Michaelmas Cay

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Overview

Michaelmas Cay is a small sand island that forms part of a National Park along with Upolu Cay. These are located in the Great Barrier Reef 33kms east of Cairns. This site is of particular interest to birders due to the presence of thousands of nesting seabirds.

Birds

Notable Species

The island is home to thousands of nesting Sooty Tern and Brown Noddy which make up the bulk of the birds present. The island is also home to smaller numbers of nesting Black Noddy, Brown Booby, Black-naped Tern, Greater Crested Tern, Lesser Crested Tern, Bridled Tern, Caspian Tern and Silver Gull. Greater Frigatebird and Lesser Frigatebird are regularly seen over the island, sometimes in numbers. Ruddy Turnstone are usually present as are a few Pacific Reef Egret. Masked Booby, Roseate Tern, White-tailed Tropicbird and Skuas are infrequent visitors.

Rarities

Two long-staying Red-footed Booby were present around the Cay in 2014. They were often observed on moored boats and pontoons just offshore.

Check-list

Birds you can see here include:

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Other Wildlife

Whislt the reef around the cay is rather scant, reef fish can be observed by snorkelling off the island. Hawksbill Turtle can sometimes also be seen.

Site Information

History and Use

The National Park was created in 1975 to protect the two Cays. The area is also a designated Sensitive Location due to its special nature conservation value. The Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area surrounds the site. Access is by boat.

Indigenous land rights enable local indigenous people to access the site and its resources.

Areas of Interest

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Access and Facilities

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Contact Details

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External Links

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