It really was magic... I'd never been on such a trip as this before - guess they're not all quite like this LOL
Thanks 3IB.
Thanks 3IB.
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Two Months of Lifers Down Under (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter delia todd
- Start date
Thank you so much Chris and Lisa, I'm pleased you liked those whale pictures so much.
Just a few miscellaneous images to finish off
1: Returning to port, these are obviously remnants of what would have been a coastal mangrove swamp, nearly all of it has disappeared along the whole length of the coastline here
2: An overview of the sandbar, mostly Little Black Cormorants, but a variety of other species too, including Australasian Pied, probably some Little Pied, Great Crested Terns and Silver Gulls.
3: A Silver Gull in flight
4: There were helicopter rides available with a pretty constant stream of them in and out. No thanks... a lot of money and think I got more from the boat trip LOL
5: One of the crew, nicknamed Pineapple (for fairly obvious reasons LOL). A very pleasant and helpful guy.
One thing I took away from that trip.... "Try and pick up 3 pieces of litter every day. We can make a difference."
Just a few miscellaneous images to finish off
1: Returning to port, these are obviously remnants of what would have been a coastal mangrove swamp, nearly all of it has disappeared along the whole length of the coastline here
2: An overview of the sandbar, mostly Little Black Cormorants, but a variety of other species too, including Australasian Pied, probably some Little Pied, Great Crested Terns and Silver Gulls.
3: A Silver Gull in flight
4: There were helicopter rides available with a pretty constant stream of them in and out. No thanks... a lot of money and think I got more from the boat trip LOL
5: One of the crew, nicknamed Pineapple (for fairly obvious reasons LOL). A very pleasant and helpful guy.
One thing I took away from that trip.... "Try and pick up 3 pieces of litter every day. We can make a difference."
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Promenade
After a very nice lunch at the cafe where we took the boat trip. We then drove further along the sea front to see what might be about.
Very little that I could get a picture of, apart from a Masked Lapwing (it was rather hot now, being mid-day).
Back near the entrance to the port, there's a park called Federation Walk Coastal Reserve. We parked in there and wandered around, not finding what Hans was looking for at first, but I did see a Noisy Friarbird in a tree, then a Welcome Swallow.
Finally Hans tracked down what we were looking for, a Bush Stone-Curlew (or Bush Thick-knee if you prefer).
Also seen / heard in the area were House Sparrow, Feral Pigeon, Magpie-Lark, Brahminny Kite and Striated Heron. Also Osprey high on a pole erected for a nest. There seem to be a lot of these out there.
After a very nice lunch at the cafe where we took the boat trip. We then drove further along the sea front to see what might be about.
Very little that I could get a picture of, apart from a Masked Lapwing (it was rather hot now, being mid-day).
Back near the entrance to the port, there's a park called Federation Walk Coastal Reserve. We parked in there and wandered around, not finding what Hans was looking for at first, but I did see a Noisy Friarbird in a tree, then a Welcome Swallow.
Finally Hans tracked down what we were looking for, a Bush Stone-Curlew (or Bush Thick-knee if you prefer).
Also seen / heard in the area were House Sparrow, Feral Pigeon, Magpie-Lark, Brahminny Kite and Striated Heron. Also Osprey high on a pole erected for a nest. There seem to be a lot of these out there.
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Many thanks Nora.
You know, I've now idea... needs someone better than me to count them LOL
Loads!!!!
Oxenford Weir
From the coast we then moved inland to visit Oxenford Weir. Rather a nice place with lots to see.
We parked ourselves on some large rocks down near the water to get our bearings (well me anyway - Hans and Judy had been before) and to await events. As my descriptions could sound a bit complicated, I've started with an overall picture of the site. You can't see those rocks, as they're below and to the right of that bench seat.
The weir itself is the line of rocks to the left. You can just see the river in the background, which does a big sweep round to come through the weir, then off to the sea I presume.
On the rocks that formed part of the weir was a rock-climbing Dusky Moorhen, then the other side of the weir both Great and Little Egrets standing together.
Pacific Black Duck and Eurasian Coot in the water.
From the coast we then moved inland to visit Oxenford Weir. Rather a nice place with lots to see.
We parked ourselves on some large rocks down near the water to get our bearings (well me anyway - Hans and Judy had been before) and to await events. As my descriptions could sound a bit complicated, I've started with an overall picture of the site. You can't see those rocks, as they're below and to the right of that bench seat.
The weir itself is the line of rocks to the left. You can just see the river in the background, which does a big sweep round to come through the weir, then off to the sea I presume.
On the rocks that formed part of the weir was a rock-climbing Dusky Moorhen, then the other side of the weir both Great and Little Egrets standing together.
Pacific Black Duck and Eurasian Coot in the water.
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We watched as a few Sulphur-crested Cockatoos flew into some trees on the far side of the river - I managed to get a poor image of one of them.
An Osprey was sitting on a pylon while two Brahminy Kites displayed overhead.
I went back up to the car with Judy to fetch some drinks down and there on an overhead wire was a Laughing Kookaburra.
To finish off this set of 5, a Little Black Cormorant swam (and dived) in front of the weir.
An Osprey was sitting on a pylon while two Brahminy Kites displayed overhead.
I went back up to the car with Judy to fetch some drinks down and there on an overhead wire was a Laughing Kookaburra.
To finish off this set of 5, a Little Black Cormorant swam (and dived) in front of the weir.
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I walked along the wall of the weir, in order to get closer shots of a Striated Heron, but got side-tracked when a call from Judy alerted me to a flock of Chestnut-breasted Mannikins which had flown into a tree. A bit distant, but you can see what they are.
I've given you two pictures of them; one to show you the size of the flock and the other a cropped close-up view of them.
After that I turned my attention back to the heron. Amazed at how small they are, only about the size of a Common Wood Pigeon would you believe!!! I'd no idea. He wasn't at all concerned about my presence on the wall.
Returning to my rock seat, an Australian Pelican then came paddling along and found himself in a patch of water weeds that had come from the other side of the wall.
Sharp-eyed Judy noticed something moving in the weir wall, which turned out to be a rather handsome Water Dragon in breeding dress. I tried to get closer but then couldn't find the rocks he was located at.
I've given you two pictures of them; one to show you the size of the flock and the other a cropped close-up view of them.
After that I turned my attention back to the heron. Amazed at how small they are, only about the size of a Common Wood Pigeon would you believe!!! I'd no idea. He wasn't at all concerned about my presence on the wall.
Returning to my rock seat, an Australian Pelican then came paddling along and found himself in a patch of water weeds that had come from the other side of the wall.
Sharp-eyed Judy noticed something moving in the weir wall, which turned out to be a rather handsome Water Dragon in breeding dress. I tried to get closer but then couldn't find the rocks he was located at.
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A few odd pictures to finish up that visit to Oxenford Weir.
Judy and I carried our mugs and other bits up to the car, then I busied myself with taking pictures. Firstly the view of the river from where the car was parked. The weir itself was hard left out of sight.
Then I spotted a Crested Pigeon sitting up on the wires. I'd really got to love these cute wee guys.
I thought then I'd take a view across the river to the other part where you can see a speed boat having fun. Wondering where Hans was, we suddenly realised he was still sitting on the rocks, deep in conversation with someone discussing the techie points of cameras LOL
Judy and I carried our mugs and other bits up to the car, then I busied myself with taking pictures. Firstly the view of the river from where the car was parked. The weir itself was hard left out of sight.
Then I spotted a Crested Pigeon sitting up on the wires. I'd really got to love these cute wee guys.
I thought then I'd take a view across the river to the other part where you can see a speed boat having fun. Wondering where Hans was, we suddenly realised he was still sitting on the rocks, deep in conversation with someone discussing the techie points of cameras LOL
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SueO
Well-known member
The Brahminy Kites are such beautiful birds. Miss hearing the Kookaburras sound off.
Hi Sue - how lovely to hear from you.... where have you got to on your boat?
Many thanks for your lovely words and yes, the Brahminy Kites really are beautiful, aren't they.
I hope you have a wonderful 2020 lass.
Many thanks for your lovely words and yes, the Brahminy Kites really are beautiful, aren't they.
I hope you have a wonderful 2020 lass.
Springbrook
15 October 2019
We were off early the next day to explore Springbrook, which is either part of, or adjoins, Lamington National Park.
The drive up was a bit steep and hairy in places but beautiful. I'd never really been in forests where there were these vines hanging, so I had to take a picture.
We were now at Purling Brooks car park and there was a sign there showing a translation of some Aboriginal place names. Hans and Judy had not come across these anywhere else, so I thought I'd take a picture in case you were interested.
We walked through the forest trail hearing Eastern Whipbird (still no picture even though I sort of saw him moving some leaves), a female Satin Bowerbird and Brush Turkey.
At the end of the trail, there was a viewing point over a gorge looking at a rather fine waterfall (one can only imagine how spectacular it would be after heavy rains). While there I caught sight of a rather splendid Pied Currawong.
On the way to our next stop, we came across this beautifully painted building.
15 October 2019
We were off early the next day to explore Springbrook, which is either part of, or adjoins, Lamington National Park.
The drive up was a bit steep and hairy in places but beautiful. I'd never really been in forests where there were these vines hanging, so I had to take a picture.
We were now at Purling Brooks car park and there was a sign there showing a translation of some Aboriginal place names. Hans and Judy had not come across these anywhere else, so I thought I'd take a picture in case you were interested.
We walked through the forest trail hearing Eastern Whipbird (still no picture even though I sort of saw him moving some leaves), a female Satin Bowerbird and Brush Turkey.
At the end of the trail, there was a viewing point over a gorge looking at a rather fine waterfall (one can only imagine how spectacular it would be after heavy rains). While there I caught sight of a rather splendid Pied Currawong.
On the way to our next stop, we came across this beautifully painted building.
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Yeah... they are rather neat birds those KC. Thanks.
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