Thought it might interest some to know that my one week trip to Julatten and Cairns allowed me to see 15 new birds (although not to photograph all of them). If you look at the list, you will see a number of endemics and seasonal visitors.
Around Julatten and Mt Lewis: Toothed-billed Bowerbird, Blue-faced Parrot-finch, Buff-breasted Paradise Kingfisher, Bower's shrike-thrush, Yellow-breasted Boatbill, Macleay's Honeyeater, Barred Cuckoo-shrike, Mountain Thornbill, Chowchilla, Atherton Scrubwren, Fernwren.
Around Cairns area: Spotted Whistling-duck, Varied Honeyeater, Curlew Sandpiper, Little Tern.
I also managed some repeat customers: Northern Fantail, Black Butcherbird, Australian Bustard (displaying), Golden Bowerbird, Large-billed Scrubwren, Pale-Yellow Robin, Grey-headed Robin, Common Greenshank, Grey Plover as well as some pictures distinguishing Black-tailed Godwits from Bar-tailed Godwits.
This seems to be a very worthwhile destination at this time of year if anyone is searching for a birding spot. Apologies for the lists but did not know how else to demonstrate the variety and richness of this area.
I am so impressed that I am returning shortly to see a few that I missed like Lovely Fairywren and Red-necked Crake.The patient and understanding husband says go for it as I come out refreshed and enthusiastic after these trips. It seems to recharge the batteries.
Sue
I didn't know of Julatten, so I looked it up. It sounds like a fantastic spot. Did you recognise all of these birds when you saw them?
elizabeth
Hi Elizabeth,
Recognised most except Atherton Scrubwren and Fernwren which were the hardest to locate and see well. A number are endemic to the area and the reason I went north at this time of the year. Therefore I had done my homework before going. I still want to see a Lovely Fairywren. The Esplanade at Cairns is aloso great for the variety of shorebirds currently there and the ease of viewing them.
Sue
Sue, I just love your enthusiasm for the diversity of bird life in the Cairns area.
Thanks Woko, I love the diversity of our wildlife where ever I find it but it helps when it is easy to locate! Australia has so many beautiful birds, marsupials, reptiles and so on that everywhere I go there is the joy of discovery. Identifying the shorebirds is my self-imposed training tool so I also take plenty of group shots as a challenge. We are very lucky to live here.
Sue