We are having a holiday in Palm Cove in August.
We also intend to visit Cairns, Port Douglas and Cape Tribulation.
What birds are we likely to come across there.
This will be a holiday rather than a bird watching trip, so I wil be looking for birds on a casual basis.
The names of the more common species would be great.
Thanks John
Australia’s Top End has a remarkably diverse bird-life.
As I peer through my binoculars, a huge eye stares back at me: belonging to a Bush Stone-curlew. Stone-curlews (also known as ‘thick-knees’) are members of the wader tribe (though I have never seen a stone-curlew actually wade); and are mainly nocturnal – hence the large eyes
Thanks for that Dina.
i am trying to get an idea of what i may see so that i can brush up my ID knowledge from books.
John
John,
You should check e-bird (View and Explore Data) for hotspots in those areas. You can even look at what birds are around at that time of year as bar charts. that is easier than trying to give you a list. However, a few points.
Cairns: the Esplanade is a great spot to walk and check the shorebirds at mid-tide (high tide is no good and at low tide they are too far out). Beach Stone-curlew have been seen at the Northern end near the mangroves as has the Mangrove Robin. There were Nutmeg Mannikins feeding on grass seed along the walkway when I was there last November.The Centenary Lakes and Gardens are also well worth a visit for the water birds, Kingfishers and Flycatchers. Metallic Starling, Olive-backed Sunbirds and Pale-yellow Robin should be around. Bush Stone-curlew are not likely on the beach but could be seen in drier spots.
You could combine these walks with a good coffee and lunch or kids might like a dip in the pool at the Esplanade.
Sue
Thanks for that info.
I wasn't aware of E bird, I just had a quick look. It looks very good and very informative.
I will give it some real study as soon as I get the time.
John
Sorry, realised my comment about Bush Stone-curlews might be misleading. We did see them in the park near the beach at Port Douglas.
I think that you will find e-bird is very helpful when venturing into unfamiliar areas. Have a great holiday
Sue