For our tour description, itinerary, past triplists, dates, fees, and more, please VISIT OUR TOUR PAGE.
See this triplist in printable PDF format with media only on page 1.
The sunset over Cumberland Dam near Georgetown was especially vibrant. Photo by guide Cory Gregory.
The country of Australia is a vast one, with a wide range of geography, flora, and fauna. This tour, ranging from the Top End over to Queensland (with some participants continuing on to Tasmania), sampled a diverse set of regions and an impressively wide range of birds. Whether it was the colorful selection of honeyeaters, the variety of parrots, the many rainforest specialties, or even the diverse set of world-class mammals, we covered a lot of ground and saw a wealth of birds.
We began in the tropical north, in hot and humid Darwin, where Torresian Imperial-Pigeons flew through town, Black Kites soared overhead, and we had our first run-ins with Magpie-Larks. We ventured away from Darwin to bird Fogg Dam, where we enjoyed Large-tailed Nightjar in the predawn hours, majestic Black-necked Storks in the fields nearby, and even a Rainbow Pitta and Rose-crowned Fruit-Dove in the nearby forest! We also visited areas like Darwin River Dam, where some rare Black-tailed Treecreepers put on a show and Northern Rosellas flew around us. We can’t forget additional spots near Darwin, like East Point, Buffalo Creek, and Lee Point, where we gazed out on the mudflats and saw a variety of coast specialists, including Beach Thick-knee and Gull-billed Tern. And who can forget the adorable nesting Tawny Frogmouths at East Point! Additionally, we stopped at Knuckey Lagoons to enjoy a variety of waders, and at Marlow Lagoon for Silver-backed Butcherbird.
Leaving some of the heat behind us, we flew eastward to Cairns. We stopped at Centenary Lakes, which yielded a plethora of new trip birds like Olive-backed Sunbird, Australian Brushturkey, Olive-backed Oriole, a nesting Papuan Frogmouth, and even an incubating Bush Thick-knee! Shortly after, we surrounded ourselves with rainforest at Chambers Rainforest Lodge and that meant a whole new suite of species. The lodge grounds were alive with Victoria’s Riflebirds, Spotted Catbirds, Gray-headed Robins, and a variety of honeyeaters, including Macleay’s and Lewin’s. The activity didn’t die down once the sun set either; the forest came alive with Striped Possums, Sugar Gliders, and bandicoots. Additionally, the nearby Curtain Fig Tree produced a stunning variety of highly-localized marsupials, like Green Ringtail Possum, Lumholtz’s Tree-Kangaroo, and Coppery Brushtail Possum. Overall, our time on the Atherton Tableland was productive; we saw the unique Platypus swimming in front of us, watched a Golden Bowerbird giving his alien-like song, and caught glimpses of the rare and endemic Atherton Scrubwren.
We then ventured west into Outback Queensland, where it was sunny, warm, and quite dry. And with this change in habitat came a change in plants and animals. Before we could even get to Georgetown, Tracy spotted some Emus, an impressive denizen of the dry open forests. The many waterholes near Georgetown hosted a variety of wildlife, including flocks of Galahs, Green Pygmy-Geese, glowing Red-backed Fairywrens, and a host of finches -- Zebra, Masked, Black-throated, and Double-barred. Whether it was the rare Ground Cuckooshrike, the Red-backed Kingfishers at Durham Dam, or the hordes of Apostlebirds, the Outback provided a fun mix of birds.
Heading back towards the coast, we returned to Cairns, where we enjoyed the shorebird spectacle along the esplanade each evening. And who will forget our trip to Phil Gregory’s Cassowary House, where we came face-to-face with the ancient and impressive Southern Cassowary! Later, we had time to bird some mangroves (where we picked up Mangrove Robin and Torresian Kingfisher) and some creekside habitat (where we spent time with White-browed Robins), and even added a bonus Square-tailed Kite on Highway 1.
Before long, it was time to leave Cairns and head south to Brisbane. What met us at O’Reilly’s was like a scene out of Jurassic Park (one of the good scenes!); parrots and rosellas didn’t hesitate to use us as perches, tiny scrubwrens tamely fed at our feet, and Regent Bowerbirds, Superb Fairywrens, and Red-browed Firetails glowed in bright splashes of color. Last but not least, we even caught up with a unique ghost of the rainforest -- the Albert’s Lyrebird!
When we ventured back to Brisbane, it was time to part ways. Some continued with us to Tasmania for a 5-day extension targeting the 12 Tasmanian endemics. One by one, we picked them off: the Black Currawong with the white wing-tips, the Green Rosellas, the plain-colored Dusky Robin, and the flightless Tasmanian Native-hens poking their way through pastures. The many mammals in Tasmania also deserve mentioning: the rare Tasmanian Devils at Mountain Valley Lodge, the Short-billed Echidnas along the roadsides, and the plump Common Wombats grazing nearby. Once to Bruny Island, we came face-to-face with the very range-restricted Forty-spotted Pardalote, the endangered Swift Parrots in the nearby forest, the Hooded Plovers on the sand beaches, and even some Little Grassbirds as a bonus. What a grand time!
In the end, our tradition of sharing your “Top 3” moments showed a wide range of personal favorites. Of the 27 species nominated, we have to mention the Crimson Rosella, the glossy Satin Bowerbird, the vociferous Eastern Whipbird, and of course the Albert’s Lyrebird!
Chris and I would like to thank all of you for helping to make this a memorable trip, full of amazing birds, mammals, and plants. We certainly hope that you enjoyed the world-class birding, mammal-watching, and scenery that Australia has to offer. We wish you safe travels -- and maybe we’ll see you sometime in the future on another trip
Until next time!
-- Cory
KEYS FOR THIS LIST
One of the following keys may be shown in brackets for individual species as appropriate: * = heard only, I = introduced, E = endemic, N = nesting, a = austral migrant, b = boreal migrant
BIRDS
Casuariidae (Cassowaries and Emu)
SOUTHERN CASSOWARY (Casuarius casuarius) – We witnessed this impressive and iconic giant at the Cassowary House. We even got to watch it take several drinks from the fountain.
EMU (Dromaius novaehollandiae) – These enormous birds, the second-tallest in the world, were spotted by Tracy on our drive to Georgetown. A few more were spotted on our return drive a few days later.
Anseranatidae (Magpie Goose)
MAGPIE GOOSE (Anseranas semipalmata) – These were quite common around Darwin; places like Knuckey Lagoons often hosted hundreds.
Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl)
PLUMED WHISTLING-DUCK (Dendrocygna eytoni) – We saw several thousand of these, including their plumes, at Hasties Swamp as well as several hundred in a field on the Atherton Tableland.
WANDERING WHISTLING-DUCK (Dendrocygna arcuata) – Our only sighting came in the Top End where we spotted a dozen in a small pond near the Adelaide River bridge.
The impressive Beach Thick-knee, one of the largest shorebirds in the world, put on a great show at the Cairns Esplanade! Photo by guide Cory Gregory.
CAPE BARREN GOOSE (Cereopsis novaehollandiae) – Tasmania. Several of these large, pale geese were seen in a roadside pasture near Launceston.
FRECKLED DUCK (Stictonetta naevosa) – Tasmania. Our only sighting of this uncommon species came from Gould's Lagoon near Hobart.
BLACK SWAN (Cygnus atratus) – Fairly common once we got to Queensland; we saw many including some with chicks.
AUSTRALIAN SHELDUCK (Tadorna tadornoides) – Tasmania. Our first were spotted in a roadside pond near Deloraine.
RADJAH SHELDUCK (Tadorna radjah) – Good looks were had at Knuckey Lagoons near Darwin and Centenary Lakes in Cairns.
GREEN PYGMY-GOOSE (Nettapus pulchellus) – Common in the Top End at places like Knuckey Lagoons near Darwin.
COTTON PYGMY-GOOSE (Nettapus coromandelianus) – We caught up to this species at the Innot Hot Springs on our return from Georgetown. This was our only sighting on tour.
MANED DUCK (Chenonetta jubata) – We first spied these at the Flat Creek Station oasis south of Georgetown. Also known as Australian Wood Duck.
MALLARD (Anas platyrhynchos) – Tasmania. We can thank Gil for keeping tabs on these introduced ducks at places like Gould's Lagoon. [I]
PACIFIC BLACK DUCK (Anas superciliosa) – This abundant dabbler was seen almost every day of tour in freshwater habitats.
AUSTRALIAN SHOVELER (Anas rhynchotis) – Tasmania. Our only looks came at Gould's Lagoon near Hobart.
GRAY TEAL (Anas gracilis) – Rather uncommon but we caught up to a few at Durham Dam near Georgetown.
CHESTNUT TEAL (Anas castanea) – Tasmania. Seen at roadside ponds near Launceston and again at Gould's Lagoon.
WHITE-EYED DUCK (Aythya australis) – We found a flock of 8 at Warruma Swamp. These divers are also known as "Hardheads".
BLUE-BILLED DUCK (Oxyura australis) – Tasmania. Our only sighting of this diving duck were of some sleeping birds at a highland lake near Bothwell.
MUSK DUCK (Biziura lobata) – Tasmania. We found this very odd duck near Hobart. This was our only sighting on tour.
The dark and glossy Satin Bowerbird prefers to decorate his bower with blue objects. Photo by participant Charlotte Byers.
Megapodiidae (Megapodes)
AUSTRALIAN BRUSHTURKEY (Alectura lathami) – The mega-common megapode! We saw plenty of these in Queensland at places like Centenary Lakes, Chambers Rainforest Lodge, and other forested areas.
ORANGE-FOOTED SCRUBFOWL (Megapodius reinwardt) – These common but attractive ground-dwellers were strutting around the Darwin Botanical Gardens and many other areas in the Top End and northern Queensland.
Podicipedidae (Grebes)
AUSTRALASIAN GREBE (Tachybaptus novaehollandiae) – This small species was seen at Knuckey Lagoons in the Top End and several spots in the outback near Georgetown.
HOARY-HEADED GREBE (Poliocephalus poliocephalus) – Tasmania. We connected with this grebe at a highland lake north of Bothwell.
GREAT CRESTED GREBE (Podiceps cristatus) – We counted an impressive 100+ at Lake Barrine in Queensland!
Ciconiidae (Storks)
BLACK-NECKED STORK (Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus) – We saw this impressive and distinctive stork at Knuckey Lagoons and Fogg Dam.
Sulidae (Boobies and Gannets)
AUSTRALASIAN GANNET (Morus serrator) – Tasmania. Several of these were flying and swimming offshore of Bruny Island.
This Spectacled Monarch was a colorful addition to the forests around Chambers Rainforest Lodge. Photo by guide Cory Gregory.
Phalacrocoracidae (Cormorants and Shags)
LITTLE PIED CORMORANT (Microcarbo melanoleucos) – Although we first spotted this species at Knuckey Lagoons, we had several additional sightings from places like Centenary Lakes in Cairns and Cumberland Dam near Georgetown.
GREAT CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax carbo) – We caught up to this species at Lake Barrine in Queensland.
LITTLE BLACK CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax sulcirostris) – Our first sighting came from the Darwin River Dam but we especially enjoyed our scope views at Lake Eacham in Queensland.
BLACK-FACED CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax fuscescens) – Tasmania. We saw several swimming and a few perched on buoys offshore of Bruny Island.
Anhingidae (Anhingas)
AUSTRALASIAN DARTER (Anhinga novaehollandiae) – These "snake birds" were often seen perched high in trees as they dried themselves off. Good views were had at Cumberland Dam and Innot Hot Springs.
Pelecanidae (Pelicans)
AUSTRALIAN PELICAN (Pelecanus conspicillatus) – Although fairly common, we had amazing views of this large black-and-white pelican at Centenary Lakes in Cairns.
This male Musk Duck, one of the odder waterfowl species in the world, was a fun addition to the Tasmania extension. Photo by guide Cory Gregory.
Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns)
GREAT EGRET (Ardea alba) – Common in wetland habitats in the Top End and Queensland.
INTERMEDIATE EGRET (Mesophoyx intermedia) – These medium-sized white herons were first seen at Fogg Dam in the Top End but also seen well at Centenary Lakes in Cairns.
WHITE-FACED HERON (Egretta novaehollandiae) – We saw a few of these in Queensland at Durham Dam and Routh Creek near Georgetown.
LITTLE EGRET (Egretta garzetta) – This dainty but handsome heron, a close relative of our Snowy Egret, was seen at Marlow Lagoon near Darwin and a couple of times in Cairns.
PACIFIC REEF-HERON (Egretta sacra) – We saw both color morphs of this coastline specialist at Buffalo Creek and East Point near Darwin.
The Far Eastern Curlew is the largest shorebird species in the world! Participant Bill Byers took this nice photo at the Cairns Esplanade.
PIED HERON (Egretta picata) – We saw several dozen of these striking herons at Knuckey Lagoons in the Top End.
CATTLE EGRET (Bubulcus ibis) – This widespread species was commonly seen in fields alongside cattle. We also saw a few in wetlands such as Knuckey Lagoons.
STRIATED HERON (Butorides striata) – The bridge at Centenary Lakes in Cairns provided amazing views of this relative of our Green Heron.
RUFOUS NIGHT-HERON (Nycticorax caledonicus) – We spotted a couple of these uncommon herons at Fogg Dam in the Top End. These are sometimes known as Nankeen Night-Herons.
Threskiornithidae (Ibises and Spoonbills)
GLOSSY IBIS (Plegadis falcinellus) – There were a few of these dark ibis at Knuckey Lagoons near Darwin.
This Rufous Fantail was foraging high above the ground in the canopy... but we were in the canopy too, on the hanging bridges at O'Reilly's. Photo by guide Cory Gregory.
AUSTRALIAN IBIS (Threskiornis moluccus) – This striking white ibis was first seen at the Darwin Botanical Gardens and they remained common around Darwin and Cairns, sometimes even feeding in lawns.
STRAW-NECKED IBIS (Threskiornis spinicollis) – These odd ibis were fairly common, sometimes even in urban settings, around Darwin and Cairns.
ROYAL SPOONBILL (Platalea regia) – This attractive white spoonbill was seen at various dams near Georgetown as well as especially good looks at Centenary Lakes in Cairns.
Pandionidae (Osprey)
OSPREY (Pandion haliaetus) – We spotted this "fish hawk" perched on rocks offshore of East Point in Darwin.
Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)
AUSTRALIAN KITE (Elanus axillaris) – This dainty, black-and-white kite was seen on Russell Road in the Atherton Tableland.
BLACK-BREASTED KITE (Hamirostra melanosternon) – We spotted this rare raptor over the radio tower fields near Fogg Dam. Also known as Black-breasted Buzzard.
Regent Bowerbirds provided an amazing splash of color at O'Reilly's! Photo by guide Cory Gregory.
SQUARE-TAILED KITE (Lophoictinia isura) – It was a real treat having this rare raptor do a quick fly-over on Hwy 1 near Keah, Queensland!
PACIFIC BAZA (Aviceda subcristata) – We chanced into this crested hawk at Buffalo Creek near Darwin where we had good looks of it perched along the roadside.
WEDGE-TAILED EAGLE (Aquila audax) – This impressive eagle was seen overhead at Routh Creek and another was spotted by Tracy near Georgetown.
SWAMP HARRIER (Circus approximans) – Tasmania. Seemingly always in flight, we finally spotted a few of these coursing over rural pastures.
GRAY GOSHAWK (Accipiter novaehollandiae) – This tricky accipiter was seen briefly at Chambers Rainforest Lodge.
Surely one of the most unique mammals we crossed paths with, the Short-beaked Echidnas in Tasmania were as cute as they were pokey. Photo by guide Cory Gregory.
BROWN GOSHAWK (Accipiter fasciatus) – Although not in view for long, we managed a quick look at Fogg Dam in the Top End.
COLLARED SPARROWHAWK (Accipiter cirrocephalus) – We had a brief encounter at Buffalo Creek near Darwin but we also had one overhead Routh Creek near Georgetown.
BLACK KITE (Milvus migrans) – This was our most common raptor in the Top End and Queensland. We even watched one fly over us at Cumberland Dam with a giant Cane Toad!
WHISTLING KITE (Haliastur sphenurus) – We enjoyed views of this less-numerous kite at Buffalo Creek in Darwin, various dams near Georgetown, and Hasties Swamp in Queensland.
BRAHMINY KITE (Haliastur indus) – We had an exceptional look at this boldly-marked brown-and-white kite at Lee Point near Darwin.
WHITE-BELLIED SEA-EAGLE (Haliaeetus leucogaster) – It's always a treat to see this giant bird of prey and we chanced into one at Buffalo Creek near Darwin, Warruma Swamp in Queensland, and even a nest with young at Dampers Creek in Tasmania.
Otididae (Bustards)
AUSTRALIAN BUSTARD (Ardeotis australis) – We had nice views of these denizens of dry plains strutting about at Durham Dam and Cumberland Dam near Georgetown. A loose flock even flew over giving us the complete experience!
Australasian Darters, related to our Anhingas, were commonly seen drying off in treetops near wetlands. Photo by guide Cory Gregory.
Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)
BUFF-BANDED RAIL (Gallirallus philippensis) – What a surprise it was to see this cryptic species run out in full view at Hasties Swamp! We even watched it bathe for several minutes.
AUSTRALASIAN SWAMPHEN (Porphyrio melanotus melanotus) – Fairly widespread in wetland habitats. We saw several at Innot Hot Springs and Hasties Swamp.
DUSKY MOORHEN (Gallinula tenebrosa) – Innot Hot Springs provided us with views of this wetland species, complete with a tiny chick!
TASMANIAN NATIVE-HEN (Tribonyx mortierii) – Tasmania. We saw these flightless rails throughout the countryside including many at the Mountain Valley Lodge. These are endemic to Tasmania.
EURASIAN COOT (Fulica atra) – Our first sighting was from Lake Barrine but we also saw this species at Innot Hot Springs.
Gruidae (Cranes)
SARUS CRANE (Antigone antigone) – We found more than a dozen of these striking cranes on East Barron Road in the Atherton Tableland.
BROLGA (Antigone rubicunda) – Our first sighting was at Fogg Dam near Darwin but went on to see more at Knuckey Lagoons and on the Atherton Tableland.
Depending on the source, some treat the "red-collared" race of Rainbow Lorikeet as a different species. Either way, these are striking birds, capable of brilliant flashes of color. Photo by guide Cory Gregory.
Burhinidae (Thick-knees)
BUSH THICK-KNEE (Burhinus grallarius) – Fairly common around Darwin and Cairns. Thanks to Tracy, we enjoyed stunning views of an incubating adult at Centenary Lakes!
BEACH THICK-KNEE (Esacus magnirostris) – Our first sighting of this huge shorebird was at East Point near Darwin but we had even closer views at the Cairns Esplanade. Sometimes known as Beach Stone-curlew.
Recurvirostridae (Stilts and Avocets)
PIED STILT (Himantopus leucocephalus) – We had our best views of these dainty waders at Knuckey Lagoons in the Top End.
Haematopodidae (Oystercatchers)
PIED OYSTERCATCHER (Haematopus longirostris) – Tasmania. These were first seen from the Bruny Island ferry terminal but we had additional sightings along Missionary Road later in the day.
SOOTY OYSTERCATCHER (Haematopus fuliginosus) – Tasmania. These all-black shorebirds were easy to spot along "The Neck" of Bruny Island.
Eastern Spinebills were quite numerous at O'Reilly's, where guide Cory Gregory took this photo.
Charadriidae (Plovers and Lapwings)
BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER (Pluvialis squatarola) – We had two sightings of this arctic-breeder; first at East Point near Darwin and another along the esplanade in Cairns.
PACIFIC GOLDEN-PLOVER (Pluvialis fulva) – This richly-colored plover was seen on the coastal flats out from East Point in Darwin.
BANDED LAPWING (Vanellus tricolor) – Tasmania. A flock of 11 were spotted in a dirt field near Mole Creek.
MASKED LAPWING (Vanellus miles) – These boldly-marked shorebirds were ubiquitous in most habitats throughout the tour. We especially enjoyed watching some chicks at East Point near Darwin!
LESSER SAND-PLOVER (Charadrius mongolus) – Seen at East Point near Darwin and again at the Cairns Esplanade.
GREATER SAND-PLOVER (Charadrius leschenaultii) – These larger cousins of the previous species were seen at East Point near Darwin and again along the esplanade in Cairns.
This amazing Sugar Glider made a nighttime visit to the feeding station at Chambers Rainforest Lodge. Photo by guide Cory Gregory.
RED-CAPPED PLOVER (Charadrius ruficapillus) – These subtly-marked but attractive shorebirds were first seen at Lee Point in the Top End but seen even better at the Cairns Esplanade.
HOODED PLOVER (Thinornis cucullatus) – Tasmania. These attractive and vulnerable shorebirds were seen on the sand beaches of Bruny Island.
BLACK-FRONTED DOTTEREL (Elseyornis melanops) – We enjoyed views of this intricately-patterned plover at Durham Dam near Georgetown and again at the Cairns Esplanade.
Jacanidae (Jacanas)
COMB-CRESTED JACANA (Irediparra gallinacea) – Fairly common in wetlands in the Top End and Queensland. Our first sighting came from Fogg Dam where they were walking lightly on marsh vegetation.
Scolopacidae (Sandpipers and Allies)
LITTLE CURLEW (Numenius minutus) – A few of these diminutive curlews were foraging at Knuckey Lagoons.
WHIMBREL (Numenius phaeopus) – This medium-sized curlew was seen especially well at the Cairns Esplanade.
FAR EASTERN CURLEW (Numenius madagascariensis) – We enjoyed several of these impressive waders, the largest shorebird in the world, at Lee Point near Darwin and again at the Cairns Esplanade.
We had outstanding luck with frogmouths on this tour! We found this adult Tawny Frogmouth brooding a chick in Georgetown. Photo by guide Cory Gregory.
BLACK-TAILED GODWIT (Limosa limosa) – These straight-billed godwits were seen at Lee Point near Darwin and again on the beaches at the Cairns Esplanade.
BAR-TAILED GODWIT (Limosa lapponica) – More numerous than the previous species, we saw many of these at the Cairns Esplanade.
RUDDY TURNSTONE (Arenaria interpres) – We spotted these wintering shorebirds at Lee Point and East Point, both near Darwin.
GREAT KNOT (Calidris tenuirostris) – There was no shortage of these chunky, straight-billed shorebirds at the Cairns Esplanade!
RED KNOT (Calidris canutus) – Far less numerous than the previous species, we spotted at least one at the Cairns Esplanade.
The Superb Fairywren was a gorgeous little gem, common around O'Reilly's. Photo by guide Cory Gregory.
SHARP-TAILED SANDPIPER (Calidris acuminata) – These sandpipers were seen only at Knuckey Lagoons in the Top End before a rain squall pushed us out.
CURLEW SANDPIPER (Calidris ferruginea) – The Cairns Esplanade provided us with our only sighting of this long-legged, curve-billed sandpiper.
RED-NECKED STINT (Calidris ruficollis) – These tiny "peeps" were first seen on the mud flats at Lee Point near Darwin. We saw even more of these wintering sandpipers at the Cairns Esplanade later in the tour.
LATHAM'S SNIPE (Gallinago hardwickii) – We spied this secretive species feeding along the edge of the Cumberland Dam wetland.
TEREK SANDPIPER (Xenus cinereus) – These distinctive shorebirds were seen at Lee Point and East Point early in the tour and then again at the Cairns Esplanade.
COMMON SANDPIPER (Actitis hypoleucos) – We spotted a few of these tail-bobbing shorebirds at Lee Point and East Point near Darwin.
GRAY-TAILED TATTLER (Tringa brevipes) – A few of these gray shorebirds were on the flats at Lee Point near Darwin and again at the Cairns Esplanade.
This uncommon White-browed Robin was an excellent find at Davies Creek State Forest. Photo by guide Chris Benesh.
WANDERING TATTLER (Tringa incana) – This uncommon shorebird was roosting alongside Gray-tailed Tattlers along the Cairns Esplanade. The darker gray back was nice and obvious!
COMMON GREENSHANK (Tringa nebularia) – There was one of these lanky shorebirds at the Cairns Esplanade.
MARSH SANDPIPER (Tringa stagnatilis) – This tall, slender, and pale shorebird was seen at Knuckey Lagoons near Darwin and at Durham Dam in Outback Queensland.
WOOD SANDPIPER (Tringa glareola) – We enjoyed this wetland shorebird at Knuckey Lagoons and another at Marlow Lagoon in Palmerston.
Glareolidae (Pratincoles and Coursers)
AUSTRALIAN PRATINCOLE (Stiltia isabella) – We saw two of these creamy-tan shorebirds; one at Knuckey Lagoons and another at Durham Dam.
Tasmania hosts several species found nowhere else on earth. The Tasmanian Scrubwren is one of them. Photo by guide Cory Gregory.
Laridae (Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers)
SILVER GULL (Chroicocephalus novaehollandiae) – This was the common gull during much of the tour. We had close looks at the Buffalo Creek boat ramp near Darwin.
PACIFIC GULL (Larus pacificus) – Tasmania. It was hard to miss the giant bill on this large gull! We saw these on the beaches of Bruny Island.
KELP GULL (Larus dominicanus) – Tasmania. This large, dark-backed gull was seen well on Bruny Island.
LITTLE TERN (Sternula albifrons) – A few of these tiny terns were seen offshore from Lee Point and East Point in Darwin.
GULL-BILLED TERN (Gelochelidon nilotica) – We were in the right place at the right time for a fly-by at Lee Point near Darwin. This was our only sighting on tour.
This Striated Heron stood motionless on the creek edge at Centenary Lakes in Cairns. Photo by guide Cory Gregory.
CASPIAN TERN (Hydroprogne caspia) – The bright-orange bill of this species, the largest tern in the world, stood out at the Cairns Esplanade. We also saw them distantly at Darwin River Dam.
WHISKERED TERN (Chlidonias hybrida) – This was the common tern on inland wetlands; we saw them at Knuckey Lagoons, Warruma Swamp, and Durham Dam.
COMMON TERN (Sterna hirundo) – Our only sighting was of one perched on the flats at East Point in Darwin.
GREAT CRESTED TERN (Thalasseus bergii) – A few of these were perched on the flats at East Point near Darwin.
LESSER CRESTED TERN (Thalasseus bengalensis) – Our only sighting came from East Point where a couple were perched on the mudflats.
Seeing the rare and endemic Tasmanian Devil was a highlight for many! Several of us were lucky enough to be visited by a devil during our stay at the Mountain Valley Lodge. Photo by guide Chris Benesh.
Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)
ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia) – We saw this familiar species quite often in cities, especially Cairns and Brisbane (but not Darwin!). [I]
WHITE-HEADED PIGEON (Columba leucomela) – This large but retiring species was limited to rainforests at Chambers and O'Reilly's.
SPOTTED DOVE (Streptopelia chinensis) – We spotted a few of these sharp birds at Centenary Lakes in Cairns. [I]
BROWN CUCKOO-DOVE (Macropygia phasianella) – Our first of these large and plain-colored doves was at Lake Eacham but we also saw them at Chambers and O'Reilly's.
PACIFIC EMERALD DOVE (Chalcophaps longirostris) – We found one of these green-backed doves strutting around on the entrance road to Lake Barrine. However, we first heard one at Buffalo Creek near Darwin.
COMMON BRONZEWING (Phaps chalcoptera) – We enjoyed great views of this dove coming in to drink at the Flat Creek Station south of Georgetown.
This rare Black-tailed Treecreeper was an excellent find during our outing at Darwin River Dam. Photo by guide Chris Benesh.
BRUSH BRONZEWING (Phaps elegans) – Tasmania. We had brief views of one flying in front of the bus near Bothwell.
CRESTED PIGEON (Ocyphaps lophotes) – This distinctive species was common especially near Georgetown.
SQUATTER PIGEON (Geophaps scripta) – We enjoyed stunning, close-range views of this ground-loving species at the Granite Gorge Nature Park.
WONGA PIGEON (Leucosarcia melanoleuca) – The beautiful pigeon was fairly common, albeit somewhat retiring, at O'Reilly's.
DIAMOND DOVE (Geopelia cuneata) – We had brief looks of one at Durham Dam near Georgetown.
PEACEFUL DOVE (Geopelia placida) – This was the abundant small dove in the Top End and Queensland.
BAR-SHOULDERED DOVE (Geopelia humeralis) – This medium-sized dove was very common around Darwin.
WOMPOO FRUIT-DOVE (Ptilinopus magnificus) – Wow, what a stunning bird! We saw this beauty well at Chambers Rainforest Lodge.
SUPERB FRUIT-DOVE (Ptilinopus superbus) – We heard this dove repeatedly at Sides Road but it remained hidden for most of us. [*]
ROSE-CROWNED FRUIT-DOVE (Ptilinopus regina) – It took some work but we eventually saw this tree-top species at Fogg Dam in the Top End.
We saw several species of cockatoos on tour, including Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoo. This one was photographed on Bruny Island by guide Cory Gregory.
TORRESIAN IMPERIAL-PIGEON (Ducula spilorrhoa) – We were delighted to find that this large, tropical species was quite common around Darwin and Cairns. A few nests were even seen on the Cairns Esplanade.
TOPKNOT PIGEON (Lopholaimus antarcticus) – We had fleeting glimpses of flocks on the Atherton Tableland and again at O'Reilly's.
Cuculidae (Cuckoos)
PHEASANT COUCAL (Centropus phasianinus) – These two-foot long cuckoos were seen a few times including one at the Elizabeth River boat ramp.
PACIFIC KOEL (AUSTRALIAN) (Eudynamys orientalis cyanocephalus) – We saw a nice male at Berry Springs Nature Park in the Top End.
CHANNEL-BILLED CUCKOO (Scythrops novaehollandiae) – We were graced with a couple of fly-over sightings of this large species at Durham Dam in Outback Queensland.
SHINING BRONZE-CUCKOO (Chrysococcyx lucidus) – The Wishing Tree Trail at O'Reilly's hosted a couple of these small, forest cuckoos.
This Black Kite put on a great show at Cumberland Dam when it took this Cane Toad for "a ride". Photo by participant Bill Byers.
LITTLE BRONZE-CUCKOO (Chrysococcyx minutillus) – These distinctive cuckoos, the smallest cuckoos in the world, were seen at Buffalo Creek near Darwin and again at Centenary Lakes in Cairns.
PALLID CUCKOO (Cacomantis pallidus) – Tasmania. We scoped this large, plain cuckoo at Trevallyn Nature Recreation Area near Launceston.
FAN-TAILED CUCKOO (Cacomantis flabelliformis) – We had brief looks of this attractive cuckoo at O'Reilly's but even better views at Gowrie Park in Tasmania.
BRUSH CUCKOO (Cacomantis variolosus) – We had an extended scope view at the Wynnum Mangrove Boardwalk in Brisbane.
Tytonidae (Barn-Owls)
BARN OWL (Tyto alba) – We spied a couple of these pale owls shortly after leaving the Curtain Fig Tree during our nocturnal outing.
Strigidae (Owls)
RUFOUS OWL (Ninox rufa) – Wow, we got to see this large owl roosting with prey, a flying-fox, at the Darwin Botanical Gardens!
BARKING OWL (Ninox connivens) – What a show these two put on for us at the Darwin Botanical Gardens! Everyone enjoyed scope views of these side-by-side owls.
SOUTHERN BOOBOOK (Ninox novaeseelandiae) – Wow! We enjoyed prolonged views of a sleeping boobook in a tree cavity near O'Reilly's. This species was heard/seen again at the Mountain Valley Lodge in Tasmania.
Podargidae (Frogmouths)
TAWNY FROGMOUTH (Podargus strigoides) – What a closing to our first day in Darwin; a family of nesting frogmouths at East Point! We would end up seeing more, including a wide-eyed chick, at the RV Park in Georgetown.
PAPUAN FROGMOUTH (Podargus papuensis) – This humungous nightjar sat motionless on a nest at Centenary Lakes in Cairns. We found another adult on a nest later near the Cassowary House.
Caprimulgidae (Nightjars and Allies)
LARGE-TAILED NIGHTJAR (Caprimulgus macrurus) – It took some work but we eventually spotted this "axe-bird" in the predawn hours at Fogg Dam.
Aegothelidae (Owlet-nightjars)
AUSTRALIAN OWLET-NIGHTJAR (Aegotheles cristatus) – We heard this uncommon inhabitant of rainforests on our nocturnal outing to the Curtain Fig Tree. [*]
Apodidae (Swifts)
WHITE-THROATED NEEDLETAIL (Hirundapus caudacutus) – A swarm of these hefty swifts was swirling overhead in Canungra, a stop en route to O'Reilly's.
AUSTRALIAN SWIFTLET (Aerodramus terraereginae) – We all got good looks at these pale-rumped speedsters at various places in Queensland.
Voted "Bird of the Trip", this Albert's Lyrebird really had us sweating until we finally connected with it at O'Reilly's. Photo by participant Bill Byers.
PACIFIC SWIFT (Apus pacificus) – It was a treat seeing this fast insect-eater overhead at O'Reilly's one morning! This species is sometimes known as Fork-tailed Swift.
Alcedinidae (Kingfishers)
AZURE KINGFISHER (Ceyx azureus) – One of these beautiful kingfishers put on a show at a pond near Darwin River Dam. We spotted another at the end of the Wishing Tree Trail at O'Reilly's.
LAUGHING KOOKABURRA (Dacelo novaeguineae) – This emblematic and boisterous Australian bird put in many appearances once we arrived in Cairns.
BLUE-WINGED KOOKABURRA (Dacelo leachii) – This kingfisher was common around Darwin and we spotted a couple more near Georgetown.
RED-BACKED KINGFISHER (Todiramphus pyrrhopygius) – This beautiful species was encountered a couple of times in Outback Queensland; first at Cumberland Dam and then at Durham Dam.
FOREST KINGFISHER (Todiramphus macleayii) – This was the most common kingfisher around Darwin where we saw them perched on power-lines. We spotted a couple more in Queensland at Lake Eacham and Black Mountain Road.
The bird-human interactions at O'Reilly's were often quite personal. Here is an Australian King-Parrot doing a close inspection of guide Chris Benesh! Photo by guide Cory Gregory.
TORRESIAN KINGFISHER (Todiramphus sordidus) – We found this hefty kingfisher only in the mangroves at the north end of the Cairns Esplanade. This used to be part of the Collared Kingfisher complex before being split.
SACRED KINGFISHER (Todiramphus sanctus) – Our only look at this species came from the Cumberland Dam where one was perched near the edge of the pond.
Meropidae (Bee-eaters)
RAINBOW BEE-EATER (Merops ornatus) – Energetic and drop-dead gorgeous, this colorful species was common throughout the Top End.
Coraciidae (Rollers)
DOLLARBIRD (Eurystomus orientalis) – Our best looks of this species, which is in the roller family, came in Palmerston where they were perching on telephone poles and street signs.
Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras)
AUSTRALIAN KESTREL (Falco cenchroides) – Our only glimpse of this falcon came from Russell Road in the Atherton Tableland.
AUSTRALIAN HOBBY (Falco longipennis) – We had a quick glimpse of this bird of prey at Fogg Dam in the Top End.
BROWN FALCON (Falco berigora) – Two of these chunky and dark falcons were spied at the end of the road at Fogg Dam.
PEREGRINE FALCON (Falco peregrinus) – Although uncommon, we found this formidable predator at Durham Dam near Georgetown.
Cacatuidae (Cockatoos)
RED-TAILED BLACK-COCKATOO (Calyptorhynchus banksii) – This distinctive cockatoo was seen first at Buffalo Creek near Darwin but then seen again at Flat Creek Station in the Outback. As Clayton suggested, the odd, slow flaps are reminiscent of a manta ray!
YELLOW-TAILED BLACK-COCKATOO (Calyptorhynchus funereus) – Tasmania. We had stunning views of a flock along Missionary Road. They were also seen at the Mountain Valley Lodge and the Wilmot River Bridge.
GALAH (Eolophus roseicapilla) – These pink and garrulous cockatoos were abundant in the Outback at places like Durham Dam, Flat Creek Station, and Cumberland Dam.
LITTLE CORELLA (Cacatua sanguinea) – We had a flock of 6 at the Darwin Botanical Gardens and another small group at Fogg Dam.
SULPHUR-CRESTED COCKATOO (Cacatua galerita) – We spotted this abundant species every day of tour!
Psittaculidae (Old World Parrots)
AUSTRALIAN KING-PARROT (Alisterus scapularis) – A bit of eye-overload, we were surrounded by these red-and-green parrots at O'Reilly's. It wasn't uncommon for us to be used as parrot perches either!
RED-WINGED PARROT (Aprosmictus erythropterus) – These were fairly common around Darwin and in the Outback. We had especially good looks in Mt. Garnet after lunch.
SWIFT PARROT (Lathamus discolor) – Tasmania. Several flocks of these critically endangered parrots were coming-and-going from the creek on Missionary Road, Bruny Island.
GREEN ROSELLA (Platycercus caledonicus) – Tasmania. This Tassie endemic was fairly common and we found our first ones at Trevallyn Nature Reserve near Launceston.
CRIMSON ROSELLA (Platycercus elegans) – This gorgeous parrot was abundant at O'Reilly's, especially around the feeding areas.
NORTHERN ROSELLA (Platycercus venustus) – We were successful in finding this tricky species at the Darwin River Dam in the Top End.
EASTERN ROSELLA (Platycercus eximius) – Tasmania. This parrot was seen on the far side of a roadside pond near Launceston.
One of the stars of our impressive list of mammals was this snoozing Koala near O'Reilly's. Photo by guide Cory Gregory.
PALE-HEADED ROSELLA (Platycercus adscitus) – This was the common rosella in Queensland and we saw several at the Granite Gorge Nature Park, Cumberland Dam, and Durham Dam.
DOUBLE-EYED FIG-PARROT (Cyclopsitta diophthalma) – This species seemed to just disappear when they landed in trees! We found this small psittacid at Lake Eacham and again at Centenary Lakes in Cairns. We eventually had good looks including a pair excavating a nest hole.
MUSK LORIKEET (Glossopsitta concinna) – Tasmania. We battled the wind to see this species at Gould's Lagoon near Hobart. We saw another flying with a Rainbow Lorikeet at the Kettering ferry terminal.
VARIED LORIKEET (Psitteuteles versicolor) – Several flocks of these compact lorikeets flew over us at Fogg Dam and Darwin River Dam.
RAINBOW LORIKEET (Trichoglossus haematodus) – Common and widespread, we saw these colorful birds every day in the Top End and Queensland. The "Red-collared" race near Darwin is considered by some to be a different species.
SCALY-BREASTED LORIKEET (Trichoglossus chlorolepidotus) – Although they remained elusive for some, a few would come in to roost with other lorikeets along the Cairns Esplanade.
Pittidae (Pittas)
NOISY PITTA (Pitta versicolor) – This colorful but skulking species required a lot of patience to see but some were rewarded with quick glimpses at Black Mountain Road and again at O'Reilly's.
Some birds build their nests in the darndest places. This Pied Monarch was busy constructing a nest hanging directly over the trail! Photo by guide Chris Benesh.
RAINBOW PITTA (Pitta iris) – "Walk to work!" this species of pitta seems to say. We were rewarded with scope views of this forest species at Berry Springs Nature Park after one at Fogg Dam proved to be mostly elusive.
Menuridae (Lyrebirds)
ALBERT'S LYREBIRD (Menura alberti) – Success! This species was proving to be very elusive but after a few close misses, we had an awesome experience with one at O'Reilly's. Not only did we see it, but we watched as it fed, climbed up in a tangle, and began to sing. This sighting ended with the most votes for bird of the trip.
Ptilonorhynchidae (Bowerbirds)
SPOTTED CATBIRD (Ailuroedus maculosus) – These fascinating birds were easily heard but seeing them was more challenging! We had our best luck at Chambers Rainforest Lodge and at the Cassowary House.
GREEN CATBIRD (Ailuroedus crassirostris) – The southern counterpart to the Spotted Catbird, we caught up with this species at O'Reilly's.
TOOTH-BILLED CATBIRD (Scenopoeetes dentirostris) – We had scope views of this species singing away near the parking lot at Lake Eacham. We would go on to spot another at Chambers.
GOLDEN BOWERBIRD (Amblyornis newtoniana) – How spectacular was this bird?! We had amazing views of a gleaming male, singing near his bower at the Hypipamee Crater.
We all had to reassess our retina health after gazing on this glowing male Flame Robin. He was photographed on a Tasmanian roadside by guide Chris Benesh.
REGENT BOWERBIRD (Sericulus chrysocephalus) – These vibrant, yellow-and-black bowerbirds were common at O'Reilly's.
SATIN BOWERBIRD (Ptilonorhynchus violaceus) – We saw several of these glossy, dark bowerbirds at O'Reilly's. This species has an affinity for placing blue objects at their bowers.
GREAT BOWERBIRD (Chlamydera nuchalis) – Fairly common in the Top End and near Georgetown. Our first came from Darwin River Dam but we had amazing looks at a bower at Granite Gorge.
Climacteridae (Australasian Treecreepers)
WHITE-THROATED TREECREEPER (Cormobates leucophaea) – We saw the "Little" race at Chambers Rainforest Lodge and nearby at Lake Eacham. We saw an additional one near O'Reilly's.
RED-BROWED TREECREEPER (Climacteris erythrops) – We watched as several associated with a potential nest site on Duck Creek Road just below O'Reilly's.
BROWN TREECREEPER (Climacteris picumnus) – We bumped into this species near Georgetown when we walked into the fields to look at the Ground Cuckooshrike.
BLACK-TAILED TREECREEPER (Climacteris melanurus) – It was a real treat to find this rare species at the Darwin River Dam!
Australasian Figbirds were a bright and common sight during our tour. This excellent portrait was captured by participant Bill Byers.
Maluridae (Fairywrens)
VARIEGATED FAIRYWREN (Malurus lamberti) – We chanced into this uncommon species on Duck Creek Road near O'Reilly's.
LOVELY FAIRYWREN (Malurus amabilis) – This species gave us fits as it popped in and out of view. Most of us caught up with it at Centenary Lakes in Cairns.
SUPERB FAIRYWREN (Malurus cyaneus) – Quite common on the grounds at O'Reilly's and throughout Tasmania.
RED-BACKED FAIRYWREN (Malurus melanocephalus) – This black bird with a gleaming red back was well-spotted at Cumberland Dam near Georgetown. We had another earlier at the botanical gardens in Darwin.
Meliphagidae (Honeyeaters)
EASTERN SPINEBILL (Acanthorhynchus tenuirostris) – Our first popped into view at the Hypipamee Crater Overlook but we had even better, extended views at O'Reilly's.
YELLOW-SPOTTED HONEYEATER (Meliphaga notata) – We saw this confusing species at the Cassowary House and on the nearby Black Mountain Road.
LEWIN'S HONEYEATER (Meliphaga lewinii) – This large and vocal species was widespread in Queensland and we saw many around Chambers and at O'Reilly's.
GRACEFUL HONEYEATER (Meliphaga gracilis) – This honeyeater, one of the confusing trio, was seen on Black Mountain Road just outside of the Cassowary House.
YELLOW HONEYEATER (Stomiopera flava) – Our first sightings of this plain yellow species came from Centenary Lakes in Cairns. We saw additional ones at Granite Gorge Nature Park.
WHITE-GAPED HONEYEATER (Stomiopera unicolor) – This species was fairly common in the Top End and we saw them at the botanical gardens in Darwin on our first day.
YELLOW-FACED HONEYEATER (Caligavis chrysops) – We caught up with this species on Sides Road northwest of Cairns and again at Charlie's Waterhole down the road from O'Reilly's.
BELL MINER (Manorina melanophrys) – Up and over the hill at Charlie's Waterhole near O'Reilly's put us in the middle of a flock. Although initially tough to see, they soon started coming out of the woodwork!
NOISY MINER (Manorina melanocephala) – We enjoyed lunch in Mt. Garnet alongside these noisy companions.
YELLOW-THROATED MINER (Manorina flavigula) – Cumberland Dam in Outback Queensland was a reliable place to see these at the water's edge.
BRIDLED HONEYEATER (Bolemoreus frenatus) – We spotted this Queensland endemic at Lake Eacham and again a few days later at the Hypipamee Crater.
LITTLE WATTLEBIRD (Anthochaera chrysoptera) – Tasmania. This species was teed-up at the Grebe Pond near the Mountain Valley Lodge.
YELLOW WATTLEBIRD (Anthochaera paradoxa) – Tasmania. It didn't take long to find these noisy Tasmanian endemics at the Trevallyn Nature Recreation Area near Launceston.
VARIED HONEYEATER (Gavicalis versicolor) – We had to dodge bikers and joggers along the Cairns Esplanade to see this bold honeyeater.
YELLOW-TINTED HONEYEATER (Ptilotula flavescens) – We spotted a few of these in the Outback near Georgetown; first at Durham Dam and then again at Cumberland Dam where they came down to the water.
BROWN-BACKED HONEYEATER (Ramsayornis modestus) – We spied this species overhead at Centenary Lakes in Cairns.
BAR-BREASTED HONEYEATER (Ramsayornis fasciatus) – A few of these distinctive honeyeaters were in the swaying treetops at the Darwin River Dam.
RUFOUS-BANDED HONEYEATER (Conopophila albogularis) – These were fairly common around Darwin; we saw some at Buffalo Creek and East Point.
RUFOUS-THROATED HONEYEATER (Conopophila rufogularis) – If you got a look at this small species just right, you could see the bright rufous throat. We did just that at Durham Dam and Cumberland Dam near Georgetown.
This Golden Bowerbird ranked as one of the highlights of the trip and, after watching him sing near his bower, it's clear why. Photo by guide Chris Benesh.
WHITE-FRONTED CHAT (Epthianura albifrons) – Tasmania. This species prefers to hang out on the ground and that's exactly where we saw them near Bothwell.
DUSKY MYZOMELA (Myzomela obscura) – This very drab species was fairly common for much of the tour. We found some in the Top End at Fogg Dam and Darwin River Dam, and in Queensland at Lake Barrine and Black Mountain Road.
RED-HEADED MYZOMELA (Myzomela erythrocephala) – We saw this mangrove specialist a few times, first at Buffalo Creek near Darwin.
SCARLET MYZOMELA (Myzomela sanguinolenta) – This tiny but brilliantly-colored honeycreeper was seen at Lake Eacham and again at Charlie's Waterhole near O'Reilly's.
BANDED HONEYEATER (Cissomela pectoralis) – This honeyeater was fairly common in the Top End and in Outback Queensland. We saw it first at Darwin River Dam but then again at Cumberland Dam.
BROWN HONEYEATER (Lichmera indistincta) – Although brown, it wasn't the dullest honeyeater! These were common in the Top End.
This Barn Owl was a nice surprise on a roadside near the Curtain Fig Tree. Photo by guide Chris Benesh.
CRESCENT HONEYEATER (Phylidonyris pyrrhopterus) – Tasmania. We played tag with a few of these near the lodge at Cradle Mountain.
NEW HOLLAND HONEYEATER (Phylidonyris novaehollandiae) – Tasmania. This handsome honeyeater was quite common on Bruny Island where we saw several on Missionary Road.
WHITE-CHEEKED HONEYEATER (Phylidonyris niger) – We chanced into this rare honeyeater walking to our lunch stop in downtown Ravenshoe!
YELLOW-THROATED HONEYEATER (Nesoptilotis flavicollis) – Tasmania. This Tassie endemic was seen first at Trevallyn Nature Recreation Area but again at Gowrie Park and Mountain Valley Lodge.
BLUE-FACED HONEYEATER (Entomyzon cyanotis) – This large and boldly-colored species was fairly common and widespread. We saw them well at Darwin River Dam and again in the outback near Georgetown.
WHITE-THROATED HONEYEATER (Melithreptus albogularis) – This was a fairly common species in the Top End and in Queensland. We first saw some at Fogg Dam and then again in the Big Mitchell Creek/Davies Creek State Forest area.
WHITE-NAPED HONEYEATER (Melithreptus lunatus) – We saw this species only at O'Reilly's. Although similar to the White-throated, this species has a red crescent above the eye.
BLACK-HEADED HONEYEATER (Melithreptus affinis) – Tasmania. Our first came from Gowrie Park but we subsequently saw more at the Mountain Valley Lodge and on Bruny Island. This is endemic to Tasmania.
The Australian Logrunner is an odd, ground-dwelling species found in rainforests. This one at O'Reilly's was photographed by guide Chris Benesh.
STRONG-BILLED HONEYEATER (Melithreptus validirostris) – Tasmania. This endemic of Tasmania was seen only at the Mountain Valley Lodge.
MACLEAY'S HONEYEATER (Xanthotis macleayanus) – We had good looks on the grounds at Chambers Rainforest Lodge. This range-restricted honeyeater has bare skin around the eye.
LITTLE FRIARBIRD (Philemon citreogularis) – These were fairly common around Darwin. This species lacks any knob on the bill.
HELMETED FRIARBIRD (HORNBILL) (Philemon buceroides yorki) – This race of Helmeted Friarbird was seen at Centenary Lakes in Cairns.
HELMETED FRIARBIRD (HELMETED) (Philemon buceroides gordoni) – The "helmeted" race was seen at the Darwin Botanical Gardens on our first day.
NOISY FRIARBIRD (Philemon corniculatus) – We saw this entirely black-headed species a few times in Queensland including at Granite Gorge Nature Park and Innot Hot Springs.
Pardalotidae (Pardalotes)
SPOTTED PARDALOTE (Pardalotus punctatus) – We watched as one of these colorful birds climbed in and out of a tree cavity on Duck Creek Road near O'Reilly's.
One of the many perks of Australian birding is some of the brightly colored avifauna. This gorgeous Rainbow Bee-eater was photographed by participant Bill Byers.
FORTY-SPOTTED PARDALOTE (Pardalotus quadragintus) – Tasmania. Although not the brightest of the pardalotes, this range-restricted (and Tassie endemic) put on a great show on Missionary Road on Bruny Island.
STRIATED PARDALOTE (Pardalotus striatus) – We first found this species at Davies Creek State Forest and then again in Tasmania (including a nest hole in front of Ann-Charlott's room).
Acanthizidae (Thornbills and Allies)
FERNWREN (Oreoscopus gutturalis) – This species was heard at the Hypipamee Crater creek bridge. [*]
YELLOW-THROATED SCRUBWREN (Sericornis citreogularis) – These sharp and very friendly scrubwrens were abundant at O'Reilly's. At one point, one even hopped up on someone's shoe!
WHITE-BROWED SCRUBWREN (Sericornis frontalis) – These too were quite common at O'Reilly's, mostly staying on the ground or on low logs.
TASMANIAN SCRUBWREN (Sericornis humilis) – Tasmania. We caught up with this endemic of Tasmania at the Wilmot River Bridge on our way to the Mountain Valley Lodge.
ATHERTON SCRUBWREN (Sericornis keri) – After a fair bit of looking, we struck gold at the Hypipamee Crater where we watched this rare and range-restricted species foraging.
LARGE-BILLED SCRUBWREN (Sericornis magnirostra) – We bumped into this plain species a few times on the Atherton Tableland including Lake Barrine and Hypipamee Crater.
SCRUBTIT (Acanthornis magna) – Tasmania. We had amazing views of this sometimes-tricky Tasmanian endemic at Gowrie Park and Leven Canyon.
STRIATED FIELDWREN (Calamanthus fuliginosus) – Tasmania. We played hide-and-seek with this skulky bird at the Iris River crossing near Cradle Mountain.
MOUNTAIN THORNBILL (Acanthiza katherina) – Although in the shadows, we had a few minutes around this species at Hypipamee Crater.
BROWN THORNBILL (Acanthiza pusilla) – This little guy was fairly common at O'Reilly's and especially in Tasmania.
TASMANIAN THORNBILL (Acanthiza ewingii) – Tasmania. The Wilmot River Bridge area provided good looks at this Tasmanian endemic. Although similar in appearance to the Brown Thornbill, this species has rufous edging to the folded wing.
YELLOW-RUMPED THORNBILL (Acanthiza chrysorrhoa) – Tasmania. Finally a distinctive thornbill! Fairly common in Tasmania; we saw our first near Launceston shortly after arriving.
YELLOW THORNBILL (Acanthiza nana) – We saw a few of these high in the conifers at Charlie's Waterhole near O'Reilly's.
STRIATED THORNBILL (Acanthiza lineata) – Our only looks at these came from Duck Creek Road below O'Reilly's.
WEEBILL (Smicrornis brevirostris) – Our best looks at these tiny, wee-billed birds came from the Outback where we saw them at Cumberland Dam and in the grasslands near the Ground Cuckooshrike spot.
GREEN-BACKED GERYGONE (Gerygone chloronota) – We had our only looks at Buffalo Creek near Darwin. This species is quite the songster though and we heard its crazed song several more times.
FAIRY GERYGONE (Gerygone palpebrosa) – Our best looks occurred at the Granite Gorge Nature Park where one came in right overhead while we were enjoying the rock-wallabies.
The Green Ringtail Possum is a very range-restricted species endemic to the Atherton Tableland. We saw several at the Curtain Fig Tree during a nocturnal exploration. Photo by guide Cory Gregory.
WHITE-THROATED GERYGONE (Gerygone olivacea) – Although we were there for the platypus, we had good looks at this species high in some trees at the Topaz Road pond.
LARGE-BILLED GERYGONE (Gerygone magnirostris) – A fairly common species and we connected with it at the Curtain Fig Tree and Sides Road in Queensland.
BROWN GERYGONE (Gerygone mouki) – A widespread species through much of Queensland; we had good views at Chambers and again at O'Reilly's.
MANGROVE GERYGONE (Gerygone levigaster) – We all caught up with this mangrove specialist at Elanora Park in Brisbane where we had several overhead while on the boardwalk.
Pomatostomidae (Pseudo-Babblers)
GRAY-CROWNED BABBLER (Pomatostomus temporalis) – Although brief, we had views of this fantastic species at the Warruma Swamp on our drive towards Georgetown.
Orthonychidae (Logrunners)
AUSTRALIAN LOGRUNNER (Orthonyx temminckii) – A fascinating denizen of the rainforest floor, we all were rewarded with nice looks at these at O'Reilly's as they scurried about, kicking leaves as they foraged.
The Double-eyed Fig-Parrot is a small and compact species which we saw a few times -- including a pair excavating a nest hole! Photo by participant Bill Byers.
CHOWCHILLA (Orthonyx spaldingii) – This endemic logrunner proved to be quite a challenge to see well but Lake Barrine provided us with glimpses here and there in the undergrowth.
Psophodidae (Whipbirds and Wedgebills)
EASTERN WHIPBIRD (Psophodes olivaceus) – Some of the most-familiar sounds in the rainforest came from this large but furtive species. We eventually all saw it well at O'Reilly's.
Machaerirhynchidae (Boatbills)
YELLOW-BREASTED BOATBILL (Machaerirhynchus flaviventer) – This attractive flycatcher was seen a few times in Queensland; first at Chambers and then on Black Mountain Road.
Artamidae (Woodswallows)
WHITE-BREASTED WOODSWALLOW (Artamus leucorynchus) – This was a familiar species in the Top End and Queensland; we saw some at East Point, around our hotel in Darwin, and then again at the Cairns Esplanade.
BLACK-FACED WOODSWALLOW (Artamus cinereus) – Our only sightings came from the Outback; some at Cumberland Dam and a few more on our walk out to the Ground Cuckooshrike.
DUSKY WOODSWALLOW (Artamus cyanopterus) – Tasmania. Our only two sightings came from Trevallyn Nature Recreation Area and Gowrie Park.
Cracticidae (Bellmagpies and Allies)
GRAY BUTCHERBIRD (Cracticus torquatus) – We chanced into this uncommon species at a pitstop in Mt. Garnet!
SILVER-BACKED BUTCHERBIRD (Cracticus argenteus argenteus) – Not only did we see this species quite well at Marlow Lagoon in Palmerston, we got to watch it feed its chicks in a nest! This species was split from Gray Butcherbird.
PIED BUTCHERBIRD (Cracticus nigrogularis) – A rather widespread species, we saw several during our days in the Outback.
BLACK BUTCHERBIRD (Cracticus quoyi) – This talented songster was seen first at Buffalo Creek near Darwin and then again at Sides Road and Centenary Lakes.
AUSTRALIAN MAGPIE (Gymnorhina tibicen) – This familiar species became quite common once we reached Queensland and Tasmania. The race we saw in Tasmania was the white-backed variety.
PIED CURRAWONG (Strepera graculina) – Although we first saw this bird at the Innot Hot Springs, who can forget these tame lunch companions at O'Reilly's!
BLACK CURRAWONG (Strepera fuliginosa) – Tasmania. These endemic currawongs were common in the fields near the Mountain Valley Lodge. Their white wingtips were easily seen in flight.
GRAY CURRAWONG (CLINKING) (Strepera versicolor arguta) – Tasmania. These were widespread in Tasmania and we saw them at Trevallyn Nature Recreation Area and Leven Canyon. This race is endemic to Tasmania.
Campephagidae (Cuckooshrikes)
GROUND CUCKOOSHRIKE (Coracina maxima) – We were incredibly lucky to chance into this rare species as we were driving east of Georgetown!
The Gray Fantails at O'Reilly's were quite inquisitive! This one was staring down guide Cory Gregory.
BARRED CUCKOOSHRIKE (Coracina lineata) – This attractive cuckooshrike put on a great show near the parking lot at Lake Eacham in Queensland.
BLACK-FACED CUCKOOSHRIKE (Coracina novaehollandiae) – A widespread species and one we became quite familiar with. Our first good looks came from Fogg Dam in the Top End.
WHITE-BELLIED CUCKOOSHRIKE (Coracina papuensis) – This was the common cuckooshrike in the Top End and much of Queensland.
VARIED TRILLER (Lalage leucomela) – Most of our sightings came from the Top End where we saw them at Buffalo Creek and Fogg Dam.
COMMON CICADABIRD (Edolisoma tenuirostre) – We had a few sighings in Queensland; our first was at Centenary Lakes in Cairns but we would go on to connect with more at Hypipamee Crater and O'Reilly's.
Centenary Lakes in Cairns was lush and full of birds! Photo by participant Charlotte Byers.
Pachycephalidae (Whistlers and Allies)
LITTLE SHRIKETHRUSH (Colluricincla megarhyncha) – This plain-colored songster was first spotted at Darwin River Dam.
GRAY SHRIKETHRUSH (Colluricincla harmonica) – We first spotted this chunky, plain shrikethrush at Big Mitchell Creek but had even better views at O'Reilly's where "Shrikey" kept us company!
BOWER'S SHRIKETHRUSH (Colluricincla boweri) – Our best luck with this shy species was at the Hypipamee Crater area where we saw them multiple days.
OLIVE WHISTLER (Pachycephala olivacea) – Tasmania. We encountered this species up the road from the Mountain Valley Lodge where it stayed mostly out of view.
GOLDEN WHISTLER (Pachycephala pectoralis) – We encountered this species a few times in Queensland including at Chambers Rainforest Lodge and the Hypipamee Crater area.
BLACK-TAILED WHISTLER (Pachycephala melanura) – Also known as Mangrove Golden Whistler, we saw this mangrove specialist only at the Adelaide River Bridge area.
GRAY WHISTLER (GRAY) (Pachycephala simplex simplex) – This subspecies is limited to the Top End and we saw them at Buffalo Creek and at Fogg Dam.
If you like your pigeons with crests, Australia is the place for you! Crested Pigeons were a common sight in Outback Queensland. Photo by guide Cory Gregory.
GRAY WHISTLER (GRAY-HEADED) (Pachycephala simplex peninsulae) – The Gray-headed race is found in Queensland and we saw it along Black Mountain Road and again at the Davies Creek State Forest.
RUFOUS WHISTLER (Pachycephala rufiventris) – This is a fairly widespread species and we connected with it at Fogg Dam, Big Mitchell Creek, and Davies Creek State Forest.
Oriolidae (Old World Orioles)
OLIVE-BACKED ORIOLE (Oriolus sagittatus) – Not related to North American orioles! Our first was seen at Granite Gorge Nature Park and we had another scope view of one coming down to drink at Cumberland Dam.
GREEN ORIOLE (Oriolus flavocinctus) – Very common in the Top End; seen (or at least heard) at a majority of our stops.
AUSTRALASIAN FIGBIRD (Sphecotheres vieilloti) – Related to the above orioles, this was one of the most familiar species on tour. We had exceptional looks at nests in the Outback, males along the Cairns Esplanade, and many others.
Imagine our surprise when we stumbled on a Bush Thick-knee laying flat on the ground! This incubating adult was trying to blend in with its surroundings -- and doing a pretty good job! Photo by participant Bill Byers.
Dicruridae (Drongos)
SPANGLED DRONGO (Dicrurus bracteatus) – Although never abundant, we saw singles many times in the Top End and Queensland. Our first was at the botanical gardens in Darwin and then more at Buffalo Creek.
Rhipiduridae (Fantails)
NORTHERN FANTAIL (Rhipidura rufiventris) – Both of our sightings came from the Top End; Buffalo Creek and Darwin River Dam.
WILLIE-WAGTAIL (Rhipidura leucophrys) – One of the most recognizable Australian birds, we enjoyed the company of this black-and-white fantail throughout our tour.
RUFOUS FANTAIL (Rhipidura rufifrons) – Although our first sighting came from Centenary Lakes in Cairns, we saw this colorful species even better at O'Reilly's from the canopy walkway.
ARAFURA FANTAIL (Rhipidura dryas) – We connected with this uncommon but colorful fantail at Fogg Dam on our second day.
Pacific Baza! This unique, crested raptor flew in while we were birding at Buffalo Creek near Darwin. Photo by participant Bill Byers.
GRAY FANTAIL (Rhipidura albiscapa) – All of our sightings came from Queensland where they were common at Chambers and O'Reilly's.
Monarchidae (Monarch Flycatchers)
WHITE-EARED MONARCH (Carterornis leucotis) – Our only sighting of this tricky forest-dweller came from Black Mountain Road near the Cassowary House.
BLACK-FACED MONARCH (Monarcha melanopsis) – These handsome flycatchers were fairly common in rainforest habitats like Chambers and O'Reilly's. One particular one came down to drink at Charlie's Waterhole.
SPECTACLED MONARCH (Symposiachrus trivirgatus) – This orange-and-black monarch was seen a few times at Chambers Rainforest Lodge, the nearby Lake Barrine, and Sides Road.
PIED MONARCH (Arses kaupi) – One of these interrupted our group photo attempt at the Curtain Fig Tree! We would go on to find a pair building a nest over the trail at Sides Road.
MAGPIE-LARK (Grallina cyanoleuca) – This garrulous black-and-white species was one of our most-familiar throughout the tour, often seen in rural and urban settings alike.
LEADEN FLYCATCHER (Myiagra rubecula) – Our best looks at this unobtrusive species came from the entrance road to Granite Gorge Nature Park and again at Davies Creek State Forest.
BROAD-BILLED FLYCATCHER (Myiagra ruficollis) – Our sightings came from the Top End; we even saw a nest of this species at the Adelaide River Bridge area.
PAPERBARK FLYCATCHER (Myiagra nana) – These attractive black-and-white flycatchers were seen at Fogg Dam and again at Marlow Lagoon near Darwin.
SHINING FLYCATCHER (Myiagra alecto) – The all-black males were easy to find at the Adelaide River Bridge area. This was our only sighting.
Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies)
TORRESIAN CROW (Corvus orru) – This was the common corvid through much of the tour and we good looks along the Adelaide River near Darwin, Cumberland Dam in the Outback, and many others.
LITTLE RAVEN (Corvus mellori) – Keen eyes spotted these outside of the Melbourne airport on one of our travel days!
FOREST RAVEN (Corvus tasmanicus) – Tasmania. Our first sighting came right away at the Trevallyn Nature Recreation Area near Launceston and they would remain common throughout Tasmania.
Corcoracidae (White-winged Chough and Apostlebird)
APOSTLEBIRD (Struthidea cinerea) – Although not always in groups of 12, we saw this flocking species many times in the Outback.
Uh oh, we've been spotted! These Apostlebirds in Outback Queensland were a rambunctious bunch, and NOT always in groups of 12! Photo by participant Bill Byers.
Paradisaeidae (Birds-of-Paradise)
PARADISE RIFLEBIRD (Ptiloris paradiseus) – Instead of a trick, we got a treat on Halloween when we saw this specialty species at O'Reilly's.
VICTORIA'S RIFLEBIRD (Ptiloris victoriae) – This bird-of-paradise was common at Chambers Rainforest Lodge where some folks were lucky to have them visiting their porches! We saw them again at the Cassowary House.
Petroicidae (Australasian Robins)
LEMON-BELLIED FLYCATCHER (Microeca flavigaster) – This yellowish robin was fairly common in the Top End; we saw them well at the Darwin Botanical Gardens, Fogg Dam, and Darwin River Dam.
SCARLET ROBIN (Petroica boodang) – Tasmania. Our first of these beauties came from Trevallyn Nature Recreation Area but we saw them again at Gowrie Park.
FLAME ROBIN (Petroica phoenicea) – Tasmania. A scorching male posed nicely for us in a roadside field.
ROSE ROBIN (Petroica rosea) – We saw this treetop robin at the end of the canopy walkway at O'Reilly's.
PINK ROBIN (Petroica rodinogaster) – Tasmania. We saw a few up the trail at Gowrie Park and later played hide-and-seek with one at Cradle Mountain.
DUSKY ROBIN (Melanodryas vittata) – Tasmania. This plain brown robin was easily seen at Gowrie Park when one met us in the parking lot. They are endemic to Tasmania.
PALE-YELLOW ROBIN (Tregellasia capito) – The pale lores were obvious on these otherwise subtly-marked robins. We saw them at Hypipamee Crater and the Curtain Fig Tree.
EASTERN YELLOW ROBIN (Eopsaltria australis) – Our first good look came on the entrance road to Davies Creek State Forest.
We enjoyed quite a friendly visit with these Mareeba Rock-Wallabies at Granite Gorge Nature Park. This species is endemic to just a small portion of Queensland. Photo by guide Cory Gregory.
MANGROVE ROBIN (Eopsaltria pulverulenta) – This mangrove specialist was seen at the north end of the Cairns Esplanade.
WHITE-BROWED ROBIN (Poecilodryas superciliosa) – Seeing this rare robin along Davies Creek was a highlight for some. What a beautiful bird in a beautiful setting!
GRAY-HEADED ROBIN (Heteromyias cinereifrons) – These were widespread in the rainforests around Chambers and Hypipamee Crater.
Alaudidae (Larks)
AUSTRALASIAN BUSHLARK (Mirafra javanica) – Several of these grassland birds, sometimes known as Horsfield's Bushlark, were singing in the fields outside of Fogg Dam.
EURASIAN SKYLARK (Alauda arvensis) – Tasmania. Although not native to Tasmania, this species is a talented songster and we enjoyed listening to them near Bothwell. [I]
Hirundinidae (Swallows)
WELCOME SWALLOW (Hirundo neoxena) – These were common once we arrived in Cairns and they hardly left the skies above us for the remainder of the tour.
FAIRY MARTIN (Petrochelidon ariel) – Our first sighting of this pale-rumped swallow came from Topaz Road near Cairns but we saw them even better at Cumberland Dam near Georgetown.
This is a Macleay's Honeyeater on the grounds at Chambers Rainforest Lodge. The species is restricted to rainforests in Queensland. Photo by guide Cory Gregory.
TREE MARTIN (Petrochelidon nigricans) – Tasmania. A flock of these were foraging over the Wilmot River Bridge on our way to the Mountain Valley Lodge. We saw them well at the lodge itself the following day.
Locustellidae (Grassbirds and Allies)
LITTLE GRASSBIRD (Megalurus gramineus) – Tasmania. A walk along the beach on Bruny Island scored us this bonus bird. We later found another in a marsh on the way back to the ferry.
TAWNY GRASSBIRD (Megalurus timoriensis) – Gil's keen eyes spotted this drive-by bird in an oddly-urban location in Brisbane!
Cisticolidae (Cisticolas and Allies)
GOLDEN-HEADED CISTICOLA (Cisticola exilis) – We had a few sightings of this tiny denizen of rank vegetation; one at Fogg Dam along the causeway and another on the power line along Redford Road near Cairns.
Zosteropidae (White-eyes, Yuhinas, and Allies)
AUSTRALIAN YELLOW WHITE-EYE (Zosterops luteus) – This attractive mangrove specialist was seen well at Buffalo Creek north of Darwin.
The Scrubtit, photographed here by guide Chris Benesh, is a tiny, tricky-to-see endemic species of Tasmania.
SILVER-EYE (Zosterops lateralis) – These were fairly common once we arrived in Queensland. We saw loose flocks at Chambers, Black Mountain Road, Sides Road, and many more in Tasmania.
Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies)
RUSSET-TAILED THRUSH (Zoothera heinei) – This scaly skulker of the undergrowth was eventually seen well at O'Reilly's despite playing hide-and-seek with it for a bit.
EURASIAN BLACKBIRD (Turdus merula) – Tasmania. This black thrush was abundant in urban areas throughout the island. [I]
Sturnidae (Starlings)
METALLIC STARLING (Aplonis metallica) – Although our first sightings came from a shopping center parking lot, we had extended looks along the Cairns Esplanade.
EUROPEAN STARLING (Sturnus vulgaris) – We spotted a few of these introduced birds in Brisbane and they were also common in Tasmania. [I]
COMMON MYNA (Acridotheres tristis) – Although not near Darwin, this introduced species was common in Queensland around Cairns. [I]
Dicaeidae (Flowerpeckers)
MISTLETOEBIRD (Dicaeum hirundinaceum) – We spotted this flowerpecker a few times on tour including our first one at Fogg Dam. We would later see more at Centenary Lakes and Black Mountain Road.
One of the many specialties of this tour is the rare and range-restricted Atherton Scrubwren. We found this Atherton Tableland endemic up the road from the Hypipamee Crater. Photo by guide Chris Benesh.
Nectariniidae (Sunbirds and Spiderhunters)
OLIVE-BACKED SUNBIRD (Cinnyris jugularis) – Centenary Lakes in Cairns provided us with great looks at this curve-billed nectar specialist.
Motacillidae (Wagtails and Pipits)
AUSTRALASIAN PIPIT (AUSTRALIAN) (Anthus novaeseelandiae australis) – We had a quick look at this species perched on a fence post along East Barron Road on the Atherton Tableland. We would go on to see them several days in Tasmania.
Fringillidae (Finches, Euphonias, and Allies)
EUROPEAN GREENFINCH (Chloris chloris) – Tasmania. This bird was distinctly heard at Grebe Pond. [I*]
EUROPEAN GOLDFINCH (Carduelis carduelis) – Tasmania. We first spotted this Old World finch at Gowrie Park and we would go on to see more scattered along roadsides. [I]
Passeridae (Old World Sparrows)
HOUSE SPARROW (Passer domesticus) – Although we did not see any in the Top End, they caught up with us in Queensland and Tasmania where they were a common sight in urban areas. [I]
Estrildidae (Waxbills and Allies)
BEAUTIFUL FIRETAIL (Stagonopleura bella) – Tasmania. This finely-barred firetail was feeding on the shoulder of the driveway at the Mountain Valley Lodge.
RED-BROWED FIRETAIL (Neochmia temporalis) – We encountered this sharply-colored species several times in Queensland including the entrance road to Chambers, Hypipamee Crater, Black Mountain Road, Sides Road, and of course the well-behaving flock at O'Reilly's.
CRIMSON FINCH (Neochmia phaeton) – This attractive, grass-loving species was common along the causeway at Fogg Dam. We would go on to see more at the end of Redford Road near Cairns.
ZEBRA FINCH (Taeniopygia guttata) – We spotted just a few of these coming to drink at Durham Dam and the following day at Cumberland Dam.
DOUBLE-BARRED FINCH (Taeniopygia bichenovii) – These attractive finches, sporting black bars on their breasts, were fairly common in the Outback where we saw 40+ at Durham Dam.
MASKED FINCH (Poephila personata) – We saw this rare finch coming in to drink at Cumberland Dam near Georgetown.
LONG-TAILED FINCH (Poephila acuticauda) – We almost missed this species until we thankfully found one on a power line as we approached Buffalo Creek near Darwin. Whew!
BLACK-THROATED FINCH (Poephila cincta) – Our only sighting of this handsome species was at Cumberland Dam in the Outback where a few came down to drink.
SCALY-BREASTED MUNIA (Lonchura punctulata) – This introduced species was seen along the Cairns Esplanade a few times. [I]
CHESTNUT-BREASTED MUNIA (Lonchura castaneothorax) – We connected with this native munia at Hasties Swamp where we found a small flock near the blind.
MAMMALS
SHORT-BEAKED ECHIDNA (Tachyglossus aculeatus) – Tasmania. These fascinating pincushions waddling along roadsides were a highlight for many!
PLATYPUS (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) – It was amazing watching this unique monotreme swimming around in front of us on the Atherton Tableland! We would see another in Tasmania.
YELLOW-FOOTED ANTECHINUS (Antechinus flavipes) – Seen near Chambers Rainforest Lodge.
SPOTTED-TAILED QUOLL (Dasyurus maculatus) – Tasmania. This fascinating creature visited a few cabins after dark at the Mountain Valley Lodge.
TASMANIAN DEVIL (Sarcophilus harrisii) – Lucky indeed were those that caught glimpses of this rare and threatened predator during our night stakeouts at the Mountain Valley Lodge!
LONG-NOSED BANDICOOT (Peramelas nasuta) – A few of these were poking around the nocturnal feeding station at Chambers Rainforest Lodge.
NORTHERN BROWN BANDICOOT (Isoodon macrourus) – Seen near the feeding station at Chambers Rainforest Lodge.
COMMON WOMBAT (Vombatus ursinus) – Tasmania. We ended up seeing several of these plump marsupials; our first at Mountain Valley Lodge and then more up towards Cradle Mountain.
KOALA (Phascolarctos cinereus) – What a sighting! We found this iconic marsupial snoozing high above us at the Bell Miner spot (Charlie's Waterhole near O'Reilly's).
COPPERY BRUSHTAIL POSSUM (Trichosurus johnstonii) – We saw this rare and endemic marsupial while spotlighting at the Curtain Fig Tree near Chambers.
SUGAR GLIDER (Petaurus breviceps) – This secretive and arboreal marsupial came in to snack after dark at the Chambers feeding station. Like the unrelated flying-squirrels, this species glides between trees using a patagium (or gliding membrane).
COMMON RINGTAIL POSSUM (Pseudocheirus peregrinus) – Our after-dark exploration at O'Reilly's turned up this species, our only sighting of the tour.
GREEN RINGTAIL POSSUM (Pseudochirops archeri) – We saw at least 6 of these at the Curtain Fig Tree during some nocturnal exploration. This is a rare and range-restricted species endemic to the Atherton Tableland.
STRIPED POSSUM (Dactylopsila trivirgata) – This beautiful marsupial came in to the night feeding station at Chambers Rainforest Lodge. This fascinating creature is found in eastern Australia and New Guinea.
MUSKY RAT-KANGAROO (Hypsiprymnodon moschatus) – A few of these were scrounging around for scraps behind the Cassowary House near Cairns.
TASMANIAN PADEMELON (Thylogale billardierii) – Tasmania. This nocturnal marsupial was abundant at the Mountain Valley Lodge. This species is endemic to Tasmania.
We found several plump Common Wombats during our time in Tasmania, including this one at Cradle Mountain. Photo by guide Cory Gregory.
RED-NECKED PADEMELON (Thylogale thetis) – These were fairly widespread at O'Reilly's in Queensland.
RED-LEGGED PADEMELON (Thylogale stigmatica) – This mostly-nocturnal species was seen first in a clearing at the Chambers Rainforest Lodge.
MAREEBA ROCK-WALLABY (Petrogale mareeba) – Endemic to a small part of the Atherton Tableland, we saw these small wallabies at the Granite Gorge Nature Park.
LUMHOLTZ'S TREE KANGAROO (Dendrolagus lumholtzi) – This is a heavy-bodied species endemic to the rainforests of the Atherton Tableland. Lucky for us, we found one at the Curtain Fig Tree during some night exploration.
AGILE WALLABY (Macropus agilis) – This was the most-commonly seen macropod on tour and we saw them well first near Darwin.
RED-NECKED WALLABY (Macropus rufogriseus) – We saw this species at O'Reilly's in Queensland.
WHIPTAIL WALLABY (Macropus parryi) – We saw these "Pretty-faced" macropods once near Cairns and again on our way up to O'Reilly's.
We ventured out to the nocturnal feeding station at Chambers and came face to face with this Striped Possum! Photo by guide Chris Benesh.
RED KANGAROO (Macropus rufus) – A few of these large kangaroos were spotted in the distance near Georgetown.
BLACK FLYING-FOX (Pteropus alecto) – As we stood listening to the Large-tailed Nightjars singing at Fogg Dam predawn, a stream of these bats were making a morning commute overhead. An other-worldly experience!
SPECTACLED FLYING-FOX (Pteropus conspicillatus) – A quick stop at a roost site in downtown Cairns provided amazing looks at these large, fruit-eating bats. We even could see young clinging to the adults!
Holy batman! A quick stop in downtown Cairns yielded a large number of these Spectacled Flying Foxes. Photo by guide Cory Gregory.
OLD WORLD RABBIT (Oryctolagus cuniculus) – Tasmania. We spotted a few of these critters including one at the Mountain Valley Lodge.
WHITE-TAILED RAT (Uromys caudimaculatus) – This large rodent was seen at the Curtain Fig Tree during some night spotlighting.
FAWN-FOOTED MELOMYS (Melomys cervinipes) – We spotted this little rodent near Chambers Rainforest Lodge.
BOTTLENOSE DOLPHIN (Tursiops truncatus) – Tasmania. We had glimpses of a few of these offshore of Bruny Island.
Herps
TOMMY ROUNDHEAD DRAGON (Diporiphora australis) – This attractive lizard was hiding among the leaf litter at Granite Gorge Nature Park.
FRILL-NECKED LIZARD (Chlamydosaurus kingii) – This large "frilled dragon" was perched motionless in a tree at Granite Gorge Nature Park.
BOYD'S FOREST DRAGON (Lophosaurus boydii) – We played hide-and-seek with this large arboreal lizard on the trail at Lake Barrine.
MERTENS' WATER MONITOR (Varanus mertensi) – We saw this interesting species in Queensland.
LACE MONITOR (Varanus varius) – This impressive lizard was in a tree near the frogmouth nest off Black Mountain Road in Queensland.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Totals for the tour: 360 bird taxa and 30 mammal taxa