Daintree Birdwatching Bulletin Board

17 JANUARY 2012
Another year gone and a great start to 2012 after a month in Sri Lanka for us.
A wonderful island to visit - small, tropical, easy, cheap, culturally and naturally diverse, with over 400 bird species including 33 endemics, and a large number of mammals
and fascinating reptiles. We took our first-ever Birding tour for 10 days and had some trepidation, but absolutely loved it. It was well-organised, well-guided, affordable
and with only the two of us,had the flexibility we wanted. We travelled with Prasanjith Caldera from Walk with Jith, and would thoroughly recommend him and his other guides
as well. http://www.walkwithjith.com/ Our Sri Lanka trip report is available on http://www.birdtours.co.uk/

Back to Daintree and stunning, dry weather with lots of birds and not many mossquitoes. We live in heaven!
Much breeding is happening at present with active Black Bittern, Shining Flycatcher, Brown-backed Honeyeater, Wompoo Fruit-Dove and Large-billed Gerygone nests all
visible from a boat on the Daintree River. The last of the Papuan Frogmouth chicks will fledge any day now. Buff-breasted Paradise Kingfisher nests in the termite mounds
are also seen at the end of Stewart Creek Rd. Some of these birds, near Daintree Vilage, are still actively calling, which makes us wonder if they haven't found a mate yet.
It is getting late - -

A half-day birding at Mount Lewis last week with our friends and guides, Andrew and Carol Iles, was an excellent welcome home - we found most of the endemics on the walk
and large numbers of Blue-faced Parrot-Finch and Chestnut-breasted Mannikin at the clearing. The road is in excellent condition with little or no rain in recent weeks.

The group of Spotted Whistling Ducks have still been seen recently in the Daintree Valley - it is worth trying McDowall's Swamp, near the Daintree Ferry to see if they
are there. Maybe they will breed here this year?!

Lots of nice waders at the Barramundi Farm on Daintree Rd. Please don't enter the property - you can see through the fence.

20 NOVEMBER 2011
Excellent birding locally in the last couple of weeks - it is always a great time of the year for birding in Daintree and the weather has been kind to us.
After a long, dry and cold 'winter' there have been good rains and much of the rainforest is in full flower or fruit. Exotics, as well, like lychee, mango and lilly pilly
are in good fruit, so the Spectacled Flying Foxes are having a bumper season.
Some good local sightings include:
- Green Pygmy Goose on the Daintree River, as well as Black Bittern, Papuan Frogmouth and Azure Kingfisher ( very few Little Kingfisher as they head off for breeding)
- Hundreds of Magpie Geese feeding by day in the fields and on the riverbank - flying over at early evening and early morning each day
- Spotted Whistling Ducks still at Wonga
- Pied Monarch and Yellow-breasted Boatbill at Mossman Gorge
- Southern Cassowary near Coopers Creek
- Buff-breasted Paradise-Kingfisher along Stewart Creek Rd
- Lovely Fairy-Wren on Upper Daintree Rd.
We are sneaking off for a few weeks. Visiting family in WA, then off to Sri Lanka for a month to do some birding. Very exciting!
Red Mill House will be in good hands while we are away. We'll be back early January for the 'wet' season.

Our best to everyone for the festive season and a birdy good year in 2012.

30 OCTOBER
Apologies for the lack of updates on birding in Daintree.
It has been a huge six weeks or so locally, with all the summer migrants returning plus an added treat or two.

Previously unheard of this far south, there is now a group of 11 Spotted Whistling Ducks living in a series of ponds in the beach-side township of Wonga. A lot of birders
have managed to see over the past 5 or 6 weeks and, after a few problems with over-zealous people behaving badly, the ducks have now settled and can still often be
seen close to the road on most days. Even after good rains last week, they remain here - which is great news.

After a very dry winter and spring - almost 400ml of rain was very welcome. Everything is green again, the rainforest is fruiting, birds are building nests and the cuckoos are all calling.

Buff-breasted Paradise-Kingfisher and Black Bittern have both returned for the breeding season, although the Kingfishers have been tricky to see to date. Several birds
calling at the end of Stewart Creek Rd, but only fleeting looks at them. The Bitterns are nesting along the river, along withPapuan Frogmouth and many pairs of Shining Flycatcher.

Lots of cuckoos about with Brush, Little-Bronze, Channel-billed Cuckoo and Eastern Koel all calling madly and being very visible. Also excellent numbers of doves/pigeons with
Wompoo, Superb and Rose-crowned Fruit-Doves all being seen lately, plus the usual Brown Cuckoo-Dove, Emeral and Bar-shouldered Doves about. Other treats include
Cicadabird and Pied Monarch.

Some nice waders at the local fish farm with Sharp-tailed Sandpiper, Red-capped Plover, Marsh Sandpiper and Grey Tattler, among others. Beach Stone-Curlew at Newell
Beach and Yule Point.

Other oddities include Australian Bustard being seen near Mossman Golf Course.

10 SEPTEMBER
A huge month for us, including a busy month for birding in Daintree, plus preparing for, and attending, the British Birdfair.
The British Birdfair was a huge success with perfect weather and record crowds. The Australian Birdwathing stand was well manned with business-owners and
birders from around the country. We also had the opportunity this year to present three lectures on birding in Tropical North Queensland, which were really well received.
Over 400 people heard Andrew speak about the joys of our region, and many followed him back to the stand to colect information. It was also great to catch up with
old friends and clients, to research our own travel ideas, and just to a part of such a great event. Unfortunately we only went for 5 nights, so have taken another 2 weeks
to recover! All good fun though!
We also given a presentation about the Birdfair to the local Cairns Birdwatching group and, between us, have initiated a project to present to Cairns Regional Council about
publicising birdwatching sites in Cairns. The Cairns Birding Festival, although fairly small, was also a success.
A visit to Cairns has been a great excuse to do some birding on the Esplanade, at Redden Island and at Cattana Wetlands. Highlands have been Crimson Finch and
White-browed Crake at Cattana, and the range of migrantry waders (and the good company) along the Esplanade. Red-tailed Black Cockatoos have a real presence in
Cairns at the moment, which is a real treat.
Back in Daintree - - there have been good sightings of Noisy Pitta and Southern Cassowary at Jindalba Boardwalk, Little Kingfisher is a daily vistor on the pond at
Red Mill House, Double-eyed Fig Parrot and Barred Cuckoo-Shrike are enjoying the fruiting figs at present and large numbers of Pied Imperial Pigeons are joining the
Wompoo Fruit-Doves in enjoying the Blue Quandong fruits. The weather has been perfect, with just enough rain to keep things green.

15 AUGUST
A busy month in Daintree with perfect weather for visitors and many people spending time in Daintree to escape the southern winter. Foggy mornings and then
sunny days to 27 degrees is the norm at the moment.
Early arrival of some of the summer migrants this year with Metallic Starlings, Brown-backed Honeyeater, Pied Imperial Pigeon, Brush Cuckoo and (a passage migrant)
Satin Flycatcher all seen locally.
Some interesting birds this month on the Daintree River include Pied Heron, Wandering Whistling Ducks, Magpie Geese and Rajah Shelduck. usual sightings of Little
and Azure Kingfisher, Great-billed Heron, Papuan Frogmouth and Shining Flycatcher on the River.
Sightings of Southern Cassowary, Noisy Pitta and Rose-crowned Fruit-Dove on Jindalba Boardwalk.
Red Mill House garden has been a haven for the Little Kingfisher, Wompoo Fruit-Dove and Double-eyed Fig-Parrot. Locals pawpaws are proving a great treat each day for the
Honeyeaters, Drongos and Friarbirds.
Other local treats include Male Cicadabird along Stewart Creek Rd and Yellow-breasted Boatbill at the end of the road. There are fields with long grass with good
seedheads along Douglas Creek Rd, so good sightings of Red-backed Fairy-Wren, Golden-headed Cisticola and Tawny Grassbird amongst them.
Andrew and Trish are off to the British Birdfair, leaving today. Should be fun, and worthwhile as we encourage the British birders to visit Australia for their next birding holiday.

17 JULY
While the winter months may not be the best for large numbers of species in Daintree, they are often the best for seeing some of our more elusiive avian friends.
Less water lying around means a greater concentration of birds and colder weather means less rainforest flowers and fruits, so urban gardens are more attractive to
the nectar-feeders, particularly.
The gardens at Red Mill House have been great for Little Kingfisher, Spotted Catbird, Wompoo Fruit-Dove and Double-eyed Fig-Parrot - all sought-after Daintree birds. Other
regular visitors include Macleay's Honeyeater, Yellow Oriole, Vaired Triller, Grey Whistler and Little Shrike-Thrush.
Wonderful reports of Noisy Pitta at Jindalba Boardwalk, north of the Daintree River, as well as Southern Cassowary.
Some early returns of summer migrants this year with Metallic Starling, Brown-backed Honeyeater, Channel-billed Cuckoo and Common Koel all seen locally. A sign that
the winter is almost over for us. (Miserable down south, but fabulous weather here in the tropics)
Other birds of note include a sighting of Sooty Owl on Stewart Creek Rd, plus Yellow-breasted Boatbill and Pied Monarch at the end of the same road. Tawny Grassbird,
Golden-headed Cisticola, Red-backed Fairy-Wren and Chestnut-breasted Mannikin all seen in close proximity to each other along Douglas Creek Rd.

20 JUNE
Apologies for my tardiness. A short trip to Lockhart River and Iron Range National Park on Cape York, (Palm Cockatoo, Red-cheeked Parrot, Magnificent Riflebird, Trumpet
Manicode and others) and a visit to South West WA (my first Emu-Wren!) plus the usual goings on in Daintree have got in the way.
Cool to cold nights, but glorious sunny days in Daintree with no rain. Things are drying out, with local wetlands and dams losing their water until next wet season. Interestingly
though, the much diminished pond in the garden at Red Mill House is keeping our Little Kingfisher happy, and he is spending hours each day in town. Double-eyed Fig-Parrot,
Wompoo Fruit-Dove and Brown Cuckoo-Dove are also enjoying the garden each day.
Nice sightings of Southern Cassowary at Jindalba Boardwalk, plus Noisy Pitta in the picnic area of the same walk.
The cane harvest has started, so large numbers of kites are following the harvesters in the fields - Black Kite, Whistling Kite, Brahminy Kite are all commom.
(Lessor) Sooty Owl heard each night at Barratt Creek.
The local Pied Currawong is still hanging around town.

12 MAY
The gorgeous weather continues with cool nights, misty mornings and warm, sunny days.
The cooler months are always good for raptors and there have been nice sightings of Pacific Baza, Osprey, Brahminy Kite, Black Kite, Whistling Kite, White-bellied Sea-Eagle,
Nankeen Kestrel and Grey Goshawk . Also a report of Wedge-tailed Eagle around Daintree Village. An odd vistor in town has been a lone Pied Currawong, who has been
hanging around town with Figbirds, andwho has been around for several weeks now. Barking Owl heard early mornings in the village.
Cassowary sightings on both Jindalba and Maardja boardwalks north of the Daintree River.
Little Kingfisher is a daily visitor to the pond in the garden at Red Mill House - feeding on tiny fish.
The Daintree River has been excellent for Great-billed Heron in recent weeks and Papuan Frogmouth are becoming more regularly seen on the river cruises.

17 APRIL
At last - - beautiful weather for the last week and perfectly in time for the Easter school holiday period. 30 degrees by day and 22 at night. The ground has finally dried out,
the Daintree River is back to normal levels, the crocs are coming out to sun themselves on the banks, and lots of birds to be seen. Perfect conditions for visiting the
Great Barrier Reef as well. Everyone is happy!
The last of the summer migrants seem to have headed north, but some notable 'winter' species have arrived. Good sightings of White-eared Monarch at Barratt Creek, Sacred
Kingfisher, Satin Flycatcher, more obvious Spotted Catbird and Lovely Fairy-Wren in Daintree Village, and a family of Papuan Frogmouth also in Barratt Creek. An odd time
of the year to see see a fluffy chick, but it has been an odd season.
There have been good sightings of Little and Azure Kingfisher, both on the river and in the garden of Red Mill House. Great-billed Heron is often seen and heard in Barratt Creek.
We are still having nice looks at Yellow-breasted Boatbill at the end of Stewart Creek Rd.
Cassowary sightings have not been reliable as of late.

1 APRIL
Some finer weather in Daintree, but still some rain, most;y overnight. The days have been good for birdwatching though!
Rufous Owl in the garden at Red Mill House - mostly noticed in the early part of the evening when a poor figbird or oriole meets its demise. This yard hardly seems big
enough for this sized predator but, with plenty of trees for cover for roosting birds, he seems to do pretty well.
We have probably seen the last of the Buff-breasted Paradise Kingfisher for this season - it has been several days now since any younsters have been seen here
in the valley. There are good numbers of Forest, Azure, Little and Sacred Kingfisher s though, as well as both Laughing Kookaburra and Blue-winged Kookaburra.

An odd addition to the Daintree birdlist of late is a Pied Currawong heard chortling away and seen on Upper Daintree Rd. It has been around for a couple of weeks.
Red-backed Fairy-Wren on the fences along Douglas Creek Rd and lots of Rainbow Bee-eaters about. Always a treat!

14 MARCH
Another fabulous week of birding around Daintree Village and the region, despite the 'wet' season.
Little Kingfisher, Azure Kingfisher and an immature Buff-breasted Paradise Kingfisher at the pond of Red Mill House. Yellow-breasted Boatbill and Superb Fruit-Dove
at the end of Stewart Creek Road, Victoria's Riflebird at Juindalba Boardwalk and Double-eyed Fig-Parrots in abundance. It really is a great time of year.

4 MARCH
February was the wettest on record in Daintree Village with 1640ml of rain, bringing the year's (2 months!) total to 2117ml by the end of the month. We endured Cyclone
Yasi who, fortunately for us, crossed the coast south of Cairns, causing minimal damage here in Daintree. Red Mill House, particularly, fared well - it seems the small hill
behind us protects us from the strongest winds. The house was built in the 1920s and is still standing in it's original state - great design and great location!

We had a month away visiting family and friends in Western Australia - fabulous birds in the south west corner and although we missed the Noisy Scrubbird, we saw many
of the endemics of that part of the country. An extremely diverse area in plantlife and habitats and well worth a visit.

Back in Daintree, the weather has improved and visitors are coming. The 'wet' season is always best for birding, despite the sometimes-rainy conditions. The summer
migrants are all still here, including the Buff-breasted Paradise Kingfisher. The Little Kingfisher and Azure Kingfisher are also more visible as the breeding season come
to an end. Both have been seen on the pond at Red Mill House in recent days. Also in the garden is Australasian Koel, Double-eyed Fig-Parrot, Wompoo Fruit-Dove,
Yellow Oriole and others. A short, late afternoon walk with guests along Stewart Creek Rd from Daintree Village was very productive with Channel-billed Cuckoo, Little Bronze
Cuckoo and female Australian Koel, plus a range of birds foraging for insects in the afternoon sun - Grey Whistler, Spectacled Monarch, Leaden Flycatcher, Fairy Gerygone,
Graceful, Macleay's and Yellow-spotted Honeyeater, Mistletoebird, Olive-backed Sunbird, Spangled Drongo, and Varied Triller. Others, chasing fruit, included Brown-Cuckoo Dove,
Figbird and Wompoo Fruit-Dove. A lovely walk and great introduction to the UK birders who had just arrived.

23 JANUARY 2011
Apologies for the delays in reporting. A dramatic start to the year in many parts of Queensland with extensive flooding in early January, causing much
damage and heartache. Tropical North Queensland escaped the floods and is experiencing normal rainfall patterns for this time of year. In Daintree,
we've been fortunate to have rain every day, but not enough to create any problems, so it's business as usual.
Nice bird sightings, as expected at this time of year, throughout the Daintree valley. Little Kingfisher seen feeding young at Maardja Boardwalk, Buff-breasted
Paradise Kingfisher also feeding young at Jindalba Boardwalk. Sacred Kingfisher in the She-oaks along Myall Beach.
Good sightings of herons on the Daintree River - Great-billed Heron, Striated Heron and Nankeen Night-Heron. A flock of eight Channel-billed Cuckoo in
Daintree Village this morning, plus Brush Cuckoo and Little Bronze-Cuckoo. Rajah Shelduck regularly seen on or near the River.
The empty pond at the local fish farm has had Red-capped Plover as well as the usual Red-necked Stint, Pacific Golden Plover, Sharp-tailed Sandpiper, Common Sandpiper,
Black-winged Stilt, Blzck-fronted Dotterel et al.

23 DECEMBER
Another year almost gone, and to date 4.4 metres of rain have fallen in Daintree Village for the year. An amazing amount of water!
Local Daintree birding continues to be good with good sightings of Buff-breasted Paradise Kingfisher along Sewart Creek Rd, along with
Double-eyed Fig-Parrot, Cicadabird, Dollarbird and Wompoo Fruit-Dove.
The Daintree River has yielded sightings of Great-billed Heron, Azure Kingfisher, Black Bittern and Rajah Shelducks.
A Happy Christmas to all from the Daintree Birdwatching team, and happy travels in the year ahead.

4 DECEMBER
More rain throughout the Daintree region - now over 4 metres for the year. Birding-wise, we have been fortunate that mostly it has rained at night
and cleared up during the day.
A quick trip to Jindalba boardwalk during the week, looking for a reported family of Rufous Owl, didn't yield the owls, but gave us good looks
at Southern Cassoawary with two chicks. They weren't bothered by our presence as they wandered close by feeding, and then stopped to preen, before
wandering off. A lovely sight! Spotted Catbird, Wompoo Fruit-Dove, Pied Monarch and Buff-breasted Paradise Kingfisher also near the boardwalk.
Reports of Victoria's Riflebird at Maardja Boardwalk.

21 NOVEMBER
The "wet" dry is back with us yet again - another 200ml falling in the last few days. All adding to the mystique of living in the "Wet Tropics"!! Buff-breasted Paradise Kingfisher
and Cassowary are being spotted north of the Daintree River but guests risking the venture, are having to be rescued because of flooded creek crossings. A peek through the
wire (please don't enter the property) at the Salt Water Barra Farm revealed a Grey-tailed Tattler and a Red-necked Stint mixed amoung the usual "Commons", "Sharpies",
Black-winged Stilts and Dotterals. A family of Radjah Shell Ducks (Mum, Dad and 4 chicks) can be seen on one of the ponds along with a pair of Wandering Whistling Ducks.
Those braving the soggy experiences on the Daintree River are getting plenty of Black Bittern. Pale-vented Bush Hen spotted on Stewart Creek Road.

7 NOVEMBER
A wonderful couple of weeks birding in and around Daintree, with regular sightings of the Southern Cassowary north of the Daintree River, and numerous
sightings daily of Buff-breasted Paradise Kingfisher along Stewart Creek Rd near Daintree Village.
Other birds of note include nesting Papuan Frogmouth, both on the river and above the vegie garden at Wild Wings and Swampy Things. Shining Flycatchers
are also nesting and can be well seen from Maardja Boardwalk. Wompoo Fruit-Dove nesting in the garden at Red Mill House, and Black Bittern nests seen
from the Daintree River.
Channel-billed Cuckoo and Little Bronze Cuckoo regular vistors in Daintree Village at present.

18 OCTOBER
Great news with the Buff-breasted Paradise Kingfisher arriving early this year - from October 15th. A single bird seen at Jindalba Boardwalk, then
11 heard in the Daintree valley the following morning. Much excitement all round! Several more birds heard along Stewart Creek Rd the following day,
then Julatten and yesterday a total of five Buff-breasted Paradise-Kingfisher seen again at Jindalba. The assumption is that some are passing through
on their way further south, and some are dropping off to stay. It is 2 weeks earlier than usual - maybe indicitive of the unusual wet 'dry' season we have
been having.
Wonderful birds on the Daintree River this morning - Great-billed Heron (3 birds), Papuan Frogmouth, Wompoo Fruit-Dove, Black Bittern, Double-eyed
Fig-Parrot and many more.

13 OCTOBER
A few fine and warm days at last and, apart from the Buff-breasted Paradise Kingfisher, the summer migrants all seem to be about.
The calls of Brush Cuckoo, Koel, Channel-billed Cuckoo and Cicadabird greet us each morning, Black Bittern is being seen on the Daintree River,
Flocks of Metallic Starling with their first juveniles of the season are zipping about, Dollarbird is back on the power lines, Brown-backed Honeyeater
are noisily nesting amongst the paper-barks, and large numbers of Pied Imperial Pigeons are feeding on rainforest trees each day.
So much tall grass and surface water around in the valleys - it has made for interesting birding in Daintree. Bush Hen, Red-necked Crake and
Buff-banded Rail have been vocal and obvious, and sizeable numbers of Red-backed Fairy-Wren, Golden-headed Cisticola and mannikins are
being easily seen in the Daintree Valley
A pair of Grey Goshawk (white morph) along Upper Daintree Rd.

2 OCTOBER
The wet weather continues in Daintree, but so does the birding!
There have been reported sightings of Blue-faced Parrot-Finch along upper Daintree Rd, but we haven't had any success. Nice views of King Quail,
Golden-headed Cisticoloa, Chestnut-breasted Mannikin, Grey Goshawk, Brahminy Kite, Black-shouldered Kite, Forest Kingfisher, Australian Pipit
and many others though, while we were looking! It's always fun looking!
Some lovely birds on the Daintree River with Black Bittern having returned for the season and Papuan Frogmouth, Wompoo Fruit-Dove and
Double-eyed Fig-Parrot all nesting. Australasian Koel, Brush Cuckoo, Channel-billed Cuckoo, Little Bronze-Cuckoo all calling madly.
Good sightings of Southern Cassowary still, north of the Daintree River.

14 SEPTEMBER
All settled in again to a wet 'dry' season - at least everything is lush and green!
Fabulous birds around Daintree at present. The Barramundi ponds at Wonga have Black-winged Stilt, Rajah Shelduck, Common Sandpiper, Sharp-tailed Sandpiper,
Grey-tailed Tattler, Black-fronted Dotterel as well as the usual collection of egrets, lapwings and hopeful raptors. Osprey on the tower at Wonga also.
Lovely Fairy-Wren, Cicadabird and Brush Cuckoo around Daintree Village.
Little Kingfisher, Azure Kingfisher Wompoo Fruit-Dove, Great-billed Heron and many others on the Daintree River.
Southern Cassowary seen north of the Daintree River at Jindalba Boardwalk.

4 SEPTEMBER
Where to start?
A whirwind trip to the UK to attend the British Birdfair and organise the Australian Birdwatching stand there. A fabulous event, and one every birder should experience.
7 marquees with displays from around the world plus lectures and events throughout the three day weekend. Don't forget the two optics marquees with the opportunity to
try every telescope and pair of bins that are produced, looking at the myriad of birds on Rutland Water. It was a great opportunity to meet up with old friends and really
encourage the Brits to visit Australia. We were supported by birders from Tasmania and WA plus three generalists, which gave us the ability to answer everyone's
questions and move people through fairly quickly. Official numbers aren't out yet, but it seems that at least 20, 000 people attended this year's British Birdfair. It was extremely
busy and a great deal of fun!

Back at home - the weather is doing us no favours in Daintree over the last couple of weeks, with "Wet Season" type rains.
Some great birds though, with the spring and summer migrants coming through. Pied Imperial Pigeon, Metallic Starling, Brown-backed Honeyeater, Brush Cuckoo,
Channel-billed Cuckoo all being seen locally. Some lovely birds in the Daintree Valley as well - Rainbow Bee-eater, Sacred and Forest Kingfishers, Australain Pipit,
Golden-headed Cisticola, White-bellied Sea-Eagle, Grey Goshawk, Whistling Kite and several others all seen along Upper Daintree Rd. Red-backed Fairy-Wren on
Douglas Creek Rd.Wonderful for our Japanese wildlife photographers.
Wompoo Fruit-Dove, Brown Cuckoo-Dove, Double-eyed Fig-Parrot (excavating a nest), Azure Kingfisher, Spotted Catbird and Red-necked Crake all seen in the garden
at Red Mill House during the week.

A quick trip to Cairns during the week and a stop at Cattana Wetlands yielded Crimson Finch, and then at Centenary Lakes, the Little Kingfisher. A few more
migratory shorebirds are returning to the Esplanade as well , much to the delight of the Cairns birders. Cairns has some excellent spots for birding - one of
the messages we tried to give at the Birdfair.

Sean Dooley - Australia's best known birder has been back to TNQ in the past couple of weeks and this week his wonderful article about the Bird Trails of Tropical Qld
has been published in the Qanats In-flight magazine.We are fortunate to have his support.

14 AUGUST
Some great sightings in the last fortnight for birdwatchers in Daintree.
Rufous Owl seen devouring a Yellow Oriole in the garden at Red Mill House and then heard calling a couple of nights later.
(Lesser) Sooty Owl calling and seen feeding young in the gully near Barratt Creek.
Red-necked Crake calling nightly along Stewart St in Daintree Village.
Cicadabird calling, heralding the change of seasons.
Little Kingfisher on the pond at Red Mill House each day.
Channel-blled Cuckoo seen and heard in Daintree Village

Andrew and Trish from Red Mill House head to the British Birdfair on Monday, and are very much looking forward to it. Meeting lots of new people and selling
birdwatching in Australia, plus catching up with old guests and fellow travellers. Reports and photos to follow. The British Birdfair website has Birdfair TV which
will be wandering around the Fair throughout the weekend. We may be on TV!!!

1 AUGUST 2010
Excellent winter bird sightings continue in Daintree, with a good range of birds over different habitats:
- Red Mill House garden - daily visits from the Little Kingfisher, Double-eyed Fig-Parrot, Wompoo Fruit-Dove, Spotted Catbird and Brown Cuckoo-Dove
- Daintree River - Great-billed Heron, Papuan Frogmouth, Little Kingfisher
- Daintree Village - Channel-billed Cuckoo, Azure Kingfisher, Mateallic Starlings in large numbers
- Riverhome walks - Papuan Frogmouth
- Jindalba Boardwalk - Noisy Pitta, Wompoo Fruit-Dove, Pied Monarch
- Maardja Boardwalk - Southern Cassowary
- Mossman Gorge (Gorge Community walk) - Southern Cassowary

23 JULY
Late news - Great-billed Heron and Channel-billed Cuckoo spotted near the Daintree Jetty in the late afternoon.

Very ordinary weather over the last fortnight, but some great birds in Daintree.
The Little Kingfisher has been making daily apprearances in the pond at Red Mill House and a pair of Spotted Catbird are enjoyiing the fruit offered in the gardens.
Southern Cassowary has been seen regularly near Noah Creek and Maardja boardwalk and Noisy Pitta is still being seen or heard along Jindalba boardwalk.
Great-billed Heron, Papuan Frogmouth and Little Kingfisher along the Daintree River and Black-necked Stork seen flying over the fields of the Daintree Valley.
Metallic Starlings seem to have returned in reasonable numbers and can be seen around Daintree Village.
Large numbers of Double-eyed Fig-Parrots are feeding locally, but seem to be difficult for the birdwatchers in Daintree to get a good look at.

10 JULY
Metallic Starlings!! A small flock of Metallic Starlings zipping through the garden at Red Mill House. Very early, if they have returned from New Guinea for breeding.

10 JULY
Daintree has caravan park/camping ground again!!!!! Peter and Sally Maher have taken over at Daintree River View - Call Sally on 0409 627434 for bookings.

7 JULY
A busy month for Daintree with lots of visitors in town. Drizzly weather, but still warm and with mild nights.
Some great bird sightings in the gardens of Red Mill House with Azure Kingfisher, Victoria's Riflebird, Spotted Catbird, Little Bronze Cuckoo, Wompoo Fruit-Dove and Double-eyed Fig-Parrot all see in the garden. The honeyeaters are busy with the Caliandra flowers and whatever bananas and black sapote that they can find.
The Daintree River has been good in the mornings for Great-billed Heron, Little Kingfisher and Papuan Frogmouth. Papuan Frogmouth also seen regularly on the walk at Riverhome in the Daintree Valley.
Sightings of Southern Cassowary and Noisy Pitta north of the Daintree River.
The Eclectus Parrot is still being seen from time to time - most often over Daintree Village or near the ferry crossing.

21 JUNE
Much cooler nights and misty mornings as winter descends on Daintree. We are fortunate that our winter days still give us 25 plus degree days.
An early cruise on the Daintree River on Saturday yielded 5 adult Great-billed Heron - 2 pairs in Stewart Creek and one solo on the river. Fabulous birds! To see them standing, preening and calling is a great sight. Little Kingfisher and Azure Kingfisher also seen along the river.
Black-necked Stork and Black-winged Stilt at the local barramundi farm and a pair of Brahminy Kite along the Daintree River. The sugar cane harvest season (The Crush) has started and large numbers of raptors are enjoying the pickings from the fields - Black Kite and Whistling Kite in particular.

19 JUNE
An unusual visitor to the Daintree. A female Eclectus Parrot - an escapee and sadly not much chance of survival unless it can be re-captured.

12 JUNE
A wonderful couple of days away during the week, with our old friend Ron Stannard, visiting Lotusbird Lodge and the lower part of Cape York. Very tempting to just keep driving because the conditions are perfect at the moment with the road in excellent condition, plenty of water laying around and ideal temperatures for travelling. The birdlife was terrific, and while we didn't see the Golden-shouldered Parrot, we did manage to find the Red Goshawk.. More importantly for us was seeing the classic savanna landscape and it's birds like Red-tailed Back Cockatoo, Brolga, Australian Bustard, Black-necked Stork, Pale-headed Rosella, Green Pygmy Goose, Wandering Whisting Duck, Blue-winged Kookaburra, Black-backed Butcherbird, three species of Finch and many, many more.
Lotusbird Lodge has wonderful facilities and is situated on a series of beautiful lagoons near the northern edge of Lakefield National Park. We would highly recommend a stay there, and hosts Gary and Sue are delightful and generous people. A fun time!

Good birds in Daintree as well, with Little Kingfisher, Great-billed Heron and Papuan Frogmouth all along the Daintree River. Lovely Fairy-Wren along Stewart Creek Rd along with lots of insect eaters in the late afternoon sun - Fairy Gerygone, Little Shrike-Thrush, Leaden Flycatcher, Spectacled Monarch, Varied Triller and Victoria's Riflebird all feeding together yesterday afternoon. Great iews of these birds for our visiting birdwatchers to Daintree.

7 JUNE
Glorious dry and warm weather, reminding us why we all live in Daintree.
Some excellent birds on the Daintree River, with Little Kingfisher, Papuan Frogmouth, Great-billed Heron and Axure Kingfisher, Top-knot Pigeon and all the regulars..
Afternoon Stewart Creek Rd walks have given us Lovely Fairy-Wren, Spotted Catbird, Victoria's Riflebird, Rufous Fantail and Fairy Gerygone amongst others.
Black-necked Stork, Nankeen Kestrel, Blue-winged Kookaburra and Osprey all seen in or over the fields between Daintree and Wonga. The cane harvest will be starting in the next week or so, so increased raptor activity is expected!
Noisy Pitta seen in the carpark area of Jindalba Boardwalk north of the Daintree River.

8 MAY
An "early morning special" this morning to capture on film the magnificient Daintree River at sunrise. Glen from Daintree River Experience had us in position off "Pig Island" at 0615 for the absolutely priceless sight. As if that needed topping, we then cruised up stream to see what birdlife was about. First to appear was a Little Kingfisher that led us straight to the fantastic sight of two Papuan Frogmouth roosting just above the river. As we proceded up river we were greeted with the spectacle of hundreds of Cattle Egrets taking to the wing to begin their day of foraging. A quiet glide up Stewart Creek then yeilded up one of the highlights of the morning - a Great-billed Heron gracefully winged it's way passed before perching high above us enabling camera man Rob to collect some incredible footage. Time to head home but the day was not yet done! Azure Kingfisher, Nankeen Night Heron, Striated Heron, Wompoo Fruit-Dove, Black-necked Stork and a flock of Plumed Whistling-Ducks all added to the day. The last leg up Barrett Creek presented us with the sight of a Double-eyed Fig Parrot escavating a nesting site and a Female Victoria's Riflebird plucking bark from the same tree. An extremely pleasant outing!!

27 MAY
A great visit to Jindalba Boardwalk today gave us excellent views of Noisy Pitta in the picnic area, and we heard at least two other birds. It stayed close to us feeding, long enough for other visitors walking the trails to stop and see. Very exciting! Rose-crowned Fruit-Dove, Wompoo Fruit-Dove, Pale-yellow Robin, Spectacled Monarch and others seen - as often is the case, the carpark was the best birding.
A few excellent sightings locally with Great-billed Heron feeding in the shallows near Stewart Creek Bridge at low tide, Barking Owl on the road near Crossroads Cafe, Wedge-tailed Eagle at Miallo and Blue-winged Kookaburra near the tower in Daintree Village. Lots of Bush Stone-Curlew around town, a couple of reaming Channel-billed Cuckoo still in town, and Pied Monarch and Spotted Catbird in the garden at Red Mill House.
I had a week in Albany, Western Australia, visiting my mother and had some excellent birding with Red-backed Fairy-Wren, White-breasted Robin,Red-eared Firetail, Western Spinebill and many other WA birds. Very different to the lowland rainforests of Daintree! One of the great pleasures of birding is taking your hobby to new places

16 MAY
A brisk early morning walk down the Stewart Creek Bridge presented us with one of the reasons why Daintree is increasingly becoming a must stay destination for the visiting birdwatcher. A Great-billed Heron in flight through light early morning mist. The bird came to perch on a branch not 10 metres from where we stood (motionless, transfixed) and then proceded to give it's characteristic call. After several minutes it seemed to sense our presence, but continued to sit quietly. Unfortunatley, no camera, so pictures.
Earlier in the week we took a wonderful walk through the restored and revegetated lands of Wild WIngs and Swampy Things to see the progress with the wetlands and rainforest following this year's wet season. Incredible growth in the reveg plots, both older and new, and some good fruiting and flowering in some of the young trees. No sign a their Cassowary for a while, but good sightings of Victoria's Riflebird, Spotted Catbird, Lovely Fairy-Wren, Golden Whistler and Grey Whistler, Spectacled Monarch and many more birds while we were there. It is extremely pleasing for Barbara and Alan, after so many years of hard work. We would recommend a guided walk through the property to anyone.

9 MAY
Some great sightings this week with three female Victoria's Riflebird seen along Stewart Creek Rd this afternoon, along with Grey Goshawk, Black-faced Monarch, Shining Flycatcher, Fairy Gerygone, Grey Whistler and Osprey, and all the regulars. A Peregrine Falcon was watched by the locals during the week, also along Stewart Creek Rd, making a great feed from a Cattle Egret.The Channel-billed Cuckoos seem have have disappeared for the season, but more monarchs, flycatchers and raptors seem to be about. Rainbow Bee-eater and Dollarbird still about.
Excellent sightings of Southern Cassowary, a male with three chicks, in the orchard at the Icecream Company north of the Daintree River.
Barking Owl heard in Daintree Village and two nights ago, a Rufous Owl seen attacking, and then eating, a female Figbird in the garden at Red Mill House. Little Kingfisher still seen regularly in the pond.

A big day out for the Daintree Birdwatching team this week with a day exploring the dryer country of Julatten, Mareeba, Granite Gorge and Mount Carbine. Some great birds and a lot of fun. 86 species, including some classics like Galah, Apostlebird, Australian Magpie and Pied Butcherbird, which we just don't get to see in Daintree.

2 MAY 2010
A n hour's drive along Upper Daintree Rd this afternoon was very rewarding with wonderful views of large numbers of some of our brightest birds - Forest Kingfisher and Rainbow Bee-Eater feeding on the wing, White-breasted Woodswallow sitting on the fenceposts and White-rumped Swiflet flying low to the ground. Brightly coloured Black-fronted Dotterel and Masked Lapwing, and Great Egret and Straw-necked Ibis, Royal Spoonbill and Australian White Ibis also feeding in the fields. Azure Kingfisher and, to our delight, Great-billed Heron from the bridge at Stewart Creek.
Papuan Frogmouth and Peregrine Falcon seen from the Daintree River this morning.
Little Kingfisher on the pond at Red Mill House and Chanel-billed Cuckoos in large numbers still being seen about Daintree Village

21 APRIL
Daily sightings of the Little Kingfisher and Azure Kingfisher on the pond at Red Mill House.
Spotted Catbird, Fairy Gerygone, Cicadabird, Macleay's Honeyeater and Channel-billed Cuckoos all seen along Stewart Creek Rd. The first of the Lewin's Honeyeaters have been heard on the lowlands, which indicates that the seasons are changing. Likewise, a reported sighting of Satin Flycatcher in the Mossman area.
Black Bittern, Great-billed Heron, Little Kingfisher, Topknot Pigeon, Wompoo Fruit-Dove and Shining Flycatcher all seen on the Daintree River.
It seems the last of the juvenile Buff-breasted Paradise Kingfishers have finally left for New Guinea. There have been no sightings now for a couple of days.
Good views of Southern Cassowary in the orchard at the Icecream Company, north of the Daintree River.

14 APRIL
The Little Kingfisher has finally returned to the pond in the garden at Red Mill House!!
After almost a year's absence, we are seeing the Little Kingfisher feeding in the pond every day and it seems quite happy doing so, despite sharing the pond with a pair of Azure Kingfishers.
A quick trip on the Daintree River yesterday afternoon gave good views of another Little Kingfisher, an Osprey with a small rodent and a lovely pair of Brahminy Kite, one of which was spread out in the hot sand on the bank, having a great sand bath. Also seen lately on the Daintree Rriver are Black Bittern, Great-billed Heron, Wompoo Fruit-Dove and Azure Kingfisher.
Large numbers of Channel-billed Cuckoo are still being seen every day, flying back and forth over Daintree Village and the river. Even non-birders are asking what they are?
Another sighting of a Cassowary on the southern side of the Daintree River.

7 APRIL
So much rain!!!
Over 1 metre of rain in the past fortnigh in Daintree, including one day with 318mm. Day after day, and very soggy underfoot. The Daintree River has been in mild -moderate flood for over a week, with the bridge over Barratt Creek being impassible on two consecutive Sundays. Not much fun for visitors unfortunately as people are limited with their activities.

The good news however - is that the rain has finally gone! Thesun is out and the birds are out in full force today with a flock of Channel-billed Cuckoo in Daintree Village (20+), good numbers of Rainbow Bea-Eater feeding on the wing, Dollarbird, Spangled Drongo, Common Koel, flocks of low-flying White-rumped Swiftlet, Azure Kingfisher and some remaining juvenile Buff-breasted Paradise Kingfisher seen along Stewart Creek Rd. Add to that the regular flocks of Rainbow Lorikeets, Olive-backed Sunbird. Yellow Oriole, a range of Honeyeaters. It is great to get back outside again to do some birding.

Reported sighting of Red-rumped Swallow at Newell Beach, which is late.

20 MARCH
Fortunately the latest cyclone on the Queensland coast went well south of Townsville last night, so no ill effects here in Far North Queensland.
Some great birds here in Daintree with sightings of female Victoria's Riflebird and Spotted Catbird feeding close to each other along Stewart Creek Rd, just around the bend from Daintree Village and Buff-breasted Paradise Kingfisher just along a little further. Three excellent birds.
Little Kingfisher, Azure Kingfisher, Black Bittern and Great-billed Heron all seen on the Daintree River and Southern Cassowary spotted near the Daintree Discovery Centre. Cassowary also sighted picking fruit from the ground in a local orchard!
Channel-billed Cuckoo, Magpie Geese, Wandering Whistling Duck and Bush Stone-Curlew all seen along the banks of the Daintree River during afternoon walks..
Double-eyed Fig-Parrot and Azure Kingfisher are regulars in the garden of Red Mill House.

12 MARCH
Some excellent rains, mixed with days of beautiful, hot, sunny weather - can't complain!
A great early morning trip on the Daintree River during the week. Brahminy Kite, Azure Kingfiisher, Shining Flycatcher and lots of others. A pair of Great-Billed Heron finishing off a nest and calling madly to each other - an extraordinary sight.
Rufous Owl in the garden at Red Mill House. Let's hope he doesn't find our Striped Possum!

7 MARCH
How nice to be home!!
3 months in Argentina and 327 birds, of which probably 320 were new! Not bad we thought, considering we only had two days of guiding in that time and spent an awful lot of time hiking, sightseeing, sailing, driving, eating, drinking, museuming and all those other holiday delights, as well as birding. Interestingly enough, we didn't meet any other birders along the way except for in the first couple of days in Beunos Aires. That was very helpful. Some great birds like Toucans, Macaws, Woodpeckers, Tanagers, Hummimgbirds and all those other groups we don't have here in Australia. Argentina is a wonderfully diverse country - we loved it and would recommend it to anyone. Trip report to follow. If anyone needs maps, books or other information, please just ask.
How nice to be home!!
Our first morning walk along Stewart Creek Rd and we get to hear and see all our old familiar favourites - Buff-breasted Paradise Kingfisher, Azure Kingfisher, Black Bittern, Great-billed Heron, Channel-billed Cuckoo, Yellow Oriole, Wompoo Fruit-Dove and the rest - 37 species, without looking too hard.
Other sightings around Daintree Village include Magpie Goose and regular sightings of a female Cassowary.
The garden at Red Mil House has been visited by the Azure Kingfisher, Little Bronze Cuckoo and Pied Monarch in recent days, and Barking Owl was heard early one morning. Almost certainly a Rufous Owl having taken a Figbird a couple of nights ago.
'Todo bien' as they say - All good!!

26FEBRUARY
Well at last we have had a reasonable amount of consistent rain here in the Daintree Valley.Without a good drenching over the wet season the scenery and rainforest we all love would wither and die and all the fantastic plants and animals that make this part of Australia so unique would disappear. The Daintree Valley is looking green and lush and the Daintree River has a good flow to it, enough to clean out some of the rubbish that builds up over the dry season. The frogs are having a good time at the moment and a Japanese guest at Red Mill House managed to photograph 8 species of amphibian in a couple of nights. Birds are still busy feeding young or feeding themselves up ready for the big flight back to New Guinea. Koel and Channel-billed Cuckoo are still shouting at each other, whilst Buff-breasted Paradise Kingfisher are calling from the trees in between hunting forays.Red-necked Crakes have been calling around Daintree Village but the little skulkers have been very hard to see. Little Kingfishers are being seen more regularly now but are still not on the pond at Red Mill House, we were hoping one would show up for the return of Andrew and Trish this week.

21 FEBRUARY
As we approach the end of February the first reports of fledged Buff -breasted Paradise Kingfishers are filtering out of the Daintree Valley. One of the good things about this is that the adults tend to be easier to see when they are feeding young out in the open. So you get to see two things at once, good views of the birds themselves and also interesting behaviour in feeding of the young. Good news from Daintree Village, there have been a few sightings of Cassowary this side of the river. Presumably pressure of finding enough food at this time of year has pushed the birds out of the surrounding hills to forage on local properties. With luck the Cassowary will hang around and not be hassled by any of the local dogs. Also we are starting to get regular reports of Little Kingfisher from the boat cruises on the Daintree River so hopefully they have bred successfully and will soon be seen back on the pond at Red Mill House. We were out on the river the other day, around midday, and were lucky enough to see one of the really big crocodiles, up a creek, sunbathing on a bank. It was 4.5 to 5m in length and was probably either Scarface or the big boss, Fat Albert. Which ever one it was I was not going to dive in and arm wrestle with it just to find out its name.

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.