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 Red Mill House in Daintree. Red Mill House 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 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.

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.

Banded Lapwing Jun Matsui

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.

30 DECEMBER
Walking around Daintree is always worthwhile for birdwatching. Two nights ago we watched a pair of Great-billed Heron interacting on Stewart Creek for 15 minutes or more. In the same spot we have watched Black Bittern feeding the day before. Also spotted on that walk were two Dingo in one of the farmer's paddocks. Walking home, a pair of Red-necked Crake scuttled across the track leading up to the hill. On the way home a family group of Lovely Fairy-Wren were spotted, plus an adult and juvenile White-bellied Sea-Eagle soaring above. Further along Stewart Creek Rd both Wompoo Fruit-Dove and Buff-breasted Paradise Kingfisher are nesting and can be seen from the road.
Great news at Red Mill House with a family of three Pale-vented Bush Hen in the garden during the middle of the morning, two days in a row. Not so shy and very animated - it's great to see them at such close range. Boyd's Forest Dragon photographed in the garden, plus a Scorpion carrying young. Three Azure Kingfishers continue to enjoy the pond. It's a great time of year for wildlife in Daintree.
Our best wishes for the New Year to all.

27 DECEMBER
A couple of treats for birdwatchers visiting Daintree this week. Nightly visits of Red-necked Crake in Stewart St, Daintree and good regular sightings of Pale-vented Bush Hen along Upper Daintree Rd. Both sought-after species which can be difficult to find in other locations. A treat for we locals is a flock of 15 Red-tailed Black Cockatoos seen late afternoon for the past two days. They are normally associated with drier country than Daintree.
Great looks at Buff-breasted Paradise Kingfisher in several local locations and Southern Cassowary spotted at Jindalba boardwalk yesterday.
Some good rains to kick off the wet season.

24 DECEMBER
At last, some reasonable rains - the only disadvantage being that the mosquitoes are back! The extra water around has led to the Bush Hen and Red-necked Crake being more vocal and active. (Always difficult to see however).
Little Kingfisher seen on the Daintree River and three Azure Kingfishers in the pond at Red Mill House. Good numbers of Buff-breasted Paradise Kingfishers throughout the valley. Channel-billed Cuckoo, Little Bronze Cuckoo, Brush Cuckoo all about in Daintree Village. Black Bittern along Stewart Creek and Great-billed Heron on the Daintree River.
Another year almost gone. Our best wishes to past and future guests of Red Mill House for a happy and healthy Chritmas and a year full of great plans and great adventures. Merry Christmas!

13 DECEMBER
Another hot and mostly dry week in Daintree, but some great birds for the intrepid birdwatchers. Red-rumped Swallow along Somerset Drive at Miallo was a highlight, and Beach Stone-Curlew x 2 at Wonga Beach near the park and picnic area. Southern Cassowary at Noah Creek north of the Daintree River.
On the Daintree River there have been great views of Great-billed Heron and Black Bittern, plus Double-eyed Fig-Parrot and Papuan Frogmouth. Azure Kingfisher, but no sign of Little Kingfisher.
Buff-breasted Paradise Kingfisher calling, calling - they appear to be late nesting - is this because the termite mounds are too dry for them? Rainbow Lorikeets very busy and noisy feeding around Daintree Village at the moment.

4 DECEMBER
Storms throughout Tropical North Qld in the past week or so, but very little rain in Daintree. Trees are shedding their leaves and the grass is quite brown. More hot and dry weather is forecast.
Some great birds on Barratt Creek this morning with two pair of Papuan Frogmouths with chicks, a family of Double-eyed Fig-Parrots, Wompoo Fruit Dove and several Azure Kingfishers being highlights. Buff-breasted Paradise Kingfisher calling, but not seen from the river. Dollarbird and Brahminy Kite on the Daintree River as well. We managed to rescue a very young Orange-footed Scrubfowl who had been chased into the river by an adult.
Buff-breasted Paradise Kingfisher and Lovely Fairy-Wren in the garden at Red Mill House with Azure Kingfisher and Great Egret frequenting the pond. Plenty of Cuckoos about with Little Bronze Cuckoo, Brush Cuckoo, Channel-billed Cuckoo and Common Koel all being vocal in Daintree Village.

We had a trip to Cairns and Michaelmas Cay on the weekend - lots of great waders on the Esplanade and, as always, it is a top social spot for birders in the afternoons if the tide is right. We also did a morning walk with John Seale around Centenary Lakes and the Botanical Gardens in Cairns. He does this every Tuesday morning free of charge, and it is very worthwhile, particularly for visitors to the area or relatively new birders. John is a local expert and is very willing to share his knowledge. Keep an eye out for him and John Crowhurst along the Cairns Esplanade - they are both great fun and extremely knowledgable.

24 NOVEMBER
Hot, hot, hot!!! It's been 35-37 degrees each day for the past few days and, with our tropical humidity, somewhat unpleasant. Having a swimming pool is certainly an advantage at this time of year.
Good sightings on the Daintree River with Great-billed Heron, Black Bittern and Papuan Frogmouth.
Lovely Fairy-Wren and Azure Kingfisher in the garden at Red Mill House.
King Parrot and Buff-breasted Paradise Kingfisher seen along Stewart Creek Rd and Wedge-tailed Eagle seen hovering over Daintree Village.

16 NOVEMBER
It's a great day when you see Platypus and Echidna in one morning - - I've been smiling all day!!
With fine mornings, the Daintree River has given good sightings of Great-billed Heron, Black Bittern and Papuan Frogmouth this week. Buff-breasted Papradise Kingfisher being vocal in the Daintree Valley.
The Australian Birdfair was held in Leeton NSW this weekend, with Andrew attending and representing a group of Birdwatching businesses from North Queensland. Ii was a successful weekend and interest was high with the participating birders, mainly from NSW and Vic. www.australianbirdfair.org.au

9 NOVEMBER
A great week for birdwatching in Daintree with many international birdwatchers to enjoy it. Hot, dry weather which can be tiring, but otherwise perfect conditions.
Wonderful views of Buff-breasted Paradise Kingfisher for some, and lots of birds calling. the end of Stewart Creek Rd, plus about 500m out of town on the same road seem to be the best spots at the moment. Jindalba Boardwalk is also a reliable spot for the Paradise Kingfisher.
Southern Cassowary, Victoria's Riflebird and Spotted Catbird all seen north of the Daintree River. Cassowary at Jundalba and Maardja Boardwalks.
Lots of Cuckoos locally with Brush Cuckoo calling madly, Little Bronze Cuckoo, Channel-billed Cuckoo and Common Koel all seen.
A lovely surprise with King Parrot seen along Stewart Creek Rd, along with Platypus(2)and Swamp Wallabies at a friend's farm.
Great-billed Heron and Black Bittern both seen along Stewart Creek.
Double-eyed Fig-Parrot, Buff-breasted Paradise Kingfisher, Lovely Fairy-Wren, Little Bronze Cuckoo and Azure Kingfisher all in the yard at Red Mill House. Red-necked Crake heard in the late afternoons. The Nutmeg Mannikins are still madly building their nest.
A sad tale, with a Buff-breasted Paradise Kingfisher brought to us having been attacked by a Black Butcherbird - already dead unfortunately.

3 NOVEMBER
BUFF-BREASTED PARADISE KINGFISHER!!!!!! The first of the season, at the end of Stewart Creek Rd this evening. Heard by Ellen Terrell and her guests this morning, and seen this afternoon. Great views of a fabulous bird. Very exciting!

2 NOVEMBER
Dry conditions recently and the local cattle farmers burn their fields to rejuvenate the pastures at this time of year - a dubious practice of longstanding tradition. Fortunately, in most cases the forest and nesting birds are not affected too much, but that is not always the case.
Still no sign of the Buff-breasted Paradise Kingfisher, which we expect to arrive from New Guinea for their breeding season. Apparently they were heard at Kuranda yesterday, but to date that is the only sign - nothing at Julatten or Cape Tribulation either.
Nice views of Spotted Catbird, Victoria's Riflebird, Bridled Honeyeater north of the Daintree River. A male Cassowary with three chicks now seen a couple of time near Maardja Boardwalk.
Purple Swamphen, Bush Hen, Black Bittern, Double-eyed Fig-Parrot all seen along Stewart Creek Road.
Lovely Fairy-Wren in the garden of Red Mill House, along with Azure Kingfisher, Red-necked Crake, Great Egret, Pied Monarch and a pair of Nutmeg Mannikins building a nest in the mistletoe. It's a great time of year, and the morning chorus at 5am is a great wake-up call for all. Magpie Goose and Whistling Ducks flying over in the afternoons.

We are off to the Australian Bird Fair in Leeton in two weeks and, along with Jabiru Safari Camp at Mareeba, will be providing Australian Birdwatchers with information about Tropical North Queensland - birding locations, tours, guides and accommodation.

27 OCTOBER
Windy conditions have made Daintree birding a bit difficult in the the last week, but good success to those who have persisted
High tides in the early mornings have made it hard for Kingfishers, but Striated and Nankeen Herons and Great-billed Heron and Black Bittern all seen. Papuan frogmouth, Double-eyed Fig-Parrot, Cicadabird also good sightings from the river.
North of the Daintree River yesterday yielded Southern Cassowary and Victoria's Riflebird on Maardja Boardwalk and Spotted Catbird and Bridled Honeyeater on Jindalba Boardwalk.
Other good local Daintree sightings include Magpie Goose, Sacred Kingfisher, Lovely Fairy-Wren, and flocks of Chestnut-breasted Mannikin.

Some great birds in the garden at Red Mill House with a pair of Azure Kingfishers on the pond, Double-eyed Fig-Parrots feeding fledglings,a family of Lovely Fairt-Wren bathing, Sacred Kingfisher feeding in the yard and Forest Kingfisher calling. Common Koel and Little Bronze Cuckoo also seen and heard daily.
A treat during the week with a visit by a Tropical Birding group, two of whom were Alan Davies and Ruth Miller who are on a world record breaking tour to see the most birds in a calendar year. The current record stands at 3662, and of last night when they were at O'Reilly's in Lamington National Park, they have 3601 species since Jan 1 - only 62 to go! They haven't even been to Asia yet, so it will a convincing record for them. Good luck to them! Check their website www.thebiggesttwitch.com

19 OCTOBER
Black Bittern flying up Stewart Creek yesterday giving great views to Daintree Birdwatchers. Double-eyed Fig-Parrots feeding thir babies nearby and Lovely Fairy-Wren in the same area. Collared Sparrowhawk also seen for good views along the road. Barking Owl heard in the wee hours in Daintree Village and a pair of Pacific Baza seen about town. Chris Dahlberg rescued a Little Kingfisher during the week which has flown into the side of a boat - fortunately it did well and we released it back to the river a few hours later..

Major Skink, Lace Monitor and Amethystine Python all seen in the yard at Red Mill House, plus Northern Brown Bandicoot, Giant White-tailed Rat and Antechinus at night. The frog population is building as the early rains come, with now at least 5 Giant white-lipped Green Tree Frogs spending the day scattered throughout the house. A pair of Yellow-beelied Sunbirds have commenced building a nest on the verandah. They are so sweet to watch.

13 OCTOBER
Another good week for birds in Daintree. Some great cuckoos with Channel-billed Cuckoo, Common Koel, Pheasant Coucal, Brush Cuckoo and Little Bronze Cuckoo (Gould's) all seen around Daintree. Dollarbird and Satin Flycatcher seen as nice seasonal birds, Sacred Kingfisher (late) and Azure Kingfisher in Daintre Village. Chestnut -breasted Mannikin, Nutmeg Mannikin and Red-browed Finch all seen along Stewart Creek Rd among the taller grasses. Fairy Gerygone and Large-billed Gerygone seen along the same road, and Lovely Fairy-Wren just out of town. Papuan Frogmouth, Azure Kingfisher and Great-billed heron on the Daintree River.

4 OCTOBER
A week away in Western Australia (my Mum's 90th birthday!), so while we were away enjoying the unique wildflowers of WA at the Wildflower Festival in King's Park in Perth, Ellen Terrell was in Daintree looking after Red Mill House and Daintree Birdwatchers.
A busy week in Daintree with the settling in of many summer migrants - Channel-billed Cuckoo and Common Koel very vocal, Pied Imperial Pigeons in larger numbers and Dollarbird seen most days. Satin Flycatcher passing through (first we have seen this season), and easy to identify when there are Leaden Flycatcher about in the same area. Wonderful views of a family group of Lovely Fairy-Wren daily along Stewart Creek Rd. Noisy Pitta seen at Jindalba Boardwalk. Red-necked Crake calling, calling, calling each evening in Daintree Village - quite difficult to see though. A pair of Azure Kingfishers and Great Egret daily on the pond at Red Mill House.

The first weekend in October is the annual Crane Count, and yesterday was the 12th, with counts happening on wetlands throughout the Atherton Tablelands, savannah regions, the Gulf and Townsville areas. We went to Mareeba Wetlands to assist with the count on Pandanus Lagoon. The official figures aren't in, but there were 400 or so cranes(both Brolga and Sarus Crane) coming in to the lagoon last night. What a fabulous sight and what a great thing to be involved in! Other birds there included, Jacana, White-necked Heron, Magpie Goose, Black Swan, Green Pygmy-Goose, Whistling Ducks, Royal Spoonbill, Black-necked Stork, an array of Cormorants and Egrets, Marsh Sandpiper, Black-fronted Dotterel, Australian Grebe, etc etc. It's a great spot and highly recommended. Check it out - www.mareebawetlands.com.au

22 SEPTEMBER
A wonderful week for birdwatching in Daintree with some excellent sightings on the Daintree River, around Daintree Village and the valley, plus across the Daintree River toward Cape Tribulation.
The Daintree River has given birdwatchers good looks at Great-billed Heron, Black-necked Stork (unfortunately it's mate has died), Black Bittern, Azure Kingfisher, Double-eyed Fig Parrot, Papuan Frogmouth, Barred Cuckoo-Shrike, Pied Monarch, Bush Hen, juvenile Nankeen Night-Heron and many others seen on early morning river cruises.
Daintree Village has seen Red-necked Crake, Yellow-breasted Boatbill, Black-faced Monarch, Azure Kingfisher, Metallic Starlings, Little Bronze Cuckoo (Gould's), Cicadabird in the yard at Red Mill House and Blue-winged Kookaburra, Sacred Kingfisher and Common Koel about town . Reports of Wedge-tailed Eagle, Red-tailed Black Cockatoo, Chestnut-breasted Mannikin, Grey Goshawk, Channel-billed Cuckoo and Noisy Pitta in the Daintree Valley.
Over the Daintree River there has been Collared Kingfisher seen eating crabs at Myall Beach, Southern Cassoawry at Jindalba Boardwalk and crossing the road near Cooper's Creek, Superb Fruit-Dove at Jindalba, and Pied-Imperial Pigeon eating rainforest fruits.
Reptiles are active with Major Skink and Lace Moniter in the garden at Red Mill House, Green Tree-snake, Amethystine Python, Eastern Water Dragon all seen on or near the river.

13 SEPTEMBER
Daintree is alive with birds at the moment with many of the spring and summer migrants about. Pied Imperial Pigeons are making their way from Low Isles to the rainforest of the Daintree each day, Metallic Starlings are madly zipping around town in large, fast flocks feeding on fruits and collecting nesting material, Channel-billed Cuckoo and Common Koel both seen locally. Other great birds include flocks of Chestnut-breasted Mannikins with lots of young in the fields, Pheasant Coucal, Red-necked Crake and Noisy Pitta all near Daintree Village. Lots of raptors about still as the sugar cane harvest continues.
The morning chorus is great at the moment in Daintree Village with Yellow Oriole, Blue-winged Kookaburra, Laughing Kookaburra, Spangled Drongo, Helmeted Friarbird, and Channel-billed Cuckoo all competing with local Honeyeaters. Red-necked Crake is also calling at night and early morning.
Southern Cassowary seen daily north of the Daintree River and also good sightings of Spotted Catbird and Victoria's Riflebird on the boardwalks.
Lots of insects about, so mixed groups of insect eaters with Spectacled Monarch, Fairy Gerygone, Little Shrike-Thrush, Varied Triller, Spangled Drongo, Grey Fantail all joining the Little Bronze Cuckoo as they follow insects about.

6 SEPTEMBER
With spring appearing and the weather warming, there has been some excellent birdwatching in Daintree over the last week. Good views of Azure Kingfisher, Papuan Frogmouth and Buff-banded Rail on the Daintree River, and interesting sightings locally with Noisy Pitta, Southern Cassowary, Victoria's Riflebird, Spotted Catbird all seen in Daintree rainforest. A pair of Australian Pelicans spotted soaring over Daintree Village. Black-faced and Spectacled Monarch, Red-necked Crake, Pacific Baza, Leaden Flycatcher and a pair of Azure Kingfishers in the garden at Red Mill House. Channel-billed Cuckoo and Little Bronze-Cuckoo vocal in Daintree Village.
A pair of Striped Possums (the first for a long time), lots of Spectacled Flying Fox, a Lace Monitor and several Saw-shelled Turtles in the yard at Red Mill House. It's been a fun week!

29 AUGUST
Four Cassowary seen on a day-trip to Cape Tribulation yesterday by a young non-birding couple. Always the way! Some wonderful birds seen locally in Daintree Village with Noisy Pitta becoming a regular along Stewart Creek Rd. Not a shy bird, seen feeding on the ground in the open in a similar spot each day. Very beautiful and such a good local sighting.
Numerous Channel-billed Cuckoo have been around for a while and Metallic Starlings are also being seen in large numbers, Scaly-breasted Lorikeets amongst flocks of Rainbow Lorikeets. Wedge-tailed Eagles seen in the Daintree Valley and Beach Stone-Curlew (2) along Wonga Beach. Great-billed Heron and Little Kingfisher becoming regulars on the evening Birdwatching cruise. The weather is warming up, despite the continued winds.

25 AUGUST
Interesting things happening on the Daintree Birdwatching scene with Noisy Pitta being reported in the creek crossing of Stewart Creek Rd this morning.
Rajah Shelduck and Black-winged Stilt on the local Barramundi farm ponds. Great-billed Heron on the river yesterday evening and Little Kingfisher yesterday morning. Azure Kinfisher and Great Egret on the pond at Red Mil House. Large numbers of Metallic Starlings collecting nesting material in Daintree Village as they start building their nests in the same spot as previous years in Candlenut trees along Dagmar St.
A Black Swan reported on the river by one of our local boat drivers - most unusual. Cassowary seen near Jindalba Boardwalk, north of the Daintree River.

17 AUGUST
You can tell winter is over in Daintree when the Lewin's Honeyeater no longer call because they have headed back up to the higher country, and when the other Honeyeaters are no longer interested in bananas because there is plenty of other food available for them.
Lots of great birds on the Daintree River with Papuan Frogmouth, Double -eyed Fig-Parrot, Nankeen Night Heron, Striated Heron, Little Kingfisher and Azure Kingfisher. A sad tale about the Australian Pelican which decided to visit during the week - it seems a Crocodile took it on the same afternoon that is was first seen. It certainly explaind why you don;t see many ducks on the Daintree River!
Pacific Baza very vocal at the moment. Metallic Starlings back in reasonable numbers as the summer migrants begin to return. The Whistling Kites which have been nesting in a large tree across the river have successfully fledged their single chick. All very active and vocal.

12 AUGUST
Spring is on it's way with warmer nights and the return of some of our summer migrants. Metallic Starlings, Channel-billed Cuckoo, Pied Imperial Pigeon (small numbers only at this stage) and Brown-backed Honeyeater all seen.
Some great raptors about with the cane harvest still in progess. Brahminy, Black and Whistling Kites all common in the field,.Nankeen Kestrel, Swamp Harrier, Australian Hobby, Pacific Baza, Osprey and White-bellied Sea-Eagle all seen locally.
Southern Cassowary seen most days at Jindalba Boardwalk.
Mixed groups of insect eaters amongst the lower shrubbery along the upper stretch of Stewart Creek Rd include Little-Shrike Thrush, Pied Monarch, Yellow-breasted Boatbill, Spectacled Monarch, Fairy Gerygone, Silvereye and a mix of Honeyeaters. It's wonderful for the international visitors.

1 AUGUST
Another month gone!
Some fabulous birds around Daintree at the moment. Great-billed Heron, Papuan Frogmouth, Little Kingfisher, Brush Cuckoo all seen on the Daintree River. Southern Cassowary seen north of the river. Pied Monarch and Double-eyed Fig-Parrot in the garden of Red Mill House. Unusually, a Black Bittern has also been seen several times on the pond at Red Mill House. Southern Boobook and Barking Owl around at night. Swamp Harrier and Pacific Baza very visible as well around the Daintree Valley. Red-backed Fairy-Wren on Douglas Creek Rd.
The summer migrants are arriving (even though it doesn't feel like summer), with Pied Imperial Pigeon, Metallic Starlings, Brown-backed Honeyeater all about

24 JULY
Some great news here at Red Mill House.
We have just been awarded our Advanced Ecotourism Certification from Ecotourism Australia. This highlights our commitment to achieving best practice when using resources wisely, contributing to the conservation of the environment and helping local communities. While there are some detractors of this scheme, is has been a very worthwhile process for us to examine our business carefully from the perspectives of economic, environmental and social sustainability. We have learnt an enormous amount, have changed the way we do quite a few things, think much more about the way we do things every day, and are proud of our achievements. It is a process I would recommend to any nature-based tourism business.
Back to birdwatching in Daintree! A week of basically miserable weather, but still lots of nice birds about. A few early migrants with Metallic Starling, Channel-billed Cuckoo and Brown-backed Honeyeater all about. Lovely views of a pair of Pacific Baza in Daintree Village and on Stewart Creek Rd each day. Some specialities on the Daintree River with Great-billed Heron, Little Kingfisher, Double-eyed Fig-Parrot all seen. Wompoo Fruit-Doves busy in the Blue Quandong trees, and Honeyeaters everywhere - eating fruit, nectar or insects, depending on the weather at the time. They are very adaptable creatures.

15 JULY
The weather is warming up already - 27 degree days - pretty special for mid-winter.
Some wonderful raptors about at the moment with Pacific Baza common in Daintree Village, Nankeen Kestrel, White-bellied Sea-Eagle, Black Kite, Brahminy Kite, Whistling Kite all seen between here and Wonga. Pacific Heron also seen flying over the road late yesterday afternoon.
Channel-billed Cuckoo and Little Bronze-Cuckoo seen in the garden at Red Mill House. All the Honeyeaters are hungry at the moment - Macleay's, Lewin's Yellow-spotted. Graceful and Yellow Honeyeaters enjoying any banana left out for them. Spangled Drongo and Helmeted Friarbird joining them.
The insect-eaters are having a great time with Spectacled Monarch, Grey Fantail, Rufous Fantail, Grey Whistler, Little Shrike-Thrush and Varied Triller also all enjoying the garden.

9 JULY
Some great birds around Daintree in the last couple of days. White-eared Monarch, Spectacled Monarch and Black-faced Monarch together in a flock along Stewart Creek Rd. Little Kingfisher and Azure Kingfisher, plus Great-billed Heron and Papuan Frogmouth along the Daintree River. Double-eyed Fig-Parrot pair still messing around looking at nesting sites in the garden at Red Mill House.
Three full boats on the Daintree River for early morning Daintree birdwatching. It's great to see so many people interested, and proof that Daintree has become recognised as one of Australia's premium birdwatching sites. Well done!

5 JULY
Some colder winter weather in Daintree at the moment - cool nights and beautiful days.
A couple of treats in the past few days - Channel-billed Cuckoo (somewhat unusual at this time of year), a pair of Double-eyed Fig-Parrot excavating a next in a Brachychiton in the yard at Red Mill House, along with Azure Kingfisher on the pond in the same yard. Sooty Owl (lesser) seen out at River Home Cottages on Upper Daintree Rd, plus Pied Monarch. Yellow-breasted Boatbill at Wild Wings and Swampy Things, plus female Golden Whistler. It's been a nice week!
The Daintree River has given us Little Kingfisher and Great-billed Heron plus Papuan Frogmouth. Lots of crocodiles out and about with the cooler waters of the river system.

27 JUNE
A few days off camping for the Daintree Birdwatching team. What a great break! Two nights at Koombooloomba Dam at the back of Ravenshoe, and two nights at beautiful Etty Bay just south of Innisfail. Lots of great upland birds including Victoria's Riflebird, White-throated Treecreeper, Bower's Shrike Thrush, Northern Fantail and others, and the joy of two Cassowary wandering around the campgrounds at Etty Bay. They make such great footprints in the sand!
Home to our usual winter specials with Grey Fantail, Spangled Drongo, Spectacled Monarch, Leaden Flycatcher in the yard. Lovely Fairy-Wren along Stewart Creek Rd.
Little Kingfisher, Nankeen Night-Heron, Papuan Frogmouth and Great-billed Heron on the Daintree River.

17 JUNE
Lots of people in Daintree with windy weather putting them off going to the Reef. Some rewarding birdwatching with lots of raptors about. White-bellied Sea-Eagle, Pacific Baza, Osprey, Nankeen Kestrel, Brahminy Kite, Black Kite, Whistling Kite all seen in the area.
Southern Boobook and Barking Owl both seen in Daintree Village, and lots of honeyeaters are about. Lewin's Honeyeater is down from the Tablelands for the winter, Yellow Honeyeater is a daily visitor, and Bridled Honeyeater, as always, on Maardja Boardwalk. Southern Cassowary seen north of the Daintree River. Large numbers of Brown Cuckoo-Dove and Rainbow Bee-eaters about.
Papuan Frogmouth and Little Kingfisher on the Daintree River.

11 JUNE
A great day had by all on a birding trip to Mt Carbine on the weekend. The tailings dam at Mt Carbine gave us our first look at Brolga for the season, and other highlights were young Australian Bustard at Mary Farms and Tawny Frogmouth at Mt Carbine. See trip report
Wet and windy in Daintree over the last few days, so difficult for birdwatching. Papuan Frogmouth, Little Kingfisher, Azure Kingfisher on the river.

7 JUNE
Quite a few local birdwatchers staying in Daintree this week, with visitors from Cairns and Yungaburra enjoying our Daintree birds. Some treats for them have included Lovely Fairy -Wren, Black-necked Stork, Little Kingfisher, Black-shouldered Kite, Papuan Frogmouth and Southern Boobook.
Other birds of note are Great-villed Heron, White-bellied Sea-Eagle, Topknot Pigeon and Double-eyed Fig-Parrot.
The Daintree Birdwatching team is off to Mount Carbine with our local guide Ellen Terrell in the morning for some dry country birding - report to come.

1 JUNE
Another month, and it feels like winter is upon us. A maximum of 20 degrees today - this is meant to be the tropics!
The winter birds have arrived with Lewin's Honeyeater being very vocal, and big numbers of Black-faced Monarch, Grey Fantail, Rufous Fantail and Spectacled Monarch enjoying the more temperate lowlands.
Five Papuan Frogmouth seen on the river a couple of mornings ago.
Great-billed Heron at Wild Wings and Swampy Things on their new wetlands. This is a fabulous long-term land restoration project which is well worth seeing.
The Daintree Birdwatching team accompanying the kids from Daintree State School (all 15 of them) to Maardja Boardwalk, in the Daintree National Park, during the week. While not a birding excursion, it was great to talk with the kids about the importance of the rainforest and mangroves for the wildlife in this region. They were all charming and well-behaved.