Daintree Wildlife Bulletin

The Daintree Wildlife Bulletin includes a comment on what wildlife can be observed around the Daintree Village or out on the river on a dawn cruise.

 


 

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Wildlife Bulletin Archive

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Daintree Wildlife Bulletin

16th January 2012. Lots of nesting birds. With a little bit of rain finally arriving this 'Wet', numerous small birds such as Shining Flycatchers are nesting.

8th January 2012. Crippling views of Great-billed Heron. Highlight of the cruise this morning were repeated views of the most sought after bird on the river, including a juvenile bird foraging on the muddy riverbank at low tide.

7th January 2012. Fledged 'Croc-bird' and misty scenery. Today it was good to see the recently fledged Great-billed Heron foraging clumsily as well as incredibly beautiful unseasonably misty scenery on the river.

6th January 2012. Happy New Year. Today was the first trip of the first trip of the year with Papuan Frogmouth chicks a highlight.

20th December 2011. Reptile Bonaza and fledged 'Croc-bird'. Continuing the unusual reptile sightings this week, five species were seen on the cruise this morning. Most unusual was a small Amethystine Python. It was also very pleasing to see this years' recently fledged Great-billed Heron.

18th December 2011. Highlight on the river today was observing a rarely seen water python (Liasis fuscus) eating a Green Tree Snake (Dendrelaphis punctulata).

7th December 2011. Good morning on the river with Great-billed Heron, Black Bittern, and Papuan Frogmouth starring.

25th November 2011. Spotted Whistling-ducks! Today these very rare ducks were sighted on the river for the first time ever! They are actually a Papua New Guinean species that has been slowly increasing its range into Australia for the last dozen years.

15th November 2011. Paradise Kingfishers, Black Bittern and Papuan Frogmouth have been the stars of cruises on the river in the last month. Kingfishers can be regularly heard in the by-wash and several pair of Frogmouth are nesting along the river.

27th October 2011. Low tide bonanza. Low tide on the river over the last couple of days has provided some great nature viewing. Great views of Great-billed Heron, Black Bittern and Bush-hen.

19th October 2011. Water everywhere. Heavy rain in the last day or two after a long dry spell produced a minor flood of the river this morning.

18th October 2011. Black Bittern are being increasingly seen on morning cruises. Increasing numbers of koel are also being seen. Brush Cuckoos are also being heard.

17th October 2011. Return of the Kingfisher. The first migratory Buff-breasted Paradise-kingfishers have been heard in the area, signalling the start of their summer residence in FNQ after spending the winter in Papua New Guinea. The Spotted Whistling-ducks (noted 25/10) are still present in Wonga Beach.

6th October 2011. Papuan Frogmouths have now started to nest on the river. Meanwhile increasing water temperature is making crocodiles increasing difficult to view on the river.

30th September 2011. Terrific morning on the river aided by a very low tide. Great views were obtained of Great-billed Heron, Little Kingfisher, Azure Kingfisher and Shining Kingfisher.

25th September 2011. Rare Vagrants. This week Wonga Beach has played host to very rare ducks - Spotted Whistling-ducks. These ducks are from PNG but have been residents of Weipa for the last ten years.

12th September 2011. Miscellaneous good sightings. Migratory koels have finally returned. Bridled Honeyeaters were seen on the river for the first time in a long time. Papuan Frogmouths have returned after being absent for a little while.

7th September 2011. Crocodile Carnage. Today visitors to the river were amazed by the sight of a large crocodile eating the carcass of a small calf caught during the night.

4th September 2011. Frisky Crocodiles. The river water temperature is rising and crocodiles are becoming more active and courtship was observed today.

30th August 2011. Signs of Spring. More migrants and more nests. A new migrant species - Latham's Snipe - was seen foraging on the muddy banks of the river today. Increasing numbers of birds are starting to nest including Brown-backed Honeyeater and Large-billed Gerygone.

23rd August 2011. Nesting Fig-parrots. The highlight of a cruise on the river today was observing a male fig-parrot feeding his mate within a nesting chamber dug into the rotting timber of a dead tree. Around the Village, Imperial Pigeons are increasing in number.

14th August 2011. Continuation of the migrants. Today increasing numbers of Pied Imperial Pigeons were seen in the area. This bird is another species that spends the colder months in PNG and returns to spend the Spring and Summer in Australia. On the dawn cruise all the members of the 'Daintree River Big Five' (Croc, Tree Snake, Great-billed Heron, Little Kingfisher, and Papuan Frogmouth) were observed, with the highlight being extended stunning views of the heron.

7th August 2011. Terrific morning on the river. All the members of the 'Daintree River Big Five' (Croc, Tree Snake, Great-billed Heron, Little Kingfisher, and Papuan Frogmouth) were all observed. Increasing numbers of figbird and metallic starling are being seen. A large group of bats were also seen.

1st August 2011. Nesting birds, large and small. Terrific start to the month with stunning views of Great-billed Heron flying past with nesting material in the subdued light of pre-dawn, and prolonged views of floodbirds (Large-billed Gerygone) repeatedly feeding their chicks within their pendulous teardrop nest.

30 July 2011. Reptile Re-awakening. After an absence of a couple of months several Eastern Water Dragons were seen today. An Amethystine Python, croc and several tree snakes were also seen.

28 July 2011. Great-billed Herons. Three individual birds were seen today after a short absence. Two adult birds were seen in the subdued light at the start of the tour just upstream from the Daintree Village Jetty, whilst good views of a juvenile bird were later obtained on Barratt Ck.

23 July 2011. Leucistic birds. Today two birds were seen with a genetic mutation for abnormal white pigment in their feathers. The first was a Brush-turkey on the river with white spots and the second was an entirely white White-breasted Woodswallow. The woodswallow has been seen repeatedly around Mossman Ag Supplies near Pringle St.

19 July 2011. Phenomenal sighting of Great-billed Heron.  An absolute treat today was to see this highly sought after heron carrying a large stick in flight (4 to 5 foot in length). Presumably this is for the preparation of a nest. Other sightings include plentiful Brown Cuckoo-doves in the Daintree Village area feeding on Bleeding Heart, and a pair of Jabiru on a little swamp along the road near Wonga Beach. Also reports today of Blue-faced Parrot-finch in the Julatten area.

17 July 2011. Continuation of the migrants.  Today another bird species that spends the colder months in PNG, Channel-billed Cuckoo, was seen for the first time this 'season'. Interesting sightings included an a female Riflebird, a species that is rarely seen on the river. Scrub-fowls were also seen actively working their nesting mound. 

14 July 2011. Return of migrants.  Today the first Brown-backed Honeyeater of the 'season' was seen on the river. This species normally spends the winter in PNG and is often the first of a swag of species to return to spend the spring and summer in Australia. Metallic Starlings and Pied Imperial Pigeons - another pair of migrant species - have also been seen recently.

13 July 2011. Kingfisher morning.  Little, Azure, Forest and Sacred Kingfishers all seen. Also great to see and hear two pair of Shining Flycatcher dispute a border of their territories.

12 July 2011. Today a couple of new birds - Green Pygmy-goose and Metallic Starling - were seen after a long absence. Starling are migratory and most depart to PNG for the winter. Also today, good views of crocodile, both on the bank and swimming.

4 July 2011.  Terrific morning, 'Daintree Big Five' all seen. Great-billed heron, Little Kingfisher, Papuan Frogmouth, Tree-snake and Saltwater Croc all observed. Stunning views of the heron which was observed preening and calling at close quarters.

24 June 2011.  Unusual morning on the river with small usually difficult birds such as Rufous Fantail, Spectacled Monarch, Little Shrike Thrush, and Grey Whistler being observed. Channel-billed Cuckoo and Blue-winged Kookaburra were also seen for the first time in quite a while.

23 June 2011.  Stunning views of Great-billed Heron today. Incredible views of a heron completely at ease, preening in the early morning sunlight. The amazing call of this prized bird was also heard.  

17 June 2011.  Kingfishers Galore.  Little, Azure, Forest and Sacred Kingfishers all seen. Highlight was stunning views of Azure Kingfishers in the golden early morning light.

29 May 2011. Terrific morning on the river. Great views of Great-billed Heron foraging on the sandbar. This secretive bird was also seen and heard calling. Papuan Frogmouths and Little Kingfishers also presented themselves for good photographs.

13th May 2011. Great-billed Herons and incredibly beautiful misty mornings have been a highlight of the first half of May. May is statistically our best month for Great-billed Herons.

3rd May 2011. A highlight of today was a Green Tree Snake seemingly licking moisture from the leaves of a Native Hibiscus. Good birds included Great-billed Heron, Shining Flycatchers, and courting Azure Kingfishers.

23 Apr 11. Great-billed Heron, Little Kingfisher and Black Bittern were our best birds this morning but we finally saw the Peregrine Falcon as it split up a Cattle Egret flock in Windy Reach. We have known or thought that the falcon was around because the birds have been so quiet and we actually saw it in action this morning.

12 Apr 11. Terrific bird morning. Great-billed Heron, Little Kingfisher, Papuan Frogmouth, White-eared Monarch, Wompoo Fruit-Dove, Double-eyed Fig-Parrot, Sacred Kingfisher, Forest Kingfisher, Azure Kingfisher, Grey Whistler, Shining Flycatcher, Large-billed Gerygone, Yellow Oriole, Varied Triller caused the most interest.

9 Apr 11. What a great start, Great-billed Heron, Black Bittern, four kingfisher species, White-bellied Sea-Eagle, Brahminy Kite, Shining Flycatchers. Green Tree Snake and Eastern Water Dragon were the highlights.

 

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12 Dec 10. Our last trip for the year. Great-billed Heron and Black Bitterns were the stars of the show. We will close down now for the wet season and start again in  April 2011.

7 Nov 10. Saltwater Crocodile, Great-billed Heron, Black Bittern, Blue-winged Kookaburra, Shining Flycatchers, Azure Kingfishers headed up our wildlife list this morning.

13 Nov 10. Pale vented Bush-hen, Great billed Heron, Black Bitterns, Blue-winged Kookaburra, Shining Flycatchers, Azure Kingfishers caused the most interest during this morning's wildlife tour.

2 Nov 10. Black Bittern sightings are very consistent.

28 Oct 10. Black Bittern sightings are more regular and so is the vocalisation of Lovely Fair-wrens making it easier to find and see them. With last week's rain the river water is cooler which has improved the crocodile sightings.

18 Oct 10. Black Bitterns and Great-billed Herons. Cool overcast conditions produced some good sightings of our rarer birds. We completed a hat-trick with the Great-billed Heron; seeing a nest, hearing the bird's call (Crocodile Bird) and have good views in flight and perched. Similar things with the Black Bitterns and a Papuan Frogmouth.

13 Oct 10. Saltwater Crocodile courtship. As we watched two large crocodiles took it in turn to blow bubbles through their nostrils in what appeared to be a tender moment. This courtship behavior is rarely witnessed in the wild.

22 Sep 10. Black Bitterns. Again this morning there were three Black Bitterns at different places on the river. It might look like poor weather but for tracking down this secretive species it has been ideal.

21 Sep 10. Black Bitterns. That's right plural. No less than 4 individuals this morning over the entire cruise area. As well as seeing them they were also calling. Other good birds included Great-billed Heron, Papuan Frogmouth, Wompoo fruit-Dove and Double-eyed Fig-Parrots.

10 Sep 10. Papuan Frogmouth. As sometimes happens at this time of year, we loose sight of Papuan Frogmouths until we can find a nest. This morning a nest was found. Sightings of Papuan Frogmouths should now be consistent for the rest of the year.

6 Sep 10. Black Bitterns. They're back. At least one but more like two Black Bitterns this morning and calling. It is the calling that strongly suggests that they are here to breed and this is early for this species.

4 Sep 10. Never mind the rain. Great-billed Heron and Little Kingfisher headed up the bird list this morning complemented by an Eastern Water Dragon and a Green Tree Snake. The un-seasonal rain is proving to be but a minor inconvenience only.

1 Sep 10. Pied Imperial Pigeon. The most obvious of all our spring migrants in Daintree are the Pied Imperial Pigeons. Nesting at Low Isles these white and black birds come to the mainland to feed on rainforest fruit.

25 Aug 10. Kingfisher morning. Laughing Kookaburra, Forest, Sacred, Azure and Little Kingfishers this morning with a Blue-winged Kookaburra calling in the distance. The Daintree Valley has seven kingfisher species at any time of the year and if you went about it the right way you could see seven in a day.

16 Aug 10. Brown-backed Honeyeater. Announcing the arrival of spring the first Brown-backed Honeyeater arrived overnight and was straight into it's distinct vocalisation at dawn.

10 Aug 10. Great-billed Heron and Black Bittern. The miserable raining weather may not be good for human beings but it is mighty good for some of our more secretive species. Great-billed Heron and Black Bittern were both seen and some other good birds as well. Wompoo Fruit-Dove, Double-eyed Fig-Parrot, Shining Flycatcher, Azure and Sacred Kingfisher headed up a good list this morning.

3 Aug 10. Spring is near. The spring migration has begun. Early signs include an Eastern Koel calling in the pre-dawn on Sunday morning. A mild winter has seen our reptile count down but the high rate of Great-billed Heron sightings continues.

23 Jul 10. Platypus. For only the 3rd time in 20 years has a platypus been sighted in the Daintree River. We were astonished to see this shy creature swim alongside the boat in crystal clear water for nearly 5 minutes.

13 Jul 10. Great-billed Heron, Little Kingfisher, Papuan Frogmouth, Wompoo Fruit-Dove and Little (Gould's) Bronze-Cuckoo headed up a good birdwatching list despite the un-seasonal weather.

8 Jul 10. Great birdwatching morning. Starting off with Great-billed Heron then Black Bittern, Little Kingfisher, Papuan Frogmouth, Little (Gould's) Bronze-Cuckoo, Double-eyed Fig-Parrot, Nankeen Night Heron, Shining Flycatcher, Azure and Sacred kingfisher.

4 Jul 10. Rotten weather but good birds. Great-billed Heron, Little Kingfisher, Papuan Frogmouths and Double-eyed Fig-Parrots proved the most popular.

29 Jun 10. Kingfisher Morning. Six species in fact; Laughing Kookaburra, Blue-winged Kookaburra, Forest, Sacred, Azure and Little Kingfishers made our morning. Some other good birds included Wompoo Fruit-Dove, Cicadabird and Double-eyed Fig-Parrot.

16 Jun 10. Great-billed Heron. We have been going great guns with our rarer birds. Great-billed Heron and Little Kingfisher this morning.

12 Jun 10. Great-billed Heron. Well all good things come to an end. We dipped on the Great-billed Heron today. All was not lost with good views of Azure and Little Kingfishers, Papuan Frogmouths and Double-eyed Fig-Parrots.

3 Jun 10. Great-billed Heron. For the first time ever we had 100% sighting's of Daintree's rarest bird for a whole month. June has started off well with another sighting of a Great-billed Heron and some other hard to find birds; Papuan Frogmouth, Little Kingfisher and Wompoo fruit-Dove.

28 May 10. Great-billed Heron record? We look like having a 100% record of Great-billed Heron sightings for the month of May 2010. Three days to go.

15 May 10. Best birds this morning were; Great-billed Heron, Little Kingfisher, Papuan Frogmouth, Lovely Fairy-wren and Double-eyed Fig-Parrots.

11 May 10. Early birds. Before our 6:30am departure you can spend a little time wandering around the Daintree Village. You will almost certainly see Spectacled Flying-foxes. Black Butcherbirds can be seen around the shops where they pick up insects that have been attracted by the night lights. Check the powerlines for kingfishers.

7 May 10. Great-billed Heron, Black Bittern, Pied Monarch, Fairy Gerygone and some Green Tree Snakes were amongst the highlights this morning.

5 May 10. Great-billed Heron, Black Bittern, Little Kingfisher and Papuan Frogmouth heads up a great list this morning.

2 May 10. Great-billed Heron. In poor weather conditions we did well with some of the more difficult birds. Great-billed Heron, Papuan Frogmouth and a glimpse of a Little Kingfisher were the best.

23 Apr 10. Great-billed Heron. Best birds this morning were Great-billed Heron, female Eastern Koel, Shining Flycatchers and Azure Kingfishers.

 

17 Apr 10. Birdwatching joy. Visiting birdwatching were treated to our 3 rarest at dawn on the Daintree River. Great-billed Heron, Little Kingfisher and Black Bittern headed up an impressive wildlife list that included a Saltwater Crocodile, Green Tree Snake and another 4 kingfisher species.

13 Apr 10. Rainforest specials. Quite a lot of the rainforest special species showed themselves this morning. Victoria's Riflebird, Yellow Oriole, Brown Cuckoo-Dove, Wompoo Fruit-Dove, Top-Knot Pigeon, Emerald Dove and Pied Imperial Pigeon. Lots of Channel-billed Cuckoos and reptiles are starting to appear as the weather cools.

8 Apr 10. Channel-billed Cuckoos. 50+ Channel-billed Cuckoos cascaded from a big fig tree over the river this morning. It is not a common sight to see so many at once. The river level is still high but expected to go back to normal levels soon.

2 Apr 10. Great-billed Heron, Black Bittern, Shining Flycatchers, Double-eyed Fig-Parrots and Little Bronze-Cuckoos head up this morning's list. The river is still in flood but should be back to normal levels within a day or two.

14 Jan 10. Great- billed Heron. Fine conditions at last and a good run around the river. Best birds were; Great-billed Heron, Black Bittern and Pied Monarch.

11 Jan 10. Great-billed Heron. Lots of overnight rain produced the first flood of the Wet Season. Highlights of this morning's trip were: Great-billed Heron, 25+ Channel-billed Cuckoos, Comb-crested Jacana, Blue-winged Kookaburra, Azure Kingfishers, Yellow Oriole and Wompoo Fruit-Dove.

6 Jan 10. Great-billed Heron and great start to 2010. Several Black Bitterns showed themselves well enough for photographs along with Azure Kingfishers, Brown-backed and Graceful Honeyeaters.
We are now in the low season and do not run every day. If you would like to go out on this trip please contact me direct:  phone 40987997

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