17 AUGUST
You can tell winter is over in Daintree when the Lewin's Honeyeater no longer call because they have headed back up to the higher country, and when the other Honeyeaters are no longer interested in bananas because there is plenty of other food available for them.
Lots of great birds on the Daintree River with Papuan Frogmouth, Double -eyed Fig-Parrot, Nankeen Night Heron, Stritaed Heron, Little Kingfisher and Azure Kingfisher. A sad tale about the Australian Pelican which decided to visit during the week - it seems a Crocodile took it on the same afternoon that is was first seen. It certainly explaind why you don;t see many ducks on the Daintree River!
Pacific Baza very vocal at the moment. Metallic Starlings back in reasonable numbers asthe summer migrants begin to return. The Whistling Kites which have been nesting in a large tree across the river have successfully fledged their single chick. All very active and vocal.

12 AUGUST

Spring is on it's way with warmer nights and the return of some of our summer migrants. Metallic Starlings, Channel-billed Cuckoo, Pied Imperial Pigeon (small numbers only at this stage) and Brown-backed Honeyeater all seen.
Some great raptors about with the cane harvest still in progress. Brahminy, Black and Whistling Kites all common in the field,.Nankeen Kestrel, Swamp Harrier, Australian Hobby, Pacific Baza, Osprey and White-bellied Sea-Eagle all seen locally.
Southern Cassowary seen most days at Jindalba Boardwalk.
Mixed groups of insect eaters amongst the lower shrubbery along the upper stretch of Stewart Creek Rd include Little-Shrike Thrush, Pied Monarch, Yellow-breasted Boatbill, Spectacled Monarch, Fairy Gerygone, Silvereye and a mix of Honeyeaters. It's wonderful for the international visitors.

1 AUGUST

Another month gone!
Some fabulous birds around Daintree at the moment. Great-billed Heron, Papuan Frogmouth, Little Kingfisher, Brush Cuckoo all seen on the Daintree River. Southern Cassowary seen north of the river. Pied Monarch and Double-eyed Fig-Parrot in the garden of Red Mill House. Unusually, a Black Bittern has also been seen several times on the pond at Red Mill House. Southern Boobook and Barking Owl around at night. Swamp Harrier and Pacific Baza very visible as well around the Daintree Valley. Red-backed Fairy-Wren on Douglas Creek Rd..
The summer migrants are arriving (even though it doesn't feel like summer), with Pied Imperial Pigeon, Metallic Starlings, Brown-backed Honeyeater all about

 

24 JULY

 

Some great news here at Red Mill House. 

We have just been awarded our Advanced Ecotourism Certification from Ecotourism Australia. This highlights our commitment to achieving best practice when using resources wisely, contributing to the conservation of the environment and helping local communities. While there are some detractors of this scheme, is has been a very worthwhile process for us to examine our business carefully from the perspectives of economic, environmental and social sustainability. We have learnt an enormous amount, have changed the way we do quite a few things, think much more about the way we do things every day, and are proud of our achievements. It is a process I would recommend to any nature-based tourism business. 

Back to birdwatching in Daintree! A week of basically miserable weather, but still lots of nice birds about. A few early migrants with Metallic Starling, Channel-billed Cuckoo and Brown-backed Honeyeater all about. Lovely views of a pair of Pacific Baza in Daintree Village and on Stewart Creek Rd each day. Some specialities on the Daintree River with Great-billed Heron, Little Kingfisher, Double-eyed Fig-Parrot all seen. Wompoo Fruit-Doves busy in the Blue Quandong trees, and Honeyeaters everywhere - eating fruit, nectar or insects, depending on the weather at the time. They are very adaptable creatures.

 

15 JULY

The weather is warming up already - 27 degree days - pretty special for mid-winter.
Some wonderful raptors about at the moment with Pacific Baza common in Daintree Village, Nankeen Kestrel, White-bellied Sea-Eagle, Black Kite, Brahminy Kite, Whistling Kite all seen between here and Wonga. Pacific Heron also seen flying over the road late yesterday afternoon.
Channel-billed Cuckoo and Little Bronze-Cuckoo seen in the garden at Red Mill House. All the Honeyeaters are hungry at the moment - Macleay's, Lewin's Yellow-spotted. Graceful and Yellow Honeyeaters enjoying any banana left out for them. Spangled Drongo and Helmeted Friarbird joining them.
The insect-eaters are having a great time with Spectacled Monarch, Grey Fantail, Rufous Fantail, Grey Whistler, Little Shrike-Thrush and Varied Triller also all enjoying the garden.

9 JULY

Some great birds around Daintree in the last couple of days. White-eared Monarch, Spectacled Monarch and Black-faced Monarch together in a flock along Stewart Creek Rd. Little Kingfisher and Azure Kingfisher, plus Great-billed Heron and Papuan Frogmouth along the Daintree River. Double-eyed Fig-Parrot pair still messing around looking at nesting sites in the garden at Red Mill House.

Three full boats on the Daintree River for early morning Daintree birdwatching. It's great to see so many people interested, and proof that Daintree has become recognised as one of Australia's premium birdwatching sites. Well done!

 

5 JULY

Some colder winter weather in Daintree at the moment - cool nights and beautiful days.

A couple of treats in the past few days - Channel-billed Cuckoo (somewhat unusual at this time of year), a pair of Double-eyed Fig-Parrot excavating a next in a Brachychiton in the yard at Red Mill House, along with Azure Kingfisher on the pond in the same yard. Sooty Owl (lesser) seen out at River Home Cottages on Upper Daintree Rd, plus Pied Monarch. Yellow-breasted Boatbill at Wild Wings and Swampy Things, plus female Golden Whistler. It's been a nice week!

The Daintree River has given us Little Kingfisher and Great-billed Heron plus Papuan Frogmouth. Lots of crocodiles out and about with the cooler waters of the river system.

 

27 JUNE

A few days off camping for the Daintree Birdwatching team. What a great break! Two nights at Koombooloomba Dam at the back of Ravenshoe, and two nights at beautiful Etty Bay just south of Innisfail. Lots of great upland birds including Victoria's Riflebird, White-throated Treecreeper, Bower's Shrike Thrush, Northern Fantail and others, and the joy of two Cassowary wandering around the campgrounds at Etty Bay. They make such great footprints in the sand!

Home to our usual winter specials with Grey Fantail, Spangled Drongo, Spectacled Monarch, Leaden Flycatcher in the yard. Lovely Fairy-Wren along Stewart Creek Rd.

Little Kingfisher, Nankeen Night-Heron, Papuan Frogmouth and Great-billed Heron on the Daintree River

 

17 JUNE

Lots of people in Daintree with windy weather putting them off going to the Reef. Some rewarding birdwatching with lots of raptors about. White-bellied Sea-Eagle, Pacific Baza, Osprey, Nankeen Kestrel, Brahminy Kite, Black Kite, Whistling Kite all seen in the area.

Southern Boobook and Barking Owl both seen in Daintree Village, and lots of honeyeaters are about. Lewin's Honeyeater is down from the Tablelands for the winter, Yellow Honeyeater is a daily visitor, and Bridled Honeyeater, as always, on Maardja Boardwalk. Southern Cassowary seen north of the Daintree River. Large numbers of Brown Cuckoo-Dove and Rainbow Bee-eaters about.

Papuan Frogmouth and Little Kingfisher on the Daintree River.

 

11 JUNE

A great day had by all on a birding trip to Mt Carbine on the weekend. The tailings dam at Mt Carbine gave us our first look at Brolga for the season, and another highlight was young Australian Bustard at Mary Farms and Tawny Frogmouth at Mt Carbine. See trip report

Wet and windy in Daintree over the last few days, so difficult for birdwatching. Papuan Frogmouth, Little Kingfisher, Azure Kingfisher on the river.

 

7 JUNE

Quite a few local birdwatchers staying in Daintree this week, with visitors from Cairns and Yungaburra enjoying our Daintree birds. Some treats for them have included Lovely Fairy -Wren, Black-necked Stork, Little Kingfisher, Black-shouldered Kite, Papuan Frogmouth and Southern Boobook.

Other birds of note are Great-villed Heron, White-bellied Sea-Eagle, Topknot Pigeon and Double-eyed Fig-Parrot.

The Daintree Birdwatching team is off to Mount Carbine with our local guide Ellen Terrell in the morning for some dry country birding - report to come.

 

1 JUNE

Another month, and it feels like winter is upon us. A maximum of 20 degrees today - this is meant to be the tropics!

The winter birds have arrived with Lewin's Honeyeater being very vocal, and big numbers of Black-faced Monarch, Grey Fantail, Rufous Fantail and Spectacled Monarch enjoying the more temperate lowlands.

Five Papuan Frogmouth seen on the river a couple of mornings ago.

Great-billed Heron at Wild Wings and Swampy Things on their new wetlands. This is a fabulous long-term land restoration project which is well worth seeing.

The Daintree Birdwatching team accompanying the kids from Daintree State School (all 15 of them) to Maardja Boardwalk, in the Daintree National Park, during the week. While not a birding excursion, it was great to talk with the kids about the importance of the rainforest and mangroves for the wildlife in this region. They were all charming and well-behaved.

 

22 MAY

An early morning Daintree river tour with Sauce from Daintree River Experience was very productive with Great-billed Heron, Azure Kingfisher, Papuan Frogmouth, Striated Heron, Peregrine Falcon, Grey Fantail, Rufous Fantail and Wompoo Fruit-Dove seen amongst others.

Good news that Noisy Pitta seen at Jindalba Boardwalk yesterday, and Cassowary in the same area earlier in the week, and Bridled Honeyeater at Maardja Boardwalk. It is well worth doing some birdwatching north of the Daintree River, despite what some may say. To gain an understanding of the lowland tropical rainforest is extRemely rewarding.

Black-faced Monarch, Pied Monarch, Spectacled Monarch, Brown Cuckoo-Dove all in the garden at Red Mill House.

 

18 MAY

Cooler nights and foggy mornings as winter makes it's way to Daintree. We even had a blanket on the bed last night!

Cassowary and Bridled Honeyeater seen at Maardja Boardwalk. Eastern Reef Egret (dark morph) along the beach at Cape Tribulation

Lovely Fairy-Wren, Spectacled Monarch, Grey Whistler, Rufous Fantail, Grey Fantail along Stewart Creek Rd. Golden Whistler reported on a property along Upper Daintree Rd, and Platypus seen on another property along the same road.

Australasian Grebe and Peregrine Falcon on the Daintree River, as well as good views of Little Kingfisher, Papuan Frogmouth and Great-billed Heron during the week.

A fruiting fig tree in the driveway at Red Mill House has been full of Figbirds this week, along with Yellow Oriole, Spangled Drongo, Barred Cuckoo-Shrike and Double-eyed Fig-Parrot.

Osprey seen this afternoon on the telecon tower at Wonga - hopefully they will nest again this year. Rajah Shelduck on the barra ponds nearby.

10 MAY

Another dry week in Daintree. Some good birds for our local Daintree birdwatchers though.

Two consecutive early morning trips with Dan Irby on the Daintree River have yielded Little Kingfisher, Great-billed Heron, Azure Kingfisher, Striated Heron, Sacred Kingfisher, Wompoo Fruit-Dove, Brown Cuckoo-Dove, Topknot Pigeon, Double-eyed Fig-Parrot, Rufous Fantail, Shining Flycatcher, many Rainbow Bee-Eater and many more, between them. Well worthwhile. Eastern Water Dragon and Common Green Tree Snake as well. A pair of Brahminy Kite seen along the river also. Lewin's Honeyeater heard for the first time this season.

Pied Monarch (one of our endemics) in the grounds at Red Mill House, along with the usuals. Barking Owl still on the street at night. . A lovely Amethystene Python next door at Daintree Escape. Lots of Ibis feeding in the local fields.

3 MAY

The local wetlands are drying up quickly after a very low rainfall month in April. The verdant greens are fading as the grass dries out along the edges of the roads. Lots of great birds though with a few summer migrants lingering. A late Black Bittern seen flying along the Daintree River yesterday evening (May 2), a late junvenile Common Koel feeding on fruit in the garden at Red Mill House (May 1) and at last 'Parry', our young Buff-breasted Paradise Kingfisher, seems to have headed north (May 2). He dropped in for a chat with one of the guests (and a worm) on Weds evening and hasn't been seen since. Fingers crossed all is well - he had coloured up quite well and his tail had grown substantially, so we hope he was ready for the long flight back to PNG. The local worms will be relieved!

Rose-crowned Fruit Dove, Wompoo Fruit Dove, Emerald Dove and Bar-shouldered Dove all seen along Stewart Creek Rd. Lots of Leaden Flycatcher and Spectacled Monarch about, plus Fairy Gerygone. Mistletoe is in full flower at the moment, so lots of Mistletoebird, Sunbird and Honeyeaters enjoying the nectar.

Barking Owl still about in the evenings and heard calling softly in the early mornings.

26 APRIL

Some great birds around Daintree, to match the weather. Lovely Fairy-Wren and Brahminy Kite on Stewart Creek Rd, Black-necked Stork and Papuan Frogmouth on the Daintree River, Double-eyed Fig-Parrot, Gould's Bronze Cuckoo and Azure Kingfisher in the garden at Red Mill House.

'Parry' the juvenile Buff-breasted Paradise Kingfisher is still enjoying worms at Red Mill House, and is now well photographed. Her(?) tail is growing longer, the feet are becoming red and the bill is slowly changing colour - how long we'll have the pleasure of her company, I'm not sure.

Barking Owl on the 'Osborne St' sign at night, and Bush Stone-Curlew skulking nearby. A Noisy Pitta seen on private property at the end of the valley and Platypus seen in the same area.

Check the sightings page for a full list of birds seen in the Daintree area this week.

 

19 APRIL

More beautiful Daintree weather with very little rain and cool(ish) nights.

Early mornings on the Daintree River are great, once the day warms up a little. Papuan Frogmouth, Azure Kingfisher, Little Kingfisher, Sacred Kingfisher all seen on the river this morning.

'Parry' the young Buff-breasted Paradise Kingfisher is still resident in the garden at Red Mill House, with it's tail growing daily. According to Ron Stannard, ex of Kingfisher Park, she probably still has another two weeks before being mature enough to fly to New Guinea. We are going to miss her presence in the garden.

Black Bittern still seen on our morning walk along the first part of Upper Daintree Rd.

 

12 APRIL

Fabulous weather continues - cool nights, foggy mornings and glorious days to about 28 degrees. Just lovely! Some nice birds on the Daintree River with Great-billed Heron, Black Bittern, Little Kingfisher, Azure Kingfisher, sacred Kingfisher to name a few.

Black-winged Stilt, White-bellied Sea-Eagle and Rajah Shelduck at the local barramundi farm, Gould's Bronze-Cuckoo, Rainbow Bea-Eater and Lovely Fairy-Wren on Stewart Creek Rd, Australian Pipit and Torresian Crow in the local fields.

A treat for us at Red Mill House with a very young Buff-breasted Paradise Kingfisher deciding to take up residence in the garden. Regularly sitting in, and feeding from, trees close to the house 'Parry' has been fending for himself rather well. He is not at all shy and very tolerant of our presence. The garden worms are getting a bit of a workout! Hopefully the kookaburras don't get too bossy and chase him away. Macleay's Honeyeater, Little Shrike-Thrush, Spectacled Monarch, Large-billed Gerygone, Fairy Gerygone, Mistletoebird, Gould's Bronze-Cuckoo and Varied Triller all in the yard as well.

Southern Cassowary seen north of the Daintree River.

 

5 APRIL

A great week for birdwatching in Daintree and beyond. The visit to Cairns Esplanade on Sunday was well worthwhile - as much social as birding. For those of us who struggle with waders, it is great to have local experts like John Crowhurst, John Seale and Keith Fisher on hand to help with identification. A lot of the waders had already gone, but there were plenty still there and it was great to see breeding plumage on things like Red-capped Plover and Lesser Sand Plover. A very pleasant afternoon with four local Daintree birders making the trip down.

Closer to home - the Daintree River has been very productive with Little Kingfisher, Azure Kingfisher, a family of three young Black Bittern, a family of Papuan Frogmouth, Striated Heron, Great Cormorant to name a few.

Local walking around Daintree Village and Stewart Creek Rd has given us White-bellied Sea-Eagle, Brahminy Kite, Whistling Kite, Black Kite, Osprey, Sacred Kingfisher, Buff-breasted Paradise Kingfisher, Topknot Pigeon, Wompoo Fruit-Dove, Pied Imperial Pigeon, Channel-billed Cuckoo, Gould's Bronze Cuckoo, Double-eyed Fig-Parrot, Dollarbird and large numbers of Rainbow Bea-eaters. All the usual birds are still about as well.

Barking Owl being very vocal in the yard at Red Mill House last night. Great news!

Across the Daintree River - Red-necked Crake at Dubuji boardwalk, Pale Yellow Robin at Jindalba, Southern Cassowary along the road near Coopers Creek.

On a quick drive to Yungaburra yesterday we had the pleasure of seeing a huge Wedge-tailed Eagle and also a Bush Hen on the road - very strange mix! A quick stop at Abattoir Swamp produced a myriad of honeyeaters as the Melaleucas are all flowering, including Scarlet Honeyeater. Northern Fantail at the carpark area. Lots of water in all the wetlands along the way, so not huge numbers of birds at any one place. Black Swan at a swamp near Mareeba.

We are blessed to have access to such great birding!

 

28 MARCH

Another beautiful week, much to the delight of the Daintree visitors over Easter and beyond.  Daintree has been busy with birders and fisherman, so the Daintree River has played host to many people in the last few days.  The big news is that Andrew caught a 62cm barramundi during the week - it fed eight of us, and was just beautiful. He's feeling very pleased with himself!

On the birding front there have been good sightings of the Little Kingfisher this week, after it being very elusive over the wet months, plus the Azure Kingfisher is also a regular.  Black-necked Stork and Great-billed Heron on the river, plus Black Bittern.  Lots of Double-eyed Fig-Parrot about and the Pied Imperial Pigeon, Metallic Starling and Buff-breasted Paradise Kingfisher are still in the area - they are due to return to PNG fairly soon after the breeding season.

A visit to Thornton's Beach the other day gave us Greater Sand Plover and Red-capped Plover, and both Beach Stone-Curlew and Wimbrel were seen near the mouth of the Daintree River.  Whiskered Tern seen at the Barra farm on Daintree Rd yesterday.

Tomorrow is the annual 'wave the waders goodbye' at Cairns Esplanade where local north Queensland birders will gather on the Esplanade to see the shorebirds which gather there towards high tide each day.  They will be beginning their long migration soon, back to the northern hemisphere (some as far as Mongolia and Siberia) for their breeding season.  Some are already getting their breeding plumage, so it should be a little easier for non-wader people like ourselves to identify them!  Everyone is welcome - you will see the birders there from about 3pm.

 

20 MARCH

Glorious weather, which hopefully will continue for the Easter break. The Daintree River is green and perfect for fishing.

Some great birds seen in Daintree in the last week, with Little Kingfisher, Great-billed Heron and Black Bittern all seen on the Daintree River. White-bellied Sea-Eagle and Brahminy Kite regulars along the river also. Azure Kingfisher has returned to the pond at Red Mill House.

All the Paradise Kingfisher young have fledged, so as well as bright, long-tailed adults, we are now seeing juveniles with dull orange bills and feet and short tails. One such bird has been seen daily in the gardens of Red Mill House.

Channel-billed Cuckoo seen and heard each day, and can be found feeding on the fruiting fig trees. Gould's Bronze Cuckoo also vocal.

 

11 MARCH

A lovely walk down Stewart Creek Rd on a nice sunny afternoon - pretty good for this time of year! White-bellied Sea-Eagle, Osprey (the first for ages), Channel-billed Cuckoo, Brush Cuckoo, Black-faced Monarch, Brown Cuckoo-Dove, Buff-breasted Paradise Kingfisher and several others. A flock of about 40 Whiskered Terns cruising the Daintree River and Stewart Creek, unusual for here.Great-billed Heron and Papuan Frogmouth seen on the Daintree River this morning.Lots of Honeyeaters, Mistletoebirds and Sunbirds busy in the garden now the weather has eased of a bit.

7 MARCH

Back from another great holiday - it's such a shame they only come about once a year. We spent some time in Northern Thailand first, doing some birding around the Chiang Dao, Doi Ang Khang and Phrao areas.  The forest of the mountains of Northern Thailand is beautiful and we saw a few specials like Giant Nuthatch, and then the very pretty Phrao valley was great for lowland and paddyfield birding.

Cambodia, we found much more difficult to be birding as an independent  - transport and infrastructure is very poor. There are a couple of organisations operating out of Siem Reap that offer excellent guided birding from 1/2 day to multiple days at reasonable rates, however.  With them we managed to explore the UNESCO Biosphere area of Prek Toal at Lake Tonlie Sap and Ang Trapeng Thmor Reserve, a huge reservoir (built by forced labour from the Khmer Rouge times) which is full of waterbirds.  Lots of wonderful cranes, pelicans, storks, crakes, jacanas etc. A highlight was birdwatching amongst the ruins of Angkor Wat, a somewhat surreal time, but resulting in a great birding and cultural experience, combined.

 A report will appear shortly for our time in Cambodia.

It's great to be back in Daintree, although we nearly didn't make it because of very heavy rainfall and local flooding.  It would have been tragic to have to stay in Port Douglas for 2 nights, rather than being back in Daintree.  It was great to see the Buff-breasted Paradise Kingfisher, Channel-billed Cuckoo, Double-eyed Fig-Parrot, Laughing Kookaburra and all those other favourites on our return.  Lots of rain, so everything is green and lush (and the mould has set in) and Ellen and Silvia did a great job looking after Red Mill House while we were away.  We are very grateful for them both.

 

31 JANUARY

We are off on holidays, back in early March. Off to Thailand and Cambodia with the binoculars and spotting scope packed. Ellen Terrell will be looking after Red Mill House, so all will be as normal, but no bulletin board or sightings charted until our return.

Some nice birds in Daintree over the past few days with Female Cicadabird, Channel-billed Cuckoo and Buff-breasted Paradise Kingfisher amongst them. Lots of Black Bittern on the river, and some very busy Double-eyed Fig-Parrots about.

Rainy weather, but mostly at night, so not interfering too much with Daintree birdwatching.

23 JANUARY

Very hot and humid weather for the past week in Daintree - 37 degrees some days!

Some lovely birds on the Daintree River with Great-billed Heron, Azure Kingfisher and Black Bittern. Latham's Snipe also seen.Top-knot Pigeon, Fairy Gerygone and Channel-billed Cuckoo on Stewart Creek Rd, and Buff-breasted Paradise Kingfisher seen daily in the same area. Southern Cassowary seen north of the Daintree River.

12 JANUARY

A very wet week, with storms most evenings and 20-60ml rain per day. There have been some excellent birds about though, with Great-billed Heron and Black Bittern regularly see on the Daintree River. Double-eyed Fig-Parrot, Black-necked Stork, Magpie Goose and Wompoo Fruit-Dove also seen on the river.

Buff-breasted Paradise Kingfisher regularly seen along Stewart Creek Rd. Blue-faced Parrot-Finch also briefly seen at a spot where most years it is seen for 6-8 weeks in spring, but not this year.

Still large numbers of Rainbow Lorikeet, Metallic Starling and Pied Imperial Pigeons feeding on rainforest fruits. Gould's Bronze-Cuckoo and Brush Cuckoo still vocal.

 

4 JANUARY 2008

Another year gone - Happy New Year to birdwatchers far and wide.

Some minor flooding on the Daintree River a few days ago, but hot and stormy now. Lots of good birds about with Black Bittern, Great-billed Heron, White-bellied Sea-Eagle, Azure Kingfisher, Magpie Goose, Shining Flycatcher, Sacred Ibis, Wompoo Fruit-Dove and Papuan Frogmouth on the Daintree River and along Barratt Creek. Many birds are still nesting.

The Buff-breasted Paradise Kingfisher are now nesting and can be seen along Stewart Creek Rd. Pied Monarch, Spectacled Monarch, Yellow Oriole, Cicadabird, Varied Triller also along the first section of that road. Many grasses are seeding, so good views of Red-backed Fairywren, Golden-headed Cisticola, Chestnut-breasted and Nutmeg Mannikin in the fields.

The local swamps are filling with water after some good rains, spreading the Black Bittern around and giving us Wandering Whistling Duck, Black-necked Stork and large numbers of Magpie Goose. Bush hen are being very vocal along the verges of the swamps and in the drains etc.

This early wet season can be some of the best time for birdwatching in Daintree, despite the unpredictable conditions. It is very worthwhile.

 

27 DECEMBER

The Daintree Birdwatching team had a couple of nights up in the dry country around Innot Hot Springs over Christmas, enjoying the soothing thermal springs baths and birding in the early mornings and late afternoons. We were fortunate to have cloudy and cooler weather and some great thunderstorms at night so the conditions were perfect. Staff at the local motel/petrol station/general store/campground/cafe/swimming pool/newsagent/bank agency (a true mixed business) gave us mud map of the area with directions to a beautiful low, flat expanse of water on one of the local stations. Between the road to the wetland, and on the wetland, we saw 75 species of birds. Lots of Brolga, Australian Bustard, Galah, Red-winged Parrot, Pale-headed Rosella, Spotted and Striated Pardalote, large numbers of Black Swan, Green and Cotton Pygmy Goose, probably 100 Hardhead, Great-cested Grebe, Great Cormorant, heaps of Dollarbird and Channel-billed Cuckoo and Rainbow Bea-eater, and so it goes on - - - - Grey-headed Babbler, Black-faced Woodswallow, Fuscous Honeyeater, Lemon-bellied Flycatcher, Apostlebird and the list goes on. It was lovely and oh, so different to Daintree! Dry air, cool in the mornings, no mosquitoes but zillions of ants and flies. It just makes you want to keep driving and driving.

Back in Daintree to discover a Black Bittern on the pond and a Buff-breasted Paradise Kingfisher in the garden. Can't complain about that! 100ml of rain in the past couple of days - the wet season has begun.

 

19 DECEMBER

Hot and humid, but dry weather in Daintree as the wet season approaches.

Buff-breasted Paradise Kingfishers are beginning the nesting process and are being very vocal at the end of Stewart Creek Rd and also at Jindalba Boardwalk.

Bush Hen seen on Stewart Creek Rd, and Red-necked Crake in Daintree Village. Peregrine Falcon also along the river and in the village.

Good news - a newly built wetland at Craiglie (near Port Douglas) has Black-necked Stork, Green Pygmy Goose, Magpie Goose, and several Pied Heron on it. There is a design fault with the bide hide, in that you disturb the birds by accessing the hide, but hopefully that will be resolved. It will be nice to have another accessible area for visiting birders.

10 DECEMBER

The Daintree Birdwatching team has just had a few days off - just relaxing on the northern beaches of Cairns, birding the Cairns Esplanade daily and then attending the launch of Cliff and Dawn Frith's beautiful new book on Bowerbirds in the Atherton Tablelands. A great few days. Thanks to Ellen Terrell for keeping things going here with her usual flair.

There has been some great birds on the Daintree River with Great-billed Heron, Little Kingfisher feeding young, Dollarbird and Black Bittern amongst them.

A quick look down Stewart Creek Rd gave us the pleasure of finding an Azure Kingfisher nesting in a bank along the side of the road. This hole has been in the bank for a couple of years. so it would appear that they are using it again. Buff-breasted Paradise Kingfisher cailling very closely as well.

Lots and lots of Rainbow Lorikeets and Metallic Starlings enjoying the abundant fruits that are about at the moment.

 

3 DECEMBER

Hot and humid weather for the last few days with thunderstorms building each day - lots of lovely lightening at night.

On the Daintree River Black Bittern, Great-billed Heron and Little Kingfisher have been seen. Ian (sauce) Worcester tells us there are at least seven pairs of Papuan Frogmouth nesting between Stewart Creek and Barratt Creek, some of which have hatched. They are such a great bird to see and now is the perfect time to do so. Nesting Double-eyed Fig-Parrots in residence along Barratt Creek also.

Channel-billed Cuckoo, Brush Cuckoo and Gould's Bronze-Cuckoo heard daily in Daintree Village and Azure Kingfisher and Buff-breasted Paradise Kingfisher also seen each day.

The downside is the mosquitoes are back! We enjoy several months a year mosquito-free, but after the first good rains they return. No diseases, just annoying!

 

25 NOVEMBER

An interesting week with our first cyclone of the year hovering around for several days and bringing 170ml of rain (7 inches) before it fizzled out. Beautiful rain, welcomed by most, and now followed by fabulous summer weather - hot and dry, but humid. It's agreat time of year.

On the birding front - after several weeks of being very, very difficult to see, the Little Kingfisher was seen well yesterday feeding young at Maardja Boardwalk. Now they have young, we should be seeing more of them around.

At least one of the Papuan Frogmouth pairs on the river have young also, that are very cute balls of white fluff sitting next to the parent on the branch. Black Bittern on the Daintree River, Latham's Snipe on the banks of the river near Stewart Creek Rd.

Good family groups of Lovely Fairy-Wren along Stewart Creek Rd, along with Fairy Gerygone, Rufous Fantail, Grey Whistler, Double-eyed Fig-Parrot and Buff-breasted Paradise Kingfisher, as well as the usual suspects.

 

14 NOVEMBER

Some more great bird sightings in Daintree over the past couple of days with White-bellied Sea-Eagle, Black-necked Stork, Comb-crested Jacana and of course, Buff-breasted Paradise Kingfisher.

Some windy and unsettled weather has brought big flocks of White-rumped Swiflets and also White-throated Needletail, feeding low to the ground.

Red Mill House garden has had sightings of the Paradise Kingfisher, Azure Kingfisher, Brown Cuckoo-Dove and Barred Cuckoo-Shrike. Red -necked Crake heard each night, along with the White-lipped Green Tree-Frogs on the pond. The little rain has brought out a variety of tree frogs and aslo the beautiful Ulysses and Cairns Birdwing butterflies.

Several waders seen at the local barramundi farm. A beautiful Amethystine Python moved along off the road last night before he was hit.

11 NOVEMBER

It's hot and dry in Daintree, prior to the wet season. The local farmers are burning their feilds prior to the rains to rejuvenate the grass for their cattle. The raptors are out in force, hunting over the burnt areas. Last night we saw large numbers of Black Kite and Whistling Kite, plus the joy of watching a pair of Wedge-tailed Eagle partaking in a spectacular Mutual Soaring Display which involved foot touching. Wonderful to see.

Other treats on our drive down Upper Daintree Rd last night included White-bellied Sea-Eagle, White-browed Crake, Bush Hen, Australian Pipit and a male Chestnut Teal. A Black Bittern seen flying down Stewart Creek.

Spotless Crake seen at Wild Wings and Swampy Things along with Wandering Whistling Duck, Magpie Goose, Lovely Fairy-Wren and Double-eyed Fig-Parrot.

Buff-breasted Paradise Kingfisher calling locally and Southern Cassowary still seen regularly at Jindalba Boardwalk.

 

7 NOVEMBER

Some really nice sightings in Daintree over the past week. This is the time of year most popular with overseas birdwatchers and the more people looking, the more seen.

Of interest this week is Great-billed Heron at Harlow's Bridge and Bush Hen just before that bridge. Red-browed Finch seen in the same area. Australian Pelican a common sight the past few days, either soaring or in a wetland in a paddock across from Daintree Village.  Barred Cuckoo-Shrike and Scaly-breasted Lorikeet seen near Stewart Creek Bridge.

Glimpses of Little Kingfisher on the river, plus Black Bittern, several pairs of nesting Papuan Frogmouth and occasionally the Great-billed Heron. Lots of Shining Flycatchers about at the moment.

Lovely Fairy-wren on Stewart Creek Rd and in the garden at Red Mill House. Red-necked Crake heard each night at Red Mill House also. At least three Buff-breasted Paradise Kingfishers on Stewart Creek Rd, plus they are easy to find at Jindalba Boardwalk, north of the Daintree River. The male Cassowary with a single chick is still being seen daily at Jindalba Boardwalk.

 

31 OCTOBER

This is a great time of year for the summer migrants in Daintree. Large flocks of juvenile Metallic Starlings are racing around town and lots of cuckoos, from the smallest to the largest - Gould's Bronze Cuckoo, Brush Cuckoo, Common Koel and Channell-billed Cuckoo all being very vocal.

The Daintree River has been busy with the first of the fledglings of Azure Kingfisher seen today, glimpses of Little Kingfisher (which is hiding in breeding at present), Black Bittern and Great-billed Heron all being seen. There are several pairs of Papuan Frogmouth nesting above the river. Double-eyed Fig-Parrot also seen at the nest.

Jindalba Boardwalk, north of the Daintree River has a regular male Cassowary with a single chick and also Buff-breasted Paradise Kingfisher. No great numbers of these Kingfishers yet and they have not been heard in Daintree Village regularly yet.

23 NOVEMBER

Another interesting week with good sightings of Cassowary on Jindalba Boardwalk, not yet regular views of Buff-breasted Paradise Kingfisher in the same place, Great-billed Heron and Black Bittern on the Daintree River and Channel-billed Cuckoo, Papuan Frogmouth, Pacific Heron and Great-billed Heron on Stewart Creek. Azure Kingfisher in the pond at Red Mill House and Yellow Oriole nesting above it. Lots of flowering and fruiting trees at the moment, so large numbers of Rainbow Lorikeets and Metallic Starling.

Brush Cuckoo and Common Koel being very vocal this year.

18 OCTOBER

Buff-breasted Paradise Kingfisher seen on Stewart Creek Rd from 17 October and at Jindalba Boardwalk from October 15th - nice and early this year.

Rose-crowned Fruit-Dove and Superb Fruit-Dove both seen on Stewart Creek Rd also. Great looks at the Great-billed Heron on the Daintree River, plus Black Bittern

16 OCTOBER

A great visit by US based group Legacy Tours, with sightings of Rose-crowned Fruit-Dove, Gould's Bronze Cuckoo and Red-necked Crake in Daintree Village, and Wompoo Fruit-Dove, Black-faced Monarch, Spectacled Monarch on Stewart Creek Rd along with our first confirmed call of Buff-breasted Paradise Kingfisher for the season. Black Bittern, Papuan Frogmouth on the Daintree River, and both Little Kingfisher and Azure Kingfisher on the pond at Red Mill House. A very successful visit!!

Views of Great-billed Heron and Black-necked Stork when overlooking the river from Daintree Village.

Red Mill House's nesting Yellow-bellied Sunbird has patiently been sitting for multiple photos, and the nesting Yellow Oriole over the pond has benn busily chasing off a female Common Koel - interested in laying in her nest I wonder?

13 OCTOBER

A very hot week with temperatures up to 36 degrees and humudity soaring - a bit sudden for those of us who had become soft over the winter! Our first thunderstorm last night - always a relief, but making it very steamy today.

Some great new summer birds with Cicadabird, Channel-billed Cuckoo, Brush Cuckoo and Red-necked Crake all being very vocal. Satin Flycatcher a regular sight on Stewart Creek Rd and a pair of Shining Flycatcher on the pond of Red Mill House. The Little Kingfisher seems to have disappeared, maybe off to breed in the mangroves.

Papuan Frogmouth on a nest on Stewart Creek. Our Sunbird is sitting comfortably on her nest despite people coming back and forth past her all day.

? Buff-breasted Paradise Kingfisher heard nearby, but maybe wishful thinking. A sighting reported at Malanda.

 

5 OCTOBER

Large flocks of Metallic Starlings and Pied Imperial Pigeons around Daintree each day, with the sounds of Common Koel, Brown-backed Honeyeater, Brush Cuckoo and Red-necked Crake also signs that the main migrant season is upon us. No signs of Buff-breasted Kingfisher yet - probably another 3 weeks away. Black Bittern seen in Cairns, but not regularly on the Daintree River at this stage.

Latham's Snipe seen at the pond of the Daintree Teahouse, Lovely Fairy-Wren on Stewart Creek Rd, Southern Cassowary north of the Daintree River, Little Kingfisher on the pond of Red Mill House. We aslo have a Yellow-bellied Sunbird madly building her hanging nest at the window of the lounge. Much to everyone's delight.

 

27 SEPTEMBER

Another great week for birdwatching in Daintree with continuing good weather.

The Little Kingfisher remains a daily visitor to the garden of Red Mill House and Double-eyed Fig-Parrot, Common Koel, Wompoo Fruit-Dove, Pied Imperial Pigeon, Gould's Bronze Cuckoo and flocks of Metallic Starlings visiting daily. Victoria's Riflebird has also been through.

Southern Cassowary spotted on the beach at Cape Tribulation, and Noisy Pitta at Jindalba Boardwalk.

The Daintree River has been very productive with Papuan Frogmouth and Great-billed Heron seen amongst many others.

 

15 SEPTEMBER

It's been a busy time in Daintree, with many visitors continuing and many good birdwatchers among them. The weather is fabulous with pleasant nights and stunning warm and calm days.

A group from NSW and the UK have just spent four days at Red Mill House and managed to see over 100 species during their stay. Although the Southern Cassowary eluded them, they saw some specials like Pied Monarch, Papuan Frogmouth, Victoria's Riflebird, Spotted Catbird, Little Kingfisher, White-necked Heron, Pacific Baza, Grey Goshawk, Large-tailed Nightjar, Lovely Fairy-Wren, Bridled Honeyeater, Gery-tailed Tattler, Shining Bronze Cuckoo and many more. Much fun had by all.

Pied Imperial Pigeons are back in large numbers, feeding on rainforest fruits by day and returning to the off-shore islands at night. Common Koel and Channel-billed Cuckoo are also summer migrants that have become much more vocal and obvious in recent days.

 

3 SEPTEMBER

Another nice week in Daintree with the weather warming up - windy though.  Some good winter birds still with Lewin's Honeyeater still in the lowlands and Black-faced Monarch and Spectacled Monarch both seen regularly. Papuan Frogmouth on the Daintree River, Striated Heron and all the Egrets present.  Metallic Starling, Brown-backed Honeyeater and Common Koel the most obvious of the summer migrants.  Little Kingfisher still a daily visitor on the pond at Red Mill House.

25 AUGUST

Well, back to n-n-normal with Trish home and us both trying to catch up on rest. A fabulous time at the British Bird Fair - I will write a report over the weekend and post it here.

The weather has warmed up in Daintree and the place looks great - green and beautiful. A family of Pacific Baza in Daintree Village, Barred Cuckoo-Shrike eating the figs at the front of Red Mill House, Yellow-breasted Boatbill and Lovely Fairy-Wren on Stewart Creek Rd, Little Kingfisher and Azure Kingfisher on the pond of Red Mill House. Large flocks of Metallic Starlings. Red-necked Crake heard locally. Several pairs of Papuan Frogmouth on the Daintree River.

10 AUGUST

Our last report for a week or so as Trish heads off to the British Bird Fair on Monday - a very short visit unfortunately, but very exciting just the same. Looking forward to catching up with old friends, and meeting some new ones.

Some nice birds in Daintree this week with all the winter specials - Rufous Fantail, Grey Fantail, Black-faced Monarch, Spectacled Monarch, Leaden Flycatcher, Brown Falcon seen, plus a couple of new birds for spring. Brown-backed Honeyeter and female Common Koel have arrived and reports of Pied Imperial Pigeon from the Cairns area.

Daily sightings of Cassowary north of the Daintree River, Barking Owl back each night outside Red Mill House, Little Kingfisher in the pond of Red Mill House, Papuan Frogmouth and Great-billed Heron on the Daintree River, Black-necked Stork in the fields of the Daintree Valley, Australain Hobby near Barratt Creek and lots of Double-eyed Fig-Parrots feeding in fruiting fig trees.

Peter Cooper on the Mossamn River has been seeing Collared Kingfisher and Mangrove Robin regularly as well as Great-billed Heron and Little Kingfisher.

 

1 AUGUST

Some very interesting times for birdng in Daintree with varied winter conditions over the week or so. Yellow-breasted Boatbill (female), White-eared Monarch, Black-faced Monarch, Spectacled Monarch, Leaden Flycatcher, Grey Whistler, Varied Triller all seen locally. Good, regular sightings of Southern Cassowary to the north of the Daintree River. Papuan Frogmouth and Little Kingfisher and Azure Kingfisher on the Daintree River. Flocks of Magpie Goose, flocks of Metallic Starlings and flocks of Top-Knot Pigeons also seen. Large numbers of Double-eyed Fig-Parrot enjoying the fruiting fig in the gardens of Red Mill House. Barking Owl also seen in the garden.

24 JULY

Some rain in Daintree after quite a long dry spell. Wintery weather with showers, wind and lots of cloud. The sea has been rough for over a week, so many visitors in town enjoying the river and local walks and drives.

A single Pied Currawong has become a vocal addition to the street sounds of Daintree, having been around most mornings this week.

Some good birds around, with Metallic Starlings now back from New Guinea in large numbers. Easily recognisable in small, noisy flocks, jet black, with arrow-shaped tails, flying very fast or feeding on rainforest fruits in the canopy. Close up, they have brilliant red eyes and shine in the sun in hues of green and purple - very pretty. They nest communally and are busy collecting nesting material from the day they arrive, so are always busy.

Top-knot Pigeon, Brown Cuckoo-Dove, Emerald Dove, Bar-shouldered Dove, Wompoo Fruit-Dove all seen around Daintree.

Barking Owl in the garden of Red Mill House. Victoria's Riflebird and Macleays Honeyeater enjoying the feeders along with the other honeyeaters, Helmeted Friarbird, Spangled Drongo, Silvereye and Black Butcherbird.

 

17 JULY

Big flocks of Topknot Pigeon about this year, and seemingly less Wompoo Fruit Dove. A flock of Metallic Starlings also zipped through the garden of Red Mill House this morning - they should be in New Guinea at this time of year. Little Kingfisher and Azure Kingfisher both present on the pond in the same garden.

Little Eagle seen again on Stewart Creek Rd and Wedge-tailed Eagle seen over Mossman Golf Course. Southern Cassowary seen most days in the Cape Tribulation area.

Some non-birding news - Platypus seen at length and photographed in the lower section of the river at Mossman Gorge. This is an unusual sighting and very exciting. Echidna found traversing the garden at Red Mill House during the evening, and Striped Possum seen at night near Beatrice Rd, off Stewart Creek Rd.

 

11 JULY

Another great week for birdwatching in Daintree. It has been colder than any of the old locals can remember, with the temperature down to 8 degrees yesterday morning. We are all sleeping in our clothes! The Daintree River has been very productive, particularly a little later in the morning once the fog lifts and the sun makes it's way into the trees. Good views of White-eared Monarch, Superb Fruit-Dove, Victoria's Riflebird, nesting Double-eyed Fig-Parrot and Papuan Frogmouth all seen on the river.

Stewart Creek Rd has rewarded birders with Pied Monarch, Yellow-breasted Boatbill, Lovely Fairy-Wren, Wompoo Fruit-Dove, Topknot Pigeon, Rainbow Bea-eater as well as the regulars.

Jindalba Boardwalk has given very good sightings of Southern Cassowary, and as a real treat yesterday, the Noisy Pitta. Bridled Honeyeater and Victoria's Riflebird also seen on the boardwalks north of the Daintree River.

The garden of Red Mill House has been busy with Little Kingfisher, Azure Kingfisher, Black-faced Monarch, Victoria's Riflebird, Olive-backed Oriole, Yellow Honeyeater and all the usuals. It's hard keeping up with the fruit supply at this time of year.

 

4 JULY

Some excellent bird sightings around Daintree in the past few days. Large numbers of Topknot Pigeon plus Rose-crowned Fruit-Dove,Wompoo Fruit-Dove, Brown Cuckoo-Dove, Emerald Dove and Bar-shouldered Dove making up the numbers.

Pacific Baza feeding quietly in the garden of Red Mill House, with Little Kingfisher, Azure Kingfisher, Little Pied Cormorant and Great Egret all seen on the pond. Pied Monarch, Victoria's Riflebird and Macleay's Honeyeater are all local endemics seen in the garden over the past few days also. All the fruit eaters are busying themselves with any pawpaw or banana that is spare.

Striated Heron, Nankeen Night-Heron and Great-billed Heron all seen on the Daintree River.White-eared Monarch also seen on the Daintree River and Channel-billed Cuckoo continuing to overwinter and seen on the banks of the river. A small group of Pied Imperial Pigeons also overwintering.

Little Eagle seen on a couple of occassions now on Stewart Creek Rd.

29 JUNE

Cold nights and sunny days back again - to everyone's relief. Misty mornings on the Daintree River. Some good Daintree bird sightings with Little Kingfisher and Azure Kingfisher, Brahminy Kite, Shining Flycatcher among the highlights. Wompoo Fruit Dove enjoying the Blue Quandong fruits. Silvereye and Nutmeg Mannikin in the garden of Red Mill House, Great Egret and Little Kingfisher enjoying the pond. Lots of Graceful, Lewin's and Yellow-Spotted Honeyeaters coming into the feeders for fresh fruit.

Daintree is busy with school holidays and the visitors are enjoying the sunny weather.

 

20 JUNE

A miserable week - cool and lots of rain/showers/drizzle most days. The Honeyeaters are suddenly all tired of eating insects because there is no nectar, and are heading for the pawpaw and bananas on the feeders. Yellow, Yellow-spotted, Macleay's, Dusky, Lewin's and Graceful Honeyeater, plus the Spangled Drongo and Helmeted Friarbird all keen for their share of the fruit and with Bar-shouldered Dove finishing off the seeds. Unfortunately Spangled Drongo has been spotted taking small birds on the wing twice in the last two days. Not fair!

A couple of very interesting birds locally with four Channel-billed Cuckoo spending time near the river. Hardhead, Royal Spoonbill, Striated Heron also on the river plus several Little Kingfisher. Yellow-breasted Boatbill, Victoria's Riflebird, Brush Cuckoo seen along Stewart Creek Rd. Rose-crowned Fruit-Dove also seen, as an added treat.

Beach Stone-Curlew seen at Saltwater Creek at Newell Beach.

Red Mill House has had their favourite photographer, Mark Eagles, staying and he's managed some great shots of Little Kingfisher, Azure Kingfisher, Striated Heron, and many other birds plus snakes, dragonflies and butterflies while he has been here. Some more photos for the guest areas coming up.

11 JUNE

At last - cold (for us!) nights with foggy mornings and clear, sunny days. A beautiful time of the year to be on the Daintree River. Lots of Kingfishers about and Double-eyed Fig-Parrots in large numbers. Yellow-breasted Boatbill seen on a Stewart Creek Rd walk.

A lovely surprise yesterday when a very wet Red-backed button-Quail was delivered to Red Mill House after being found by fishermen. A warm spot brought it back to health fairly quickly and it was released among the sedges at Wild Wings and Swampy Things in good spirits.

Both Little Kingfisher and Azure Kingfisher are regulars on the pond at Red Mill House.

5 JUNE

A few days away in Sydney - what a gorgeous place at this time of year with the clear winter skies and chilly nights. A surprising number of birds around the Botanic Gardens and The Rocks area.

Some great sightings for Daintree birwatchers while we were away - Beach Stone-Curlew at Wonga Beach (thanks to Ron Smith for intel), Glossy Swiftlet at Daintree, Collared Kingfisher on the Mossman River, Southern Cassowary at Dubiji Boardwalk, Pacific Baza, Rajah Shelduck and lots of other regulars.

Yellow-breasted Boatbill and Little Kingfisher in the garden of Red mill House. The Nutmeg Mannikin family finally fledged - a surprising 18 days from hatching.

25 MAY

A pair of Barking Owl calling loudly at night in Daintree Village. They woke us from the garden of Red Mill House last night and were seen early this morning just outside the gate just before dawn.

68ml rain last night and a miserable sort of day today, so very quiet. Little Kingfisher on the pond at Red Mill House.

23 MAY

The Common Green Tree Snake (2m long, and fat, shiny and healthy) was finally caught after being found rattling through the guests cups on the deck! After a day being shown to visitors at Crossroads Cafe, he was realised at the local McDowall's Swamp. All the Red Mill House frogs breathe a sigh of relief! A call from the neighbours gave us a beautiful Children's Python as well - again shiny and healthy. It's that time of year.

A quiet weekend at Red Mill House, so Andrew, Trish, Ellen and two local friends had a night away to do some birding. We stayed at Kingfisher Park for the night and went birding, then spotlighting, at Mt Lewis. It was lovely, seeing some special birds like Chowchilla, Eastern Spinebill, Eastern Whipbird, Mountain Thornbill, Yellow-throated Scrub-Wren, Victoria's Riflebird etc. The next morning we made our way to Lake Mitchell where we saw, in perfect conditions, many more birds. Striated Pardalote, Varied Sitella, Red-tailed Black Cockatoo, Black-necked Stork, Scarlet Honeyeater and Grey-crowned Babbler are some of the favourites. Ellen is always so great to go with, and the rest of us all learnt a lot. Abbatoir Swamp was quite productive and a last minute drop-in to Newell Beach gave us a couple of waders to finish off. 24 hours, 101 birds and lots of fun all squeezed into our ute.

Rajah Shelduck in residence at the local Barramundi Farm. Little Kingfisher daily on the Pond at Red Mill House. Lewins Honeyeater and Yellow Honeyeater very vocal around the garden. The Nutmeg Mannikin family must be due to fledge soon - lots of noise, getting stronger every day.

17 MAY

Cassowary seen north of the Daintree River again yesterday, crosssing the road. Great-billed Heron spotted flying over Red Mill House yesterday also - rather odd and very spectacular. Wompoo Fruit Dove, Yellow-breasted Boatbill, Rufous Fantail seen along Stewart Creek Rd. Immature Metallic Starlings (surprisingly for this time of year) feeding near the river, and Azure Kingfisher and Striated Heron seen from Dan's boat a couple of days ago.

Lots of cheeping coming from the Mannikins nest, so obviously the Butcherbird missed dinner the other day - everyone is very pleased. Another rescue yesterday though, with a very long Green Tree-Snake discovered with the leg of a very distressed White-lipped Green Tree-Frog in it's mouth, on our balcony. Fortunately he let go, and hopefully the frog will be OK. He was certainly the biggest snake of that type that we have seen. He's been lurking for a couple of days, but so far all the kitchen frogs, lamp frogs and painting frogs are all still accounted for!

13 MAY

A few rainy days, which has been rather nice. The pond at Red Mill House is now full, and although the Little Kingfisher disappeared for a few days when the water was murky, he's back again now catching some good sized fish.

Lewin's Honeyeater has appeared - a good sign that winter is coming. Satin Flycatcher passing through, and Spectacled Monarch and Grey Fantail reminded us that that the cooler weather is on it's way. Spotted Catbird and Victoria's Riflebird also becoming more obvious.

Some sad news. Yesterday I was about to report that our Nutmeg Mannikins had hatched - lots of cheeping from the middle of the tree fern overhanging the verandah. However - - - some rustling and movement in the said tree fern yesterday, and sure enough, there is an immature Black Butcherbird raiding the nest. We are shattered, and so will he be if we catch him! I mean, how much food can there possible be in day old mannikin chicks! It's nature, I know - -

8 MAY

Rufous Owl was back in Red Mill House garden for a repeat of it past performance - an incredible hit on a roosting Yellow Oriole which it then proceeded to devour in front of the guests. There were no cameras at the ready this time but Tray Rhodes's record of the previous incident can be viewed at the PICTURE GALLERY. Little Kingfisher and Azure Kingfisher have been sharing the pond with female Shining Flycatcher recently.

Very sad news that our friend and fellow birder John Searle has had a turn and will be laid up for a few weeks - we wish him a speedy recovery. John maintains the www.cairnsbirds.blogspot.com

4 MAY

A great walk down Stewart Creek Rd this afternoon with guests. Three of our endemics - Victoria's Riflebird, Pied Monarch and Macleay's Honeyeater, plus Spectacled Monarch, Little Shrike-Thrush, Leaden Flycatcher, Grey Whistler, Yellow-breasted Boatbill, Yellow-bellied Sunbird, Dusky, Brown-backed, Graceful and Yellow-spotted Honeyeater, Fairy Gerygone, Forest Kingfisher, Laughing Kookaburra, Azure Kingfisher, Darter, Rainbow Bee-eater, White-breasted Woodswallow, Spangled Dongo, Helmeted friarbird, Cattle Egret, Great Egret, Straw-necked Ibis, Welcome Swallow, Masked Lapwing, Brush Turkey, Figbird, Varied Triller. Most impressive! The gorgeous weather continues.

 

1 MAY

Beautiful weather continues in Daintree and some great birds to be seen. The summer migrants seem to have finally gone, apart from the odd Black Bittern on the river. Cormorants and Darters have re-appeared though.

Little Kingfisher on the pond at Red Mill House most days.

 

23 APRIL

Some great bird sightings around Daintree over the weekend with the good weather continuing. Lots of raptors seen including Wedge-tailed Eagle (uncommon in the lowlands), Grey Goshawk, Whistling Kite, Brahminy Kite, Black Kite, White-bellied Sea-Eagle and a pair of Pacific Baza.

Great-billed Heron, Black Bittern, Little Kingfisher and Azure Kingfisher all seen on the Daintree River with Dan Irby and Ellen Terrell. Beautiful misty, cool mornings on the river at the moment - excellent conditions.

Superb Fruit Dove seen along Stewart Creek Rd plus Rufous fantail, Grey Fantail, Satin Flycatcher. Wompoo Fruit Doves happy with all the fruiting trees. Little Kingfisher on the pond at Red Mill House and Mistletoe Bird, Leaden Flycatcher, lots of Rainbow Lorikeet, Cicadabird and others in the garden.

Yellow-breasted Boatbill and Black-faced Monarch seen at Wild Wings and Swampy things yesterday afternoon.

 

17 APRIL

A couple of very interesting sightings this week in Daintree for birdwatchers. A flock of 14 Plumed Whistling Ducks on the river, a flock of King Parrots along Stewart Creek Rd, a small Tern (unknown species at this point) on the Daintree River, Buff-breasted Paradise Kingfisher still seen at Jindalba boardwalk, Little Kingfisher on the pond at Red Mill House. Satin Flycatcher passing through also. The very sad thing however, is that we found a freshly dead Lesser Sooty Owl yesterday afternoon on Stewart Creek Rd. They are so beautiful and so unusual for us to see - it is such a shame. Ellen has been hearing a pair at night at her place feeding a chick, so hopefully it wasn't one of them.

The weather is beautiful again, so the yard is busy. Nutmeg Mannikin are busily building a nest in the tall tree fern at the front of the house. Mistletoebird and Leaden Flycatcher in the yard, plus the honeyeaters and sunbird. Rainbow Lorikeets are busily feeding their babies and Sulfur-crested Cockatoos have found our citrus trees.  

 

12 APRIL

Not perfect weather in Daintree, with squally south easterlies, showers and rough seas for the last few days. Some nice breaks in the weather however, with some goods birds to be seen. The Daintree River has been great with Little Kingfisher, Azure Kingfisher, Great-billed Heron all seen. Little Kingfisher also on the pond at Red Mill House. Black-necked Stork in the fields approaching Daintree.

Buff-breasted Paradise Kingfisher (full adult colours) in the garden at Red Mill 11th April - much later than we expected, and maybe our last sighting of the year. Very exciting! Blue-winged Kookaburra and Sacred Kingfisher also in Daintree. Barking Owl and Papuan Frogmouth both seen in town at night, and Lesser Sooty Owl spotted on a late night drive back from Cape Tribulation.

Mossman Golf Course yesterday had a flock of Topknot Pigeons, Double-eyed Fig-Parrot, Blue-winged Kookaburra and a Peregrine Falcon attacking a Whisting Kite. Andrew may not play such good golf, but he gets to see some birds!

 

05 APRIL

Another holiday over and another busy season begun. We had a wonderful time in Laos and Northern Thailand, and would recommend it to anyone. Laos is an easy destination, and although not many birds, the people are charming and the countryside lovely. The rivers are beautiful and exploring the country is full of fun and adventure. It is great to get back to the green landscape and the blue skies of Daintree though.

Ellen and Silvia have done a great job looking after Red Mill House and all our guests have been very happy, and the place was in excellent order on our return.

Birding news includes the fact that many of our summer migrants are still here in small numbers - Black Bittern, Buff-breasted Paradise Kingfisher, Pied Imperial Pigeon, Metallic Starling and Dollarbird have all been seen up until today at least, and also some others have returned for the cooler season - Sacred Kingfisher, Cattle Egret, Rainbow Bee-eater and Grey Fantail all seen over the last few days.

There is a Great-billed Heron seen regularly on Stewart creek, plus Gould's Bronze Cuckoo near the bridge. Little Kingfisher and Azure Kingfisher on the pond at Red Mill House. Wompoo Fruit-Dove feeding on the Blue Quandong fruit as it matures and Leaden Flycatcher in the yard. Osprey at there various nests between here and Cairns (although not on our local Telecom tower), Channel-billed Cuckoo calling about town. No Lovely Fairy-Wren seen though for quite some time. Thanks to Ellen for this information.

 

13 FEBRUARY

It's our last day before holidays so much to do. It's been very hot and dry for the past few days after our first threatening cyclone and minor flood last week. It is the tropics after all!

The Little Kingfisher has become a regular on the pond at Red Mill House, as has the Red-necked Crake with at least one baby. They are so secretive that it is hard to tell how many. Bush Hen have also been coming into the pond to drink. The Buff-breasted Paradise Kingfisher nest near the Water Tower is still active and we see the birds each day.

Black-faced Monarch, both male and female Cicadabird, Black Bittern, Azure Kingfisher, Shining Flycatcher, Large-billed Gerygone, Striated Heron all seen on the Daintree River during the week.

We're off to Western Australia for a couple of weeks and then to Thailand and Laos - should be fun!! Our friend Ellen Terrell is minding Red Mill House while we are away and will do a great job looking after people.

 

30 JANUARY

A great treat with Little Kingfisher spending several hours on the pond again yesterday and a Red-necked Crake casually wandering through the yard at Red Mill House. Peter Cooper's Mangrove Man Tours on the Mossman River was terrific with Rose-crowned Fruit-Dove added to the usuals with Sacred Kingfisher and Collared Kingfisher included.

 

28 JANUARY
For the first time for ages, the Little Kingfisher spend an hour or so on the pond at Red Mill House. One also seen today at the little creek on Stewart Creek Rd. Buff-breasted Paradise Kingfisher spotted leaving her termite mound near the water tower, and another nearby. Wompoo Fruit-Dove, Double-eyed Fig-Parrot and young Orange-footed Scrubfowl seen in the garden. Black Bittern and Great-billed Heron seen from Dan Irby's tour this morning, and both these plus Collared Kingfisher seen with Peter Cooper on the Mossman River.

27 JANUARY

An interesting week with some very heavy rains followed by very sunny hot days - it becomes a bit tiring, but the pool is good!

The Blue Quandongs are flowering heavily, so hundreds of Rainbow Lorikeet are about, joined by Scaley-breasted Lorikeets - more this year than usual. A particular tree on Barratt creek has about a dozen yesterday morning.

Channel-billed Cuckoo, Brush Cuckoo and Gould's Bronze Cuckoo all seen during the week. Striated Heron, Great-billed Heron, Little Kingfisher, Azure Kingfisher, Black Bittern all seen on the river.

Our Forest Kingfisher nest in the yard at Red Mill House has been very busy with the parents madly feeding their young - likewise the Mannikins. Buff-breasted Paradise Kingfisher still seen daily.

21 JANUARY
A huge storm last night with 46mm rain in an hour or so - first one for the season really.
A great sighting with long looks at Oriental Cuckoo near Stewart Creek, plus a dark morph of the Eastern Reef Egret seen being chased by a Great Egret. They are often seen at the mouth of the river, but not usually so far upstream. Purple Swamphen and Dusky Moorhen seen daily on the creeks. A lovely group of Green Pygmy Goose and Wandering Whistling Ducks at Wild Wings and Swampy Things. Azure Kingfishers mating on the pond at Red Mill House this morning and the Nutmeg Mannikins are madly feeding their young in the nest off the verandah.
Black Bittern seen on the river and Osprey back after quite an absence.

15 JANUARY

Warm and humid weather, but no rain as yet. Lots of tree frogs about in the garden and house at Red Mill House, plus a rather active Green Tree Snake doing the rounds. Lovely Fairy-Wren drinking at our birdbaths, along with the usuals. Two beautiful males and a female yesterday morning. A Yellow- bellied Sunbird has just finished a lovely nest outside the window of the lounge, but she mustn't have had the official nod from the male, because she hasn't been back to lay. It's a nice example to show everyone though.

A great sighting by guests recently, with two Bennett's Tree Kangaroos seen at the lookout at Alexandra Range - an unusual sighting in daylight hours, but not the first time in this area. Cassowary also seen at Jindalba Boardwalk.

A walk along Stewart Creek Rd last night, although quiet, gave us Black Bittern, Buff-breasted Paradise Kingfisher, Forest Kingfisher, Azure Kingfisher, Laughing Kookaburra, Spangled Drongo, Yellow Oriole, Mistletoebird, Straw-necked Ibis, Chestnut-breasted Mannikin, Figbird, Phheasant Coucal, Channel-billed Cuckoo, Little Egret, Darter, Macleay's Honeyeater, Dusky Honeyeater, Yellow-spotted Honeyeater, Graceful Honeyeater, Black Butcherbird, Helmeted Friarbird, Welcome Swallow, White-breasted Woodswallow, Purple Swamphen, Masked Lapwing, Brown-backed Honeyeater, Bar-shouldered Dove, Pied Imperial Pigeon, Wompoo Fruit-Dove, Magpie Lark, Varied Triller, Metallic Starling and Welcome Swallow.

8 JANUARY

Suddenly Red Mill House is quiet, so time to catch up with some long-overdue chores like gardening and websites, and also some pleasure like afternoon walks and drives. A lovely drive out Upper Daintree Rd yesterday gave us flocks of Chestnut-breasted Mannikins, Australian Pipit, Brown Quail, Singing Bushlark,White-breasted Woodswallow, Pheasant Coucal and Cattle Egrets all along the fields. Royal Spoonbill, White-faced Heron and Pacific Black Duck on the wetlands, Little Egret and Masked Lapwing along the river banks. The usual Forest Kingfisher and Laughing Kookaburra on the powerlines. Yellow Oriole, Helmeted Friarbird, Figbird, Double-eyed Fig Parrot, Brush Cuckoo, Spangled Drongo all feeding in the trees. A nice drive.

Little Kingfisher seen on the Daintree River with Dan Irby - the first one for a while. Also Black Bittern, Great-billed Heron and all the regulars

Two Red-tailed Black Cockatoos seen over the fields near the Crossroads Cafe - most unusual for the lowlands but there have been a couple of sightings lately in the Daintree Valley. 

3 JANUARY 2007

Happy New Year to all Daintree Birdwatchers, past and future. Our best wishes for a well travelled and interesting year with lots of great birds.

The year has started in Daintree with some rain - not much at this stage, but more to come. There are a lot of rainforest trees fruiting and flowering at present so the noise of the Rainbow Lorikeets and Figbirds are dominent all day. At night it is the White-lipped Green Tree-Frog in the pond, and they seem to go quiet just as the morning chorus of birds starts. A few guests have been kept awake, but it sure beats the sounds of ambulance and police sirens!

A nice river trip this morning with Dan Irby - fairly quiet on the river with rain showers, but lots of nesting birds - Wompoo Fruit-Dove, Shining Flycatcher (several), Large-billed Gerygone (several), Helmeted Friarbird, Figbird, Papuan Frogmouth. She has a beautiful fluffy chick sitting in front of her on the branch with it's head pointed skyward - very cute! Nice views of Azure Kingfisher also.

Buff-breasted Paradise Kingfisher in the yard of Red Mill House daily - unfortunately our mound has been abandoned, but another mound nearby appears to be active. Azure Kingfisher daily on the pond.