EASTERN AUSTRALIA TOUR REPORT 2024

7 - 27 November 2024

by Simon Mitchell & Scott Baker

Australia is perhaps the most biologically distinct of all the major continents, containing species and lineages which diverged from the rest of the world during the breakup of Gondwanaland. Forest dominated by Melaleuca (Eucalyptus, Gum-trees and Paperbarks) also contain scattered Ficus and even Arucaria species which are more closely related to species in South America than in Asia. The low-fertility soils here have led to forests which bloom periodically into sugar profusions of nectar, co-evolving alongside the earliest lineages of passerines which adapted to pollinate them. This boom-and-bust sugar resource also makes for noisy, aggressive and nomadic birds which can be difficult to track down but are often remarkably confiding once located.

The Birdquest 2024 tour to Eastern Australia was an excellent success. Despite poorer than usual weather and an unfortunately cancelled pelagic trip, we still encountered over 350 species. These including almost all the east coast and tablelands endemics we could have expected to see. In the environs of Sydney and Capertree we picked up range-restricted such as Rockwarbler, Eastern Bristlebird, Regent Honeyeater, Turquoise Parrot, Gang-gang Cockatoo, Glossy Black Cockatoo, Chestnut-rumped Heathwren and Superb Lyrebird. Along the coasts we a slew of hard-to-get species such as Spotless Crake, Stubble Quail, Powerful Owl and White-throated Nightjar. South of Brisbane the confiding birds of O’Reilly’s dazzled us, particularly a displaying Albert’s Lyrebird, luminous Regent Bowerbird and cryptic Russet-tailed Thrush. Continuing up the coast we picked up Mangrove and the less often seen Eungella Honeyeater as well as other surprises such as Emus and Red-tailed Black Cockatoos. Finally, we arrived in the Cairns area and made full exploration of the amazing birds of the Atherton Tablelands, coming face to face with Cassowaries, Chowchilla, Buff-breasted Paradise Kingfishers and Black-throated Finches amongst many others.

Our trip started in the wet eucalypt forest just South of Sydney. Royal National Park was a spectacularly birdy affair. As the greys of dawn seeped into pinks and yellows, we heard the chorus of Rainbow Lorikeets, Little Corellas, Sulphur-crested Cockatoos and Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoos leaving roost, while Channel-billed Cuckoos yowled from the treetops and Pacific Koels robustly proclaimed their territories, fresh from their winter quarters in New Guinea. A walk along Lady Carrington Drive produced over 50 species, including goodies such as Shinning Bronze Cuckoo, Wonga Pigeon, Topknot Pigeon, Brown Cuckoo-dove, Australian King Parrot, Australian Rufous and Grey Fantails. We tracked mewling in the scrub to a showy Green Catbird while two male Satin Bowerbirds showed off their regal, iridescent blue plumage in the morning light. Delicate twittering from the think understorey betrayed the presence of groups of both Superb and Variegate Fairy-wrens, both of which performed wonderfully. Covering several kilometres, we headed for the territory of a particularly confiding pair of Lyrebirds. Whilst listening out for their chuckles and leaflitter perturbations we realised we were being eyed by a motionless Bassian Thrush. A Pilotbird sang from the opposite bank of the river but refused to be as co-operative. After a short wait, a thrillingly tame female Superb Lyrebird proceeded to saunter out of the bush and show virtually around our feet.

After a call at some ocean-side heathland where we picked up Beautiful Firetail, Southern Emu-wren and scores of New Holland Honeyeaters we headed into the suburbs of Sydney. Here we tracked down a nesting Tawny Frogmouth – and even better – a trio of roosting trio of Powerful Owls. In worsening rain, we headed into central Sydney where we still picked up a good selection of waterbirds and even managed to get close views of a skulking Spotless Crake – a difficult bird to connect with on any tour.

The following day we headed south to Kiama, known the heathlands of Barren Grounds N.P. A full day and subsequent morning here produced a good selection of highlights including close views of Gang-gang Cockatoo, Australian Golden, Rufous Whistlers, Yellow-faced Honeyeaters and Eastern Yellow Robins. Hampered by fire-risk closures it took us until late afternoon to locate a confiding pair of Rock Warblers at Napean Dam, but when they did show it was immediately below us on the dam(n) wall!

The next morning, after several glimpses the previous day we eventually gained excellent views of the endangered Eastern Bristlebird – with a bird that perched out singing atop a slightly raised dead snag, closely followed almost immediately up by another which hopped right out onto the track at random! Southern Emuwren, Grey Shrikethrush and Little Wattlebird also put in an appearance, while our first Scarlet Myzomela and Fan-tailed Cuckoos added interest.

Calling in the Blue Mountains we tracked down several White-eared Honeyeaters but were hampered in our effort for other species by a cicada chorus which topped out at over 70 Db! In the mid-afternoon views across the forests from the lookout were especially shrouded in the eponymous blue haze since the Eucalypts emit more oils and volatile terpenoids (which create the bluish appearance) in the heat of the day. After enjoying the view at Evans Lookout briefly, we vowing to return when the soundscape was more conducive to hearing birds. From here, we headed inland to Lithgow we made a stop at the rather unglamorous water treatment works. However, the site provided a myriad of waterbirds, including the nomadic Pink-eared Duck, Blue-billed Duck, Hardhead, Grey Teal, Chestnut Teal, White-necked Heron, White-faced Heron, Australian Swamphen, Little Pied Cormorant, Great Cormorant and Hoary-headed Grebe. Nearby our only Little Ravens of the trip chided us from atop some tall trees before flying overhead.

A full day in the Capertee Valley followed. Early morning we focussed on our primary target and soon gained wonderful views of a pair of Regent Honeyeater, with a second pair briefly in attendance. Making frequent stops throughout the day we then targeted as many of the dry woodland species as we could find. White-plumed Honeyeater, White-throated Gerygone, Diamond Firetail, Fuscous Honeyeater, White-naped Honeyeater, Azure Kingfisher, White-winged Chough, Australian Pipit, Turquoise Parrot, Red-rumped Parrot, Eastern Shrike-tit, White-browed Woodswallow, Yellow Thornbill, Black-faced Cuckooshrike and White-bellied Cuckooshrike all performed well. Although one or two of the more nomadic honeyeater species (Painted and Yellow-tufted) were largely absent from the area this year, we did have the notable success in eventually gaining good views of the sometimes-difficult Speckled Warbler after some hard work and a trio of Hooded Robins also obliged.

With few viable targets remaining in the Capertee area, we opted for an early start in the Blue Mountains the following day. This proved an excellent move as we were treated to a Collared Sparrowhawk, a pair of perched Glossy Black Cockatoos and a confiding male Superb Lyrebird. Further on, some of us gained views of a Chestnut-rumped Heathwren. Passing along the North flank of Sydney, we called in the Richmond lowlands, where Australian Hobby, Australian Zebra Finch, several Royal Spoonbills and both Rufous and Brown Songlarks. Best of all came when we were able to sneak into some fields which contained a couple of calling Stubble Quail and flush one of the birds at close range – giving good view for the whole group.

After finding at short notice that the inclement weather would make our pelagic trip to unsafe to go ahead, we opted for a backup plan. A visit to Hexham Swamp was productive, with new birds including Tawny and Little Grassbird, Swamp Harrier, White-fronted Chat, Latham’s Snipe, Brown Falcon, Plumed Egret, Buff-banded Rail, Olive-backed Oriole and Golden-headed Cisticola. Nearby stops included a confiding Pied Butcherbird over breakfast and a roadside Red-kneed Dotterel. A coastal vantage point at nearby Reid’s Mistake Head produced feeding Sooty Oystercatchers as well as scope views of a decent number of passing seabirds. Eventually the whole group gained satisfactory views of Australian Gannet, Wedge-tailed Shearwater, Short-tailed Shearwater and even a handful of birds seen sufficiently well to confirm as Hutton’s Shearwaters. A search of owls that evening produced excellent views of both Powerful Owl and Australian Boobook, although scarcer species remained frustratingly silent.

Our first long drive saw us arrive at Barrington tops the following afternoon. During the course of an afternoon and armed with a breakfast and lunch the following day, we amassed a good selection of species here. Cute little Rose Robins hopped around on the roadsides, whilst Yellow-throated Scrubwrens stuck to the thicker vegetation. White-headed Pigeons were perched among the treetops where Forest Ravens crowed to one another. Several encounters with both White-throated and Red-browed Treecreepers followed and we eventually managed to track a normally shy Olive Whistler amongst a verdant tree-fern lined valley. Unfortunately, a brief snatch of song from a Rufous Scrub-bird was the only response we could illicit – perhaps a symptom of the timing of our visit. Over lunch we also picked up a pair of confiding Eastern Shrike-tits. A trio of Crescent Honeyeaters were kept very much on their toes by the accompanying New Holland Honeyeaters which chased them off at almost any opportunity. Once we gained our first decent views of the former, we were able to appreciate just how much the sugar-rich nectar resources of Melaleuca forest made for a highly aggressive bird community where competition and territory defence was often physical!

After a second night in Gloucester we returned to Newcastle before flying to Brisbane and heading South to the wonder O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat situated in the heart of Lamington National Park. Rising 1000 meters above the border between Queensland and New South Wales, the Lamington Plateau is a vast expanse of mountain peaks, cliffs, gorges, and dense subtropical rainforest. One of its most remarkable botanical features was the forest of ancient Antarctic Beech trees that thrived in the higher regions. These moss-covered, gnarled giants were of immense age, many of them bearing large clumps of staghorn, elkhorn, and crowsnest ferns, along with aerial orchids. Amid this lush forest, several coastal rivers had their sources, and numerous tributary creeks fed waterfalls that cascaded down the fern-clad cliffs in white ribbons, disappearing far below into inaccessible ravines.

The birdlife in the area was particularly exciting. Species such as the Topknot Pigeon, Brown Cuckoo-Dove, and the striking Yellow-throated Scrubwren were commonly found. Eastern Whipbirds and Australian Logrunner were also wonderfully confiding, and observing the latter’s small group scurrying across the forest floor in search of food was a delightful experience. Other birds included Paradise Riflebird, one of Australia’s birds of paradise, a pair of which gave excellent closer views in the treetop. The often-elusive Albert’s Lyrebird stole the show however, when we stumbled upon a male which performed a full display for over 15 minutes down to just a few feet. Among the highlights were the deep blue Satin Bowerbird and the black-and-gold Regent Bowerbird, both of which were unafraid of humans and could often be seen feeding openly. The male Satin Bowerbird, in particular, was watched decorating its bower with any blue items it could find, such as feathers, berries, and even bottle tops.

The local Crimson Rosellas and Australian King Parrots, along with the bowerbirds and Australian Brushturkeys, approached us immediately whenever they detected even the hint of potential food. In the forest understorey we were treated to ‘walk-away views’ of Russet-tailed Thrush, whilst at night our efforts to find the rare plumed form of the Marbled Frogmouth were eventually rewards with good views.

In the farmlands lower down, species like the Pale-headed Rosella, Blue-faced Honeyeater, Spangled Drongo, and Torresian Crow were observed. A fortuitous roadside stop as we departed was rewarded with a pair of Glossy Black Cockatoos feeding on Casuarina seeds in the foothill forests. Here we also called in our only Buff-rumped Thornbill and gained good views of Agile Wallaby. That afternoon we called at an area of coastal mangrove where we added both Mangrove Gerygone and Torresian Kingfisher to our growing tallies.

After overnighting in Brisbane, we made a pre-dawn start in the Brisbane Forest Park. Bush Thick-knees wailed in the darkness before appearing right before us in the torchlight like some kind of eldritch apparition. The hisses of a Sooty Owl were no less disquieting in the otherwise deadening quiet of the still forests, though unfortunately they stopped almost as soon as they began. A pair of White-throated Nightjars was far more amenable and eventually gave several beam-tracked flybys in the half-light of dawn. As dawn broke, we moved onto the Samsonvale area. Here we found our first Wandering Whistling Ducks, Whiskered Terns and Black-shouldered Kite. Woodland birds included White-throated Gerygone, Striated Pardalote, Leaden Flycatcher, Noisy Friarbird, Little Friarbird, White-throated Honeyeater and Scarlet Myzomela. A pair of Striped Honeyeater along the forest edge was something of a surprise given their normal association much drier country. A quick stop at nearby coastal wetlands produced Red-necked Avocets and Mangrove Honeyeaters before we continued north towards Noosa Heads. At Noosa Heads we picked up Rose-crowned Fruit-dove, Rufous Shrikethrush and our first of many Spangled Drongo in the afternoon heat.

A pre-dawn journey north from Noosa allowed us to arrive at Inskipp Point not long after dawn. We had expected something of a search for our key target – Black-breasted Buttonquail but were amazed to immediately locate a pair feeding right be the roadside. The birds performed excellently for the next few minutes allowing photos and close approach – a fantastic start to the day. A good supporting cast included Red-backed Fairy-wrens, Common Tern, Caspian Tern and a bizarrely close flyby by a group of Short-tailed Shearwater across the flat calm bay. More showy Mangrove Honeyeaters obliged as did Varied Triller, Peaceful and Bar-shouldered Doves and Australian Figbirds.

Another long leg northward through the day saw us arrive in the Rockhampton area in the late afternoon. We still had time to spend a couple of hours checking likely areas of salt pan and low riverside brush for Yellow Chats to no avail, but did add a few good bonus species including Black-faced Woodswallow and Zitting Cisticola as well as our first of many Double-barred Finches and Chestnut-breasted Munias. The next morning, we made a second attempt for Yellow Chats but unfortunately our only sighting was a leader-only bird which had completely disappeared by the time we reversed up the vehicles. Pacific Bazas, Australian Terns and Red-winged Parrots were all additions however and we gained good scope views of a pair of loitering Dingos just before the torrential rain set in for the day.
Arriving at Eungella that evening we were able to take a walk along Diggings Rd. Although the afternoon rain heavily suppressed activity in the submontane rainforest here, we did see Russet -tailed Thrush and heard several Noisy Pittas. The following morning, although the rain had worsened to continuous and heavy, we were still able gain good views of our primary target – Eungella Honeyeater. With little more to offer than sodden garments and fogged optics, we soon decided to press on towards Tully. A couple of stops were however productive – a roadside pool held Brolga, Magpie Goose, Glossy Ibis and even a pair of Emu! Further North we called at Tyto Wetlands, where even during the downpour we were able to pick out Rufous-throated Honeyeater, Brown-backed Honeyeater and several dapper little Crimson Finches from the relatively dry of the viewing platform.

We spent the next morning birding around the coastal forest patches of Mission Beach and Etts Bay. After a nervous initial hour searching, we soon found a roadside Cassowary. Heading onwards to Etts Beach we got spectacular views of another bird wandering around the caravan park. Numerous other new birds were encountered, including Yellow-spotted Honeyeater, Cryptic Honeyeater, Forest Bittern, Lesser Crested Tern, Spotted Catbird, Dusky Myzomela and Black-necked Stork.

Heading North to Cairns we had time for a short stop at a roadside turf farm where we added several tricky species including Australian Pratincole, Pacific Golden Plover, Plumed Whistling Duck, Eastern Yellow Wagtail and best of all two confiding Little Whimbrel. Along the wonderful multi-use Cairns seafront itself we found an excellent selection of mangrove and coast species. Honeyeaters included Yellow, Varied and Helmeted Friarbird, whilst shrill Double-eyed Fig-parrots zipped overhead (and eventually showed well in a nearby fig tree). Mangrove Robins, Scaly-breasted Munia and Sahul Sunbirds all performed well, whilst waders included Bar and Black-tailed Godwits, Whimbrel and Far Eastern Curlew. Freshwater wetlands nearby held yet more new species including Green Pygmy Goose, Lovely Fairywren, Orange-footed Scrubfowl, Green Oriole and Black Butcherbird.

A repeat visit to the seafront before first light the following morning yielded unfortunately far more mosquitos (lots) than Rufous Owls (zero). However, after first light a lower tide on the mudflats added several more species. Siberian and Greater Sandplovers, Red-necked Stint, Terek Sandpipers and Grey-tailed Tattlers showed well, and we picked up good number of Great Knot, and Sharp-tailed Sandpiper as well as picking out a few Greenshank and Curlew Sandpipers.

From here it was up into the Atherton Tablelands where our first taste of the rainforests at Lake Eacham included views of Tooth-billed Bowerbird, Victoria’s Riflebird and Pied Monarch as well as a showy Yellow-breasted Boatbill and several Pale Yellow Robins.
Arriving at our base at the wonderful Kingfisher Park we enjoyed sensational views of the resident Buff-breasted Paradise Kingfisher waiting for his nightly mealworm snack. Using Kingfisher Park as a base we spent the final four days of our trip visiting both the highlands forests of the tablelands and the drier Eucalypt forest around Julatten. We recorded all the tablelands endemics as well as a good selection of our ‘top end’ species. Returning to the rainforest sites around Mount Hypipamee, Cathedral fig we found a selection of Bowerbirds including more Satin and Tooth-billed, as well as a confiding Golden Bowerbird. Noisy Pittas showed well and we had little trouble digging out the furtive canopy insectivores like Mountain Thornbill and both Large-billed and Atherton Scrubwren. Charming Grey-headed Robins hopped around our feet and we gained good views of Bower’s Shrikethrush and Bridled Honeyeater.

We also picked up an excellent selection of lower elevation forest species included Fairy Gerygone, Grey Whistler, Lemon-bellied Flyrobin and White-eared Monarch whilst in drier areas we found White-cheeked Honeyeater, Banded Honeyeater, Northern Fantail and White-browed Robin. Drier grassland species included Australasian Bustard, Great Bowerbird and Squatter Pigeon.

A nocturnal exploration around Julatten was largely unproductive despite the calm weather although we located over 20 roosting passerines with the thermal imagers no sleeping crakes were forthcoming. Red-necked Crakes were heard but not seen around Kingfisher Park, whilst Fernwren remained a frustratingly close ‘heard only’ on our final. Our top highlights included great views of a confiding gaggle of Chowchilla which bounced around the forest understorey at the appropriately named and singularly impressive cathedral fig. A final salutatory goodbye from an almost unnervingly confiding Cassowary near Wondecla seemed a fitting send off from an exceptional land of utterly unique birdlife.

BIRDS OF THE TOUR

1^st Albert’s Lyrebird

2^nd Regent Honeyeater

3^rd Southern Cassowary

4^th Black-throated Finch

5^th Paradise Riflebird

SYSTEMATIC LIST OF SPECIES RECORDED DURING THE TOUR

Species marked with the diamond symbol (◊) are either endemic to the country or local region or considered ‘special’ birds for some other reason (e.g., it is only seen on one or two Birdquest tours; it is difficult to see across all or most of its range; the local form is endemic or restricted-range and may in future be treated as a full species).

The species names and taxonomy used in the bird list follows Gill, F., Donsker, D., & Rasmussen, P.(Eds). 2024. IOC World Bird List (v14.2).

Where the subspecies seen is/are known, these are often given in parentheses at the end of the species comment.

BIRDS

Southern Cassowary ◊ Casuarius casuarius Confiding birds around Etts Bay and in the Tablelands

Emu ◊ Dromaius novaehollandiae A roadside stop made for a pair between X and Y

Magpie Goose ◊ Anseranas semipalmata

Plumed Whistling Duck ◊ Dendrocygna eytoni

Wandering Whistling Duck Dendrocygna arcuata

Black Swan ◊ Cygnus atratus

Pink-eared Duck ◊ Malacorhynchus membranaceus Decent numbers at Lithgow WTP.

Maned Duck ◊ (Australian Wood D) Chenonetta jubata

Cotton Pygmy Goose Nettapus coromandelianus A couple at the storage dam near Mareeba

Green Pygmy Goose ◊ Nettapus pulchellus

Australasian Shoveler ◊ Spatula rhynchotis Decent numbers at Lithgow WTP.

Pacific Black Duck Anas superciliosa

Grey Teal Anas gracilis

Chestnut Teal ◊ Anas castanea

Hardhead ◊ Aythya australis

Blue-billed Duck ◊ Oxyura australis A dozen or so at Lithgow WTP.

Musk Duck ◊ Biziura lobata

Australian Brushturkey ◊ Alectura lathami

Orange-footed Scrubfowl Megapodius reinwardt

Brown Quail ◊ Synoicus ypsilophorus Seen regularly

Stubble Quail ◊ Coturnix pectoralis A calling bird flushed and seen well by the whole group in the Richmond Lowlands

White-throated Nightjar ◊ Eurostopodus mystacalis Nice views of two displaying birds just West of Brisbane

Marbled Frogmouth ◊ Podargus ocellatus A good performance from a bird on a night walk near O’Reilly’s

Papuan Frogmouth ◊ Podargus papuensis Brilliant views of a bird on the nest near Kingfisher Park

Tawny Frogmouth ◊ Podargus strigoides Multiple day roosing birds seen

Australian Swiftlet ◊ Aerodramus terraereginae

White-throated Needletail Hirundapus caudacutus

Pacific Swift Apus pacificus

Australian Bustard ◊ Ardeotis australis  At least four in fields near Julatten.

Pheasant Coucal ◊ Centropus phasianinus

Pacific Koel ◊ (Australian K) Eudynamys orientalis

Channel-billed Cuckoo ◊ Scythrops novaehollandiae

Horsfield’s Bronze Cuckoo ◊ Chalcites basalis One at Hexham Swamp

Shining Bronze Cuckoo Chalcites lucidus First seen at Royal N.P. Common by voice

Fan-tailed Cuckoo ◊ Cacomantis flabelliformis

Sahul Brush Cuckoo Cacomantis variolosus Seen well around Julatten

Rock Dove (introduced) Columba livia

White-headed Pigeon ◊ Columba leucomela

Spotted Dove (introduced) Spilopelia chinensis

Brown Cuckoo-Dove ◊ Macropygia phasianella

Pacific Emerald Dove Chalcophaps longirostris

Common Bronzewing ◊ Phaps chalcoptera LO A brief flyby at Wattamola

Crested Pigeon ◊ Ocyphaps lophotes

Squatter Pigeon ◊ Geophaps scripta Seen well at Mareeba Rodea Grounds

Wonga Pigeon ◊ Leucosarcia melanoleuca

Peaceful Dove Geopelia placida

Bar-shouldered Dove ◊ Geopelia humeralis

Wompoo Fruit Dove ◊ Ptilinopus magnificus

Superb Fruit Dove Ptilinopus superbus Quite a few seen around Lake Eacham

Rose-crowned Fruit Dove ◊ Ptilinopus regina

Torresian Imperial Pigeon ◊ Ducula spilorrhoa

Topknot Pigeon ◊ Lopholaimus antarcticus

Buff-banded Rail Hypotaenidia philippensis

Dusky Moorhen ◊ Gallinula tenebrosa

Eurasian Coot ◊ (Australasian C) Fulica [atra] australis

Australasian Swamphen ◊ Porphyrio melanotus

Spotless Crake ◊ Zapornia tabuensis One showed well near the Sydney Olympic Park and a very distant bird at Lake Wallace

Red-necked Crake ◊ Rallina tricolor Heard only despite considerable effort day and night at Kingfisher Park

White-browed Crake Poliolimnas cinereus One at Abattoir Swamp

Pale-vented Bush-hen ◊ (Rufous-tailed B-h) Amaurornis moluccana LO One briefly at Kingfisher Park

Sarus Crane Antigone antigone A pair prompted a roadside stop in the Tablelands

Brolga ◊ Antigone rubicunda

Australasian Grebe Tachybaptus novaehollandiae

Hoary-headed Grebe ◊ Poliocephalus poliocephalus

Great Crested Grebe ◊ (Southern C G) Podiceps [cristatus] australis

Painted Buttonquail ◊ Turnix varius Two sauntered across the road at Davies Creek NP

Black-breasted Buttonquail ◊ Turnix melanogaster A very obliging pair at Inskipp Point

Bush Stone-curlew ◊ (Bush Thick-knee) Burhinus grallarius

Sooty Oystercatcher ◊ Haematopus fuliginosus A couple feeding offshore from Reid’s Mistake Head

Pied Stilt ◊ (White-headed S) Himantopus leucocephalus

Red-necked Avocet ◊ Recurvirostra novaehollandiae Three at Coolum Parade Wetlands.

Pacific Golden Plover Pluvialis fulva One at the Turf farms South of Cairns

Black-fronted Dotterel ◊ Charadrius melanops

Masked Lapwing Vanellus miles

Red-kneed Dotterel ◊ Erythrogonys cinctus One at Weir Rd wetlands.

Siberian Sand Plover (Mongolian S P) Anarhynchus mongolus A single bird from Cairns Esplanade

Greater Sand Plover Anarhynchus leschenaultii Two at Cairns Esplanade

Comb-crested Jacana ◊ Irediparra gallinacea

Eurasian Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus

Far Eastern Curlew Numenius madagascariensis

Little Whimbrel ◊ Numensis minutus Two at the Turf farms South of Cairns were an excellent bonus.

Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica

Black-tailed Godwit (Eastern B-t G) Limosa [limosa] melanuroides

Latham’s Snipe ◊ Gallinago hardwickii A few at Hexham Swamp and Hasties Swamp.

Terek Sandpiper Xenus cinereus

Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos

Grey-tailed Tattler Tringa brevipes

Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia

Great Knot Calidris tenuirostris

Sharp-tailed Sandpiper Calidris acuminata.

Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea

Red-necked Stint Calidris ruficollis

Australian Pratincole ◊ Stiltia isabella Three at the turf farms South of Cairns

Little Tern Sternula albifrons

Australian Tern Gelochelidon macrotarsa Ten or more off Cairns Esplanade. This species is split from Gull-billed Term by the IOC in 2023. Gull billed Term Gelochelidon nilotica also occurs in Northern Australia as a semi-regular vagrant but has not been recorded by Birdquest on the Eastern Australia tour.

Caspian Tern Hydroprogne caspia

Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybrida A few at Lake Samsonvale and Lake Wallace

Common Tern Sterna Hirundo Four at Inskipp Point

Lesser Crested Tern Thalasseus bengalensis Singles Etts Beach and Cairns Esplanade

Greater Crested Tern Thalasseus bergii

Silver Gull ◊ Chroicocephalus novaehollandiae

Parasitic Jaeger (Arctic Skua) Stercorarius parasiticus One harassing terns from Reid’s Mistake Head

Wedge-tailed Shearwater Ardenna pacifica A couple passing fairly close from both Wattamola and Reid’s Mistake Head

Short-tailed Shearwater Ardenna tenuirostris Good numbers passing Reid’s Mistake Head, 4 close off Inskipp Point

Hutton’s Shearwater ◊ Puffinus huttoni Three or four were close enough off Reid’s Mistake Head to eliminate Fluttering.

Black-necked Stork ◊ Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus

Australasian Gannet ◊ Morus serrator A few distantly off Wattahmola and Reid’s Mistake Head

Australasian Darter Anhinga novaehollandiae

Little Pied Cormorant Microcarbo melanoleucos

Australian Pied Cormorant Phalacrocorax varius

Little Black Cormorant Phalacrocorax sulcirostris

Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo

Australian White Ibis Threskiornis molucca

Straw-necked Ibis ◊ Threskiornis spinicollis

Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus

Royal Spoonbill ◊ Platalea regia

Black Bittern Botaurus flavicollis One flew across a between forest patches near Mission Beach

Nankeen Night Heron (Rufous N H) Nycticorax caledonicus

Little Egret Egretta garzetta

White-faced Heron Egretta novaehollandiae

Striated Heron Butorides striata

White-necked Heron ◊ (Pacific H) Ardea pacifica Not uncommon around Lithgow and Sydney

Great Egret (Eastern G E) Ardea [alba] modesta

Plumed Egret Ardea plumifera

Eastern Cattle Egret Ardea coromanda

Australian Pelican ◊ Pelecanus conspicillatus

Osprey (Eastern O) Pandion [haliaetus] cristatus

Black-shouldered Kite ◊ (Australian K) Elanus axillaris

Pacific Baza Aviceda subcristata A few showed well in the Atherton Tablelands

Little Eagle ◊ Hieraaetus morphnoides

Wedge-tailed Eagle ◊ Aquila audax

Brown Goshawk Tachyspiza fasciata

Collared Sparrowhawk Tachyspiza cirrocephala

Swamp Harrier ◊ Circus approximans Several at Hexham Swamp

Black Kite Milvus migrans

Whistling Kite Haliastur sphenurus

Brahminy Kite Haliastur indus

White-bellied Sea Eagle Icthyophaga leucogaster

Sooty Owl ◊ Tyto tenebricosa Heard only. A calling bird at Bellbird Grove unfortunately fell silent immediately.

Powerful Owl ◊ Ninox strenua A roosting tree at Buraneer Park and a nocturnal sighting at Mt Faulk Rd

Australian Boobook ◊ Ninox boobook One showed well at Mt Faulk Rd.

Oriental Dollarbird Eurystomus orientalis

Buff-breasted Paradise Kingfisher ◊ Tanysiptera sylvia Several around Kingfisher Park including some Superbly obliging birds.

Laughing Kookaburra ◊ Dacelo novaeguineae

Blue-winged Kookaburra ◊ Dacelo leachii

Forest Kingfisher ◊ Todiramphus macleayii

Torresian Kingfisher ◊ Todiramphus sordidus A couple showed well, albeit briefly at Wynum Mangroves.

Sacred Kingfisher Todiramphus sanctus

Azure Kingfisher Ceyx azureus

Rainbow Bee-eater Merops ornatus

Nankeen Kestrel Falco cenchroides

Australian Hobby ◊ Falco longipennis

Brown Falcon ◊ Falco berigora

Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus

Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo ◊ Zanda funerea

Red-tailed Black Cockatoo ◊ Calyptorhynchus banksii Fairly common around Cairns and Julatten.

Glossy Black Cockatoo ◊ Calyptorhynchus lathami Two at Evans Lookout and another pair on the drier slopes near O’Reilly’s

Gang-gang Cockatoo ◊ Callocephalon fimbriatum A couple of at Barren Grounds and 12+ at Capertee.

Galah ◊ Eolophus roseicapilla

Little Corella Cacatua sanguinea

Long-billed Corella ◊ Cacatua tenuirostris A couple of co-operative birds at Hexham.

Sulphur-crested Cockatoo Cacatua galerita

Australian King Parrot ◊ Alisterus scapularis

Red-winged Parrot ◊ Aprosmictus erythropterus

Red-rumped Parrot ◊ Psephotus haematonotus

Crimson Rosella ◊ Platycercus elegans

Pale-headed Rosella ◊ Platycercus adscitus

Eastern Rosella ◊ Platycercus eximius

Ground Parrot ◊ Pezoporus wallicus Heard only. Heard tantalisingly close by at Barren Ground N.P but not seen.

Turquoise Parrot ◊ Neophema pulchella A couple of close flybys at Capertee

Musk Lorikeet ◊ Glossopsitta concinna

Scaly-breasted Lorikeet ◊ Trichoglossus chlorolepidotus

Rainbow Lorikeet ◊ Trichoglossus moluccanus

Double-eyed Fig Parrot ◊ Cyclopsitta diophthalma Cairns Esplanade and Rifle Creek, seen well.

Noisy Pitta ◊ Pitta versicolor After brief glimpses at O’Reilly’s and Eungella a co-operative bird showed well at Mt Hypipamee

Albert’s Lyrebird ◊ Menura alberti A male gave a spectacular performance at O’Reilly’s

Superb Lyrebird ◊ Menura novaehollandiae Obliging birds at Royal NP and Evan’s Lookout.

Rufous Scrubbird ◊ Atrichornis rufescens One sang at briefly Barrington Tops but refused to respond thereafter.

Green Catbird ◊ Ailuroedus crassirostris

Spotted Catbird ◊ Ailuroedus maculosus

Tooth-billed Bowerbird ◊ (T-b Catbird) Scenopoeetes dentirostris One at Lake Eacham and a cooperative bird at Lake Barrine.

Golden Bowerbird ◊ Prionodura newtoniana An immature bird showed well at Mt Hypipame

Regent Bowerbird ◊ Sericulus chrysocephalus Single figures at O’Reilly’s, though the gaudy males refused to hold still for photos!

Satin Bowerbird ◊ Ptilonorhynchus violaceus First seen Royal NP, some close encounters at O’Reilly’s

Great Bowerbird ◊ Chlamydera nuchalis

White-throated Treecreeper ◊ Cormobates leucophaea

White-throated Treecreeper ◊ (Little T) Cormobates [leucophaea] minor

Red-browed Treecreeper ◊ Climacteris erythrops Several co-operative birds around Barrington Tops.

Brown Treecreeper ◊ Climacteris picumnus Capertee.

Lovely Fairywren ◊ Malurus amabilis Common around Cairns and Julatten with some excellent close encounters.

Variegated Fairywren ◊ Malurus lamberti A responsive group in Royal NP.

Superb Fairywren ◊ Malurus cyaneus Common around Sydney and Capertee.

Red-backed Fairywren ◊ Malurus melanocephalus Several groups of this gorgeous little bird from Inskipp northwards.

Southern Emu-wren ◊ Stipiturus malachurus One at Wattamola and another at Barren Grounds N.P.

Eastern Spinebill ◊ Acanthorhynchus tenuirostris

Yellow Chat ◊ Epthianura crocea LO A very brief bird along Thompson Point Rd evaporated before we got decent views.

White-fronted Chat ◊ Epthianura albifrons Several at Hexham Swamp.

Rufous-throated Honeyeater ◊ Conopophila rufogularis A couple seen by most in the rain at Tyto Wetlands

Brown-backed Honeyeater ◊ Ramsayornis modestus A large group at Abattoir Swamp.

Dusky Myzomela ◊ Myzomela obscura

Scarlet Myzomela ◊ Myzomela sanguinolenta

Little Friarbird ◊ Philemon citreogularis

Hornbill Friarbird ◊ Philemon yorki

Noisy Friarbird ◊ Philemon corniculatus

Macleay’s Honeyeater ◊ Xanthotis macleayanus A regular fixture at Kingfisher Park.

Striped Honeyeater ◊ Plectorhyncha lanceolata A confiding pair at Samsonvale Lake

Crescent Honeyeater ◊ Phylidonyris pyrrhopterus Two or three cooperative individuals around Barrington Tops.

New Holland Honeyeater ◊ Phylidonyris novaehollandiae

White-cheeked Honeyeater ◊ Phylidonyris niger A couple at Barren Grounds and a couple of sightings near Julatten.

Brown Honeyeater ◊ Lichmera indistincta

Banded Honeyeater ◊ Cissomela pectoralis A couple of groups in the Julatten area were a welcome bonus.

White-eared Honeyeater ◊ Nesoptilotis leucotis Multiple co-operative birds around Blackheath

Blue-faced Honeyeater ◊ Entomyzon cyanotis Common in the lowlands South of Brisbane

Blue-faced [White-quilled] Honeyeater ◊ Entomyzon [cyanotis] albipennis This taxa is treated as a separate species by Birdlife International (though not currently recognized by the IOC). Birds seen around Julatten and Kingfisher Park relate to this taxa.

Black-chinned Honeyeater ◊ Melithreptus [gularis] gularis Heard only. Calling birds in Capertee steadfastly refused to come closer.

White-throated Honeyeater ◊ Melithreptus albogularis

White-naped Honeyeater ◊ Melithreptus lunatus One at Capertee.

Yellow Honeyeater ◊ Stomiopera flava Good numbers around Cairns

Yellow-spotted Honeyeater ◊ Meliphaga notata Common around Cairns and Julatten, including on the feeders at Kingfisher Park.

Lewin’s Honeyeater ◊ Meliphaga lewinii Common between Sydney and Brisbane

Cryptic Honeyeater ◊ Microptilotis imiatrix The species was split in 2020 from Graceful Honeyeater Microptilotis gracilis which occurs further North along the Cape York peninsular. We found imiatrix to be common around Kingfisher Park and rainforest areas of the tablelands. All previous records of gracilis on Birdquest Eastern Australia tours also refer to this species.

Varied Honeyeater ◊ Gavicalis versicolor Good views along Cairns Esplanade

Mangrove Honeyeater ◊ Gavicalis fasciogularis Good numbers at Coolum Parade wetlands and Inskipp Point

Fuscous Honeyeater ◊ Ptilotula fusca A couple around Capertee

White-plumed Honeyeater ◊ Ptilotula penicillate Common in Capertee.

Yellow-faced Honeyeater ◊ Caligavis chrysops Seen regularly from Brisbane northwards.

Little Wattlebird ◊ Anthochaera chrysoptera

Red Wattlebird ◊ Anthochaera carunculata

Regent Honeyeater ◊ Anthochaera phrygia A breeding pair at Capertee were feeding young with at least a second pair seen.

Bridled Honeyeater ◊ Bolemoreus frenatus Best seen at Tarzali Lakes

Eungella Honeyeater ◊ Bolemoreus hindwoodi Eventually tracked down in the torrential rain at Eungella.

Bell Miner ◊ Manorina melanophrys

Noisy Miner ◊ Manorina melanocephala

Eastern Bristlebird ◊ Dasyornis brachypterus Two excellent sightings at Barren Grounds including one on the track!

Spotted Pardalote ◊ Pardalotus punctatus Heard at numerous locations but all refused to come in!

Striated Pardalote ◊ Pardalotus striatus

Fernwren ◊ Oreoscopus gutturalis

Pilotbird ◊ Pycnoptilus floccosus Heard only at Royal National Park despite many follow-up attempts.

Speckled Warbler ◊ Pyrrholaemus sagittatus One eventually tracked down at Glenn Alice showed well.

Chestnut-rumped Heathwren ◊ Hylacola pyrrhopygia A frustratingly brief bird seen by some of the group near Blackheath.

Weebill ◊ Smicrornis brevirostris

Yellow-throated Scrubwren ◊ Neosericornis citreogularis

Rockwarbler ◊ (Origma) Origma solitaria A showy pair eventually tracked down at Nepean Dam

White-browed Scrubwren ◊ Sericornis frontalis

Atherton Scrubwren ◊ Sericornis keri A small cooperative group showed well at Mt Hypipamee.

Large-billed Scrubwren ◊ Sericornis magnirostra

Yellow-rumped Thornbill ◊ Acanthiza chrysorrhoa

Yellow Thornbill ◊ Acanthiza nana

Striated Thornbill ◊ Acanthiza lineata

Mountain Thornbill ◊ Acanthiza katherina Several showy birds at Mt Hypipamee

Brown Thornbill ◊ Acanthiza pusilla

Buff-rumped Thornbill ◊ Acanthiza reguloides One responded well on the drier slopes of Lamington N.P

Brown Gerygone ◊ Gerygone mouki

Fairy Gerygone ◊ Gerygone palpebrosa A couple singing at Kingfisher Park

Large-billed Gerygone ◊ Gerygone magnirostris Several at Cattana wetlands and nest-building at Rifle Creek.

White-throated Gerygone ◊ Gerygone olivacea Excellent performances of a pair at Capertee

Mangrove Gerygone ◊ Gerygone levigaster A few at Wynnum Mangroves

Grey-crowned Babbler ◊ Pomatostomus temporalis Groups at Capertee and Mareeba

Australian Logrunner ◊ Orthonyx temminckii Plenty of showy birds at O’Reilly’s

Chowchilla ◊ Orthonyx spaldingii Two co-operative groups at Cathedral Fig.

Eastern Whipbird ◊ Psophodes olivaceus

Yellow-breasted Boatbill ◊ Machaerirhynchus flaviventer Several co-operative birds in the Atherton Tablelands

White-breasted Woodswallow Artamus leucorynchus

White-browed Woodswallow ◊ Artamus superciliosus A few at Glen Alice, Capertee.

Black-faced Woodswallow ◊ Artamus cinereus One at Twelve Mile Creek

Dusky Woodswallow ◊ Artamus cyanopterus A few at Capertee

Black Butcherbird ◊ Melloria quoyi Cattana Wetlands and Kingfisher Park

Australian Magpie ◊ Gymnorhina tibicen

Grey Butcherbird ◊ Cracticus torquatus

Pied Butcherbird ◊ Cracticus nigrogularis

Pied Currawong ◊ Strepera graculina

Barred Cuckooshrike ◊ (Yellow-eyed C) Coracina lineata Best seen at Mt Molloy.

Black-faced Cuckooshrike Coracina novaehollandiae

White-bellied Cuckooshrike Coracina papuensis

Sahul Cicadabird Edolisoma tenuirostre Numerous scattered birds including Capertee and Kingfisher Park.

White-winged Triller ◊ Lalage tricolor First at Capertee, several scattered birds thereafter.

Varied Triller ◊ Lalage leucomela

Eastern Shriketit ◊ Falcunculus frontatus Capertee and Barrington Tops.

Olive Whistler ◊ Pachycephala olivacea A single bird seen well at Barrington Tops.

Grey Whistler ◊ Pachycephala simplex A singing bird tracked down at Rifle Creek

Australian Golden Whistler ◊ Pachycephala pectoralis

Rufous Whistler Pachycephala rufiventris

Bower’s Shrikethrush ◊ Colluricincla boweri A couple co-operated well at Lake Barrine

Rufous Shrikethrush ◊ Colluricincla rufogaster Formerly considered part Little Shrikethrush Colluricincla megarhyncha (and still treated as such by Birdlife), but into 7 species across Australia and New Guinea by the IOC in 2019. Arafura Shrikethrush retains the nominate binomial C. megarhyncha but does not occur on the Eastern Australia tour and is restricted to Northern Australia and Darwin area. Commonly found along the tropical east coast during our tour.

Grey Shrikethrush ◊ Colluricincla harmonica

Australasian Figbird ◊ (Green F) Sphecotheres vieilloti

Olive-backed Oriole ◊ Oriolus sagittatus

Green Oriole ◊ (Yellow O) Oriolus flavocinctus A singing bird at Cattana Wetlands.

Spangled Drongo Dicrurus bracteatus

Willie Wagtail Rhipidura leucophrys

Northern Fantail ◊ Rhipidura rufiventris Seen well at Abattoir Swamp

Grey Fantail ◊ Rhipidura albiscapa

Australian Rufous Fantail ◊ Rhipidura rufifrons

Spectacled Monarch ◊ Symposiachrus trivirgatus

Black-faced Monarch ◊ Monarcha melanopsis

White-eared Monarch ◊ Carterornis leucotis A couple were eventually tempted down from the high canopy at Lake Barrine.

Pied Monarch ◊ Arses kaupi Showy males at Lake Eacham and Rifle Creek.

Magpie-lark ◊ (Australian M-l) Grallina cyanoleuca

Leaden Flycatcher ◊ Myiagra rubecula Plenty throughout including at Inskipp Point and Barrington Tops

Satin Flycatcher ◊ Myiagra cyanoleuca A single female showed fairly well at Wynnum Mangroves.

Restless Flycatcher ◊ Myiagra inquieta A few in Capertee.

Torresian Crow Corvus orru

Forest Raven ◊ (Relict R) Corvus [tasmanicus] boreus Calling birds performed well at Barrington Tops.

Little Raven ◊ Corvus mellori A coupe with Australian Ravens at Lithgow WTP.

Australian Raven ◊ Corvus coronoides

White-winged Chough ◊ Corcorax melanorhamphos

Apostlebird ◊ Struthidea cinerea

Paradise Riflebird ◊ Ptiloris paradiseus Superb views near O’Reilly’s.

Victoria’s Riflebird ◊ Ptiloris victoriae Seen at multiple sites in the Atherton Tablelands.

Rose Robin ◊ Petroica rosea Several confiding birds at Barrington Tops.

Scarlet Robin ◊ Petroica boodang One at Barrington Tops.

Lemon-bellied Flyrobin ◊ (L-b Flycatcher) Microeca flavigaster

Jacky Winter ◊ Microeca fascinans

Grey-headed Robin ◊ Heteromyias cinereifrons Confiding birds around Cathedral Fig and Mt Hypipamee

White-browed Robin ◊ Poecilodryas superciliosa A superb performance from a bird a Davies Creek.

Hooded Robin ◊ Melanodryas cucullata A treetop trio eventually showed well in Capertee.

Mangrove Robin ◊ Peneothello pulverulenta Nice views from a pair at the North end of Cairns Esplanade

Eastern Yellow Robin ◊ Eopsaltria australis

Pale-yellow Robin ◊ Tregellasia capito

Singing Bush Lark (Australian B L) Mirafra javanica

Red-whiskered Bulbul (introduced) Pycnonotus jocosus One at Pitt Town Lagoon.

Welcome Swallow Hirundo neoxena

Fairy Martin ◊ Petrochelidon ariel

Tree Martin ◊ Petrochelidon nigricans

Australian Reed Warbler ◊ Acrocephalus australis

Little Grassbird ◊ Poodytes gramineus Seen well at Pitt Town Lagoon

Brown Songlark Cincloramphus cruralis A couple at the Richmond lowlands

Rufous Songlark ◊ Cincloramphus mathewsi Capertee and Richmond lowlands

Tawny Grassbird Cincloramphus timoriensis Several showy birds at Hexham Swamp

Zitting Cisticola Cisticola juncidis One at Twelve Mile Creek.

Golden-headed Cisticola (Bright-headed C) Cisticola exilis

Silvereye ◊ Zosterops lateralis

Metallic Starling (Shining S) Aplonis metallica

Common Myna (introduced) Acridotheres tristis

Common Starling (introduced) Sturnus vulgaris

Russet-tailed Thrush ◊ (R-t Ground T) Zoothera heinei Phenomenal views at O’Reilly’s and a few elsewhere.

Bassian Thrush ◊ (Australian Ground T) Zoothera lunulata A confiding bird at Royal National Park.

Common Blackbird (introduced) Turdus merula LO One briefly at Richmond lowlands

Mistletoebird ◊ Dicaeum hirundinaceum

Sahul Sunbird Cinnyris frenatus

House Sparrow (introduced) Passer domesticus

Diamond Firetail ◊ Stagonopleura guttata One in Glen Alice, Capertee was flighty but gave decent views.

Beautiful Firetail ◊ Stagonopleura bella One showed well but briefly at Wattamola.

Crimson Finch ◊ Neochmia phaeton Several hopped around on the grass at Tyto Wetlands.

Red-browed Finch ◊ (R-b Firetail) Neochmia temporalis

Double-barred Finch ◊ Stizoptera bichenovii

Australian Zebra Finch ◊ Taeniopygia castanotis A small group at Richmond Lowlands

Black-throated Finch ◊ Poephila cincta Our efforts at Mareeba were rewarded with a group of 7 coming into drink.

Scaly-breasted Munia (introduced) Lonchura punctulata

Chestnut-breasted Mannikin ◊ Lonchura castaneothorax

Australian Pipit ◊ Anthus australis

Eastern Yellow Wagtail Motacilla tschuschensis Two were at the turf farms South of Cairns.

MAMMALS

Platypus Ornithorhynchus anatinus At least four seen well around Tarzali Lakes in the Tablelands

Short-beaked Echidna Tachyglossus aculeatus One at Barrington Tops gave excellent views and continued to feed without immediately balling up.

Northern Brown Bandicoot Isoodon macrourus A super confiding animal visited Kingfisher Park at night

Yellow-footed Antechinus Antechinus flavipes A couple visited the feeders around Kingfisher Park.

Koala Phascolarctos cinereus At least three at a stop-off South of Brisbane.

Common Brush-tailed Possum Trichosurus vulpecula

Torresian Striped Possum Dactylopsila trivirgata One roosting in a tree hollow at Abbatoir Swamp was an excellent record

Sugar Glider Petaurus breviceps Several seen creeping high in the treetops at night at O’Reilly’s

Eastern Ring-tailed Possum Pseudocheirus peregrinus

Green Ring-tailed Possum Pseudochirops archeri

Eastern Grey Kangaroo Macropus giganteus Several decent aggregations

Agile Wallaby Notamacropus agilis Most numerous around Mission Beach area.

Whiptail Wallaby Notamacropus parryi One in the dry forest below O’Reilly’s

Red-necked Wallaby Notamacropus rufogriseus Several in more wooded areas around Capertree pre-dawn.

Common Wallaroo (Euro) Osphranter robustus One in the Capertree Valley

Mareeba Rock Wallaby Petrogale mareeba A bunch of rather sorry looking individuals at the Mareeba Caravan Park

Red-legged Pademelon Thylogale stigmatica Good numbers around Julatten

Red-necked Pademelon Thylogale thetis One by the roadside near Eungella

Grey Wolf (Dingo) Canis lupus Two near Tully and another near Eungella

Red Fox (introduced) Vulpes vulpes One pre-dawn in the Capertee Valley.

Black Flying Fox Pteropus alecto Thousands roosting at Eungella

Grey-headed Flying Fox Pteropus poliocephalus Several thousand between O’Reilly’s and Brisbane

European Hare (introduced) Lepus europaeus A few around Capertee and elsewhere.

European Rabbit (introduced) Oryctolagus cuniculus

Fawn-footed Mosaic-tailed Rat Melomys cervinipes One at Kingfisher Park.