Daintree Birdwatching Bulletin Board

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RED MILL HOUSE

Daintree in North Queensland's Wet Tropics Region, is recognised as one of Australia's premier birdwatching locations with many overseas and local bird enthusiasts visiting the area. There are 430 species recorded in the Wet Tropics, being more than one half of Australia's species. Not all of these are in the lowlands, and not all are present all year.
The Wet Tropics has 12 of Australia's endemic species and of these the Macleay's Honeyeater, Pied Monarch, and Victoria's Riflebird can be seen in and around Daintree. Also of enormous interest to birdwatchers are the Buff-breasted Paradise Kingfisher, Great-billed Heron, Little Kingfisher and several other species of Kingfisher, Black Bittern, Mangrove Robin, Lovely Fairy-wren, Double-eyed Fig Parrot, Red-necked Crake and of course, the Southern Cassowary which may be seen on the northern side of the river.
Several specialist early morning Daintree River birdwatching tours and land based birding tours are available to keep the keen birder busy during their visit to Daintree, and we encourage all birdwatchers to take the time to participate in as many of these local birding activities as possible. The Red Mill House site's Activities page lists some recommended itinerary's for both the serious birder and those with an interest in wildlife generally.
The Daintree Birdwatching Bulletin Board is complied by Andrew and Trish Forsyth, keen birdwatchers and owner/operators of Award Winning Red Mill House in Daintree. Red Mill House is World renown and has been the birdwatching accommodation of choice in the Daintree since the early 1990s. Andrew and Trish took up residence in January 2003 and the business has continued to grow and the good reputation of their hospitality and bird watching expertise has continued to be spread.
The Red Mill House site also has detailed information on Daintree Birds with detailed descriptions and photos of many species, and a Daintree Checklist which is able to downloaded and printed. Local birdwatching spots are also detailed. If there is any further information required regarding birdwatching in the Far North Queensland region please do not hesitate to contact Andrew and Trish.

7 FEBRUARY
Despite going through a hot, dry spell at the moment you can still get some good birding in if you get up early and go out before the sun heats everything up. Today was a pretty good Cuckoo day. Channel-billed Cuckoos were flying around shouting at each other, whilst Little Bronze Cuckoos were calling from inside the canopies of trees as they worked their way along branches. Pheasant Coucals called from the grass and occasionally flopped their way over the road. The other cuckoos seen and heard were Koel and Brush Cuckoo - five species in a morning I don't think is too bad, especially when you get good looks. There were other good birds of course, the Daintree River and Stewart Creek gave us Magpie Goose, Azure Kingfisher, Black Bittern and Great-billed Heron and the Daintree Valley added Golden-headed Cisticola, Tawny Grassbird, Red-backed Fairy Wren, Fig Parrot, Large-billed and Fairy Gerygone, Varied Triller and Grey Whistler. However, the best bird for us today came near the end of our morning walk. Perched in a tree above the road was an immature Peregrine Falcon. It is nice sometimes to see such a bird sitting still.

1 FEBRUARY
The return of cyclone Olga sucked all the moisture down South so we woke up to a lovely sunny day, with a cooling breeze. What better than to go birding early morning on such a day. A few hours up the Daintrre Valley proved rewarding with some excellent birds identified including such goodies as Fairy Gerygone, Fig Parrot, Superb Fruit Dove, Koel, Cicadabird, Channel-billed Cuckoo, Pied Monarch and Buff-breasted Paradise Kingfisher. Back in the garden at Red Mill House the day continued well with a good array of birds feeding on fruit, insects and each other. There were loads of Metallic Starlings and Figbirds plus Grey Whistler, Varied Triller, Helmeted Friarbird, Dusky Honeyeaters, Olive-backed Sunbirds and Black Butcherbirds. Later on we were invited on a boat trip by a friend and, never ones to turn down an opportunity, 16.30 saw us cruising the Daintree River. It was a lovely calm evening and the river looked good, the dirt of the flood had passed but there was a decent wet season flow down the Daintree. No crocodiles were seen but we all had great views of Shining Flycatcher, Brown-backed Honeyeater, Yellow Oriole, Large-billed Gerygone, Wompoo Fruit Dove, Azure Kingfisher and Black Bittern. So a nice, nature based day came to an end with us sitting down with our resident White-lipped Green Tree Frogs watching squadrons of Spectacled Flying Foxes soaring overhead,off to eat rainforest fruit and spread the seeds around. It's not a bad life really.

26 JANUARY
As it is Australia Day today we waved off our guests and went out birding. Plenty of the usual around here: Blue-winged Kookaburra, Brush Cuckoo and Australian Pipit in the more open areas and Grey Whistler, Buff-breasted Paradise Kingfisher, Little Bronze Cuckoo and Large-billed Gerygone in the rain-forest areas. Our best two birds were a little further afield near Wonga Beach - 2 Burdekin Ducks and 2 Red Rumped Swallows.
Well, Neville came and gave us a bit of rain, then Olga came and not even a breath of wind. What is it with cyclones, all that preparation and nothing. Are we complaining? Not at all, cleaning up after a cyclone is not much fun and it means everything gets back to normal very quickly. The Daintree River peaked at only 3.3m, so it has gone down quickly and the river trips are back to normal; our guests this morning had good views of Black Bittern, Shining Flycatcher, Azure Kingfisher and a fine 3m Crocodile. It is strange, all us humans were preparing for the cyclone not knowing what was going to happen but during that day birds like Wompoo and Pied Imperial Pigeon kept on calling and feeding as normal, Fig Parrots and Metallic Starlings were buzzing from here to there in their usual fashion, showing no concern - did they know something we didn't?

20 JANUARY
Going through a bit of a wet spell at the moment which has certainly livened things up. The insects seem to love these conditions and although it means you get a few beetles and termites around your lights at night it also means you get to see great things like Stick Insects and Atlas Moths. One of these huge Atlas Moths was seen flying down the main street of Daintree Village, an impressive sight. All the cool water now flowing into the Daintree River means that the crocodiles are feeling a bit chilly and so there have been lots of good sightings as they climb out on to the banks for a bit of warmth. The rain has also brought on fruit on the trees and vines so the fruit eaters like Superb Fruit-doves, Wompoo Dove and Metallic Starlings are all out there gorging and the Spectacled Flying Foxes have been flying over earlier than normal to get their share. The increase in insects has also meant plenty of food for frogs and our White-lipped Green Tree-frogs are looking pretty stuffed.
One piece of good news is that the Olive-backed Sunbirds at Red Mill House finally managed to fledge two young at the third time of asking. Saddly, however, our Pied Monarch nest failed. We have a family of Black Butcherbirds working our garden at the moment so it was probably them or a Green Tree Snake that raided the nest; but this is, of course, how nature works.
Lots of good birds about still. Recent sightings of Black Bittern, Great Billed Heron, Lovely Fairy-wren, Oriental Cuckoo, Brush Cuckoo, Buff-breasted Paradise Kingfishers, Shining Flycatchers and Cassowary over the river.

12JANUARY
The thing I really like about nature is the unexpected, when dealing with the natural world nothing is for certain. Carol and I were sitting at Red Mill House when we were asked by a friend if we would like a boat trip on the Daintree River. They only had one customer and we could make the boat look fuller, as well as add our expertise. It was 2pm, the heat of the day, so things would be dead, we went however as the tide was right for a trip up Stewart Creek, only accessible on a high tide. So did we have a nice quiet couple of hours getting sunburnt on the river? No. On the main Daintree River we got so close to a Great Billed Heron that we could count the hairs up its nostrils. The driver, Allen, had stationed the boat up river and then just let us drift slowly past the heron, who was shaken but did not stir. The next bit up Stewart Creek was lovely. We had never been so far up the creek and had great views of a couple of Nankeen Night Herons, several Channel-billed Cuckoos and found a couple of probable Black Bittern nests. So a boring afternoon became one to remember and to reconfirm the fickleness of nature we did a subsequent trip a few days after, but at a later time, and saw none of the above but did have at least 6 Black Bittern, loads of Shining Flycatchers and Azure Kingfishers, Oriental and Brush Cuckoos and one rather large Saltwater Crocodile. The natural world is a fun place to be.
Around Daintree Village and up the Daintree Valley the Buff-breasted Paradise Kingfishers have gone a bit quiet now, so hopefully that means they are now concentrating on looking after young. We have had a couple of family groups of Lovely Fairy-wrens messing around near town and the Metallic Starlings are well into their second broods. There have been more sightings of Cassowary over the river, but Little Kingfisher is being elusive, it will be nice when this bird comes back on line as a regular sighting.

2 JANUARY
So what was your first bird of the year? I got out of bed ran up the outside stairs, looked through my telescope and there was the female Pied Monarch sitting on her nest. It's the first time this species has been my first for the year. The second was even easier, I just crossed the room and there was the Olive-backed Sunbird staring at me from her nest by the window; they are feeding chicks now. Third was Azure Kingfisher on the pond at Red Mill House, closely followed by Buff-breasted Paradise Kingfisher sitting in a tree near its nesting mound. You may be able to see four nicer birds as your first for the year, but it will still be a close run thing.
We have had about 170mm of rain over the last week and this has dampened things up nicely. People have been up the Daintree Valley and seeing Pale-vented Bush-hen and even Black Bittern on the edges of long grass, which is good considering how difficult it can be to see these species sometimes. Other animals have also liked the wetter weather. We have been finding great things like Stick Insects, Praying Mantises and Rhino Beetles plus if you are driving a night it is very hard not to run over all the frogs on the road.
Other birds of note: there are still a few sightings of Oriental Cuckoo, Cassowary has been seen on the other side of the Daintree River, Little Kingfisher has again been reported from a site on Upper Daintree Road, Channel-billed Cuckoos seem to be gathering into groups now which gets a little noisy when twelve or so have a shouting match in a nearby tree and a local flowering Quandong tree is full of Brown-backed Honeyeaters

25 DECEMBER
Well what better thing to do on a Christmas morning than go out and see how many species of kingfisher you can see at six o'clock in the morning. Where I come from the answer would have been one, but here I managed five. There were the two Kookaburras, Laughing and Blue-winged, Forest Kingfisher sitting on a telephone wire, Azure Kingfisher fishing in the pool at Red Mill House and finally the beautiful Buff-breasted Paradise Kingfisher which, as usual, played the hiding game before we got good looks. If I had been a bit more energetic, mobile and lucky there was also the possibility of four other species Mangrove, Red-backed,Sacred and Little Kingfisher; so nine out of the ten species of Kingfisher found in Australia are within easy reach of Daintree, not bad really. Lately we have had a couple of reports of Cassowary on the other side of the Daintree River. One couple drove around a bend in the road and there was a male with two chicks on the road. Luckily they were driving at a modest pace so the birds survived and the couple had a unique experience. Here at Red Mill House I had my first Oriental Cuckoo for the garden and currently have my telescope, on the veranda, trained on a pair of Pied Monarchs building a nest above our car - well Geek! you may cry but thats my Christmas entertainment sorted for this year.

18 DECEMBER
The Buff Breasted Paradise Kingfishers are well into breeding now and there are plenty of terrestrial termite mounds with holes in. The adults are calling away but you still have to put some effort into seeing them; it will probably become easier when the focus turns to feeding the young. We did a trip the other day which showed the diversity of the Daintree Valley. Leaving Red Mill House we had various Egrets, Black-necked Stork and Magpie Geese along the Daintree River, with skulking Pale-vented Bush-hen laughing at us from the denser vegetation. We then had a trip around a private farm in their eight wheeled vehicle. Starting off in the grassy paddocks we saw things like Lathams Snipe, Brown Quail, Golden Headed Cisticola and Red Backed Fairy Wren. Then climbing up into the rainforest we were getting Superb Fruit Dove, Black-faced Monarch, Grey Whistler, Victorias Riflebird and Large-billed Scrubwren. Finally on top of their highest hill we had a magnificent view of the Daintree Valley and best of all a group of White-throated Needletails came swooping around and below us giving us some of the best views we have ever had of this species - you very rarely get to look down upon a swift.

13 DECEMBER
Time has moved on but luckily the birds haven't and there is still plenty to see. On a boat trip to the mouth of the Daintree River the guests had great views of Collared Kingfisher, several Mangrove Robins, Black Bittern, 4 Beach Stone Curlew, 3 Leesser Crested Terns and a variety of waders. The head of a rather large crocodile made people realise why you do not swim in the Daintree. Mammals have been good with Swamp Wallaby and possible Agile Wallaby, lots of Northern Brown Bandicoots, Platypus with young and a rather cute pair of Water Rats chasing each other through the gardens at Red Mill House. Oriental Cuckoos are still being sighted regularly and one actually hit a window up at Kingfisher Park; it was put in a box and recovered with time. A little further afield people are reporting Red Rumped Swallows and Barn Swallows north of Mossman. The award for persistance goes to a pair of Sunbirds who are trying to breed again after losing nests to Black Butcherbirds and Common Green Tree Snake, third time lucky we hope.

2 DECEMBER
Well, November was reasonably wet with 376mm of rain in Daintree village and this allowed things to green up and the birds to get breeding. The rain softened up the termite mounds enough for the Paradise Kingfishers to start excavating their nesting hollows. The frog population appreciated the extra water too and their chorus is a bit louder now, especially if one is roosting in your down-pipe. Sean Dooley, author and editor of Wingspan, was visiting the area at the end of November and several of the local operators made sure he and his family had a good time. On a morning trip up the valley Sean got 55 bird species and later,on an evening river trip, had several views of Great Billed Heron (probably 2 pairs and 1 individual) plus excellent looks at 3 Black Bittern. There have been reports of Oriental Cuckoo and Red Backed Kingfisher in the area and a male Cassowary with 2 chicks was seen on Jindalba boardwalk by two patient visitors. I, personally, have enjoyed sitting on the veranda with a cold beer watching a pair of Pied Monarchs dancing through the trees.

20 NOVEMBER
Life in Daintree is nice at the moment plenty of blue sky and the occasional evening shower just to keep things green and of course, more importantly, the pace is like the call of the Cicadabird in this region, just a bit slower than that of those South of us. The numbers of Paradise Kingfishers have increased over the last few days and its call is now part of the dawn chorus at Red Mill House. Great Billed Heron was heard calling up Stewart Creek as well being seen on the river cruises along with Little Kingfisher and Black Bittern. The Papuan Frogmouth is still sitting on its nest down Stewart Creek Road and the other day was trying so hard not to be seen its face looked like my Grandfather sleeping off a big meal. Generally the birding is good, Lovely Fairy Wren, Boatbill, Pied Monarch, Grey Whistler are in the mix and the flights of honking Magpie Geese going to roost in the evening still make me look.

15 NOVEMBER
This is such a great time of the year for birding in Daintree! The rain has stopped, the grass is now green and grasses are seeding, there is water in the ponds and everyone is happy.
Great-billed Heron, Little Kingfisher and Black Bittern all on the Daintree River, so well worth doing an early morning river cruise.
Stewart Creek Road has been wonderful for birds - particularly at the end. A Papuan Frogmouth on a nest, Wompoo Fruit-Dove, Buff-breasted Paradise Kingfisher, Fairy Gerygone, Rufous Fantail (late) and Lovely Fairy-Wren.
Flocks of Magpie Goose along the river and Black-necked Stork feeding on the banks.

7 NOVEMBER
A very big week for us in Daintree.
After a very dry year with seemingly little hope of good rains, we have received over 5 inches of rain in the last five days. Some big storms passing overhead as I speak. The frogs and birds are happy - the birders not quite so happy today, but it shoud fine up a bit tomorrow. It is the wet tropics after all!
The big news is that at the Tropical North Queensland Tourism awards ceremony last Saturday night, Red Mill House was awarded best Hosted Accommodation and the Daintree Discovery Centre won best Attraction. We feeling pretty pleased with ourselves, having done a huge amount of work with the submission, inspection and interview process that was involved. The Tourism Queensland awards are next weekend, so fingers crossed!
The other good news is that the Buff-breasted Paradise Kingfisher have finally been seen and heard in the Daintree Valley - not in numbers yet, but some sightings along both Stewart Creek Rd and Upper Daintree Rd. Also good sightings of Noisy Pitta at the end of Stewart Creek Rd along with Yellow-breasted Boatbill, plus Lovely Fairy-Wren, Grey Whistler and a range of other birds. Little Kingfisher, Great-billed Heron and Black Bittern on the Daintree River. A very successful birding week all round with specials like Cicadabird, Channel-billed Cuckoo, Tawny Grassbird, Golden-headed Cisticola and Red-backed Fairy-Wren also seen.

26 OCTOBER
A little rain at last during the week, but not much by Daintree standards. It is prime birding season in Tropical North Queensland with visitors from the UK, USA and Europe wandering the roads and on the river, with good results. A few specials seen over the past week - Tawny Grassbird, Little Curlew, Beach Stone-Culew, Noisy Pitta, Pacific Baza, Double-eyed Fig-Parrott and Cicadabird. Some other unusual birds seen in and around Daintree include Olive-backed Oriole and Satin Flycatcher.

Little Kingfisher, Black Bittern and Papuan Frogmouth on the Daintree River. Still no sign of the Buff-breasted Paradise Kingfisher having arrived from New Guinea.

14 OCTOBER
Hot and dry weather as the extended dry season in the wet tropics continues - low humidity, no storms and no rain. Beautiful for visitors, but not so good for the rainforest - there is a lot of leaf drop. Lots of flowering and fruiting trees however in the rainforest though, and the dry, calm weather has made it an excellent season for local growers of passionfruit, mangoes, mangosteen and durian. Yum, yum!
Some more summer migrants are making themselves obvious with Cicadabird and Brush Cuckoo in the garden at Red Mill House, and one of our short term passage migrants Satin Flycatcher about in the last few days along Stewart Creek Rd. Large numbers of Pied Imperial Pigeon and Metallic Starling this season, and we are all waiting patiently for the first signs of Buff-breasted Paradise Kingfisher which will be here from New Guinea in the next week or so. They often breed late if it is a dry year, because they have difficulty excavating the termite mounds, into which they burrow a nesting chamber. We will wait and see.
The 'muddy puddle' at Wild Wings and Swampy Things had the following visitors a couple of mornings ago: 13 Great Egret ,17 Royal Spoonbill,6 Intermediate Egret,2 Little Egret,30 Magpie Goose,2 White-necked Heron,1 White-faced Heron,1Black duck,1 Jacana.
Southern Cassowary and Noisy Pitta still seen most days at Jindalba boardwalk, north of the Daintree River.

6 OCTOBER
Still dry and getting warmer and browner by the day. According to the locals this is driest period for a long, long time. Fires are always a concern at this time of year, and restrictions on lighting fires have been put in place while things are so dry.
Some very good birds on the Daintree River over the past few days with Black-necked Stork, Spotted Catbird, Black Bittern and Little Kingfisher topping the list. This is the time for summer migrants returning and it won't be long before the much sought-after Buff-breasted Paradise-Kingfishers return from New Guinea for breeding. Most of the local wetlands in the fileds have dried up but the wetland system at Wild Wings and Swampy Things is still alive with birds.
Roadworks are happening on Stewart Creek Rd, so most of the birds are in the garden at Red Mill House this week - Pacific Baza, Double-eyed Fig-Parrot, Azure Kingfisher, Channel-billed Cuckoo, lots of honeyeaters and monarchs. The birdbaths and sprinklers are all being well used.
Southern Cassowary and Noisy Pitta still seen most days at Jindalba boardwalk, north of the Daintree River.

27 SEPTEMBER
More dry and warm weather in Daintree, accompanied by three days of dust which originated in South Australia, made it's way in a huge dust storm across to Sydney and then up the coast via Brisbane to the Wet Tropics. It is hard to equate dust storms to the tropics. We now have a fine layer of red South Australian dust on absolutely everything.

Some more great birds around Daintree for visiting birdwatchers. Channel-billed Cuckoo (known as 'storm birds' in these parts - I wish!!), Little Bronze-Cuckoo, Little Kingfisher, Double-eyed Fig-Parrot, Rufous Owl and Lovely Fairy-Wren all in the yard of Red Mill House during the week. Black-necked Stork along Stewart Creek Rd, Barred Cuckoo-Shrike and Papuan Frogmouth on the Daintree River, and Southern Cassowary, Beach Stone-Curlew and Victoria's Riflebird north of the Daintree River.

21 SEPTEMBER
A very busy couple of weeks for birders and birdwatching in Daintree. A large number of species seen in various locations, making a 3 or 4 day visit to Daintree well worthwhile. Six species of Kingfisher seen locally and 11 different raptors in the Daintree Valley during the week.

Of interest around Daintree Village has been Double-eyed Fig Parrot, Pacific Baza, Bush Stone-Curlew, Sacred Kingfisher, Channel-billed Cuckoo and Common Koel. Large flocks of Pied Imperial Pigeon feeding off all the fruiting trees about town.
In the garden at Red Mill House there has been Little Kingfisher, Azure Kingfisher, Great Egret and Little Pied Cormorant on the pond. Fabulous looks at Rufous Owl for several nights running, plus Common Koel, Little Bronze-Cuckoo and Sacred Kingfisher. Large numbers of Metallic Starling and Pied Imperial Pigeon enjoying the fruits. Our nesting Olive-backed Sunbird is suddenly very busy with 'cheeping' from her nest - we are not sure how many chicks yet.

Along Stewart Creek Rd and Uppper Daintree Rd there has been good sightings of Papuan Frogmouth, Little Eagle, Pacific Heron,Topknot Pigeon, Wompoo Fruit-Dove, Rainbow Bea-Eater and Lovely Fairy-Wren, as well as all the usual suspects. Magpie Goose, Rajah Shelduck and Black-winged Stilt around local wetlands and barramundi farm

North of Daintree River, there have been Southern Cassowary and Noisy Pitta (2 birds) at Jindalba Boardwalk, along with Spotted Catbird and Bridled Honeyeater. Beach Stone-Curlew at Myall Beach.

Dry conditions persist and the weather is warmimg up, making fire danger more extreme.

7 SEPTEMBER
Little Kingfisher back on the pond at Red Mill House in Daintree Village! After being absent for a couple of weeks, it is great to see it back. Great Egret, Azure Kingfisher and Shining Flycatcher also on the pond yesterday. Little Bronze Cuckoo, Brown Cuckoo-Dove, Double-eyed Fig-Parrot, Yellow Honeyeater all in the garden as well as the usual honeyeaters etc. An Olive-backed Sunbird is currently sitting on it's nest at the lounge window. She built this beautiful nest months ago and then abandoned it. After messing around with it on and off for weeks now, she has finally decided to sit. It is the most feather-lined nest you have ever seen - she an hardly fit inside!
It is becoming terribly dry in the Daintree area and the weather is warming up. The beaches and pool are looking more attractive every day (for we humans at least).
Daily sightings of the Southern Cassowary north of the Daintree River, which always please visitors.
Some of the summer migrants - Brown-backed Honeyeater, Pied Imperial Pigeon and Metallic Starlings are regular sightings at the moment.

25 AUGUST
Some more excellent birdwatching in Daintree this week as the dry weather continues.
Good sightings of Latham's Snipe (x2) at McDowell's Swamp near the Daintree River Ferry Crossing. This old ox-bow lake is covered with grasses unfortunately, buit you can often see egrets, herons and Magpie Goose around the perimeters and, occassionally, waders. The area is also nice for Brown-backed Honeyeater, Mistletoebird, Forest Kingfisher and others. A few years ago the grass was burnt, leaving a fabulous swamp with a whole rage of waders, herons, bitterns etc. Being grassed over again now it is not so good, but well worth popping in to for a look on the way to the ferry.
Southern Cassowary and Noisy Pitta still being seen at Jindalaba Boardwalk and Great-billed Heron, Little Kingfisher and Papuan Frogmouth on the Daintree River. Lovely Fairy-Wren along Stewart Creek Rd, and Little Eagle out in the valley. Young Pacific Baza flying over Daintree Village and Black-necked Stork along Upper Daintreee Rd.

16 AUGUST
The beautiful weather continues - it is even warm enough to swim! Birdwatching around Daintree has been spectacular this week. Lovely Fairy-Wren ( a family group of five working their way along the front fence each day), and Little Kingfisher at Red Mill House, Great-billed Heron and Papuan Frogmouth on the Daintree River, and the returmn of some of the summer migrants to the area. Metallic Starling have started building their nests in a group of candlenut trees on Dagmar St, Pied Imperial Pigeon are feeding on rainforest fruits every day, and Brown-backed Honeyeater is noisily building nests along the Daintree River. Cassowaries are pairing up and are more visible at the moment, and an immature male has been seen regularly at Jindalba Boardwalk feeding on fallen fruit. Noisy Pitta seen most days at Jindalba also, also a Boyd's Forest Dragon.
A great walk in the afternoon along Stewart Creek Rd yesterday yielded 33 species, including Pied Monarch, Wompoo Fruit-Dove, a family of Black-fronted Dotterel, Collared Sparrowhawk and Bush Stone-Curlew. We are blessed to be living here sometimes!

10 AUGUST
It suddenly feels like spring - warmer nights, the winds have eased and the reptiles are out. A large Green Tree Snake and a small Amethystine Python both wanting the share the company at Red Mill House in the last couple of days, plus 'Larry' our resident Lace Monitor seems to be more active, and a large Major Skink is occupying the laundry. The White-lipped Green Treefrogs are filling the loungeroom; hiding behind paintings, in cane baskets, and inside lamps. They vary in colour from bright green to chocolate brown depending on where they spend the day. As soon as the lights go out you can hear the 'plop, plop, plop', as they make their way to the pond and outdoors for feeding.

Some excellent birds in Daintree over the past week, foremost being regular Cassowary and Noisy Pitta sightings at Jindalba Boardwalk, particularly in the late afternoon. Little Kingfisher and Azure Kingfisher in the pond at Red Mill House, Lovely Fairy-Wren and Pacific Baza around Daintree Village. The raptors are all enjoying the continuing sugar cane harvest in the area. Fine mornings have made for excellent birds being seen on the Daintree River with Great-billed Heron, Papuan Frogmouth and Azure Kingfisher to name a few. 35 species on an early morning boat trip is not unusual.

1 AUGUST
A windy and sometimes wet week with cool nights and coolish (for us) days. Daintree Village has been busy and the Daintree River boat cruises have been full, as visitors avoid going to the Reef, hoping the wind will ease. Some wonderful birds seen around Daintree.
North of the Daintree River there have been more regular Cassowary sightings, at both Coopers Creek and Jindalba boardwalk. Noisy Pitta and Wompoo Fruit Dove also at Jindalba.
Little Kingfisher seems to have returned to the pond at Red Mill House as a daily visitor, along with Azure Kingfisher. Red-necked Crake heard each evening also and Pacific Baza seen most days.
On the Daintree River there are at least six Papuan Frogmouth, good sightings of Great-billed Heron, Nankeen Night-Heron, Double-eyed Fig-Parrot and the usual Kingfishers.
Some great insect-eaters around in the valley with fantails, flycatchers, monarchs, Grey Whistler, Little Shrike-Thrush, Yellow Oriole and Spangled Drongo. Lovely Fairy-Wren seen along Stewart Creek Rd. No owls reported, but some lovely raptors with the full range of kites, Collared Sparrowhawk, Peregrine Falcon, Nankeen Kestrel and Osprey.

21 JULY
Photos show that last weeks' Brolgas were in fact, Sarus Cranes. Still a great and unusual sight for the coast.
The Little Kingfisher is back on the pond at Red Mill House, having been seen daily for the past week. Always a treat for birdwatchers in Daintree. Great-billed Heron seen on the Daintree River and a few treats such as Pied Monarch and Cicadabird along Barratt Creek as well.
Great sightings of Noisy Pitta at two locations - one at Jindalba Boardwalk and the other on the walk to Cassowary Falls. A Superb Fruit-Dove seen there as well. Southern Cassowary found at Jindalba and also at the end of Cow Bay Road.

14 JULY
Another wonderful week for raptors for Daintree birdwatchers. A pair of Pacific Baza cruising Daintree Village for insects each morning, just flipping from tree to tree gleaning as they go. Wedge-tailed Eagle spotted overhead in the village yesterday and Brown Falcon along Stewart Creek Rd. Brahminy Kite, Whistling Kite, Black Kite are all enjoying the cane harvest and the feast it produces. Grey Goshawk, Collared Sparrowhawk also seen hunting in the valley.
An amazing sight with three Brolgas flying over Barratt Creek on Sunday morning - most unusual for the coastal lowlands.
Stewart Creek Bridge has been an excellent spot for insect eaters this week with Large-billed Gerygone, Black-faced Monarch, Grey fantail, Spectacled Monarch, Little Shrike-Thrush, Grey Whistler and the range of Honeyeaters all enjoying the late afternoon light.
Yellow Honeyeater a nice new winter visitor to the garden at Red Mill House. Laughing Kookaburra and Spangled Drongo dominate the early morning chorus at the moment.

5 JULY
The sunshine and warm days continue. Cold nights now however. Some really interesting birds this week in Daintree with lots of raptors and rainforest birds being the main focus.
Pacific Baza, Grey Goshawk, Collared Sparrowhawk, Australian Hobby and Little Eagle joining our regulat kites and other raptors.
Southern Cassowary, Spotted Catbird, Noisy Pitta and Victoria's Riflebird all seen at Jindalba Boardwalk during the week.
Wompoo Fruit-Dove and lots of Double-eyed Fig-Parrot in the garden at Red Mill House along with Large-billed Gerygone, Varied Triller, Grey WHistler, Spectacle Monarch and all the usual suspects.
For anyone staying in the area over the next few weeks - a non-birding tip! Karnak theatre at Miallo is a world-class outdoor theatre - we went last night and saw a wonderful flautist, soprano and pianist in a beautiful concert under the stars. On August 1st OZ OPERA is bringing Madame Butterfly to Karnak. If you are about - don't miss it!! It will be spectacular.

30 JUNE
The fine weather continues, with only 10 ml of rain fro the month. Enjoy it as we may, this is not enough to sustain tropical rainforest, so we hope for more rain in July.
Some wonderful winter birds about with Pied Monarch, Black-faced Monarch and Spectacled Monarch all along the 1st kilometer of Stewart creek Rd, Magpie Geese on McDowell's Swamp near the Daintree River ferry crossing, and Kingfishers galore. Little, Azure, Sacred, Forest Kingfisher and Blue-winged and Laughing Kookaburra all in Daintree Village and Collared Kingfisher seen on the beach near Cape Tribulation. Topknot Pigeons, Wompoo Fruit-Dove and Brown Cuckoo-Dove all enjoying the winter fruits and Spotted Catbird doing likewise at Barratt Creek landing. Lovely Fairy-Wren, Double-eyed Fig-Parrot and Fairy Gerygone some other interesting birds easily see, during the week.
School holidays have started, so it is busy around the tropical north - but with this weather, and these birds - why wouldn't it be?!

19 JUNE
Another nice mid-winter week with a little rain one day. but clear the others. Still 26 degree days.
Some lovely birds about with Red-necked Crake, Wompoo Fruit-Dove and Black-faced Monarch in the yard at Red Mill House. Lovely Fairy-Wren, Nutmeg Mannikin, Collared Sparrowhawk and Channel-billed Cuckoo along Stewart Creek Rd. Great-billed Heron, Papuan Frogmouth. Little Kingfisher on the Daintree River. Dan Irby and his guests watched a Black Kite try to kill a Cattle Egret as they were all coming in to roost, a couple of nights ago. A family of 12 Magpie Geese hatched in the wetlands of Wild Wings and Swampy Things, but were moved on within a few days by the adults - we are not sure where to, yet! Fingers crossed they are all OK.
It's a great time of year for crocodiles to be seen on the river banks, and tree snakes sunning themselves along the edge of the river. Green tree frogs are starting to make their way indoors for the daytime, as well.

10 JUNE
Gorgeous winter weather - 27 degree days, with cool nights and misty mornings. Its a great time of year to be seeing Crocodiles and Green Tree Snakes on the Daintree River as they come out to warm themselves in the sun.
Some wonderful birds on theDaintree Rriver also with Papuan Frogmouth, Great-billed Heron, Little Kingfisher, Victoria's Riflebird all visible most trips.
In the yard of Red Mill House there are Wompoo Fruit-Dove, Emerald Dove, Bar-shouldered Dove and Brown Cuckoo-Dove. Double-eyed Fig-Parrot, Spangled Drongo, Helmeted Friarbird and Laughing Kookaburra all noisy regulars at this time of year. Red-necked Crake heard each evening.
Flocks of Top-Knot Pigeon flying over the valley. King Parrot (x8) seen at the top of the hill behind the Daintree Village water supply tank. Juvenile Comb-crested Jacana at the wetlands of Wild Wings and Swampy Things.
Plenty of raptors about as the cane cutting season is due to get underway - they seem to know when to arrive. Black-shouldered Kite, Nankeen Kestral, Peregrine Falcon all joining the larger kitesand others in the fields.
Beach Stone-Curlew seen at the mouth of Coopers Creek and Southern Cassowary near Jindalba Boardwalk. It is always worth a visit a visit north of the Daintree River for birding.

01 JUNE
Red Mill House is running on half strength for the next week or so with she who is to be obeyed being dispatched off to the West Coast to recuperate in the care of her Mother.
The 8 breakfasting guests this AM were treated to a territorial dispute between some Orange-footed Scrubfowl. This scuffle lasted about half an hour and was cheered on noisily by a pair of Laughing Kookaburra. Not a lot of time to escape the grounds however plenty of lovely birds to be observed from the deck. The Little Kingfisher has made another visit as has a Pied Monarch. Brown Cuckoo-Doves are daily visitors along with Wompoo Fruit-Doves.
We're very proud to report that we have converted another couple of our guests to the Birder Tribe following their Daintree visit.

26 MAY
An interesting week for birdwatching in Daintree. Some very special birds seen - Southern Cassowary, Little Kingfisher, Great-billed Heron, Lovely Fairy-Wren, Collared Kingfisher, Australasian Grebe, Black-fronted Dotterel, Pied Monarch, Grey Fantail and Rufous Fantail, amongst others. Our favourite photographer Mark Eagles has been up from Sydney for the week and has been on the Daintree River for at least four hours each day, so lots of great new photos on the way.

Bit of the setback here at Red Mill House with Trish breaking her arm trying to catch a Giant White-lipped Tree-frog to show to guests - long story! A still-evolving adjustment of roles going on at the moment with lots of patience required by all!

19 MAY
Gorgeous autumn weather returns to Daintree - we even needed a blanket the last couple of nights!
Some lovely winter birds around with Lewin's, Yellow-spotted, Graceful, and Macleay's Honeyeater all eating fruit in the garden, along with Spotted Catbird, Spangled Drongo and Helmeted Friarbird. Little Kingfisher spotted in the pond at Red Mill House, along with Azure Kingfisher. Pied Monarch also seen in the garden

Beautiful cool clear morning - excellent for birdwatching Daintree river cruises. Little Kingfisher and several pairs of Papuan Frogmouth the highlights on the Daintree River at the moment, along with Dollarbird, Collared Kingfisher (downstream of the ferry), Azure Kingfisher, and Shining Flycatcher.

10 MAY
A wet week in Daintree, not a lot of rain, but rain every day and enough to slow people down. Suddenly all the honeyeaters and other fruit eaters are coming in to the yard for fruit. Speangled Drongo, Helmeted Friarbird, Macleay's, Yellow Spotted, Graceful and Lewin's Honeyeater all competing for whatever bananas or soursop are available. Much noise and fuss.
Some great birds on the Daintree River with Papuan Frogmouth, Little Kingfisher, Azure Kingfisher, Great-billed Heron and Shining Flycatcher leading the pack.
Red-backed Fairy-Wren, Golden-headed Cisticola and Australian Pipit seen along Stewart Creek Rd.

3 MAY
For the first time for a couple of years, a pair of Osprey appear to building a nest on the Telstra tower in Daintree Village. Last time we saw them there a Torresian Crow chased them away - fingers crossed they are successful this time. There is a great Osprey nest around Mowbray River on the Cook Highway just south of Port Douglas - easily seen from the road. A pair of Whistling Kite are also building a nest alongside the Daintree River near Daintree Village. It is that time of year!

Little Kingfisher and Great-billed Heron still regularly seen on the Daintree River with Striated Heron and Shining Flycatcher.

28 APRIL
Some great birds in the Daintree area in the past week. Southern Cassowary seen near the Icecream Company north of the Daintree River (feeding on a dead bandicoot!) and Victoria's Riflebird and Spotted Catbird seen along Marrdja Boardwalk.

On the Daintree River there has been Great-billed Heron, Azure Kingfisher, Little Kingfisher, Papuan Frogmouth, Shining Flycatcher and Black Bittern.

On Stewart Creek Rd, flocks of Topknot Pigeon, Lovely Fairy-Wren, Little Kingfisher and Great-billed Heron seen just standing in the creek.

At Red Mill House there has been a Little Kingfisher and Shining Flycatcher on the pond, Double-eyed Fig-Parrots, Metallic Starlings, and thanks to our neighbour who brought us a Papuan Frogmouth (that had flown into his car!) which recovered and flew away to safety. Spectacled Monarch and Leaden Flycatcher amongst the insect eaters in the garden, and a pair of Olive-backed Sunbirds are madly building a nest at the top the stairs - lots of beautiful lichen for decoration.

20 APRIL
The beautiful weather is back, after 340mm (13.5in) of rain falling over the Easter week.
An early morning walk along Stewart Creek and Upper DaintreeRd yesterday gave us Little Kingfisher, Great-billed Heron, Channel-billed Cuckoo, Peregrine Falcon, Lovely Fair-Wren and Spotted Catbird. (and this was an 'exercise' walk, not birding!
There is a strangler fig fruiting in the yard at Red Mill House, bringing Metallic Starling (immature), Figbirds and Spotted Catbird. Azure Kingfisher on the pond and Red-necked Crake spotted again agin running across the lawn.
A night up in the Atherton Tablelands on the weekend at Rose Gums Wilderness Retreat was fabulous with a variety of birds we never see here on the lowlands, like White-headed Pigeon, Eastern Spinebill, White-cheeked Honeyeater, Eastern Whipbird and the ultimate in wake-up calls, the Chowchilla. Rose Gums is a very beautiful property that has been vegetated over many years and has a very impressive bird list.

14 APRIL
Wet, Wet, Wet!! Traditionally Easter in Daintree is wet, and this year has been no exception. A shame for our visitors.
Some great birds between showers though, with Little Kingfisher, Great-billed Heron and Black Bittern seen on the Daintree River. Southern Cassowary seen just north of Noah Creek, towards Cape Tribulation. A walk up to the top of the hill past the water tank in Daintree Village has yielded several family groups of Lovely Fairy-Wren, Pied Monarch and Wompoo Fruit-Dove. Red-backed Fairy_wren in the fileds of Upper Daintree Rd.
Red-necked Crake still seen just before dark most eveings in the garden at Red Mill House.

7 APRIL
An excellent early morning walk today along Stewart Creek Rd giving us great views of a Great-billed Heron perched and calling - the head goes back, the throat puffs up and this wonderful loud, guttural moan emerges. Fabulous. Also on the walk we saw Black-necked Stork, Azure Kingfisher, a pair of White-bellied Sea-Eagle and a glimpse of Lovely Fairy-Wren, Brown Cuckoo-Dove, Wompoo Fruit-Dove plus the usuals. A similar walk a couple of days ago gave us a family group of 6 Lovely Fairy-Wren, plus Channel-billed Cuckoo, Grey Whistler and Fairy Gerygone.

Red-necked Crake and Pied Monarch in the yard at Red Mill House, and the young Orange-footed Scrubfowl is still here, managing to elude it's parents.

3 APRIL
Suddenly we are in a winter weather pattern - cool nights, foggy mornings and beautiful clear days. The only difference is that is 34 degrees by day! The mosquitoes have disappeared early, so the swimming pool is beautiful.
The birds are changing also with the season. Lewin's Honeyeater comes down to the lowlands when it is cool in the higher country, and they have already been reported - very early in the year. Likewise the Monarchs and Flycatchers are about - Spectacle Monarch, Pied Monarch, Black-faced Monarch and Leaden Flycatcher all seen around Stewart Creek Rd. Female Victoria's Riflebird and Spotted Catbird seen at Jindalba Boardwalk. Sacred Kingfisher, another seasonal migrant, is also regularly seen now. Of the summer migrants Metallic Starling are still about and Black Bittern. We also saw just a couple of Pied Imperial Pigeons on the way past Low isles during the week.
Papuan Frogmouth, Black Bittern, Great-billed Heron and Little Kingfisher all seen on the Daintree River. Red-necked Crake in the garden at Red Mill House.
We had a day on the Reef with Calypso from port Douglas during the week - superb conditions and wonderful coral and fish life, and well looked after by the crew. It all adds up to living in paradise!

29 MARCH
Fabulous dry and warm weather - quite dry, in fact, for this time of year for the Wet Tropics. Daintree will have 1m of rain in March most years, but not so this year.. Some great birds in Daintree, particularly on the Daintree River. Great-billed Heron, Little KIngfisher, Black Bittern all about on the river. Red-necked Crake in the garden at Red Mill House this morning, and Double-eyed Fig-Parrot, Grey Whistler and Azure Kingfisher every day. A pair of Olive-backed Sunbirds are building a nest at the top of the stairs. Channel-billed Cuckoo in medium-sized flocks and very vocal throughout the Daintree Valley. Banded Lapwing still at Mossman Golf Club.

24 MARCH
Another great week for birders in this part of Tropical North Queensland. Saturday saw the local Birds Australia group (BANQ) conduct an excellent 'Waders Workshop' in Cairns, followed by the traditional, annual 'Wave the Waders Goodbye' at the Esplanade. The workshop included sessions on the status of waders worldwide, wader migration, shorebird counting and wader identification, followed by ID quizes (good for us all). To follow it up with in-the-field observations was a perfect way to finish up. 60 or so people attended from far and wide and all had a great day. Congratulations to Alan Gillanders and the other organisers and speakers.

Meanwhile some excellent birds around Daintree. An afternoon walk along Stewart Creek Rd on Sunday gave us Black-necked Stork, Lovely Fairy-Wren, Channel-billed Cuckoo, White-bellied Sea-Eagle, Dollarbird, Rainbow Bea-Eater, Grey Whistler, Little Shrike-Thrush, Varied Triller and others. The Daintree River cruise this morning had a pair of Great-billed Heron on the nest, Black Bittern, Common Sandpiper, Sacred Kingfisher, Azure Kingfisher and many others. Weather conditions have been perfect for the last couple of weeks.

The banded Lapwing is still at Mossman Golf Course and is very obliging.

18 MARCH
An interesting, but sad day at Red Mill House today. Firstly a female Northern Brown Bandicoot rescued from the swimming pool this morning - she survived, but her three very large babies drowned in the pouch. How she could have carried around three young of that size is remarkable. She took a long time to recover herself. A couple of hours later we found a perfect specimen (except dead) of a Little Kingfisher next to one of the windows in Tremaine. Such a tragedy, and such a tiny, beautiful bird. We hadn't been seeing one much lately - whether he had a mate, we are yet to see.
The good news is that while Andrew was at the Mossman Golf Club today, they saw a Banded Lapwing - unusual for this area. If anyone wants to visit, please check with the Pro shop at the course first.
Lots of Channel-billed Cuckoos about the Daintree Valley at present, plus pairs of Little Bronze-Cuckoo. Double-eyed Fig-Parrots also about in good numbers.
We have a great report on our outing with Sean Dooley ( The Big Twitch) to the Werribee Treatment Works. We will publish this in the next day or so. ( when we get our computer #1 back up on line) We cannot recommend this trip highly enough. The "treatment works" are Sean's stamping ground and to be able to do them with one of Australia's highest profile birders will leave birdwatchers absolutely gob smacked.

12 MARCH
Mixed weather with some periods of heavy rain and then a few hot and sunny days with afternoon storms. The joy of the tropics!
Buff-breasted Paradise Kingfishers are feeding young at the moment, so easy to see along Stewart Creek Rd and at Jindalba Boardwalk. Great-billed Heron and Black Bittern chicks visible from the Daintree River. Little Kingfisher and Azure Kingfisher also seen in the mornings on the river. Unfortunately the Little Kingfisher seems to have moved on from the garden at Red Mill House - we have so many Black Butcherbirds about at the moment which may be responsible. Double-eyed Fig-Parrots in the garden also, plus very small young Orange-footed Scrub Fowl.

12 MARCH 2009
Who was it that said life was not meant to be easy!!! A catastrophic computer failure has had us off the air. With some persistence and trial and error we are slowly recovering our data and settings. We will hopefully be fully functional again in a day or two - allowing us to once again keep you up to date with what is occurring in one the hottest birdwatching location in Australia. The Daintree.

2 MARCH 2009
After a couple of weeks in the southern states it is a pleasure being back amongst the green, the humidity, the frogs and the birds. Melbourne was great with it's Botanic Gardens and the visit to the Sewerage Treatment Works with Sean Dooley, Australia's best-known birdwatcher. It's amazing that you can see 79 species of birds in a morning within an hour's drive of Melbourne. Sean is now running tours to Werribee and we'd recommend him highly. Unfortunately it is extremely dry throughout the region and the bush fire threat is still very real. Our visit to Canberra gave us the opportunity to spend the morning with Ian Fraser - birder, naturalist, ABC radio personality and recipient of the Australian Natural History Medallion. Canberra is so easy to get around and wetlands, sewerage treatment works, woodland and grasslands are all very accessible. Thanks to Ian for showing us around. Sydney was just - - well, Sydney - theatre, food, the harbour, the Opera House etc etc. A great time had by all!

Lots of rain in Daintree while we were away, but beautiful weather now. Little Kingfisher, Black Bittern and Great-billed Heron on the Daintree River. Southern Cassowary near Coopers Creek. Off for a walk this afternoon to see what else is about.

10 FEBRUARY
We're off on holidays for a couple of weeks. Red Mill House will be in the capable hands of resident guide, potter and birder Ellen Terrell. As well as family, friends, culture, shopping and playing tourists, we will be visiting the Werribee Treatment Works with Sean Dooley in Melbourne and will do an outing with the COG group in Canberra. Having heard about the Weribee 'poo farm' for years, it will be great to finally visit.
Great birds still around Daintree and the floodwaters have receded, so viewing is good. Little Kingfisher, Azure Kingfisher, Great-billed Heron, Black Bittern on the river. Red-necked Crake, Pale-vented Bush Hen, Wompoo Fruit-Dove, Brown Cuckoo-Dove, Buff-breasted Paradise Kingfisher, Double-eyed Fig-Parrot, Channel-billed Cuckoo and Pacific Baza all about town.

6 FEBRUARY
So much rain in Tropical North Qld, with flooding to the south and west of us. We've done well in Daintree though, with an average rainfall so far - 800mm in January, and 200mm so far in Feb.The pattern has been rain at night and then fine during the day. The ground is soaked and water is laying about - great for Pale-vented Bush Hen and Beach Stone-Curlew, both of which we saw on the drive home from Cairns yesterday. Great views of Great-billed Heron and Black Bittern on the Daintree River.
Little Kingfisher and Red-necked Crake in the garden at Red Mill House. The Little kingfisher is having great fun with the White-lipped Green Tree-frog tadpoles in an old bathtub near the pond - easy tucker!

26 JANUARY
Happy Australia Day!! Great weather for the long weekend as dry out for a few days. Daintree can be at it's best at this time of year.
A great trip to Kingfisher Park in Julatten on Saturday night for the annual Birds Australia North Queensland get together. Cliff and Dawn Frith spoke about, and showed photos of, the extended trip to Madagascar and Mauritius last year. Many, many endemics, and many , many threatened species with loss of habitat to the timber industry and rice fields- particularly in Madagascar. A beautiful and enthralling, but disturbing picture. A real treat seeing a Sooty Owl on a post on the drive down the Rex Range late at night.
Some great birds in Daintree with Great-billed Heron (building a nest), Black Bittern (with chicks), Double-eyed Fig-Parrot, Azure Kingfisher and Little Kingfisher on the Daintree River. They are being seen on the late afternoon cruise as well as the early morning one. In the garden of Red Mil House there has been Red-necked Crake, Pale-vented Bush Hen, Little Kingfisher, Double-eyed Fig-Parrot, as well as the usual suspects. On Stewart Creek Rd, Lovely Fairy-Wren, Red-backed Fairy-Wren and Buff-breasted Paradise Kingfisher have all been seen. It's a great time of year!

23 JANUARY
More rain!! We have now had more than 700mm this month (28 inches) - more than double the annual rainfall where we were brought up!
Some good news and some bad news on the birding front. The Sunbirds left the nest early and one was snapped up a Laughing Kookaburaa despite the best efforts of the parents to shephard it to safety. We are uncertain of the fate of the other one. The good news in that the Little Kingfisher is visiting the pond at Red Mill House each day, and also that Dawn, from Daintree River Experience, spotted the Great-billed Heron nest on Stewart Creek that has been eluding us. They also have great recent photos of Black Bittern chicks on a nest.

17 JANUARY
THE LITTLE KINGFISHER HAS RETURNED!! After 14 months of not seeing the prized Little Kingfisher on the pond at Red Mill House in Daintree Village, today it is back for several hours and looking very comfortable. We will be very pleased if it decides to stay. Olive-backed Sunbird hatchlings (x2) are doing well with both parents busily feeding them - they are now a week old and we hope the verandah is enough to protect them from predators.
Lots of rain in the past week, although we were fortunate to miss out on the deluges felt by Cairns and Cape Tribulation. They suffered a lot of local flooding, but we had minimal inconvenience in Daintree.
Buff-breasted Paradise Kingfisher very visible around the Daintree Valley, Black Bittern and Great-billed Heron on the Daintree River.

11 JANUARY
And the wet season has begun! 130mm rain yesterday, with the first cyclone of the season building in the Gulf of Carpentaria, which is sure to bring more rain in the coming days. It's a great time of year in the Wet Tropics - the growth on plants is extraordinary, the frogs are calling from everywhere, the rivers have a clean out of weed and debris, and we enjoy watching the rain come down. Even for our visitors it can be real eye-opener and a time to enjoy the season. There are some great birds about with Magpie Geese and Royal Spoonbill feeding in the fields, Black Bittern using wetland areas instead of hiding in the creeks, Shining Flycatcher in local ponds, Buff-breasted Paradise Kingfisher feeding in the forest and so on.
Rufous Owl seen again in the garden at Red Mill House along with Bush Hen and Red-necked Crake. Southern Cassowary with three chicks at Jindalba boardwalk. Great-billed Heron and Little Kingfisher along Stewart Creek.
A drive to Mareeba yesterday gave us the great treats of Australian Bustard, Brolga, Wedge-tailed Eagle, Eastern Grey Kangaroo, Agile Wallaby, lots of Dollarbird, Nankeen Kestrel and many more. The best thing about this part of the world is it's diversity.

3 JANUARY 2009
Happy New Year to all!!
Some more treats for Daintree birdwatchers in the past few days. A Rufous Owl in the yard at Red Mill House last night devouring a female Figbird while we watched. We manage to see one every couple of months, but they must be around much more than that. Red-necked Crake walked across the lawn in the middle of the day and the Pale-vented Bush Hen are still visiting each day.
The pair of Great-billed Heron are being very vocal just upstream from Stewart Creek bridge.

Good news from Alan and Ruth from the UK who have just completed their record breaking year of world birdwatching. They saw 4341 species in the calender year - a fabulous achievement considering the previous record was 3362 species. Their final bird was in Southern Ecuador on New Years Eve. Check out their website www.thebiggesttwitch.com for details.