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The whole site is worth thorough exploration for it's birdlife. Sitting on the verandah of the lodge accommodation enables one to view the surrounding trees for visiting birds as well as the lawns which sometimes have visiting [[Noisy Pitta]]. Feeders have been set up here to cater for visiting birdlife, and for nocturnal mammals, all of which can be viewed from the verandah. | The whole site is worth thorough exploration for it's birdlife. Sitting on the verandah of the lodge accommodation enables one to view the surrounding trees for visiting birds as well as the lawns which sometimes have visiting [[Noisy Pitta]]. Feeders have been set up here to cater for visiting birdlife, and for nocturnal mammals, all of which can be viewed from the verandah. | ||
| − | In the centre | + | In the centre of the site, an old orchard enables one to watch shier rainforest species more readily. The Crake Pool is located here and may offer the chance of [[Red-necked Crake]] at dusk. |
At the northern edge of the site is Bushy Creek, where [[Platypus]] may be observed by those who sit quietly and patiently, though come prepared for the hordes of biting insects! | At the northern edge of the site is Bushy Creek, where [[Platypus]] may be observed by those who sit quietly and patiently, though come prepared for the hordes of biting insects! | ||
Revision as of 09:13, 28 September 2015
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Overview
Kingfisher Park is a privately-owned wildlife sanctuary that caters for visiting birders and other wildlife enthusiasts. It consists mostly of a small area of rainforest, and an overgrown orchard totally 4.5 hectares. It doesn't sound initially promising, but this site is world famous amongst visiting birders both locally and from around the world for its impressive bird list, and for being one of the easiest places anywhere to see Buff-breasted Paradise Kingfisher.
Birds
Notable Species
A number of species can be observed here including: Orange-footed Scrubfowl, Red-necked Crake, Bar-shouldered Dove, Brown Cuckoo Dove, Wompoo Fruit Dove, Emerald Dove, Superb Fruit Dove, Topknot Pigeon, Rainbow Lorikeet, Scaly-breasted Lorikeet, Double-eyed Fig Parrot, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Lesser Sooty Owl, Barn Owl, Barking Owl, Papuan Frogmouth, Little Bronze-Cuckoo, Channel-billed Cuckoo, Forest Kingfisher, Azure Kingfisher, Laughing Kookaburra, Buff-breasted Paradise Kingfisher, Noisy Pitta, Varied Triller, Barred Cuckooshrike, Black-faced Cuckooshrike, White-bellied Cuckooshrike, Little Shrike Thrush, Dusky Honeyeater, Blue-faced Honeyeater, Graceful Honeyeater, Bridled Honeyeater, Brown Honeyeater, Macleay's Honeyeater, Yellow-spotted Honeyeater, Yellow-faced Honeyeater, White-throated Honeyeater, Scarlet Honeyeater, Large-billed Scrubwren, Fairy Gerygone, Rufous Fantail, Spectacled Monarch, Pied Monarch, Leaden Flycatcher, Yellow-breasted Boatbill, Pale Yellow Robin, Grey-headed Robin, Grey Whistler, Silvereye, Mistletoebird, Olive-backed Sunbird, Spangled Drongo, Australian Figbird, Spotted Catbird, Red-browed Firetail,
Rarities
To do
Check-list
Birds you can see here include:
To do
Other Wildlife
A surprising variety of other wildlife occurs in the area.
Mammals. Species commonly encountered include: Red-legged Pademelon, Yellow-footed Antechinus, Long-nosed Bandicoot, Northern Brown Bandicoot, Striped Possum, Green Possum, Fawn-footed Melomys Bush Rat, and Giant White-tailed Rat. There is also a chance to observe Platypus in Bushy Creek which borders the site. A number of other species have been recorded here over the years.
Reptiles. Species commonly encountered include Boyd's Forest Dragon, Eastern Water Dragon, Major Skink, Northern Leaf-tailed Gecko,Amethystine Python, Green Tree snake and Brown Tree Snake, though a number of other species have been recorded.
Saw-shelled Turtle and Northern Long-necked Turtle can be found in Bushy Creek and the Crake Pool.
Frogs. There a number of species in the area. Those regularly recorded include: Giant Northern Barred Frog, Striped Marsh Frog, Northern Stoneycreek Frog, White-lipped Tree Frog, Desert Tree Frog and Graceful Tree Frog.
The Lodge keeps lists for birds, mammals, reptiles and frogs as well as Butterflies and Moths. They welcome records from visitors, including any additions to the list.
Site Information
History and Use
Kingfisher Lodge is a private sanctuary set up to cater for visiting birders, other wildlife enthusiasts, including photographers, and those wishing for a relaxing place to stay. It exists to protect the surrounding land, but also to offer accommodation for those wishing to experience what the site has to offer.
The surrounding area has been extensively cleared and the forest on site is now isolated from larger blocks of forest, making this site all the more important.
Areas of Interest
The whole site is worth thorough exploration for it's birdlife. Sitting on the verandah of the lodge accommodation enables one to view the surrounding trees for visiting birds as well as the lawns which sometimes have visiting Noisy Pitta. Feeders have been set up here to cater for visiting birdlife, and for nocturnal mammals, all of which can be viewed from the verandah.
In the centre of the site, an old orchard enables one to watch shier rainforest species more readily. The Crake Pool is located here and may offer the chance of Red-necked Crake at dusk.
At the northern edge of the site is Bushy Creek, where Platypus may be observed by those who sit quietly and patiently, though come prepared for the hordes of biting insects!
Beyond Kingfisher Park are a number of sites that can also offer something of interest to visiting birders. In fact, a good way to thoroughly peruse the Northern Atherton Tablelands is to stay at Kingfisher Park and use it as a base to explore the surrounding area including Mount Lewis, Black Mountain Road, Mount Molloy (including Abattoir Swamp), Mount Carbine and the Maryfarms Road. All of these sites are in the near vicinity. Further afield lie other birding hotspots.
Access and Facilities
To do
Contact Details
To do
External Links
