days, cooler nights, few mosquitoes, but lots of frogs calling at night and birds at dawn.<br />
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A favourite bird for all at this time of year is the Buff-breasted Paradise Kingfisher, which come from New Guinea each October/November to nest in the small ground termite mounds of this part of the Wet Tropics and also a little further south. Jindalba Boardwalk, north of the Daintree River, and Stewart Creek Rd at Daintree Village are good places to find the nesting birds.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizDQyxOIFpP0xWk9-0gTJVI3cOyn3b5Pf8E0zyO6jAshRdQfmaGUtM55zuA70c83RGkuVm7A3tcJz14vhNso_pansVXtAEeEHTLRxXXJgdgewBJDfOAan4XrMEwzurVQJrUJYIJhIeXAX8/s1600/Buff-breasted+Paradise-kingfisher+Ryuichi+Mori.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizDQyxOIFpP0xWk9-0gTJVI3cOyn3b5Pf8E0zyO6jAshRdQfmaGUtM55zuA70c83RGkuVm7A3tcJz14vhNso_pansVXtAEeEHTLRxXXJgdgewBJDfOAan4XrMEwzurVQJrUJYIJhIeXAX8/s400/Buff-breasted+Paradise-kingfisher+Ryuichi+Mori.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Other summer migrants include Metallic Starling, Pied Imperial Pigeon and Black Bittern - all of which can be seen in, or around, Daintree Village.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3252500736438101979.post-75868241139492366142011-11-12T02:56:00.000-08:002011-11-12T02:57:32.266-08:00Daintree Village Heritage Walk now available on I Tunes<h3 class="post-title"><br />
</h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHX59DlECnErAvJXk9Zl9TOrLbCaPe8SOT28q96m2QFIVZU6yhhDLifaNzSRngW4KjCheZn7s-WiCs6eDuT6PLbDyNgIMXJ4-GlpxE1JqCQcGVZea12wn74fcrRl3iJwHiuyAAjvP9beA/s1600/dainrmh.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHX59DlECnErAvJXk9Zl9TOrLbCaPe8SOT28q96m2QFIVZU6yhhDLifaNzSRngW4KjCheZn7s-WiCs6eDuT6PLbDyNgIMXJ4-GlpxE1JqCQcGVZea12wn74fcrRl3iJwHiuyAAjvP9beA/s1600/dainrmh.jpg" /></a></div><b>Just out on the Australian Short Walks App.</b><br />
The Daintree Village Heritage Walk, free after downloading the Australian Short Walks App from the App Store $1.99<br />
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<b>Other Daintree area walks</b> include Mossman Gorge, Mossman Historic Walk, Port Douglas Coastcare Walk and Port Douglas Historic Walk.<br />
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All walks are FREE after initial download of short walks app.<br />
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<a href="http://itunes.apple.com/app/australian-short-walks/id431581766?mt=8">Download here </a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3252500736438101979.post-5766638860244352932011-11-12T02:49:00.000-08:002011-11-12T02:49:33.739-08:00Smart Card enables Cairns locals to free ferry travel<a href="http://www.cairns.qld.gov.au/about-council/media-and-public-notices/media-releases/releases/smart-card-entitles-cairns-locals-to-free-ferry-travel"></a><a href="http://www.cairns.qld.gov.au/about-council/media-and-public-notices/media-releases/releases/smart-card-entitles-cairns-locals-to-free-ferry-travel">Read the council press release</a><br />
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<h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1}" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}">Pick up your application form for a Daintree Smart Card now from the CRC offices.<br />
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As an Early Bird Incentive Cairns residents who make application for their Smart card before 1st December and who use their smart card at least once during the trial period will be in the running to win a Panasonic Blue ray Home Theatre System valued at $1,099 kindly donated by Tourism Tropical North Queensland.TTNQ</span></span></h6>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3252500736438101979.post-9654432996743286832011-08-18T16:14:00.000-07:002011-08-18T16:14:18.451-07:00whales on the fringing reefClose to the beach, migrating whales are scratching themselves on the reef,to remove their barnacles. Kayakers were treated to a great view of the whales swimming underneath the boats. Walkers on Myall Beach had a ringside seat to the whales spouting and cavorting.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3252500736438101979.post-79364309885599199722011-05-24T21:02:00.000-07:002013-02-27T22:15:43.312-08:00Kingfishers in the DaintreeEveryone's favourite 'the Kingfisher'.<br />
Colourful, with huge bills and full of character, ranging in size from the Little Kingfisher at 12cm, to the Laughing Kookaburra at 48cm.<br />
We are so fortunate here in Daintree, as seven out of Australia's ten kingfishers are either residents or visitors to the Daintree.<br />
Over the cooler winter months, the Sacred Kingfisher is a regular, feeding in the fields of the Daintree Valley. Often seen on fence posts or power lines, they feed on insects and small reptiles. More turquoise in colour than the dark blue of the Forest Kingfisher, which also feeds in a similar manner and is more common.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKazLTynl3PZeuoOC0FfSy5ShJ8W1xnATvfVl6k75tAB2w2huigvvvNO_cziIxJkyIF0EzC12v_6PMJ4pPbFC19pdds2iIzgbBQvV_F5iQKGRcVctYtDpduKS8Z4oPfOzJUjvCho2k69dZ/s1600/Sacred+Kingfisher_8591+B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKazLTynl3PZeuoOC0FfSy5ShJ8W1xnATvfVl6k75tAB2w2huigvvvNO_cziIxJkyIF0EzC12v_6PMJ4pPbFC19pdds2iIzgbBQvV_F5iQKGRcVctYtDpduKS8Z4oPfOzJUjvCho2k69dZ/s320/Sacred+Kingfisher_8591+B.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br />
A favourite with birdwatchers is the Little Kingfisher - tiny, elusive and a difficult bird for international birders to see in other parts of Australia. The Daintree River and it's creeks and even local still ponds are well known spots for this gem. Being 'true' kingfishers they only eat fish and other small aquatic animals.<br />
At low tide on the Daintree River, you may be lucky enough to see one of these gems.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyiHK4CEp4TgfdgyRcRBRRFKR_ph00iFeOIcSQ2mufEAf_Xz2UtP33yF67K63RQYHIebwXtq5ZOraqG5YL8k9MYT2JyXSdG3GuPbtf4oa434TJREDC5N0V-47ZD3kB9xSVEhCk9HdrBDUw/s1600/Little+Kingfisher.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyiHK4CEp4TgfdgyRcRBRRFKR_ph00iFeOIcSQ2mufEAf_Xz2UtP33yF67K63RQYHIebwXtq5ZOraqG5YL8k9MYT2JyXSdG3GuPbtf4oa434TJREDC5N0V-47ZD3kB9xSVEhCk9HdrBDUw/s320/Little+Kingfisher.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3252500736438101979.post-26250117356235766042011-04-16T21:12:00.000-07:002013-02-27T22:15:43.303-08:00Fruit-Doves in the RainforestThe tropical lowland Daintree Rainforest has three brightly coloured fruit-doves, Superb, Rose-crowned and Wompoo, all of which are eagerly sought after by birdwatchers. Surprisingly difficult to see, they feed on fruit, usually high in the rainforest canopy.<br />
This beautiful male Superb Fruit-Dove was lucky to survive, and make a good recovery, after hitting the window of a farmhouse in the Daintree Valley. It is normally difficult to see those beautiful colours in the rainforest. While reasonably common, good views are often just be chance.<br />
Thanks to Donna Davis for the images.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpRJi6J5K5A2jC3glml_LK5HMp6am6SSCDmJTlOIQebD4hwEE96tkTLzg6DQ1C6p5yMrG04I1gyQW_k0rFiTvxRbweJ0vaQOoApIjHYcxM3gNOovvS9fC9vdWcgSms0IVaeB7yBz5ro1hg/s1600/IMG_3888.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpRJi6J5K5A2jC3glml_LK5HMp6am6SSCDmJTlOIQebD4hwEE96tkTLzg6DQ1C6p5yMrG04I1gyQW_k0rFiTvxRbweJ0vaQOoApIjHYcxM3gNOovvS9fC9vdWcgSms0IVaeB7yBz5ro1hg/s320/IMG_3888.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpOmI1Nr66eguee1wjOz-s9FJCkpStOnQi8VMjMei2snzhvC7YeyieujL-7lbxtwoompo4z5jd9c5tKUtL5135Z88jnG7fisw79LQYGgcQ_Mgy7qEI1ClEC7ksg9aHLYm38W7i2iryvBje/s1600/IMG_3887.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpOmI1Nr66eguee1wjOz-s9FJCkpStOnQi8VMjMei2snzhvC7YeyieujL-7lbxtwoompo4z5jd9c5tKUtL5135Z88jnG7fisw79LQYGgcQ_Mgy7qEI1ClEC7ksg9aHLYm38W7i2iryvBje/s320/IMG_3887.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3252500736438101979.post-88284643892214247022011-04-12T22:41:00.000-07:002011-04-12T22:45:20.264-07:00Have an Eco EasterShowcasing the oldest continuously surviving tropical rainforest in the world, tourism operators in the Daintree fittingly offer some of the most environmentally friendly experiences in the country. Not only are many attractions and accommodations in the Daintree ECO-certified, signifying their commitment to sustainable practices and high quality nature-based tourism experiences, but in many cases Daintree businesses use solar and hydro sustainable power. In fact, the Daintree Coast north of the river is home to Australia’s largest sustainable energy community. So if the only guilt you need this Easter is for all the chocolate you eat, then the Daintree’s the place to go. The internationally acclaimed Daintree Discovery Centre has been acknowledged as an Ecotourism leader for many years, with carbon offset programs and award-winning operations, but other local businesses are now joining them at the forefront of sustainable tourism. Following an independent audit by Cairns environmental consultants The Missing Link, Jungle Surfing is now proudly carbon neutral, with their tiny carbon footprint requiring just 140 trees to be planted annually to offset emissions. Jungle Surfing staff and friends last month planted the trees themselves in Cape Tribulation as part of the company’s Community Revegetation Project. Having last year established a nursery of native plants, many of which are endemic to the Daintree, this year the project literally came to fruition with more than 2000 free seedlings provided to local individuals and businesses along with expertise, advice and some essential elbow grease to plant the trees. For more information on Jungle Surfing’s environmental initiatives, or for free trees to plant to give yourself a carbon neutral holiday, please contact <a href="mailto:environment@junglesurfing.com.au">environment@junglesurfing.com.au</a> For more information on ECO certified products in the Daintree, please go to <a href="http://www.destinationdaintree.com/daintree-ecotourism">http://www.destinationdaintree.com/daintree-ecotourism</a>Jungle Surferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07002881917188132037noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3252500736438101979.post-80398102778256767072011-03-04T18:33:00.000-08:002013-02-27T22:15:43.313-08:00The 'wet' season - best for birds and birding!<div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">February was the wettest on record in Daintree Village with 1640ml of rain, bringing the year's (2 months!) total to 2117ml by the end of the month. </span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">March has arrived though and the weather has improved and visitors are coming. The 'wet' season is always best for birding, despite the sometimes-rainy conditions. The summer </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">migrants are all still here, including the Buff-breasted Paradise Kingfisher. The Little Kingfisher and Azure Kingfisher are also more visible as the breeding season come to an end. Both have been seen on the pond at Red Mill House in recent days. Also in the garden is Australasian Koel, Double-eyed Fig-Parrot, Wompoo Fruit-Dove, Yellow Oriole and others. A short, late afternoon walk with guests along Stewart Creek Rd from Daintree Village was very productive with Channel-billed Cuckoo, Little Bronze Cuckoo and female Australian Koel, plus a range of birds foraging for insects in the afternoon sun - Grey Whistler, Spectacled Monarch, Leaden Flycatcher, Fairy Gerygone, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Graceful, Macleay's and Yellow-spotted Honeyeater, Mistletoebird, Olive-backed Sunbird, Spangled Drongo, and Varied Triller. Others, chasing fruit, included Brown-Cuckoo Dove, </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Figbird and Wompoo Fruit-Dove. A lovely walk and a great introduction to the UK birders who had just arrived.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3252500736438101979.post-52626653977927403302011-02-07T03:23:00.000-08:002011-02-07T03:23:57.256-08:00Cape Trib is back in business after Cyclone YasiCape Tribulation was on the very edge of Cyclone Yasi when it crossed the coast south of Cairns, last Thursday. We had minimal damage. Because the businesses operate on solar power and generators, there has been no disruption, and many businesses are now cleaned up and ready to go.<br />
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<b>Tours now running</b> -<br />
Ocean Safari<br />
Masons Tours<br />
Jungle Surfing<br />
Exotic Fruit Tasting<br />
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<b>Plenty of places now open to stay</b><br />
Cape Trib Beach House<br />
Cape Trib Farmstay<br />
PKs Jungle Village<br />
Cape Trib Camping<br />
Cape Trib Exotic Fruit Farm<br />
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The rainforest is looking wonderful - the reef is looking beautiful. The road to Cape Tribulation has been cleared, the ferry is operating and there is no problem with roads being flooded, now that the new bridge is in place over Cooper Creek. Port Douglas and Cairns are now open for business, with minimal damage.<br />
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Visit <a href="http://www.destinationdaintree.com/">Destination Daintree</a> for more info about itineraries, accommodation, and activitiesUnknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3252500736438101979.post-87768179067139769132011-01-22T21:03:00.000-08:002013-02-27T22:15:43.316-08:00Colour and movement<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fast flying and extremely colourful, the Rainbow Lorikeet is a favourite bird for locals and visitors alike.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One of the more vocal birds, Rainbow Lorikeets are well known for the array of colours seemingly splashed over their bodies. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Rainbow Lorikeet has a wide distribution; found in various parts of Australia, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and New Caledonia. Not restricted to rainforest areas, the Rainbow Lorikeet enjoys parks and gardens as well. The Rainbow Lorikeet possesses two toes facing forward and two backward for balance and ease of grasping, and grow to over 30 cm in length.Whilst mainly nectar feeders, these birds are extremely adaptable, eating fruit, berries, seeds, and even insect and their larvae if required. At this time of year, when blossom is hard to find, the fruit from the Umbrella Tree is a favourite.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidlzwrR80hbAGjcPiezruS1RyS8crnmW-F9lzq6fQv4ZT-FH-ZcduK6Yelwrajj2mhoPV-OV88cehyphenhyphenPq65NIerRmZoOkBpqPepXR5cOxlIWVa7Y7Tp_OaRcIEYD-RxyrUNg5ZguQqLagTt/s1600/Rainbow+Loriket00013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidlzwrR80hbAGjcPiezruS1RyS8crnmW-F9lzq6fQv4ZT-FH-ZcduK6Yelwrajj2mhoPV-OV88cehyphenhyphenPq65NIerRmZoOkBpqPepXR5cOxlIWVa7Y7Tp_OaRcIEYD-RxyrUNg5ZguQqLagTt/s320/Rainbow+Loriket00013.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3252500736438101979.post-72543324234408114982010-12-27T19:06:00.000-08:002010-12-27T19:06:51.988-08:00Adventurous by Nature<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZtI4znQMfkYHzN0plVFooG7I63pvp_GnI2ytH4TuReLDZxTGZrdKC6WsVMaLDqqyU_HAD-VA7QYdXR171OF3nhQEAiIGLQl45gCsO4lVeJoIUqELKVMZwYX3QxQk7FlODN768AIORHUhu/s1600/woobadda.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="195" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZtI4znQMfkYHzN0plVFooG7I63pvp_GnI2ytH4TuReLDZxTGZrdKC6WsVMaLDqqyU_HAD-VA7QYdXR171OF3nhQEAiIGLQl45gCsO4lVeJoIUqELKVMZwYX3QxQk7FlODN768AIORHUhu/s320/woobadda.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>The new slogan for Tropical North Queensland is Adventurous by Nature and this fits well with the range of activities offered by Mason's Tours. This shot shows the Woobadda River crossing on the Bloomfield Track.<br />
<a href="http://www.masonstours.com.au/">Check out Mason's Adventurous Tours</a>masonstourshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04283824617301890549noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3252500736438101979.post-1684573789354119112010-12-03T23:34:00.000-08:002013-02-27T22:15:43.299-08:00Garden PredatorsNature can be cruel and whilst our favourite creatures may be green frogs and tiny birds, they also make great prey for some of the larger, more aggressive birds who share their habitat.<br />
This week, we had a beautiful Olive-backed Sunbird nest, complete with two babies and with mum doing a fabulous job feeding and tending to them, just outside the busy lounge window. Safe as can be, we thought.<br />
It only takes a second and the nest is raided and the babies gone - - the parents don't stand a chance. Unfortunately Black Butcherbirds also have babies to feed.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZBmmDXomWUVXd-ZWDYQzhOHvxlOwx_jcicrpqRcNKJjM9KrNehVoeL-Cs9RvM-TQNPSjsgSAgW1XzTT7J0Uki8Kc9AEvgbxggtz-lJNNpvkLkWEoqqcRT6TuPMP8b7aSTgenT2YNyPZW7/s1600/P1020155.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZBmmDXomWUVXd-ZWDYQzhOHvxlOwx_jcicrpqRcNKJjM9KrNehVoeL-Cs9RvM-TQNPSjsgSAgW1XzTT7J0Uki8Kc9AEvgbxggtz-lJNNpvkLkWEoqqcRT6TuPMP8b7aSTgenT2YNyPZW7/s320/P1020155.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
Check out the size of the bill and the hook on the end - - no wonder they are such successful predators.<br />
The other common garden predator is the Laughing Kookaburra, Australia's iconic symbol. Specialising in skinks, frogs, lizards and small rodents, they too are successful predators.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP1sK08W8UKmgLnv0YX9DIJEVTCAxoo7k2QO_RQjUjJDAYTHNn7XygYQ_eTk8C0qghSAJ3eoawOymNrM0nWbxQxc7f3VACmUJxJcxg4Gb8DT99aCC1ZgT5F3ZkxUI5tRPz1703aTofJbzZ/s1600/P1010887.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP1sK08W8UKmgLnv0YX9DIJEVTCAxoo7k2QO_RQjUjJDAYTHNn7XygYQ_eTk8C0qghSAJ3eoawOymNrM0nWbxQxc7f3VACmUJxJcxg4Gb8DT99aCC1ZgT5F3ZkxUI5tRPz1703aTofJbzZ/s320/P1010887.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3252500736438101979.post-8771078452539326202010-11-06T00:59:00.000-07:002013-02-27T22:15:43.315-08:00Birds on the Daintree River The Daintree River is famous for its' wildlife, particularly crocodiles and a large variety of birds. The summer migrants include Black Bittern, Pied Imperial Pigeon, Metallic Starling and Buff-breasted Paradise Kingfisher, most of which can be seen from the river.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>This is also the time of year for the Papuan Frogmouth to be nesting, often high above the the water's edge, making it easy to see from the river. 'Easy' isn't really the right word - the colours and patterns of the plumage enable the bird to disguise itself beautifully as it sits quietly and perfectly still next to the trunk or branch of a tree. The nest consists of just a few sticks, but they are great parents and usually breed successfully.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The Papuan Frogmouth feeds at night, just after dusk, mostly on insects, frogs and lizards.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Only found in southern Asia, New Guinea and Australia, Australia's Frogmouths are a real treat for international birdwatchers - there is nothing quite like it anywhere else in the world. The Papuan Frogmouth has a very small Australian range of distribution.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3252500736438101979.post-77418857174504934712010-10-17T20:25:00.000-07:002013-02-27T22:15:43.310-08:00Gaudy and Gorgeous!The big news in the birding world is that the Buff-breasted Paradise Kingfisher have returned from New Guinea for their breeding season. A spectacular bird - almost gaudy, with a bright red/orange bill, bright red feet, blue back and head, and orange breast. The long white tail, which is often seen first, flicks up and down as the bird sits and calls from perches in the mid-level of rainforest.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsfJgr7_HWg5cd-T3V4Z0-_DGakvJES0KtmAHhy2k5gasxbXDzDS2vQ1jcr775aa42a3D90zO3IuTGzHzxqH82CR8KgzF2zN8yU4dDumFHuCe74kJ9K7ExbxFHvl_hND2oMl4nVYlxT-cl/s1600/Buff-breasted+Paradise-Kingfisher+Red+Mill+House.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsfJgr7_HWg5cd-T3V4Z0-_DGakvJES0KtmAHhy2k5gasxbXDzDS2vQ1jcr775aa42a3D90zO3IuTGzHzxqH82CR8KgzF2zN8yU4dDumFHuCe74kJ9K7ExbxFHvl_hND2oMl4nVYlxT-cl/s320/Buff-breasted+Paradise-Kingfisher+Red+Mill+House.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="238" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">These birds arrive every year in late October/early November to nest in the small termite mounds on the forest floor. They are at least two weeks early this year and have arrived 'en masse' - some of which will continue further south as far as Mackay, while others will stay to settle in find a mate. The conditions are perfect this year with the termite mounds being moist and easy to excavate.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">We look forward to a productive season for these very special birds.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3252500736438101979.post-39212889797137157872010-10-01T22:42:00.000-07:002013-02-27T22:15:43.306-08:00Farming , pastures and birdsDaintree is famous for it's rainforest but, for birdwatching, a range of habitat is important. Part of that mix here in the tropical lowlands are the paddocks and pastures of local farmland.<br />
The cattle that graze the pastures are followed by large numbers of Cattle Egrets, waiting expectantly for insects to be disturbed in the grass. Farm dams and waterways are homes to ducks, lapwings and plovers as well as egrets and kingfishers.<br />
Various grasses in the fields, when the seeds mature, provide feed for a range of seed-eaters, including the Chestnut-breasted Mannikin, that can be seen in large flocks feeding on the grasses.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6TAVGQON7ftOM2XZZ0oNt0lUaEgc3f4EFOvOB3Jr9IVyoASNjKriG3ugo2gx-J73p3-eYRchkvxmAaStUU72nf8gBBlczpFl3kU1pO4iz-xzUPZFuuKiAb19oFhN71ayyyUg5Fi8dloy2/s1600/IMG_9883.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6TAVGQON7ftOM2XZZ0oNt0lUaEgc3f4EFOvOB3Jr9IVyoASNjKriG3ugo2gx-J73p3-eYRchkvxmAaStUU72nf8gBBlczpFl3kU1pO4iz-xzUPZFuuKiAb19oFhN71ayyyUg5Fi8dloy2/s320/IMG_9883.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Golden-headed Cisticola are often seen, during their breeding season, singing madly from the top of grasses or on the wires of fences. They enjoy wet, swampy areas and degraded paddocks and slopes.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Other birds often seen on fence wires include Red-backed Fairy-Wren, White Breasted Woodswallow and occasionally a treat like Australia's smallest cuckoo, the Little Bronze Cuckoo.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Vtk09zQW3jNhWplZWsE1kY2niZNDBAmrSu-OZyhCklV0CrvnivEgEvFr8vPUUUJhqG-68d-yOmXxRjRZvNt7xIw_8XjUkRALSIvDBVv7Q8Ibg-1Xl4odrxzpC0gkG_bnkk0IrmucUjJp/s1600/IMG_9836s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Vtk09zQW3jNhWplZWsE1kY2niZNDBAmrSu-OZyhCklV0CrvnivEgEvFr8vPUUUJhqG-68d-yOmXxRjRZvNt7xIw_8XjUkRALSIvDBVv7Q8Ibg-1Xl4odrxzpC0gkG_bnkk0IrmucUjJp/s320/IMG_9836s.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Don't underestimate a drive along one of the beautiful valleys of the Daintree River and it's creeks, if birdwatching in the area. You will almost always see Rainbow Bee-eater, Forest Kingfisher, Australian Pipit, Masked Lapwing, Cattle Egret and many more interesting species.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3252500736438101979.post-23855698072282105792010-08-13T22:41:00.000-07:002013-02-27T22:15:43.300-08:00Vines, nectar and HoneyeatersWhile not a native plant, the commonly-grown Flame of the Forest (or New Guinea creeper) and Jade Vine both flower profusely at this time of year and the Honeyeaters love them.<br />
A rampant climber, the Jade vine originates from The Philipines and has long racemes of up to 1/2 meter of stunning blue and green pea-shaped flowers.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeLz96zJIHDFU5lh-0B9nI6KNov11w-q32N8MIbKMTzH7aFEDjaThrITQ_gHdIE5vsciRbabn8yZTLEMFLsO-r14PwoyiQQAeixAALudcD2EgK1a8GMFj73kba5mgpVsU7YrxZtMHgsuhJ/s1600/P1030638.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeLz96zJIHDFU5lh-0B9nI6KNov11w-q32N8MIbKMTzH7aFEDjaThrITQ_gHdIE5vsciRbabn8yZTLEMFLsO-r14PwoyiQQAeixAALudcD2EgK1a8GMFj73kba5mgpVsU7YrxZtMHgsuhJ/s320/P1030638.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">These flowers are full of nectar and are extremely popular with green ants and also with Macleay's Honeyeater (pictured), Dusky Honeyeater, Yellow-spotted Honeyeater, Graceful Honeyeater and also the Olive-backed Sunbird.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYy6xexLxPFQs8Xj_u-V5I0n2eHLXRbX38kijFAqpftQn9yUC81GWhO2Q-uPXfIfOz8247mBaQf6rk-MGAVx_88jKXxfTy4NHpFJJzb_-w_nYf_aAn0SIJXASycxklNy4nEF6Q665p3xs6/s1600/B+Macleay%27s+Honeyeater.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYy6xexLxPFQs8Xj_u-V5I0n2eHLXRbX38kijFAqpftQn9yUC81GWhO2Q-uPXfIfOz8247mBaQf6rk-MGAVx_88jKXxfTy4NHpFJJzb_-w_nYf_aAn0SIJXASycxklNy4nEF6Q665p3xs6/s320/B+Macleay%27s+Honeyeater.JPG" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The New Guinea Vine, also from the Leguminosae family, has vivid red flowers and similarly attracts the honeyeaters. Down at Scommazons, opposite the Mossman Golf Course, several Blue-faced Honeyeaters are also enjoying the nectar from the flowers. These are normally a dry-country bird, but are often seen at that part of the lowlands.They are a lovely bird.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHDCgxfew-OFnX9hFQSf1fjlV90mStzA3RqUTf9EKPTlplFCe4_r5KsRmL7QuT7subaVlZV7r9_HWCDWDul_GRgUIT8BNba6IpLtYd0L2ZYO3qtQd4m2QHpJiiX2ggUZhCFtwm6R3C-OaA/s1600/P1030637.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHDCgxfew-OFnX9hFQSf1fjlV90mStzA3RqUTf9EKPTlplFCe4_r5KsRmL7QuT7subaVlZV7r9_HWCDWDul_GRgUIT8BNba6IpLtYd0L2ZYO3qtQd4m2QHpJiiX2ggUZhCFtwm6R3C-OaA/s320/P1030637.JPG" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3252500736438101979.post-17849124765557995842010-07-22T22:46:00.000-07:002010-07-22T22:47:31.916-07:00Birding UpdatesJuly is a busy month for visitors, but unfortunately the weather wasn't so great for the school holidays this year. It is still warm though, so everyone is happy.<br />
Winter is often best for viewing raptors here in the lowlands, particularly throughout the cane harvesting season. The kites are the most common with Whistling Kite, Black Kite and Brahminy Kite often being seen circling the cane fields between Daintree and Mossman at this time of year..<br />
A beautiful chestnut and white bird, the Brahminy Kite is also often seen along the Daintree River and it's associated creeks. It feeds on fish, crustaceans, insects, reptiles and sometimes small rodents.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSqZcaZdTE-hObDJPVwA5VR3c20xMkrm_X7tunRUHJZiwrPZG5H9XtzYnrUfoAjxsGmTc3xhEdg1ksuNAH3hZpkvngEuU_87I_Tvs_8W0q035jZOi92k2jV45vvqvfN7dr3SeRR0mKAGvW/s1600/brahminny+kite+0065.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSqZcaZdTE-hObDJPVwA5VR3c20xMkrm_X7tunRUHJZiwrPZG5H9XtzYnrUfoAjxsGmTc3xhEdg1ksuNAH3hZpkvngEuU_87I_Tvs_8W0q035jZOi92k2jV45vvqvfN7dr3SeRR0mKAGvW/s320/brahminny+kite+0065.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"> Most common is the Black Kite, with it's distinctive shallow fork at the end. Often seen in groups, the Black Kite will eat carrion or live rodents, insects and small reptiles and can be seen perching out in the open.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUyMNBa0R4k4NlbIPna4iTpCtY3_JWfG_8uw9sLQCUO2ShzswefA7BlnC0a05vSD397TUR4dklYVdAYJIRccBNU13Qp-mgmB_XNl9RS4fkGGTgg5fInpbQWVwhXdgbYTay3odqCdmcX3Ac/s1600/black+kite0003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUyMNBa0R4k4NlbIPna4iTpCtY3_JWfG_8uw9sLQCUO2ShzswefA7BlnC0a05vSD397TUR4dklYVdAYJIRccBNU13Qp-mgmB_XNl9RS4fkGGTgg5fInpbQWVwhXdgbYTay3odqCdmcX3Ac/s320/black+kite0003.jpg" /></a></div>Thanks to Dan Irby for the photos.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3252500736438101979.post-72288603790927412772010-07-07T18:01:00.000-07:002010-07-07T18:03:00.795-07:00Birding UpdatesA busy month for Daintree with Australian school holidays and summer holidays in the northern hemisphere, so lots of visitors to the area. The weather hasn't been so favourable for the Reef over the last week or so, so many people are having a day or two in the Daintree instead.<br />
Winter is an interesting time for birds in the Daintree - not so many species, but some of the more difficult birds can be easier to see. Spotted Catbird and Victoria's Riflebird are great examples of that. The winter wake-up call is often the Spotted Catbird.<br />
The Cattle Egret numbers are high over the winter and the classic sight of them flying down the Daintree River in large flocks in the evening and in the early morning is fabulous.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Cattle Egrets feed in the fields alongside the cows, waiting to pick up grasshoppers and other insects that have been disturbed from the grass. They are an extremely successful species and the numbers worldwide are increasing. At night they roost communally in one of two trees, usually beside the river.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjp-JNSrIhH6SfHcznLYoorSKk42glFswD-amdOZaGoe0TtDyzIJQ7dBxB4-iN93nS9yMJ-lGZMQ0qdzVy-qOdVEXNJNfPVsHxi_JM6oxqfQjkhMx5-7GrgoD2VVnHhaEgKU9L2beeulh7/s1600/cattle+egrets+at++roosting+site.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjp-JNSrIhH6SfHcznLYoorSKk42glFswD-amdOZaGoe0TtDyzIJQ7dBxB4-iN93nS9yMJ-lGZMQ0qdzVy-qOdVEXNJNfPVsHxi_JM6oxqfQjkhMx5-7GrgoD2VVnHhaEgKU9L2beeulh7/s320/cattle+egrets+at++roosting+site.jpg" /></a></div><br />
A great reason to do an evening, late afternoon or early morning river cruise on the Daintree River.<br />
Thanks to Dan Irby for the photos.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com