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.
Papua New Guinea might be famous for its birds-of-paradise, but its paradise-kingfishers aren't too shabby either! This is a Brown-headed Paradise-Kingfisher, a species with a very limited range in the eastern part of the country. (Photo by guide Phil Gregory)
This was the best birding version of this trip I've done, with lots of lucky finds and unexpected bonus birds as well as the full supporting cast of memorable endemics. Now one of the great prizes, the Southern Cassowary at Cassowary House was problematic. The male had been away on nest for 8 weeks and had yet to return, whilst the female was very erratic, but I had just done a TV presentation with "Naomi's Nightmares of Nature" in which we'd gone to Etty Beach near Innisfail to get them the cassowary since ours were away. They are often easy here and quite habituated, so I made an early start and hauled everyone off down there for great views of a female on the road. Our male actually reappeared with 3 chicks whilst we were staying at Cass House, but we were out and would have dipped on the species if we'd taken the chance and not gone south to find it.
Other highlights of the Cairns region were a magnificent displaying male bustard, male Golden Bowerbird at his bower for the 5 who were able to trek in, Victoria’s Riflebird, Noisy Pitta at Cass House, and a Black-winged Monarch along Black Mt Road. A lone Broad-billed Sandpiper came and landed bang in front of us at the northern end of Cairns Esplanade, quite amazing, and Double-eyed Fig-Parrots had a nest nearby, which was nice.
PNG was very good. We did well in Varirata with crowd-pleasing Raggiana Bird-of-paradise and Brown-headed Paradise-Kingfisher, plus Yellow-billed Kingfisher, Orange-fronted Fruit-Dove (unusual here), and the still-reliable Barred Owlet-Nightjar. PAU was nice but had no Papuan Frogmouth or Spotted Whistling-Ducks, though our local guide Leonard knew of two frogmouths at his house at Goldie Barracks and we duly twitched them later in the trip.
Kumul gave us the simply wonderful Ribbon-tailed Astrapia, a male with an asymmetric tail was stunning; this really is one of the great birds of the world and my favourite BoP. The feeder was amazing and we got Chestnut Forest-Rail (all except me!), and folks who stayed back from one trek saw a fabulous orange-and-black male Crested Satinbird flying by. Astonishingly on the last breakfast, just as were leaving, two Rufescent Imperial-Pigeons flew in and landed above the feeder, a new bird for me at Kumul and one that local guide Max Mal had only seen once before in the mountains nearby. Blue BoP showed okay but Lesser and Superb were heard only; the bad road conditions and some logistical issues meant we could not get to the Lesser BoP lek.
Another outstanding sight at Kumul Lodge was a nest of New Guinea Woodcock that Max had in his garden. This had been seen on a Sicklebill tour led by Brian Coates two weeks back, and I was delighted to find a bird still sat on the nest low down in a sapling. I think it may be the first ever found. We also did a dusk foray and had a roding bird going by, which eventually landed on a tree limb and was able to be spotlit, an incredibly lucky sight. Blue-capped Ifrita (pending new family…), Crested Berrypecker, and Fan-tailed Berrypecker were near the feeder, and Tit-berrypecker for those who did the Pigites trek were good birds too, with a couple glimpsing the soon-to-be-family-status Lesser Melampitta I lured close.
The very early morning flight to Brisbane sees us out there by 10:30, so I got my mate Roger Jaensch to come along with us and take us out to the Lockyer Valley by way of something different. It's a 90-minute drive on good roads, and we picked up Pink-eared and Blue-billed ducks, Cotton Pygmy-Goose, Yellow-billed Spoonbill, Red-necked Avocet, Red-kneed Dotterel, Restless Flycatcher, and Striped Honeyeater as unexpected additions to the tour -- three state ticks for me there too!
Next day, Mennippi Wetlands was very conveniently right en route to our mangrove site, and this gave great looks at both Baillon's and Spotless crakes, plus I heard Lewin's Rail call (state tick) and we had great Channel-billed Cuckoos fly around. Daisy Hill was regrettably hopeless for koala (this has gotten really hard here), but we did see fine Variegated Fairywren for most folks.
O'Reillys was good, with the ridiculously tame parrots and bowerbirds a highlight as always. Duck Creek Road has become very bad so we only went to the edge to get great views of both White-throated and Red-browed treecreepers. The most southerly of all birds-of-paradise (the Paradise Riflebird) was hard but we got it very well at Python Rock, plus a jewel-like Spotted Pardalote that gave fantastic close views. Southern Boobook took some work but eventually showed really well atop a hoop pine near the car park, and Australian Owlet-Nightjar was in the same spot that I ticked it back in 1991, flying out and giving a marvelous view before ducking back in.
The finale at Royal NP means a late flight ex-Brisbane and late arrival, but it worked out and Royal next day was excellent -- we saw four Superb Lyrebirds, including one sans tail that looked amazingly like a Scrubfowl! Rock Warbler was also really good, coming up and acting like a creeper in a big eucalypt by the track after showing well on the rock face earlier.
The heath was hot and quiet but we did get views of Southern Emuwren, including one flying about ten feet overhead, probably an altitude record for this species. Our finale in very calm conditions at Garie Beach got us Short-tailed Shearwater, Australasian Gannet (first here for three trips!) and unexpected Sooty Oystercatcher, whilst a last stop at an ocean overlook gave us a female Humpback Whale and calf, the mother flapping her flukes repeatedly in the surface; a nice way to end an unusually varied and interesting tour.
My thanks to Karen at FG HQ for her good logistics, to Nina and Bayard for some good spotting and to the various local guides, Max, Leonard, and Roger, who helped us find some great birds. Why not join us for an exciting overview of eastern Australia and PNG in 2013?
--Phil
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)
SOUTHERN CASSOWARY (Casuarius casuarius) – A splendid female at Etty Bay, where we went specially as the Cassowary House male bird was still away nesting. This was a good decision as we had great looks at the big female on the road above the bay.
Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl)
MAGPIE GOOSE (Anseranas semipalmata) – Good numbers on a swamp near Mareeba; a very odd bird that is usually accorded family status these days.
PLUMED WHISTLING-DUCK (Dendrocygna eytoni) – 120 at Hastie's Swamp and still a few at the PAU, where they were flushed by two girls before we could look properly.
WANDERING WHISTLING-DUCK (Dendrocygna arcuata) – Good looks at the PAU, a handsome bird.
BLACK SWAN (Cygnus atratus) – Two at a wetland north of Mareeba, and some nice ones in the Lockyer Valley, with the 3 lovely grey cygnets a big hit with Janina especially.
RADJAH SHELDUCK (Tadorna radjah) – One at the Adventure Playground near the PAU, which I initially dismissed as a captive (until it wasn't there next morning!) It had luckily come back by the afternoon so we could pay attention to it!
GREEN PYGMY-GOOSE (Nettapus pulchellus) – Good looks at Cattana Wetlands.
COTTON PYGMY-GOOSE (Nettapus coromandelianus) – 16 at Atkinson Dam in the Lockyer Valley were a very useful trip addition of what has become a scarce bird in the north.
MANED DUCK (Chenonetta jubata) – A few around in the Brisbane area; often feeds on golf courses and fields like one of the sheldgeese in South America.
MALLARD (Anas platyrhynchos) – 3 males and two females were at Gatton. It's an uncommon bird in Queensland and these looked pretty good, not hybrid or farmyard ducks. [I]
PACIFIC BLACK DUCK (Anas superciliosa) – Widespread in small numbers.
GRAY TEAL (Anas gracilis) – Just 3 at Hastie's Swamp and a few in the Lockyer Valley.
CHESTNUT TEAL (Anas castanea) – 3 skulking in the mangroves at Lota, then a fine pair at Lake Galletly near Gatton before another beautiful pair at Royal NP.
WHITE-EYED DUCK (Aythya australis) – Hardhead is the real Australian name, and we had fine views at Hastie's Swamp, Lake Barrine and the Lockyer Valley.
Megapodiidae (Megapodes)
AUSTRALIAN BRUSH-TURKEY (Alectura lathami) – Cassowary House offers a free one for every night spent with us! There was an active mound at Lamington, and that sideways fan tail is plain bizarre. [E]
BLACK-BILLED BRUSH-TURKEY (Talegalla fuscirostris) – The mound along the Lookout Trail at Varirata is huge and has been in use for decades, but as ever no sign of the birds! [E]
ORANGE-FOOTED SCRUBFOWL (Megapodius reinwardt) – Seen at Cairns and Cassowary House, with a great pointed head shape.
Podicipedidae (Grebes)
AUSTRALASIAN GREBE (Tachybaptus novaehollandiae) – Small numbers on various wetlands inc. the PAU.
GREAT CRESTED GREBE (Podiceps cristatus australis) – Thirty on Lake Barrine and 50 at Clarendon Dam in the Lockyer Valley. This is an endemic and very isolated race found here and in NZ.
Procellariidae (Shearwaters and Petrels)
SHORT-TAILED SHEARWATER (Puffinus tenuirostris) – About 150 feeding offshore from Garie Beach in Royal NP.
HUTTON'S SHEARWATER (Puffinus huttoni) – There was one of this or Fluttering Shearwater offshore at Garie Beach, we call these indeterminates Flutton's Shearwater.
Ciconiidae (Storks)
BLACK-NECKED STORK (Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus) – A fantastic sighting of one flying over the potato fields at Marks Lane near Atherton. It came in from miles back and went right by us.
Fregatidae (Frigatebirds)
GREAT FRIGATEBIRD (Fregata minor) – Three over Ela Beach in Port Moresby.
LESSER FRIGATEBIRD (Fregata ariel) – Two over Ela Beach in Port Moresby.
Sulidae (Boobies and Gannets)
AUSTRALASIAN GANNET (Morus serrator) – John picked us up a fine adult offshore at Garie Beach, it's been amazingly scarce here the past few trips for some reason.
Phalacrocoracidae (Cormorants and Shags)
LITTLE BLACK CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax sulcirostris) – Widespread in small numbers.
Generally a tough bird in Australia, and not one we expected to see, so this cooperative Baillon's Crake near Brisbane was a surprise addition to our lists. (Photo by guide Phil Gregory)
LITTLE PIED CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax melanoleucos) – Small numbers at various sites inc. the PAU.
Anhingidae (Anhingas)
AUSTRALASIAN DARTER (Anhinga novaehollandiae) – Singles around the Cairns area, and a few in the Lockyer valley, including some soaring high overhead.
Pelecanidae (Pelicans)
AUSTRALIAN PELICAN (Pelecanus conspicillatus) – Small numbers at various sites, including again a couple over the ocean at our finale viewpoint in Royal NP.
Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns)
PACIFIC HERON (Ardea pacifica) – Long ago renamed White-necked Heron. We had 3 at Hastie's Swamp and one north of Mareeba.
GREAT EGRET (AUSTRALASIAN) (Ardea alba modesta) – Small numbers around Cairns and the PAU, also in the Lockyer Valley.
INTERMEDIATE EGRET (Mesophoyx intermedia) – More numerous than Great Egret in the north, and also seen at the PAU.
WHITE-FACED HERON (Egretta novaehollandiae) – Amazingly few, one at Hastie's Swamp then really just a couple at Lota on the main tour.
LITTLE EGRET (LITTLE) (Egretta garzetta nigripes) – Five day records, from Cairns, the PAU and Lota, then the Lockyer valley.
PIED HERON (Egretta picata) – Great views at the PAU, many in full breeding dress.
CATTLE EGRET (ASIAN) (Bubulcus ibis coromandus) – Some on the tablelands and around Port Moresby. This is the eastern form which is split by the IOC.
STRIATED HERON (Butorides striata) – A couple at Centenary Park, showing very nicely.
RUFOUS NIGHT-HERON (Nycticorax caledonicus) – Two flying over when we were stuck in traffic at dusk in Port Moresby, this is the Nankeen Night Heron.
Threskiornithidae (Ibises and Spoonbills)
GLOSSY IBIS (Plegadis falcinellus) – Two near Mareeba and some folks saw it at Hastie's Swamp.
AUSTRALIAN IBIS (Threskiornis molucca) – Small numbers, including two at the PAU and some foraging at McDonalds in Sylvania.
STRAW-NECKED IBIS (Threskiornis spinicollis) – Quite a few around in the north.
ROYAL SPOONBILL (Platalea regia) – Nice views at Hastie's Swamp and oddly also at Cairns cemetery, before 10 in the Lockyer Valley and 6 at Walnut Road wetland.
YELLOW-BILLED SPOONBILL (Platalea flavipes) – One at a wetland in the Lockyer Valley was a good find.
Pandionidae (Osprey)
OSPREY (Pandion haliaetus) – Two by a nest at a wetland north of Mareeba, now split as Eastern Osprey by most.
Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)
PACIFIC BAZA (Aviceda subcristata) – Two at the PAU then 2 at Varirata, the former in the wings-raised display flight.
SQUARE-TAILED KITE (Lophoictinia isura) – One flew across the road in the Lockyer Valley, but it was impossible to stop there as well as badly angled- sorry!
AUSTRALIAN KITE (Elanus axillaris) – A couple on the tablelands, really called Black-shouldered Kite of course, but I might be warming to this American name.
BLACK KITE (Milvus migrans) – Widespread in small numbers, especially at Mt Hagen, also swooping over the road at Kumul.
WHISTLING KITE (Haliastur sphenurus) – Small numbers around the tablelands and the PAU.
BRAHMINY KITE (Haliastur indus) – Singles at various sites including Cairns, Lota and Varirata.
WHITE-BELLIED SEA-EAGLE (Haliaeetus leucogaster) – A fine adult at the platypus site at Tarzali Lakes and 2 very nicely at Clarendon Dam.
EASTERN MARSH-HARRIER (PAPUAN) (Circus spilonotus spilothorax) – Some folks saw what sounds like a male of this species en route to Kumul, now split as Papuan Harrier. [E]
VARIABLE GOSHAWK (Accipiter hiogaster) – There was one down near Wapanemanda in the cultivation there.
GRAY GOSHAWK (Accipiter novaehollandiae) – A nest along Black Mt Road had very wary adults attending it. [E]
BROWN GOSHAWK (Accipiter fasciatus) – One chasing parrots at Mareeba, and 2 probables near Malanda, then a single near Canungra.
WEDGE-TAILED EAGLE (Aquila audax) – A fine adult over the road near Yungaburra, and 2 distant birds at Canungra.
Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras)
Tawny Frogmouths may not always be that tawny, but they are always pretty tough to spot, so these two at Granite Gorge were a real treat! (Photo by guide Phil Gregory)
BROWN FALCON (Falco berigora) – Similarly very scarce, with just one atop a pole in the Lockyer Valley.
Otididae (Bustards)
AUSTRALIAN BUSTARD (Ardeotis australis) – A magnificent male in full display at Maryfarms, the tail cocked high over the back and the neck pouch fully distended, an extraordinary sight. 6 others were nearby, then there was one near Mareeba. The first of all was distant in a ploughed field by the cranes near Atherton.
Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)
CHESTNUT FOREST-RAIL (Rallina rubra) – Almost everyone except Phil got to see them under the feeders at Kumul Lodge, a great bird to get. [E]
RED-NECKED CRAKE (Rallina tricolor) – Heard at Cassowary House, Phil actually saw one late one afternoon but no-one was around and our morning vigil drew a blank. [*]
BUFF-BANDED RAIL (Gallirallus philippensis) – One seen briefly near Bromfield Swamp, and a fine adult on the Esplanade which showed really well, then one down in the Lockyer valley for some.
LEWIN'S RAIL (Lewinia pectoralis) – One was heard briefly at Minnippi wetlands, a state tick for Phil. [*]
BAILLON'S CRAKE (Porzana pusilla) – Great looks at at least 2 adults at Minnippi- thanks Roger.
SPOTLESS CRAKE (Porzana tabuensis) – One bird at Minnippi was a very nice trip addition.
PURPLE SWAMPHEN (Porphyrio porphyrio) – This black-backed race melanotus is sometimes split as Pacific Swamphen, we saw them at various wetlands including the PAU.
DUSKY MOORHEN (Gallinula tenebrosa) – Scattered records, with some great looks at the PAU and Royal NP.
EURASIAN COOT (Fulica atra) – A few at Lake Barrine and Hastie's Swamp.
Gruidae (Cranes)
SARUS CRANE (Grus antigone) – Small numbers on the tablelands, max. 70.
BROLGA (Grus rubicunda) – They were with Sarus Cranes on the tablelands which made for nice comparisons, we had 10 one day and a few the next.
Burhinidae (Thick-knees)
BUSH THICK-KNEE (Burhinus grallarius) – 12 in Cairns cemetery and a couple at Emerald Creek, a bizarre creature.
Charadriidae (Plovers and Lapwings)
MASKED LAPWING (Vanellus miles) – Widespread, we saw the race miles in the north and in PNG, and the distinctive southern nominate race around Brisbane.
RED-KNEED DOTTEREL (Erythrogonys cinctus) – One in the Lockyer valley was a useful trip tick. [E]
PACIFIC GOLDEN-PLOVER (Pluvialis fulva) – Two at the PAU, just as in 2011!
GREATER SAND-PLOVER (Charadrius leschenaultii) – A few at Cairns Esplanade.
BLACK-FRONTED DOTTEREL (Elseyornis melanops) – One at Cairns Esplanade and one at Hastie's Swamp, then one at the Lockyer Valley, a very distinctive little plover.
Haematopodidae (Oystercatchers)
SOOTY OYSTERCATCHER (Haematopus fuliginosus fuliginosus) – Two flew by at Garie Beach and landed on a rocky wave cut platform, a lucky pick-up of an uncommon species.
Recurvirostridae (Stilts and Avocets)
PIED STILT (Himantopus leucocephalus) – A few at Hastie's Swamp and 5 in the Lockyer Valley.
RED-NECKED AVOCET (Recurvirostra novaehollandiae) – 8 fine birds were at Lake Galletly in the Lockyer Valley, thanks Roger. I think this species was Bill's official # 4000 too, a nice one to get, now for 5000........
Jacanidae (Jacanas)
COMB-CRESTED JACANA (Irediparra gallinacea) – Seen at the PAU and Cattana wetlands before a few in the Lockyer Valley.
Scolopacidae (Sandpipers and Allies)
TEREK SANDPIPER (Xenus cinereus) – Four at Cairns Esplanade, a great little bird with its short orange legs and upturned bill.
COMMON SANDPIPER (Actitis hypoleucos) – One at the PAU and oddly one at the Sepik Headwaters, a new species for the area.
GRAY-TAILED TATTLER (Tringa brevipes) – Up to 10 at Cairns.
WHIMBREL (SIBERIAN) (Numenius phaeopus variegatus) – 4 at Cairns, of the race variegatus, now split from the dark-rumped Hudsonian Whimbrel of the US.
FAR EASTERN CURLEW (Numenius madagascariensis) – Up to 6 at Cairns and 10 at Lota, overall a rare shorebird with around 5000 in total.
BLACK-TAILED GODWIT (Limosa limosa) – Up to 12 at Cairns, this is the eastern race melanuroides, sometimes proposed as a split.
BAR-TAILED GODWIT (Limosa lapponica) – Very few, just 15 or so at Cairns and a handful at Lota.
GREAT KNOT (Calidris tenuirostris) – About 30 were at Cairns.
RED-NECKED STINT (Calidris ruficollis) – Around 50 of these tiny peeps were at Cairns Esplanade.
SHARP-TAILED SANDPIPER (Calidris acuminata) – A few at Cairns Esplanade and 10 chestnut-capped juvs. at Hastie's Swamp.
CURLEW SANDPIPER (Calidris ferruginea) – Just a handful at Cairns Esplanade.
BROAD-BILLED SANDPIPER (Limicola falcinellus) – One at Cairns Esplanade was a lucky pick up, it flew in and landed right in front of us on the sand at the northern end.
LATHAM'S SNIPE (Gallinago hardwickii) – Two at Walnut Road wetland were a nice find of this scarce migrant.
DUSKY WOODCOCK (NEW GUINEA) (Scolopax saturata rosenbergii) – Usually a difficult bird to see, but we had amazing woodcock karma, not only seeing a bird on what is perhaps the first nest ever found of this species, but also spotlighting one that landed in a nearby tree after a bout of roding! This form is sometimes split off as New Guinea Woodcock. [N]
Laridae (Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers)
SILVER GULL (Chroicocephalus novaehollandiae) – A few at Cairns and Lota.
LITTLE TERN (Sternula albifrons) – A single at Cairns.
GULL-BILLED TERN (Gelochelidon nilotica) – Nice looks at Cairns Esplanade and Lota, in both breeding and non-breeding dress.
CASPIAN TERN (Hydroprogne caspia) – Two fine adults at Cairns Esplanade.
WHISKERED TERN (Chlidonias hybrida) – One at Cattana wetlands was unexpected.
Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)
ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia) – Seen in the big urban centres in Australia. [I]
WHITE-HEADED PIGEON (Columba leucomela) – A single flew over at Chambers. [E]
SPOTTED DOVE (Streptopelia chinensis) – A few around Cairns. [I]
BROWN CUCKOO-DOVE (Macropygia phasianella) – Seen along Black Mountain Road and heard at Lamington. [E]
SLENDER-BILLED CUCKOO-DOVE (Macropygia amboinensis) – A single at Varirata and one near Kumul, a split from Brown Cuckoo-Dove with a very different voice. [E]
EMERALD DOVE (Chalcophaps indica) – Fantastic views of this beautiful little dove at Cassowary House. Now split by the IOC as Pacific Emerald Dove.
CRESTED PIGEON (Ocyphaps lophotes) – A few around the tablelands and then near Brisbane [E]
The bare red skin around the eye of this Squatter Pigeon marks it as belonging to the northern race, peninsulae. Birds of the nominate race have gray-blue skin around the eye. (Photo by guide Phil Gregory)
WONGA PIGEON (Leucosarcia melanoleuca) – Readily seen at O'Reilly's, a very distinctive tubby pigeon. [E]
PEACEFUL DOVE (Geopelia placida) – Widespread in the north and a few around at the PAU.
BAR-SHOULDERED DOVE (Geopelia humeralis) – A few around Cairns and a couple at the PAU.
PHEASANT PIGEON (Otidiphaps nobilis) – One was calling at Varirata but as ever was way back out of sight. [E*]
WOMPOO FRUIT-DOVE (Ptilinopus magnificus) – Elusive this trip, heard on the tablelands and seen by a few at Varirata.
PINK-SPOTTED FRUIT-DOVE (Ptilinopus perlatus) – A few at Varirata with some good views of them perched up. [E]
ORANGE-FRONTED FRUIT-DOVE (Ptilinopus aurantiifrons) – One up along the Varirata approach road at 530m, with Orange-bellied Fruit-Doves, was unexpected in the hills as this is usually a lowland bird. [E]
SUPERB FRUIT-DOVE (Ptilinopus superbus) – Heard at Cassowary House but elusive, then heard and one seen by a few at Varirata.
ROSE-CROWNED FRUIT-DOVE (Ptilinopus regina) – One flew by us twice on the N end of Cairns Esplanade, flying really low down. Also heard at Cassowary House. [E]
BEAUTIFUL FRUIT-DOVE (Ptilinopus pulchellus) – A fine adult was feeding in a fig at Varirata. [E]
ORANGE-BELLIED FRUIT-DOVE (Ptilinopus iozonus) – About 10 along the approach road at Varirata, they showed well. [E]
TORRESIAN IMPERIAL-PIGEON (Ducula spilorrhoa) – Quite a few in Cairns, not long back from wintering in PNG.
TOPKNOT PIGEON (Lopholaimus antarcticus) – A few on the Tablelands, then 2 at Audley in Royal NP, perched up. Another very distinctive monotypic pigeon. [E]
PAPUAN MOUNTAIN-PIGEON (Gymnophaps albertisii) – Three at Varirata.
Cacatuidae (Cockatoos)
RED-TAILED BLACK-COCKATOO (Calyptorhynchus banksii) – Great looks at these spectacular cockatoos perched up near Atherton, and also seen flying near Mareeba where they were doing over 40 km/h! [E]
GALAH (Eolophus roseicapilla) – This lovely grey and strawberry pink cockatoo was seen well at Mareeba golf course, then at Lota and near Canungra. [E]
LONG-BILLED CORELLA (Cacatua tenuirostris) – One perched bird at Walnut Road wetland, where they have become established locally. [I]
LITTLE CORELLA (Cacatua sanguinea) – Seen at Walnut Road wetland, then a couple at Royal NP.
SULPHUR-CRESTED COCKATOO (Cacatua galerita) – A big flock of about 70 feeding in a potato field near Atherton, and getting remarkably dirty! Also seen in Cairns and at Cass House, then in Royal NP.
Psittacidae (Parrots)
RAINBOW LORIKEET (Trichoglossus haematodus) – Small numbers at most sites, the ones in PNG are split as Coconut Lorikeet by the IOC.
SCALY-BREASTED LORIKEET (Trichoglossus chlorolepidotus) – A couple of sightings near Cairns and Brisbane. [E]
GOLDIE'S LORIKEET (Psitteuteles goldiei) – Nina saw a flock at Kumul, and we had 7 fly by next day by the lodge. [E]
BLACK-CAPPED LORY (Lorius lory) – A few of these were around at Varirata, mostly flight views but two were perched up for ages and showed very nicely, it's an amazing looking parrot. [E]
LITTLE LORIKEET (Glossopsitta pusilla) – Heard up at Springvale Road but impossible to find in the tall dense trees. [E*]
PAPUAN LORIKEET (Charmosyna papou) – Small numbers at Kumul Lodge including a fine melanistic morph male, an outstandingly beautiful parrot. [E]
PLUM-FACED LORIKEET (Oreopsittacus arfaki) – Just 2 fly bys at Kumul Lodge. [E]
YELLOW-BILLED LORIKEET (Neopsittacus musschenbroekii) – A couple of sightings below Kumul Lodge. [E]
ORANGE-BILLED LORIKEET (Neopsittacus pullicauda) – One was seen at Max's orchid garden and another along the Pigites track. [E]
DOUBLE-EYED FIG-PARROT (Cyclopsitta diophthalma) – Great views of a nesting pair by the mangroves in Cairns, and flybys at Cassowary House.
CRIMSON ROSELLA (Platycercus elegans) – Tame and very confiding at O'Reillys..... [E]
PALE-HEADED ROSELLA (Platycercus adscitus) – Just one along a dirt road near Mareeba. [E]
BREHM'S TIGER-PARROT (Psittacella brehmii) – This lumbering great parrot sits on the feeders at Kumul and is very photogenic there. [E]
RED-CHEEKED PARROT (Geoffroyus geoffroyi) – Nice looks at this noisy species at Varirata.
Participant Bayard Cobb with a lifer Australian King-Parrot on her head at O'Reilly's. (Photo by guide Phil Gregory)
PAPUAN KING-PARROT (Alisterus chloropterus) – One flew over at Varirata but was very fast, then we had two just below Kumul Lodge. [E]
RED-WINGED PARROT (Aprosmictus erythropterus) – A small group was seen flying over at Mareeba.
Cuculidae (Cuckoos)
BRUSH CUCKOO (Cacomantis variolosus) – Heard at Wapanemanda but sadly not seen. [*]
FAN-TAILED CUCKOO (Cacomantis flabelliformis) – Seen very well at Lamington.
SHINING BRONZE-CUCKOO (Chrysococcyx lucidus) – Lovely views at Etty Bay, then 3 chasing up at Lamington NP and taped in nicely.
RUFOUS-THROATED BRONZE-CUCKOO (Chrysococcyx ruficollis) – Heard and then seen nicely near the King of Saxony site. [E]
WHITE-EARED BRONZE-CUCKOO (Chrysococcyx meyeri) – One of these up near the road below the Blue BoP was unexpected.
LITTLE BRONZE-CUCKOO (Chrysococcyx minutillus) – A fine male out by a creek along Henry Hannam Drive.
AUSTRALIAN KOEL (Eudynamys cyanocephalus) – Nina found us a male sat up at Etty Bay, and it was heard at a couple of the southern sites.
CHANNEL-BILLED CUCKOO (Scythrops novaehollandiae) – One at Mareeba stockyards, then 2 seen very well at Mennippi Parklands.
PHEASANT COUCAL (Centropus phasianinus) – A couple of sightings on the tablelands, and 1 at Varirata.
Tytonidae (Barn-Owls)
SOOTY OWL (GREATER) (Tyto tenebricosa tenebricosa) – Falling bomb screeches at O'Reillys when we were out after the boobook were made by this species, but way off in the forest. [*]
BARN OWL (Tyto alba) – Fantastic looks and photos of 3 on the tablelands after spotlighting one night. This is now split as Pacific Barn Owl Tyto javanica.
Strigidae (Owls)
SOUTHERN BOOBOOK (Ninox novaeseelandiae) – Nice look at O'Reillys after quite a lengthy effort. Always great to get owls.
JUNGLE HAWK-OWL (Ninox theomacha) – Heard by or from the cabins at Kumul in the small hours, and known as Papuan Boobook. [E*]
Aegothelidae (Owlet-Nightjars)
MOUNTAIN OWLET-NIGHTJAR (Aegotheles albertisi) – Also heard up at Kumul. [E*]
BARRED OWLET-NIGHTJAR (Aegotheles bennettii) – This is the the fourth year at least that this bird or a descendant has been in the hole at Varirata, luckily for us! [E]
AUSTRALIAN OWLET-NIGHTJAR (Aegotheles cristatus) – One came out from a hole in the traditional tree at O'Reillys, and we had fantastic looks at it in the vine thickets. They can be elusive so this was a very nice find. My lifer of this species was at this very site back in 1991!
Podargidae (Frogmouths)
TAWNY FROGMOUTH (Podargus strigoides) – An utterly splendid obliging pair at Granite Gorge, just posed so well. [E]
PAPUAN FROGMOUTH (Podargus papuensis) – We dipped at the PAU, but Leonard knew of 2 by his house at Goldie Barracks and we made a detour out to get them. One was also found from the lookout at Wapanemanda, an amazing spot by Max!
Apodidae (Swifts)
GLOSSY SWIFTLET (Collocalia esculenta) – Common at Varirata and Kumul, boy are they hard to photograph!
MOUNTAIN SWIFTLET (Aerodramus hirundinaceus) – A few up at Kumul, very dark looking. [E]
AUSTRALIAN SWIFTLET (Aerodramus terraereginae) – A few seen over Black Mt Road and at Cairns Esplanade. [E]
Alcedinidae (Kingfishers)
COMMON KINGFISHER (Alcedo atthis) – One at the PAU was a nice pick-up.
AZURE KINGFISHER (Ceyx azureus) – Brief looks at Royal NP and heard at Varirata.
LAUGHING KOOKABURRA (Dacelo novaeguineae) – We saw quite a few of these gigantic predatory kingfishers, and heard the famous iconic call.
BLUE-WINGED KOOKABURRA (Dacelo leachii) – Seen near Mareeba and at Centenary Park, another enormous predatory kingfisher.
RUFOUS-BELLIED KOOKABURRA (Dacelo gaudichaud) – A good scope view of a female at Varirata. [E]
FOREST KINGFISHER (Todiramphus macleayii) – A few along Black Mt Road, they nest in arboreal termite mounds.
COLLARED KINGFISHER (Todiramphus chloris) – Heard at Cairns, and seen at Lota amongst the mangroves.
Even when flying away, a Channel-billed Cuckoo's huge bill is still pretty awesome. We saw a couple of these migrant species well at Mennippi Wetlands near Brisbane. (Photo by guide Phil Gregory)
YELLOW-BILLED KINGFISHER (Syma torotoro) – Great looks eventually at Varirata, I love the way they trill and come in so secretively to check you out, that odd domed head shape is unique.
BROWN-HEADED PARADISE-KINGFISHER (Tanysiptera danae) – A great look at one that came in and sat quietly in the forest at Varirata, much brighter coloured than the books show. [E]
Meropidae (Bee-eaters)
RAINBOW BEE-EATER (Merops ornatus) – Surprisingly few, just a handful on the tablelands.
Coraciidae (Rollers)
DOLLARBIRD (Eurystomus orientalis) – Just a few, seen on the tablelands, at Varirata, and then at Royal NP.
Pittidae (Pittas)
NOISY PITTA (Pitta versicolor) – They are vocal this year in far north Queensland, we had 4 each morning calling by Cassowary House, and got a nice look at one one morning. Also seen twice at Lamington, feeding on the forest floor.
Menuridae (Lyrebirds)
ALBERT'S LYREBIRD (Menura alberti) – Albert’s Lyrebird has become very difficult, with only the lodge staff seeing the darn thing daily, and we just heard it singing the amazingly powerful melodic song full of mimicry on one occasion only; they were unusually quiet this time. [E*]
SUPERB LYREBIRD (Menura novaehollandiae) – We got lucky here and saw 4 birds along Lady Carrington Drive, including one sans tail that looked amazingly like a scrubfowl! It's the world's largest passerine and an iconic species for the tour. [E]
Ptilonorhynchidae (Bowerbirds)
SPOTTED CATBIRD (Ailuroedus melanotis) – Vocal at Cassowary House and Chambers, and what a voice! Hard to see this year but most got one.
GREEN CATBIRD (Ailuroedus crassirostris) – Nice looks at O'Reillys, it has a similarly great yowling voice.
TOOTH-BILLED CATBIRD (Scenopoeetes dentirostris) – Seen well above its upturned leaf stage at Lake Barrine, where they were singing and mimicking nicely. [E]
ARCHBOLD'S BOWERBIRD (Archboldia papuensis) – A fine female of this rare and restricted range species was again on the feeders at Kumul. [E]
GOLDEN BOWERBIRD (Amblyornis newtoniana) – A great view of a fine adult male by his amazing double maypole bower, surely a tour highlight for those who ventured in and braved the leeches. It's another rare and restricted range species, conceivably under great threat from climate change if the forest dries out. A shame I lost my Cambodian silk scarf in there! [E]
REGENT BOWERBIRD (Sericulus chrysocephalus) – This fantastic showy bird was all over at O'Reillys, no wonder it's the corporate logo! [E]
SATIN BOWERBIRD (Ptilonorhynchus violaceus) – We had great males, females, and immatures at Lamington, along with a fine blue decorated bower. [E]
GREAT BOWERBIRD (Chlamydera nuchalis) – A fine bower decorated with white stones and snail shells was at Mt Molloy, with the bird perched nearby, also seen at Granite Gorge. [E]
FAWN-BREASTED BOWERBIRD (Chlamydera cerviniventris) – Nice views at Varirata and the PAU, and a fine avenue bower decorated with some green berries. [E]
Climacteridae (Australasian Treecreepers)
WHITE-THROATED TREECREEPER (Cormobates leucophaea) – Nominate birds seen well at Lamington, and the race minor on the tablelands. [E]
RED-BROWED TREECREEPER (Climacteris erythrops) – One came in nicely along Duck Creek Road, quite a local species. [E]
Maluridae (Fairywrens)
WHITE-SHOULDERED FAIRYWREN (Malurus alboscapulatus) – A couple were seen below Kumul in the kunai grass. [E]
RED-BACKED FAIRYWREN (Malurus melanocephalus) – Great looks along some roads near Mareeba, the male is a terrific bird. [E]
SUPERB FAIRYWREN (Malurus cyaneus) – A trip favourite, the males at Gatton and then at O'Reillys were very entertaining and beautiful. [E]
VARIEGATED FAIRYWREN (Malurus lamberti) – Two males and 2 females at Daisy Hill, the blue whisker feathering is incredible. [E]
SOUTHERN EMUWREN (Stipiturus malachurus) – A fine but very hot morning on the heath let us track down this skulker, and we got brief looks at a couple of singles eventually. That long degraded filamentous tail is very odd, and one actually flew about 10' up overhead, probably an altitude record for this species!. [E]
Meliphagidae (Honeyeaters)
EASTERN SPINEBILL (Acanthorhynchus tenuirostris) – This striking bird was seen at Lake Barrine, Lamington and Royal. [E]
MOUNTAIN MELIPHAGA (Meliphaga orientalis) – Some folks saw this below Kumul Lodge. [E]
GRACEFUL HONEYEATER (Meliphaga gracilis) – The Meliphagas with the large pale ear spot at Varirata are actually Elegant Honeyeater M. elegans, a well documented split that Clements has yet again failed to pick up on. Actual Graceful Honeyeaters were seen around Black Mountain Road, being small, pale below with small ear spots and a distinctive "plik" call.
YELLOW-SPOTTED HONEYEATER (Meliphaga notata) – Nice looks at Cassowary House. It has very loud unmusical voice for a honeyeater too. [E]
LEWIN'S HONEYEATER (Meliphaga lewinii) – This large Meliphaga with the white gape line is quite common in the higher elevation forests around Chambers and at Lamington. [E]
BLACK-THROATED HONEYEATER (Lichenostomus subfrenatus) – Heard below Kumul Lodge, it has a great musical song phrase as well. [E*]
BRIDLED HONEYEATER (Lichenostomus frenatus) – This uncommon high altitude endemic showed nicely at the Crater, and one was sunbathing in a flowerbed at Tarzali Lakes. [E]
YELLOW-FACED HONEYEATER (Lichenostomus chrysops) – A few in the drier country at Hastie's Swamp. [E]
VARIED HONEYEATER (Lichenostomus versicolor) – Nice looks at this big and quite vocal bird on the Esplanade, the only place we ever see it.
MANGROVE HONEYEATER (Lichenostomus fasciogularis) – Lota is the place, and it showed well again this year with fine views and even some photo ops. Very much a mangrove specialist. [E]
YELLOW HONEYEATER (Lichenostomus flavus) – This north Queensland endemic showed well near Mareeba. [E]
WHITE-EARED HONEYEATER (Lichenostomus leucotis) – Bill and John saw one of these on the heath at Royal NP.
YELLOW-TINTED HONEYEATER (Lichenostomus flavescens) – This is a speciality of the PAU, where we found them as usual near the barrier gate. Why they sound like Fuscous Honeyeaters has me worried and awaits DNA work.
FUSCOUS HONEYEATER (Lichenostomus fuscus) – Seen well at a site near Wondecla in FNQ.
A Pied Currawong looks for a handout at O'Reilly's. The name currawong is derived from the birds' loud, rollicking calls. (Photo by guide Phil Gregory)
RED WATTLEBIRD (Anthochaera carunculata) – Several folks once again got this as the last tick of the trip by the Abcot Inn. [E]
LITTLE WATTLEBIRD (Anthochaera chrysoptera) – Nice looks at 2 in a flowering gum at Royal NP. [E]
BROWN-BACKED HONEYEATER (Ramsayornis modestus) – A few at Centenary Lakes and Yorkey's Knob ponds.
RUFOUS-BANDED HONEYEATER (Conopophila albogularis) – Nice looks at the PAU where they fly out and swoop low over the ponds.
DUSKY MYZOMELA (Myzomela obscura) – A few around Cassowary House and Lake Barrine.
MOUNTAIN MYZOMELA (Myzomela adolphinae) – This was a good find near Wapanemanda, they are tiny and can be elusive. [E]
SCARLET MYZOMELA (Myzomela sanguinolenta) – The first was at Cattana wetland, then great views at Lake Barrine in the flowering bushes there, a very striking species. [E]
BROWN HONEYEATER (Lichmera indistincta) – Common on the coast in the north, also at Lota.
SILVER-EARED HONEYEATER (Lichmera alboauricularis) – Two in mangoes near the PNG Art place, a pity the young guy freaked us out by telling us it was dangerous to watch there, I suppose he meant well and assumed we were straight off a cruise ship. Oh well. [E]
NEW HOLLAND HONEYEATER (Phylidonyris novaehollandiae) – A few up on the heath at Royal. [E]
WHITE-CHEEKED HONEYEATER (Phylidonyris niger) – Great looks at this spectacular black, yellow, and white species at one site near Atherton, it's an uncommon bird.
WHITE-NAPED HONEYEATER (Melithreptus lunatus) – Two at Wondecla and again at Duck Creek Road. [E]
WHITE-THROATED HONEYEATER (Melithreptus albogularis) – Some nice looks on the tablelands and heard at Varirata.
BLUE-FACED HONEYEATER (Entomyzon cyanotis) – A few around near Mareeba and Brisbane, this is one large showy bird.
LITTLE FRIARBIRD (Philemon citreogularis) – One at Granite Gorge.
HELMETED FRIARBIRD (Philemon buceroides) – Great looks at the the taxon yorki at Cassowary House and Cairns, often split as either New Guinea or Hornbill Friarbird. Birds at the PAU are New Guinea Friarbirds P. novaeguineae.
NOISY FRIARBIRD (Philemon corniculatus) – A few about at Wondecla and near Mareeba, quite vocal and with a distinct bare black head.
TAWNY-BREASTED HONEYEATER (Xanthotis flaviventer) – A couple seen at Varirata.
MACLEAY'S HONEYEATER (Xanthotis macleayanus) – A few at Cassowary House and Chambers, a FNQ endemic. [E]
STRIPED HONEYEATER (Plectorhyncha lanceolata) – This was a lucky find out near Gatton, it came in very well. Not usually seen on this trip.
SMOKY HONEYEATER (Melipotes fumigatus) – This is the blushing honeyeater, the facial skin going from yellow to bright red very quickly, and very showy at Kumul. [E]
SOOTY MELIDECTES (Melidectes fuscus) – One was calling quite well down at Max's orchid garden, and this was a new call for me, the repetitive series is quite distinctive. [*]
BELFORD'S MELIDECTES (Melidectes belfordi) – Nice looks at a few of this hulking great bird at Kumul, being beaten up by the Ribbontails! [E]
RUFOUS-BACKED HONEYEATER (Ptiloprora guisei) – One along the Pigites track, a PNG endemic oddly enough. [E]
BLACK-BACKED HONEYEATER (Ptiloprora perstriata) – A few at the feeders at Kumul, otherwise known as Grey-streaked Honeyeater. [E]
Pardalotidae (Pardalotes)
SPOTTED PARDALOTE (Pardalotus punctatus) – This was again a trip favorite, showing amazingly well in the gums at Python Rock, a really exquisite little jewel of a bird on such good views. [E]
STRIATED PARDALOTE (Pardalotus striatus) – Good looks near Mareeba after considerable effort! [E]
Acanthizidae (Thornbills and Allies)
ROCKWARBLER (Origma solitaria) – A great view of one of this NSW endemic- the only one- on rocks then perched high on dead limbs in a gum tree, acting a bit like a creeper. Easily missed, I am glad we saw it so nicely. [E]
FERNWREN (Oreoscopus gutturalis) – Heard briefly at Longlands Gap but not interested inn the tape. [E*]
RUSTY MOUSE-WARBLER (Crateroscelis murina) – Heard at Varirata. [E*]
MOUNTAIN MOUSE-WARBLER (Crateroscelis robusta) – A few folks got to see this at Kumul by the cabins. [E]
YELLOW-THROATED SCRUBWREN (Sericornis citreogularis) – Common and tame at Lamington. [E]
WHITE-BROWED SCRUBWREN (Sericornis frontalis) – Common and amazingly tame at Lamington, we had terrific encounters. [E]
ATHERTON SCRUBWREN (Sericornis keri) – This was again hard this trip and we only got brief looks up at the Crater. A restricted range endemic. [E]
LARGE SCRUBWREN (Sericornis nouhuysi) – Most folks saw this by the car park at Kumul. [E]
LARGE-BILLED SCRUBWREN (Sericornis magnirostra) – Nice looks at Cassowary House and the Curtain Fig, a classic LBJ that pokes about in dead leaf clusters. [E]
PAPUAN SCRUBWREN (Sericornis papuensis) – Some good views below Kumul Lodge, but very nondescript, the late afternoon song is the best thing about it. [E]
PAPUAN THORNBILL (Acanthiza murina) – This was a very unexpected and lucky find just below Kumul, with 2 foraging in the bushes, a new species for me here. It's a very high altitude bird that I had long anticipated at this site.
MOUNTAIN THORNBILL (Acanthiza katherina) – Heard up at the Crater but stayed back in the forest, a pity as it's another restricted range endemic. [E*]
BROWN THORNBILL (Acanthiza pusilla) – Good looks at Lamington and Royal. [E]
STRIATED THORNBILL (Acanthiza lineata) – Seen well at Python Rock and in Royal NP where they were vocal along Lady Carrington Drive. [E]
GREEN-BACKED GERYGONE (Gerygone chloronota) – Heard and seen high in the gums at Varirata.
FAIRY GERYGONE (Gerygone palpebrosa) – Fine views near Cassowary House and along Henry Hannam Drive.
LARGE-BILLED GERYGONE (Gerygone magnirostris) – One at Cairns mangroves was nice.
BROWN GERYGONE (Gerygone mouki) – Nice looks at the Curtain Fig and then at Lamington. [E]
BROWN-BREASTED GERYGONE (Gerygone ruficollis) – This is another one where the slow, smoky song is the best feature about it, though they did show quite well at the start of the Pigites Track and near the Lesser BoP lek area. [E]
MANGROVE GERYGONE (Gerygone levigaster) – Great looks at Lota mangroves, the only site where we see it.
Pomatostomidae (Pseudo-Babblers)
GRAY-CROWNED BABBLER (Pomatostomus temporalis) – This was a good find at Mareeba Golf Course where we had a flock of 5 of these striking birds.
Orthonychidae (Logrunners)
AUSTRALIAN LOGRUNNER (Orthonyx temminckii) – Fabulous at Lamington, with pairs feeding tamely in the leaf litter, with legs kicking out sideways. [E]
CHOWCHILLA (Orthonyx spaldingii) – Heard at Cassowary House but always distant. [*]
Cnemophilidae (Satinbirds)
LORIA'S SATINBIRD (Cnemophilus loriae) – Heard up along the Pigites Track, the sad plaintive "meep" note of the calling male. [E*]
CRESTED SATINBIRD (Cnemophilus macgregorii) – One of the New Guinea megas and can be elusive, those who did not do the Pigites trek had an orange and black male fly right by the feeders. Shame we did not all get to see it. Another former BoP but now in the endemic family of satinbirds, a much better treatment. [E]
Melanocharitidae (Berrypeckers and Longbills)
BLACK BERRYPECKER (Melanocharis nigra) – A pair seen at Varirata, in another of the endemic New Guinea families so much sought after. [E]
FAN-TAILED BERRYPECKER (Melanocharis versteri) – A male showed well several times at Kumul Lodge. [E]
Paramythiidae (Tit Berrypecker, Crested Berrypecker)
TIT BERRYPECKER (Oreocharis arfaki) – This is one of two species in the endemic Painted Berrypecker family, and is much sought after for that reason. We saw both males and females along the Pigites Track and some saw one near the Lodge. [E]
CRESTED BERRYPECKER (Paramythia montium) – Much prized as it's half of the Painted Berrypecker family, and a very beautiful bird too. We saw several from Kumul Lodge near the feeders. [E]
Psophodidae (Whipbirds and Wedgebills)
The incredibly loud call of the Eastern Whipbird is a characteristic and unforgettable sound of the eastern Australia rain forests. (Photo by guide Phil Gregory)
Cinclosomatidae (Quail-thrushes and Jewel-babblers)
CHESTNUT-BACKED JEWEL-BABBLER (Ptilorrhoa castanonota) – This was heard giving the alarm call in Varirata, where it's always a major project to see one [E*]
Machaerirhynchidae (Boatbills)
YELLOW-BREASTED BOATBILL (Machaerirhynchus flaviventer) – This one showed very well at Black Mountain Road, now in its own family too.
Artamidae (Woodswallows)
GREAT WOODSWALLOW (Artamus maximus) – Seen briefly near Kumul, the largest of the family. [E]
WHITE-BREASTED WOODSWALLOW (Artamus leucorynchus) – Nice looks at Cairns and Port Moresby.
Cracticidae (Bellmagpies and Allies)
BLACK-BACKED BUTCHERBIRD (Cracticus mentalis) – Seen nicely at Varirata.
GRAY BUTCHERBIRD (Cracticus torquatus) – One at Daisy Hill and one at O'Reillys was it for the trip. [E]
HOODED BUTCHERBIRD (Cracticus cassicus) – Heard at Varirata. [E*]
PIED BUTCHERBIRD (Cracticus nigrogularis) – Seen near Mareeba and then near Brisbane, they are very good songsters too. [E]
BLACK BUTCHERBIRD (Cracticus quoyi) – The first was at Cairns mangroves, and the very tame ones showed well at Cassowary House.
AUSTRALASIAN MAGPIE (Gymnorhina tibicen) – A few in the north and common around Brisbane, it's also a very good songster and is nothing to do with corvids.
PIED CURRAWONG (Strepera graculina) – The first was at Tarzali Lakes, then common at Lamington, it's a big bird with a piercing yellow eye and heavy bill. [E]
Campephagidae (Cuckoo-shrikes)
BLACK-FACED CUCKOO-SHRIKE (Coracina novaehollandiae) – Small numbers at various sites including the PAU and Lockyer Valley.
BARRED CUCKOO-SHRIKE (Coracina lineata) – A good look at 2 at Cass House was nice.
BOYER'S CUCKOO-SHRIKE (Coracina boyeri) – Seen well in Varirata. [E]
WHITE-BELLIED CUCKOO-SHRIKE (Coracina papuensis) – Seen on 4 days in the north then again down around Lamington.
CICADABIRD (Coracina tenuirostris) – A good look at a male of the rainforest form with the whistled song at Black Mountain Road, and we heard the buzzy cicada-type song at Varirata and Royal NP.
NEW GUINEA CUCKOO-SHRIKE (Coracina melas) – A fine black male New Guinea Black Cuckooshrike was at Varirata. The name New Guinea Cuckooshrike is meaningless as we have about 10 species..... ! [E]
BLACK-BELLIED CUCKOO-SHRIKE (Coracina montana) – Heard up near Kumul. [E*]
VARIED TRILLER (Lalage leucomela) – Nice looks at this well-marked bird at Cairns and Black Mountain Road.
Neosittidae (Sittellas)
BLACK SITTELLA (Daphoenositta miranda) – A flock of 5 flew over and were feeding on a big tree below Kumul. [E]
Pachycephalidae (Whistlers and Allies)
CRESTED SHRIKE-TIT (Falcunculus frontatus) – A great look at a male by the start of the Python Rock Track, it began calling and I was able to bring it silently in! [E]
RUFOUS-NAPED WHISTLER (Aleadryas rufinucha) – This odd whistler showed very well at Kumul. it spends a lot of time on the ground, unusual in this family, of which this is seemingly not actually a member but awaits reassignment. [E]
GRAY-HEADED WHISTLER (Pachycephala griseiceps) – Two of the race peninsulae were along Black Mt Road.
GOLDEN WHISTLER (Pachycephala pectoralis) – This lovely bird was seen at Chambers, the Crater and then at Lamington, the males are very striking.
REGENT WHISTLER (Pachycephala schlegelii) – Beautiful views of both males and females at Kumul, the male is surely one of the most striking of the family. [E]
BLACK-HEADED WHISTLER (Pachycephala monacha) – Good looks once again in tall gums at Wapanemanda, this is a hill forest and highland species. [E]
WHITE-BELLIED WHISTLER (Pachycephala leucogastra) – This is restricted to SE PNG, and we saw a fine male along the approach road at Varirata, it's a very uncommon bird. [E]
RUFOUS WHISTLER (Pachycephala rufiventris) – A few in the drier country around Mareeba.
RUFOUS SHRIKE-THRUSH (Colluricincla megarhyncha) – The Little Shrike-Thrush was seen at Cassowary House and Chambers, the pink bill is a good field mark. The complex as a whole is about to become about 8 species, and this race will really be Rufous Shrike-Thrush I expect.
BOWER'S SHRIKE-THRUSH (Colluricincla boweri) – Heard up at Chambers but kept out of view. [E*]
GRAY SHRIKE-THRUSH (Colluricincla harmonica) – One at Wapanemanda at 1500m seemed unusually high for this species, which we saw again at Lamington.
HOODED PITOHUI (Pitohui dichrous) – We saw a couple of this, the famous poison bird, at Varirata where they are quite vocal but not always easy to see. They have now been moved into orioles too, which is an odd symmetry with their shape and plumage! [E]
RUSTY PITOHUI (Pitohui ferrugineus) – This was heard at Varirata but stayed out of view. [E*]
Laniidae (Shrikes)
LONG-TAILED SHRIKE (Lanius schach) – A couple were seen very nicely around the Kumul area. This is the black-capped montane form stresemanni.
Oriolidae (Old World Orioles)
BROWN ORIOLE (Oriolus szalayi) – This strange friarbird-mimic oriole was seen nicely up at Varirata. It's always one of the first endemics we see. [E]
OLIVE-BACKED ORIOLE (Oriolus sagittatus) – Nicely seen near Mareeba.
GREEN ORIOLE (Oriolus flavocinctus) – Very good looks down at the Cairns mangroves, and the Clements name is about the only instance where one of his imposed name changes is better than the real one, as the bird really is green and not yellow! Great fluty voice too.
AUSTRALASIAN FIGBIRD (Sphecotheres vieilloti) – Seen well around Cairns where the males are bright yellow beneath, and the race salvadorii at the PAU in PNG, which is grey chested. Males at Brisbane are greyish below too.
Dicruridae (Drongos)
SPANGLED DRONGO (Dicrurus bracteatus) – The local PNG race carbonarius is a likely split, having a different voice and bill morphology. We saw just a couple in north Queensland too.
Rhipiduridae (Fantails)
NORTHERN FANTAIL (Rhipidura rufiventris) – One at Abattoir Swamp was a good find as this is very local in the far north.
WILLIE-WAGTAIL (Rhipidura leucophrys) – Widespread, common, and with a great feisty attitude, often seen beating up potential predators way larger than they are; the only place they are not seen is at Kumul which is just too high for them.
FRIENDLY FANTAIL (Rhipidura albolimbata) – Nice looks up at Kumul. [E]
GRAY FANTAIL (Rhipidura albiscapa) – A few on the tablelands and at Lamington. [E]
DIMORPHIC FANTAIL (Rhipidura brachyrhyncha) – Good looks near Kumul Lodge and at Pigites, the chestnut and black tail is quite striking. [E]
RUFOUS FANTAIL (Rhipidura rufifrons) – A nice one at Cassowary House where they are winter birds, then a few newly arrived back at Lamington and showing very well.
Monarchidae (Monarch Flycatchers)
WHITE-EARED MONARCH (Carterornis leucotis) – We got fine views of this uncommon arboreal monarch at Lake Barrine, where 2 were very responsive and came right in by the tea-house. [E]
BLACK-WINGED MONARCH (Monarcha frater canescens) – One very responsive bird at bridge 4 along Black Mountain Road looked good for this taxon, which has opened a whole series of issues- are these things really Black-winged Monarchs? They don’t look or sound like the NG birds which are a hill forest species, and there are no records of the Cape York race in NG despite all the refs in the literature to it wintering there. Anyway, tick it as listed and let the future taxonomists decide! The Cape York birds do seem to overshoot and this is one of the most southerly records ever.
BLACK-FACED MONARCH (Monarcha melanopsis) – Lovely views along Black Mt Road and at Lamington, also seen at Royal, this bird winters in PNG and is not long back.
SPOT-WINGED MONARCH (Symposiachrus guttula) – Once again only seen briefly at Varirata. [E]
SPECTACLED MONARCH (Symposiachrus trivirgatus) – Great looks along Black Mt Road where we had a real monarch morning, this is a very nice looking species.
FRILLED MONARCH (Arses telescophthalmus) – One was seen well in Varirata. [E]
PIED MONARCH (Arses kaupi) – Good looks along Black Mt Road and at the Curtain Fig, this one creeps along branches and works up trunks like a creeper. It's an uncommon FNQ endemic. [E]
MAGPIE-LARK (Grallina cyanoleuca) – Widespread in Australia, and now placed in monarchs rather than its own family, which still seems odd to me as it is so divergent.
LEADEN FLYCATCHER (Myiagra rubecula) – Singles at various sites including Lamington and the Varirata approach road, this one shivers its tail when agitated.
SATIN FLYCATCHER (Myiagra cyanoleuca) – A fine pair in Royal NP, very responsive too.
RESTLESS FLYCATCHER (Myiagra inquieta) – This was one of our bonus birds on our day in the Lockyer Valley, seen at Atkinson Dam.
Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies)
TORRESIAN CROW (Corvus orru) – A few around Cairns and Brisbane/Lamington, also at Port Moresby.
AUSTRALIAN RAVEN (Corvus coronoides) – Seen only at Royal NP this trip. [E]
Paradisaeidae (Birds-of-paradise)
GLOSSY-MANTLED MANUCODE (Manucodia ater) – Heard along the Varirata approach, it sounds like a rising tuning fork note. [E*]
Even slightly out of focus and with an asymmetric tail, a male Ribbon-tailed Astrapia is still one of the most spectacular of the birds-of-paradise! (Photo by guide Phil Gregory)
KING-OF-SAXONY BIRD-OF-PARADISE (Pteridophora alberti) – A fine adult male was again singing from his song post not too far off the road below the lodge, those head wires are something else! Several females/immatures were seen in the forest too. Great stuff and one of the more bizarre birds on the planet. [E]
MAGNIFICENT RIFLEBIRD (GROWLING) (Ptiloris magnificus intercedens) – Calling at Varirata and I twice got a male to fly over to check us out, but they are very wary and he went as soon as he saw me. It's a split from Magnificent Riflebird.
PARADISE RIFLEBIRD (Ptiloris paradiseus) – This is the most southerly of the bop's, and can be tricky. We got a very good male along the Python Rock Track, and a female by the car park late one afternoon. [E]
VICTORIA'S RIFLEBIRD (Ptiloris victoriae) – A terrific male at Chambers at a fruiting tree, and great female plumaged birds both there and at Cass House. [E]
SUPERB BIRD-OF-PARADISE (Lophorina superba) – Heard at the Blue BoP site but very quiet this year. [E*]
BROWN SICKLEBILL (Epimachus meyeri) – Stunning as ever on the feeders where females and a young male came in daily, throwing the fruit up into the air and catching it with their long decurved bills. That vivid orange-yellow gape is incredible! [E]
LESSER BIRD-OF-PARADISE (Paradisaea minor) – Heard briefly at a new site below Kumul but not visible, and the usual lek was out of range due to road damage and unpaid site fees. [E*]
RAGGIANA BIRD-OF-PARADISE (Paradisaea raggiana) – The lek at Varirata fortunately still held several males in good plumage and we had a super early morning vigil there, getting some very nice looks. [E]
BLUE BIRD-OF-PARADISE (Paradisaea rudolphi) – The male at Tomba was barely calling but we got a good prolonged scope view of him from the road. It's a rare species too, endemic to PNG, threatened by the exploding human population and consequent habitat loss, and hunting for plumes. [E]
LESSER MELAMPITTA (Melampitta lugubris) – John saw one briefly as it responded to my tape at Pigites and we all heard it clicking away in the undergrowth. Clements still has it as a paradisaeid, but no-one else does and it is of uncertain affinities, probably a new endemic family. [E]
Petroicidae (Australasian Robins)
TORRENT FLYCATCHER (Monachella muelleriana) – Great looks on the Sepik headwaters, a very attractive little flyrobin. [E]
OLIVE FLYROBIN (Microeca flavovirescens) – One along the Lookout Trail at Varirata was a bonus bird, uncommon and easily overlooked.
GARNET ROBIN (Eugerygone rubra) – Heard up at Kumul. [E*]
ROSE ROBIN (Petroica rosea) – A vocal male at Lamington eventually showed quite well for most, a curiously arboreal robin. [E]
WHITE-FACED ROBIN (Tregellasia leucops) – A fine view of a clown-faced adult with a juv at Varirata.
PALE-YELLOW ROBIN (Tregellasia capito) – Good views along Black Mountain Road. [E]
EASTERN YELLOW ROBIN (Eopsaltria australis) – An attractive and striking bird, very tame at O'Reillys; we saw the northern race too at Wondecla. [E]
MANGROVE ROBIN (Eopsaltria pulverulenta) – Amazingly obliging again, we saw 1 on the mangrove edge at Cairns without having to tape them.
WHITE-WINGED ROBIN (Peneothello sigillata) – Common at Kumul and easily seen. [E]
BLUE-GRAY ROBIN (Peneothello cyanus) – Heard at Kumul along the Pigites Track. [E*]
GRAY-HEADED ROBIN (Heteromyias cinereifrons) – Easy to see at Chambers and the Crater, and Clements gets it right by splitting it from Ashy Robin. [E]
Eupetidae (Rail-babbler and Ifrita)
BLUE-CAPPED IFRITA (Ifrita kowaldi) – Fantastic views of 2 right by the Lodge at Kumul. It's a real oddity too, acts like a creeper and is of uncertain affinity, probably another new family. [E]
Hirundinidae (Swallows)
WELCOME SWALLOW (Hirundo neoxena) – Common in Australia.
PACIFIC SWALLOW (Hirundo tahitica) – Common in PNG. Like a short tailed version of the Welcome Swallow.
FAIRY MARTIN (Petrochelidon ariel) – Some nice looks in the Lockyer Valley.
TREE MARTIN (Petrochelidon nigricans) – Nice looks at Walnut Road wetland, a good site for this one.
Phylloscopidae (Leaf-Warblers)
ISLAND LEAF-WARBLER (Phylloscopus poliocephalus) – Seen up near Kumul Lodge.
Locustellidae (Grassbirds and Allies)
TAWNY GRASSBIRD (Megalurus timoriensis) – Heard at Tarzali Lakes. [*]
TAWNY GRASSBIRD (PAPUAN) (Megalurus timoriensis macrurus) – Heard and seen a couple of times up around Kumul, this is vocally quite distinct to Tawny and is split by many including the IOC. [E]
Cisticolidae (Cisticolas and Allies)
GOLDEN-HEADED CISTICOLA (Cisticola exilis) – One at the Kokoda Trail monument was a good trip bird.
Zosteropidae (Yuhinas, White-eyes, and Allies)
BLACK-FRONTED WHITE-EYE (Zosterops minor) – Good looks in Varirata. [E]
NEW GUINEA WHITE-EYE (Zosterops novaeguineae) – They were conspicuous in the valleys around Kumul, not always an easy bird to get but common this time. [E]
SILVER-EYE (Zosterops lateralis) – Quite a few around Cairns and the Tablelands this trip, good at Chambers for instance.
Muscicapidae (Old World Flycatchers)
PIED BUSHCHAT (Saxicola caprata) – A few around Kumul, including some showy pied males.
Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies)
OLIVE-TAILED THRUSH (Zoothera lunulata) – Heard at Lamington but oddly none were on the tracks in the early morning or late afternoons like they normally are. [E*]
RUSSET-TAILED THRUSH (Zoothera heinei) – One was seen along the Border Track, much less Olive than Bassian Thrush. [E]
ISLAND THRUSH (Turdus poliocephalus) – Easy to see at Kumul but only a few this time, they were scarcer than usual.
Sturnidae (Starlings)
METALLIC STARLING (Aplonis metallica) – Great looks at this crimson-eyed bird at Smithfield where they nest in the palms in the car park.
SINGING STARLING (Aplonis cantoroides) – A few at the PAU, short tailed with an orange eye, and also at Ela Beach. [E]
YELLOW-FACED MYNA (Mino dumontii) – Great looks and vocals at Varirata and the PAU, always one of the first NG endemics we see. [E]
COMMON MYNA (Acridotheres tristis) – Sadly common in eastern Australia. [I]
EUROPEAN STARLING (Sturnus vulgaris) – A few flybys in the Lockyer Valley. [I]
Dicaeidae (Flowerpeckers)
RED-CAPPED FLOWERPECKER (Dicaeum geelvinkianum) – A fine male was seen below Kumul Lodge. [E]
MISTLETOEBIRD (Dicaeum hirundinaceum) – A beautiful male at Chambers and another and females at Black Mt Road. It's our only flowerpecker.
Nectariniidae (Sunbirds and Spiderhunters)
OLIVE-BACKED SUNBIRD (Cinnyris jugularis) – A few around Cairns and Cassowary House.
Motacillidae (Wagtails and Pipits)
AUSTRALASIAN PIPIT (AUSTRALIAN) (Anthus novaeseelandiae australis) – Brief views up on the high tablelands but each time we stopped they had gone.
Passeridae (Old World Sparrows)
HOUSE SPARROW (Passer domesticus) – Seen in the urban areas including Port Moresby. [I]
EURASIAN TREE SPARROW (Passer montanus) – A couple at Ela Beach in PNG, it has only colonized since 2007. [I]
Estrildidae (Waxbills and Allies)
RED-BROWED FIRETAIL (Neochmia temporalis) – A delightful little finch, seen well at Kingfisher Park and Lamington. [E]
CRIMSON FINCH (Neochmia phaeton) – Bill found us 4 birds nesting in a palm by McDonalds at Innisfail, a good pick-up as we missed it at Cattana wetlands!
DOUBLE-BARRED FINCH (Taeniopygia bichenovii) – Amazingly only heard this trip at Emerald Creek, they seem very scarce at the moment due to the dry weather. [E*]
BLUE-FACED PARROTFINCH (Erythrura trichroa) – Two flew by calling as we were watching Black-capped Lory at Varirata, but most folks missed them.
NUTMEG MANNIKIN (Lonchura punctulata) – A few around Cairns. [I]
HOODED MUNIA (Lonchura spectabilis) – Nice looks around the Kumul area. [E]
GRAY-HEADED MUNIA (Lonchura caniceps) – Great views at the PAU, it's endemic to SE PNG too. [E]
MAMMALS
PLATYPUS (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) – Seen at Yungaburra by some, then much better looks at Tarzali next day when we made a special trip so everyone could seen them properly. [E]
SPECKLED DASYURE (Neophascogale lorentzii) – One at Kumul Lodge by the feeder, it's a carnivorous/insectivorous marsupial with a pointed face, pale tipped ears and white tail tip.
BLACK-TAILED DASYURE (Murexechinus melanurus) – A great look at this animal (also called Black-tailed Antechinus) at Kumul, the long dark tail is quite distinctive.
LONG-NOSED BANDICOOT (Peramelas nasuta) – One close by during our tablelands spotlighting trip.
SHORT-EARED POSSUM (Trichosurus caninus) – These huge great grey, white, and black possums come in to feed at night at O'Reillys; formerly called Mountain Brushtail Possum.
SUGAR GLIDER (Petaurus breviceps) – Fantastic looks at Chambers Lodge where they smear honey on the trunks for them.
GREEN RINGTAIL POSSUM (Pseudochirops archeri) – One was fast asleep in a hollow tree at the Curtain Fig, barely visible but the pepper and salt pelage is distinctive.
MUSKY RAT-KANGAROO (Hypsiprymnodon moschatus) – These endearing tiny little macropods really are kangaroos! They are a sign of good habitat, and we saw them nicely at Cassowary House.
RED-NECKED PADEMELON (Thylogale thetis) – Common at O'Reillys and quite used to people.
RED-LEGGED PADEMELON (Thylogale stigmatica) – These are the little guys at John Chambers's place, very entertaining to watch and good to hear the talk about them.
MAREEBA ROCK-WALLABY (Petrogale mareeba) – My trip to Granite Gorge was a big hit, and everyone got up close and personal with these attractive little rock wallabies. [E]
AGILE WALLABY (Macropus agilis) – A couple of singles near Mareeba in the dry country.
RED-NECKED WALLABY (Macropus rufogriseus) – Good views at Daisy Hill.
EASTERN GRAY KANGAROO (Macropus giganteus) – A good big mob on the golf course at Mareeba, where they have hung out for years.
SPECTACLED FLYING-FOX (Pteropus conspicillatus) – A fine noisy camp was by the library in central Cairns- whatever you do don't park underneath them!
GRAY-HEADED FLYING-FOX (Pteropus poliocephalus) – These were the large flying foxes going over the Abcot Inn, Sydney at dawn.
LITTLE RED FLYING-FOX (Pteropus scapulatus) – A small camp was near the visitor centre at Gatton.
WHITE-TAILED RAT (Uromys caudimaculatus) – One was seen near Lake Eacham as we were going spotlighting.
HUMPBACK WHALE (Megaptera novaeangliae) – A female with calf was off Otford Lookout on our very last stop, a nice finale mammal. Bayard saw one off Garie Beach too.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
HERPS
Boyd's Forest Dragon -- Great looks at this striking creature at Kingfisher Park.
Eastern Water Dragon -- A coupLe seen on the tablelands.
Major Skink -- One at O'Reillys
Amethystine Python -- One spent the entire two days of our stay curled up on the gas water heater in the outside laundry at Cassowary House.
BUTTERFLIES
These included Cairns Birdwing, the blue and rather morpho-like Ulysses Swallowtail, Monarchs, Graphium weiskei at Kumul, and the Pearl Owl in PNG.
Totals for the tour: 383 bird taxa and 19 mammal taxa