Tropical North Queensland - again!

A winter trip north is always a favourite and this year we decided to travel to Cairns and Lake Eacham on the Atherton Tablelands, without the camper trailer. A last minute decision also added a couple of nights at Daintree Village. As usual, the main motivation for this trip was to do some serious bird photography in some lovely spots.

Daintree Village

14 – 16 June 2017

A reported sighting of spotted whistling ducks on the Daintree River had us heading there first. An early start and a very leisurely drive up the highway and we still had time to go out to The Boulders just out of Babinda, for a picnic lunch. This is a very popular spot and there were lots of people enjoying the surrounds even though it was mid-week.

After enjoying the beautiful coastal drive north of Cairns we arrived at Daintree and checked into the lodge at the caravan park. Our room was perhaps the best on offer – the last one in the row, with uninterrupted views of the river. The lodge consists of a number of ensuite guest rooms and a communal cooking/dining/lounge area on the expansive deck. The views are fabulous too!

The spacious deck of the lodge.

The view from our verandah.

 We spent the afternoon in and around the village and then ventured across the road to the pub for dinner.

From our balcony we saw a native White-tailed Rat gnawing coconuts.

We saw a couple of White-lipped Tree Frogs around the lodge building.

Nutmeg Manikin near our room.

We were booked onto a wildlife cruise in the afternoon so spent the next morning looking for birds along the roads “up river”. We drove along Stewart’s Creek and Upper Daintree Roads, with only moderate success. Back at the lodge I spotted the whistling ducks paddling down the river towards us.  Out with the camera and Mick was well pleased. Later in the day we met out guide, Ian, for the 4:00pm wildlife cruise. Some boat tours are designed specifically for those wanting to spot crocodiles and others are more suited to bird watchers and those interested in other wildlife. Some leave from the boat ramp at the village and others from a tour centre a few kilometres down the road.

A favourite thing to do here is to drive along Upper Daintree Road and see what birds are about. There is usually plenty of Rainbow Bee Eaters and Forest Kingfishers around but you never know what might turn up. Mick.

It was overcast for most of our visit.

Cattle Egrets

Rainbow Bee Eater

Willy Wagtail

Like a bird on a wire... exactly. Tree Martin.

Once out on the river we saw lots of birds, some snakes and a few crocs as well. We spotted the ducks and Mick was able to get a few good photos although they wouldn’t turn their heads and smile for the camera.

We didn't spend much time with the Spotted Whistling Duck but I ended up with a record shot.

Seven of the eight ducklings the pair were raising in this dangerous place.

This is what most visitors to the Daintree want to see. We saw four or five individuals on this trip.

Forest Kingfisher

Forest Kingfisher

Christie takes a photo of a female croc on the bank.

The cruise took us a fair way up Barratt Creek looking for kingfishers and big crocodiles.

The sun begins to set, signaling time to head back to the jetty.

Cairns

16 - 19 June 2017

We left Daintree in the morning for the drive south to Cairns. We had plenty of time so we took our time packing up and called in to Port Douglas for morning tea. We stopped for lunch on the Esplanade in Cairns before making our way to our accommodation – an apartment further down the Esplanade.

Not a great view but an excellent location.

We spent the next few days doing some of our favourite things – a couple of long walks along the Esplanade, a drive out to Centenary Lakes and a walk around and a visit to the Mangrove Boardwalk. Each of these places have the potential for good bird photography.

Pacific Black Duck

A Striated Heron grabs a snack.

At Centenary Lakes we found Radjah Shelduck.

Radjah Shelduck

Grey-tailed Tattlers all in a row.

Some of the usual birds seen along the Esplanade. Gull-billed Tern

Eastern Curlew

The Whimbrel is similar to the Eastern Curlew though smaller and with a shorter beak.

Terek Sandpiper. This bird's broken bill probably prevents it from gaining enough condition for the annual northern migration.

Cairns waterfront.

Cairns waterfront.

We were entertained by a talented busker as we walked the Cairns Esplanade.

One of the many tourist boats comes in.

After three lovely days in Cairns it was time to set off for our next destination – Lake Eacham on the Atherton Tablelands. We used our superpower for this one – the ability to take all day to get a short distance. The trip via Kuranda is about 115 kilometres and should take approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes. With our superpower we took over 5 hours! Well, we did stop at the Mangrove Boardwalk and spent a good bit of time walking around looking for birds (and being bitten by sandflies despite the insect repellent). We also stopped for morning tea and a look at the op-shop in Kuranda, and for a picnic lunch and a look at the op-shops in Mareeba, and for groceries and a look at the op-shops in Atherton.

Female Shining Flycatcher.

Lake Eacham

19 - 22 June

We have stayed in many different places on the Atherton Tablelands over the last 35 years, and I think we have found our new favourite. Crater Lakes Rainforest Cottages at Lake Eacham suited us perfectly. The owners John and Jenny are welcoming and knowledgeable about the local wildlife, which is abundant. Mick had hoped to see the Victoria's Riflebird - displaying if possible, so we were allocated the cottage with the best chance for a photo.

The back deck of our cabin.

No sooner had we settled in than the birds appeared, looking for the mealworms which are provided so visitors can feed them with something appropriate. We were also provided with pellets to feed the other creatures which included pademelons and Musky rat-kangaroos.

Rufous Fantail

The light was very low but I managed to get some reasonable shots of the Victoria's Riflebird.

Male Victoria's Riflebird displaying. Getting far enough back from the action was problem with the 500mm lens.

A female riflebird mistakes Christie for a tree.

Bridled Honeyeater

Lewin's Honeyeater

Spotted Catbird

Musky Rat-kangaroo

Musky Rat-kangaroo

The weather wasn't great, but the location was perfect so apart from a quick trip into Malanda one day, and Yungaburra the next, we spent most of the time just enjoying the surroundings.

At night the cabin was snug and warm despite the cold and rain.

After a relaxing short trip away we headed home  and back to Townsville's warmer weather. No need for the fire at home!