Trip Reports 2015
List of sightings and reports from recent tours
Best of Top End Birding September 2015
Guide Mike Jarvis, Guests Lyn and Sandy from Queensland, Ann from NSW, Robin from Canada, Robin and Rupert from Victoria and Marg from Victoria.
Click here for the Best Of Top End Birding September 2015 trip highlights and sightings. Please click here to see the photos from this trip.
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Spotted Harrier crossing the Marrakai Track (photo copyright Mike Jarvis)
Highlights Day 1 Darwin to Mary River
Click here for more photos from this trip
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Sightings and locations Orange-footed Scrubfowl Megapodius reinwardt Brown Quail Coturnix ypsilophora Magpie Goose Anseranas semipalmata Plumed Whistling-Duck Dendrocygna eytoni Wandering Whistling-Duck Dendrocygna arcuata Radjah Shelduck Tadorna radjah Pink-eared Duck Malacorhynchus membranaceus Green Pygmy-goose Nettapus pulchellus Grey Teal Anas gracilis Pacific Black Duck Anas superciliosa Hardhead Aythya australis Australasian Grebe Tachybaptus novaehollandiae Emerald Dove Chalcophaps indica Common Bronzewing Phaps chalcoptera Crested Pigeon Ocyphaps lophotes Partridge Pigeon Geophaps smithii Chestnut-quilled Rock-Pigeon Petrophassa rufipennis Diamond Dove Geopelia cuneata Peaceful Dove Geopelia striata Bar-shouldered Dove Geopelia humeralis Rose-crowned Fruit-Dove Ptilinopus regina Pied Imperial-Pigeon Ducula bicolor Tawny Frogmouth Podargus strigoides Australasian Darter Anhinga novaehollandiae Little Pied Cormorant Microcarbo melanoleucos Little Black Cormorant Phalacrocorax sulcirostris Pied Cormorant Phalacrocorax varius Australian Pelican Pelecanus conspicillatus Black-necked Stork Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus White-necked Heron Ardea pacifica Intermediate Egret Ardea intermedia Great Egret Ardea alba Cattle Egret Ardea ibis Striated Heron Butorides striata Pied Heron Egretta picata White-faced Heron Egretta novaehollandiae Little Egret Egretta garzetta Eastern Reef Egret Egretta sacra Nankeen Night-Heron Nycticorax caledonicus Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus Australian White Ibis Threskiornis molucca Straw-necked Ibis Threskiornis spinicollis Royal Spoonbill Platalea regia Eastern Osprey Pandion cristatus Black-shouldered Kite Elanus axillaris Black-breasted Buzzard Hamirostra melanosternon White-bellied Sea-Eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster Whistling Kite Haliastur sphenurus Brahminy Kite Haliastur indus Black Kite Milvus migrans Brown Goshawk Accipiter fasciatus Collared Sparrowhawk Accipiter cirrocephalus Spotted Harrier Circus assimilis Nankeen Kestrel Falco cenchroides Brown Falcon Falco berigora Australian Hobby Falco longipennis Brolga Grus rubicunda Purple Swamphen Porphyrio porphyrio Eurasian Coot Fulica atra Australian Bustard Ardeotis australis Bush Stone-curlew Burhinus grallarius Beach Stone-curlew Esacus magnirostris Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus Greater Sand Plover Charadrius leschenaultii Black-fronted Dotterel Elseyornis melanops Red-kneed Dotterel Erythrogonys cinctus Masked Lapwing Vanellus miles Comb-crested Jacana Irediparra gallinacea Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus Eastern Curlew Numenius madagascariensis Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres Australian Pratincole Stiltia isabella Gull-billed Tern Gelochelidon nilotica Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybrida Crested Tern Thalasseus bergii Silver Gull Chroicocephalus novaehollandiae Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo Calyptorhynchus banksii Galah Eolophus roseicapillus Little Corella Cacatua sanguinea Sulphur-crested Cockatoo Cacatua galerita Cockatiel Nymphicus hollandicus Red-collared Lorikeet Trichoglossus rubritorquis Varied Lorikeet Psitteuteles versicolor Red-winged Parrot Aprosmictus erythropterus Northern Rosella Platycercus venustus Hooded Parrot Psephotus dissimilis Pheasant Coucal Centropus phasianinus Little Bronze-Cuckoo Chalcites minutillus Brush Cuckoo Cacomantis variolosus Azure Kingfisher Ceyx azureus Little Kingfisher Ceyx pusilla Blue-winged Kookaburra Dacelo leachii Forest Kingfisher Todiramphus macleayii Red-backed Kingfisher Todiramphus pyrrhopygius Sacred Kingfisher Todiramphus sanctus Collared Kingfisher Todiramphus chloris Rainbow Bee-eater Merops ornatus Rainbow Pitta Pitta iris Black-tailed Treecreeper Climacteris melanura Great Bowerbird Ptilonorhynchus nuchalis Red-backed Fairy-wren Malurus melanocephalus Weebill Smicrornis brevirostris Green-backed Gerygone Gerygone chloronota Striated Pardalote Pardalotus striatus White-gaped Honeyeater Lichenostomus unicolor Yellow-tinted Honeyeater Lichenostomus flavescens Yellow-throated Miner Manorina flavigula Bar-breasted Honeyeater Ramsayornis fasciatus Rufous-banded Honeyeater Conopophila albogularis Rufous-throated Honeyeater Conopophila rufogularis Dusky Honeyeater Myzomela obscura Red-headed Honeyeater Myzomela erythrocephala Banded Honeyeater Cissomela pectoralis Brown Honeyeater Lichmera indistincta White-throated Honeyeater Melithreptus albogularis Blue-faced Honeyeater Entomyzon cyanotis Helmeted Friarbird Philemon buceroides Silver-crowned Friarbird Philemon argenticeps Little Friarbird Philemon citreogularis Grey-crowned Babbler Pomatostomus temporalis Varied Sittella Daphoenositta chrysoptera Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike Coracina novaehollandiae White-bellied Cuckoo-shrike Coracina papuensis White-winged Triller Lalage sueurii Varied Triller Lalage leucomela Mangrove Golden Whistler Pachycephala melanura Rufous Whistler Pachycephala rufiventris Little Shrike-thrush Colluricincla megarhyncha Grey Shrike-thrush Colluricincla harmonica Australasian Figbird Sphecotheres vieilloti Yellow Oriole Oriolus flavocinctus Olive-backed Oriole Oriolus sagittatus White-breasted Woodswallow Artamus leucorynchus Black-faced Woodswallow Artamus cinereus Little Woodswallow Artamus minor Silver-backed Butcherbird Cracticus argenteus Pied Butcherbird Cracticus nigrogularis Spangled Drongo Dicrurus bracteatus Arafura Fantail Rhipidura dryas Northern Fantail Rhipidura rufiventris Willie Wagtail Rhipidura leucophrys Torresian Crow Corvus orru Broad-billed Flycatcher Myiagra ruficollis Leaden Flycatcher Myiagra rubecula Shining Flycatcher Myiagra alecto Paperbark Flycatcher Myiagra nana Magpie-lark Grallina cyanoleuca Apostlebird Struthidea cinerea Lemon-bellied Flycatcher Microeca flavigaster Buff-sided Robin Poecilodryas cerviniventris Zitting Cisticola Cisticola juncidus Golden-headed Cisticola Cisticola exilis Rufous Songlark Cincloramphus mathewsi Yellow White-eye Zosterops luteus Fairy Martin Petrochelidon ariel Tree Martin Petrochelidon nigricans Mistletoebird Dicaeum hirundinaceum Double-barred Finch Taeniopygia bichenovii Long-tailed Finch Poephila acuticauda Masked Finch Poephila personata Crimson Finch Neochmia phaeton Gouldian Finch Erythrura gouldiae Chestnut-breasted Mannikin Lonchura castaneothorax Pictorella Mannikin Heteromunia pectoralis Butterflies ( 3 ) Common Crow Euploea core Lesser Wanderer Danaus chrysippus Blue Argus Junia orithya Insects ( 1 ) Graphic Flutterer Rhyothemis graphiptera Mammals ( 5 ) Common Brushtail Possum Trichosurus vulpecula Agile Wallaby Macropus agilus Dingo Canis lupis dingo Horse Equus caballus Pig Sus scofa Reptiles ( 4 ) Johnstone's Crocodile Crocodylus johnstoni Estuarine Crocodile Crocodylus porosus Gilbert’s Dragon Lophognathus gilbert Green Tree Snake Dendrelaphis punctulata |
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Map showing the route covered in the 'Best of Top End Birding' tour (photo copyright Mike Jarvis)
Best of Top End Birding 7 – 14 August 2015 Weather: Temp range from 10 to 35 Celcius, low humidity Guide Mike Jarvis, Guests Trevor and Lynne Rackstraw from the UK, Andrew and Anna Knowlson and Neil McKinlay and Pam Hazelwood from NSW. Trip Highlights Day 1 Darwin to Pine Creek Pine Creek Sewerage Treatment Ponds always yield some good sightings (photo copyright Mike Jarvis)
 Pink-eared Duck at Pine Creek STP (photo copyright Mike Jarvis)
 Male Hooded Parrot near Pine Creek (photo copyright Mike Jarvis)
Priceless capture! Red headed morph male Gouldian Finch (photo copyright Mike Jarvis)
 Late afternoon birding in the Victoria River district (photo copyright Mike Jarvis)
Day 3 Victoria River Roadhouse to Timber Creek Victoria River Escarpment Walk (photo copyright Mike Jarvis)
Brown Honeyeater and juvenile Banded Honeyeater facing off at Dingo Springs, near Timber Creek (photo copyright Mike Jarvis)
Day 4 Timber Creek to Katherine If you see an Australian Bustard Trevor (the Pommie bustard). Dinner and bird call at the Pine Tree Hotel. 50 species seen. Watching for Yellow-rumped Mannikins at Dingo Springs, near Timber Creek (photo copyright Mike Jarvis)
Hooded Robin at Dingo Springs (photo copyright Mike Jarvis)
 Australian Bustard on the Gorge Road near Katherine (photo copyright Mike Jarvis)
'Best of Top End Birding' group relishing the moment, having just had great views of Australian Bustards (photo copyright Mike Jarvis)
 Bush breakfast at Edith Falls road. Many Gouldians and other finches came to drink. Red-winged Parrots and Black-necked Stork. Nesting White-breasted Woodswallows at Pine Creek. Lunch at Harriot Creek, Pheasant Coucals, Brown Goshawk and Silver-backed Butcherbirds were seen. We continued on to the Warradjan Centre, looked at the display, and had ice-creams. Then we joined the 4.30 Yellow Water Cruise, highlights were Black Bittern, Azure Kingfisher, Glossy Ibis and Comb-crested Jacana. Dinner and bird call at Aurora and accommodation at Anbinik. 82 species seen.
Wilkin's Rock Wallaby chomping on a pandanus nut at Ubirr (photo copyright Mike Jarvis)
 Day 7 Kakadu to Mary River Canary White-eye on Bombax flower at South Alligator River boat ramp (photo copyright Mike Jarvis)
 Magpie Geese at Mamukala (photo copyright Mike Jarvis)
 (photo copyright Mike Jarvis)
 Our last bush breakfast was on the Marrakai track, and we had about 100 Gouldians join us, plus a brief showing of Northern Rosellas. Our main target for the Marrakai was the Blacktailed Treecreeper, which we heard at breakfast but didn’t see. Searched up and down, saw Buff-sided Robin at Margaret River but still no treecreeper. We stopped and took photos of a Spotted Harrier not far from the Arnhem Highway T-junction, and then had great views of Black-tailed Treecreeper! Lunch was at Corroboree Park and then we continued on to Fogg Dam. Here we had several Australian Pratincoles and 1000’s of Pied Heron, as well as nearly every other water bird. We spent about an hour at Charles Darwin National Park, saw Varied Lorikeets and Red-headed Honeyeaters. Return to Palm City Resort. 83 species seen. |
Sightings and locations Orange-footed Scrubfowl Megapodius reinwardt Brown Quail Coturnix ypsilophora Vic Highway, Timber Creek Airfield Magpie Goose Anseranas semipalmata Plumed Whistling-Duck Dendrocygna eytoni Yellow Water, Anbangbang, Mamukala Wandering Whistling-Duck Dendrocygna Radjah Shelduck Tadorna radjah Bridge Creek Dam, Pine Creek STP, Katherine, Yellow Water, Anbangbang, Mamukala and Mary River, Fogg Dam Pink-eared Duck Malacorhynchus membranaceus Pine Creek STP Green Pygmy-goose Nettapus pulchellus Yellow Water, Anbangbang, Mamukala, Mary River, Fogg Dam Grey Teal Anas gracilis Pine Creek STP Pacific Black Duck Anas superciliosa Pine Creek STP, Yellow Water, Mamukala, Fogg Dam Hardhead Aythya australis Pine Creek STP Australasian Grebe Tachybaptus novaehollandiae Pine Creek STP, Anbangbang, Mamukala Crested Pigeon Ocyphaps lophotes Timber Creek Airfield, Katherine, Pine Creek Partridge Pigeon Geophaps smithii Anbangbang Chestnut-quilled Rock-Pigeon Petrophassa rufipennis Ubirr Diamond Dove Geopelia cuneata Pine Creek STP, Fergusson River, Edith Falls road Peaceful Dove Geopelia striata Everywhere, every day Bar-shouldered Dove Geopelia humeralis 1 Everywhere, every day Pied Imperial-Pigeon Ducula bicolor East Point Tawny Frogmouth Podargus strigoides Rapid Creek Australasian Darter Anhinga novaehollandiae East Point, Bridge Creek Dam, Policeman's Point, Yellow Water, Anbangbang, Mamukala, Mary River, Fogg Dam Little Pied Cormorant Microcarbo melanoleucosEast Point, Fergusson River, Victoria River, Fergusson River, Policeman's Point, Bullita Access Road, Yellow Water, Anbangbang, Mamukala, Mary River, Fogg Dam Little Black Cormorant Phalacrocorax sulcirostris Bridge Creek Dam, Yellow Water, Anbangbang, Mamukala, Marrakai Track, Fogg Dam Pied Cormorant Phalacrocorax variusYellow Water, Mary River, Marrakai track Australian Pelican Pelecanus conspicillatusYellow Water, Anbangbang, Mary River Black-necked Stork Ephippiorhynchus asiaticusStuart Highway, Bullita Access waterhole, Yellow Water Black Bittern Ixobrychus flavicollis Yellow Water White-necked Heron Ardea pacificaBullita Access road, Yellow Water, Intermediate Egret Ardea intermediaAnbangbang, Mamukala, Mary River Great-billed Heron Ardea sumatrana Nitmiluk, Mary River Great Egret Ardea alba Bridge Creek Dam, Mamukala, Marrakai track, Yellow Water, Anbangbang, Mamukala, Fogg Dam Cattle Egret Ardea ibis Yellow Water, Fogg Dam Striated Heron Butorides striata East Point White-faced Heron Egretta novaehollandiae Katherine, Victoria River Roadhouse Little Egret Egretta garzetta Bridge Creek Dam, Fogg Dam Eastern Reef Egret Egretta sacra East Point Grey and White morphs. Nankeen Night-Heron Nycticorax caledonicus Yellow Water, Mamukala, Fogg Dam Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus Yellow Water, Anbangbang, Mamukala, Mary River, Fogg Dam Australian White Ibis Threskiornis molucca Everywhere, every day Straw-necked Ibis Threskiornis spinicollis Everywhere, every day Royal Spoonbill Platalea regiaBridge Creek Dam, Yellow Water, Mamukala Black-breasted Buzzard Hamirostra melanosternon Bullita Access waterhole, Vic Highway, Kakadu Highway, Marrakai track Whistling Kite Haliastur sphenurus Everywhere, every day Black Kite Milvus migrans Everywhere, every day Brown Goshawk Accipiter fasciatus Fergusson River, Edith Falls road, Harriot Creek, Mamukala Grey Goshawk Accipiter novaehollandiaeMary River Park, white morph seen by Trevor and I Spotted Harrier Circus assimilis Marrakai track Wedge-tailed Eagle Aquila audax Vic River Escarpment Walk, Marrakai track Nankeen Kestrel Falco cenchroides Vic Hway, Arnhem Highway, Marrakai track Brown Falcon Falco berigora Stuart Highway, Arnhem Highway, Marrakai track Brolga Grus rubicunda Yellow Water, Fogg Dam Purple Swamphen Porphyrio porphyrio Yellow Water, Mamukala, Fogg Dam Buff-banded Rail Gallirallus philippensis East Point Eurasian Coot Fulica atra Anbangbang, Mamukala Australian Bustard Ardeotis australis Katherine Gorge Road, South Alligator River floodplain Bush Stone-curlew Burhinus grallarius East Point, heard most nights Beach Stone-curlew Esacus magnirostris East Point rocks, four birds Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus Pine Creek STP, Mamukala, Fogg Dam Black-fronted Dotterel Elseyornis melanops Bridge Creek Dam, Pine Creek STP, Fogg Dam Red-kneed Dotterel Erythrogonys cinctus Pine Creek STP Masked Lapwing Vanellus miles Almost everywhere, every day Comb-crested Jacana Irediparra gallinacea Bridge Creek Dam, Yellow Water, Anbangbang, Mamukala, Fogg Dam Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos East Point Grey-tailed Tattler Tringa brevipes East Point Red-necked Stint Calidris ruficollis East Point Gull-billed Tern Gelochelidon nilotica East Point, Yellow Water, Mamukala Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybrida Yellow Water, Fogg Dam Crested Tern Thalasseus bergii East Point Silver Gull Chroicocephalus novaehollandiae East Point Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo Calyptorhynchus banksii Everywhere, every day Galah Eolophus roseicapillus Most places, most days Little Corella Cacatua sanguinea Everywhere, every day Sulphur-crested Cockatoo Cacatua galerita Everywhere, every day Cockatiel Nymphicus hollandicus Pine Creek, Stuart Highway, Timber Creek Airfield, Edith Falls Red-collared Lorikeet Trichoglossus rubritorquis Everywhere, every day Varied Lorikeet Psitteuteles versicolor Fergusson River, Escarpment Walk, Marrakai track, Charles Darwin National Park Red-winged Parrot Aprosmictus erythropterus Most places, most days Northern Rosella Platycercus venustus Marrakai track Hooded Parrot Psephotus dissimilis 50+ Pine Creek Pheasant Coucal Centropus phasianinus Escarpment Walk heard, Harriot Creek, Mamukala Brush Cuckoo Cacomantis variolosus Yellow Water, Mamukala Azure Kingfisher Ceyx azureus Yellow Water Blue-winged Kookaburra Dacelo leachii Most places, most days Forest Kingfisher Todiramphus macleayii East Point, Rapid Creek, Yellow Water, Ubirr, Mamukala, Marrakai, Fogg Dam Red-backed Kingfisher Todiramphus pyrrhopygius Timber Creek Airfield, Marrakai, Fogg Dam Sacred Kingfisher Todiramphus sanctus East Point, Mamukala, Marrakai track Rainbow Bee-eater Merops ornatus Everywhere, every day Rainbow Pitta Pitta iris East Point, Burrunggui, Manngarre walk Black-tailed Treecreeper Climacteris melanura Marrakai track Great Bowerbird Ptilonorhynchus nuchalis Most places, everyday Purple-crowned Fairy-wren Malurus coronatusEscarpment Walk, Vic River Roadhouse Red-backed Fairy-wren Malurus melanocephalus Timber Creek Airfield, Bullita Access Road, Dingo Springs, Mamukala, Marrakai track Weebill Smicrornis brevirostris Edith Falls road, Marrakai track Green-backed Gerygone Gerygone chloronota East Point, Adelaide River bridge Striated Pardalote Pardalotus striatus Rapid Creek, Fergusson River, Marrakai track White-gaped Honeyeater Lichenostomus unicolor Everywhere, every day Grey-fronted Honeyeater Lichenostomus plumulus Timber Creek Escarpment Yellow-tinted Honeyeater Lichenostomus flavescens Timber Creek Airfield, Flemington Yards, Policeman's Point, Bullita Access Road, Dingo Springs Rufous-banded Honeyeater Conopophila albogularis Mamukala, Fogg Dam Rufous-throated Honeyeater Conopophila rufogularis Fergusson River, everywhere in the drier, southern parts Dusky Honeyeater Myzomela obscura East Point, Rapid Creek, Fergusson River, Burrunggui, Mary River, Marrakai Red-headed Honeyeater Myzomela erythrocephala Rapid Creek, Charles Darwin National Park Banded Honeyeater Cissomela pectoralis Fergusson River, Dingo Springs Creek, Edith Falls Road, Marrakai track Brown Honeyeater Lichmera indistincta Everywhere, every day White-throated Honeyeater Melithreptus albogularis Everywhere, every day Blue-faced Honeyeater Entomyzon cyanotis Most places, most days Helmeted Friarbird Philemon buceroides Burrunggui (Sandstone race), Charles Darwin National Park Silver-crowned Friarbird Philemon argenticeps Fergusson River, Escarpment Walk, Vic River, Burrunggui, Mary River, Marrakai, Charles Darwin National Park Little Friarbird Philemon citreogularis Most places, most days Grey-crowned Babbler Pomatostomus temporalis Pine Creek, Fergusson River, Mamukala, Marrakai track Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike Coracina novaehollandiae Most places, most days White-bellied Cuckoo-shrike Coracina papuensis Everywhere, every day White-winged Triller Lalage sueurii Everywhere, every day Varied Triller Lalage leucomela East Point, Ubirr, Mary River, Fogg Dam, Charles Darwin National Park Brown (Grey) Whistler Pachycephala simplex East Point Rufous Whistler Pachycephala rufiventris Most places, most days Little Shrike-thrush Colluricincla megarhyncha East Point Sandstone Shrike-thrush Colluricincla woodwardi Timber Creek Airfield Australasian Figbird Sphecotheres vieilloti East Point and Pine Creek Green Oriole Oriolus flavocinctus East Point, Fergusson River, Katherine, Burrunggui, Ubirr, South Alligator, Mary River Park Olive-backed Oriole Oriolus sagittatus Burrunggui, Mary River Park White-breasted Woodswallow Artamus leucorynchus Many places, most days White-browed Woodswallow Artamus superciliosus Escarpment Walk Black-faced Woodswallow Artamus cinereus Pine Creek STP, Vic Highway, Dingo Springs Creek, Edith Falls road, Little Woodswallow Artamus minorUbirr, Mary River, Marrakai track Silver-backed Butcherbird Cracticus argenteus Harriot Creek Pied Butcherbird Cracticus nigrogularisFergusson River, Katherine, Stuart Highway Spangled Drongo Dicrurus bracteatus Rapid Creek, Ubirr, Mary River Park, Fogg Dam Arafura Fantail Rhipidura dryas East Point, Mary River Park, Marrakai track Grey Fantail Rhipidura albiscapa Fergusson River Northern Fantail Rhipidura rufiventris East Point, Yellow Water, Burrungui, Mary River Park Willie Wagtail Rhipidura leucophrys Everywhere, every day Torresian Crow Corvus orru Everywhere, every day Broad-billed Flycatcher Myiagra ruficollis South Alligator River, Mary River, Marrakai track, Charles Darwin National Park Leaden Flycatcher Myiagra rubecula Fergusson River, Adelaide River bridge Shining Flycatcher Myiagra alecto East Point, Yellow Water, Burrunggui, Mary River Paperbark Flycatcher Myiagra nana Most places, most days Magpie-lark Grallina cyanoleuca Everywhere, every day Apostlebird Struthidea cinerea Katherine Jacky Winter Microeca fascinans Flemington Yards sign Vic Hwy Lemon-bellied Fly-robin Microeca flavigaster East Point, Rapid Creek, Anbangbang, Manngarre, Marrakai track, Fogg Dam, Charles Darwin National Park Hooded Robin Melanodryas cucullata 2 Dingo Springs Creek, pair Buff-sided Robin Poecilodryas cerviniventris Dingo Springs Creek and Margaret River Horsfield's Bushlark Mirafra javanica Marrakai track Rufous Songlark Cincloramphus mathewsi Marrakai track Fairy Martin Petrochelidon ariel Katherine Tree Martin Petrochelidon nigricans East Point, Pine Creek, Fogg Dam Mistletoebird Dicaeum hirundinaceum Most places, most days Double-barred Finch Taeniopygia bichenovii Rapid Creek, Fergusson River, Vic River, Policeman's Point, Dingo Springs, Edith Falls road, Mamukala Long-tailed Finch Poephila acuticauda Most places, most days Masked Finch Poephila personata Most places, most days Crimson Finch Neochmia phaeton Fergusson River, Timber Creek Airfield, Dingo Springs, Edith Falls road, Ubirr, Mamukala, Fogg Dam Gouldian Finch Erythrura gouldiae Fergusson River, adult male red and black morphs, about 5 birds, Timber Creek Escarpment Lookout, Edith Falls road-dozens, Marrakai track- 100+ Yellow-rumped Mannikin Lonchura flaviprymna 40+ Victoria River Roadhouse, Timber Creek Escarpment walk, Dingo Springs Chestnut-breasted Mannikin Lonchura castaneothorax Dingo Springs Creek Butterflies Mammals Euro Macropus robustus Escarpment Lookout Timber Creek Wilkin's Rock Wallaby Petrogale brachyotis Ubirr Horse Equus caballus Yellow Water Pig Sus scofa Anbangbang Reptiles Estuarine Crocodile Crocodylus porosus Yellow Water, Mary River Gilbert’s Dragon Lophognathus gilbert Rapid Creek |
Kakadu Nature's Way tour July 20-24. Guests Mike and Nancy from the US, Mike and Helen from the UK and Maggie from Tasmania. Meet and greet at the Seafood on Cullen Bay on Sunday night. Whistling Kite harassing Wedge-tailed Eagle (photo copyright Mike Samuel)
 Day 1 6am pick up from Darwin and bush breakfast on the Marrakai track. Black-tailed Treecreepers, Little Woodswallows and Red-winged Parrots. Raptors on the floodplain included Nankeen Kestrel, three Wedge-tailed Eagles and a Little Eagle. later we had great views of a Spotted Harrier. Quite a variety of birds at the lunch spot on the Margaret River. We continued on to the Mary river Wilderness Retreat and did the Bamboo Walk. Here we saw Arafura Fantail and many other species. Dinner at the resort restaurant. Bush breakfast on the Marrakai track, 'Kakadu Nature's Way' tour (photo copyright Mike Samuel)
 Day 2 Bush breakfast at Mamukala. Grey-crowned Babblers building a nest neart the carpark. Blue-faced Honeyeater chasing off a Torresian Crow. Then we did the loop walk down to the wetlands and saw a fully coloured Red-backed Fairywren, Sacred and Forest Kingfishers, Masked, Long-tailed, Crimson and Double-barred Finches. At the hide several Comb-crested Jacanas had chicks. We then went to Ubirr and had a picnic lunch near Manngarre. Rose-crowned Fruit-Doves chased each other amorously through the folaige of the ficus next to the picnic. On the Manngarre walk we saw large Estuarine Crocodiles jostling with each other for position with the incoming tide. We viewed the rock art at Ubirr and then went to the Bardedjildji Sandstone Walk. Found a Chestnut-quilled Rock -Pigeon at the last leg of the walk. Returned to Jabiru and had dinner at Aurora. (photo copyright Mike Jarvis)
 Day 3 Bush breakfast at Anbangbang, light was magic, great for photography, water birds were there in good numbers and variety. From there we went to Burrunggui and did the circuit walk. Heard White-lined Honeyeater but didn't see it. We had good views Sandstone Helmeted Friarbird and Red-winged Parrot. Rock art, habitation areas and natural features were enjoyed by all. Picnic lunch at Mardugal, great views of Blue-winged Kookaburra and Northern Fantail. From there we went to the Waradjan Cultural centre and spent some time learning more about Aboriginal culture and history of the area and checked out the souvenir shop as well. We joined the 4.30pm sunset cruise on Yellow Water. Saw biggest mobs of birds, many crocs including Max the boss. Black-necked Stork, Nankeen Night Heron and great, close-up views of an Azure Kingfisher. There were alot of Comb-crested Jacanas including one with very small chicks. White-breasted Sea-eagles were on teh nest. Saw a Swamp Harrier. Dinner at Aurora. Bush breakfast at Anbangbang Billabong, 'Kakadu Nature's Way' tour (photo copyright Mike Jarvis)
 Day 4 Bush breakfast at the South Alligator River. We walked along the river, observed flood debris 9-10 metres up some trees, saw numerous animal tracks. Galahs, Forest Kingfisher pair, Green Oriole family, male Mistlebird. Had a coffee break at Harriot Creek and saw Red-collared Lorikeets (at nest hollow) and Silver-backed Butcherbird. Lunch at Copperfield Dam, Cockatiels flying in for a quick drink drink, Galahs, interesting behavior as pair fed in the long grass and flew up to a nearby branch and commenced allopreening. Black Kite waded into the water and bathed. Nymphoides indica (lily) growing on the water's edge. At the Edith Fall's Road site we saw juvenile and female Gouldians, Masked, Long-tailed, Double-barred and Crimson Finches. Paperbark Flycatcher and Rainbow Bee-eaters. There were several Archer Fish. At Pine Creek we saw Grey-crowned Babblers, Blue-faced Honeyeaters, Little Friarbirds, Crested Pigeon and Hooded Parrots. Checked in at the Pine Creek Hotel and had dinner at the Lazy Lizard. (photo copyright Mike Jarvis)
 Day 5 Breakfast at Fergusson River with Gouldian's coming down to drink intermittently from about 8am on. Eventually a male Red-headed Gouldian showed as well as Northern Rosella and many other species. We returned to Pine Creek to check out and watched the Great Bowerbird put on a performance near his bower in the campground. We had lunch at a disused dam just off Stuart Highway and watched a Royal and a Yellow-billed Spoonbill work the edges of the dam together. From there we went to Fogg Dam, saw and photographed a good many waterbirds from the vehicle as we slowly made our way between the floodplain and the dam. We did about half of the monsoon forest walk in the hopes of seeing a Rainbow Pitta until Nancy spotted one! We watched it for about ten minutes until it disappeared from view. We had a brief stop at the magnetic termite mounds at Lampbell’s Lagoon and returned to Darwin.
Total of 107 bird species seen.
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Sightings Day 1: Monday, 20 July 2015 Location: Marrakai Track Diamond Dove Geopelia cuneata Peaceful Dove Geopelia striata Bar-shouldered Dove Geopelia humeralis Little Pied Cormorant Microcarbo melanoleucos Intermediate Egret Ardea intermedia Great Egret Ardea alba Straw-necked Ibis Threskiornis spinicollis Pacific Baza Aviceda subcristata White-bellied Sea-Eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster Whistling Kite Haliastur sphenurus Black Kite Milvus migrans Collared Sparrowhawk Accipiter cirrocephalus Spotted Harrier Circus assimilis Wedge-tailed Eagle Aquila audax Little Eagle Hieraaetus morphnoides Nankeen Kestrel Falco cenchroides Brown Falcon Falco berigora White-winged Black Tern Chlidonias leucopterus Sulphur-crested Cockatoo Cacatua galerita Red-winged Parrot Aprosmictus erythropterus Pheasant Coucal Centropus phasianinus Forest Kingfisher Todiramphus macleayii Red-backed Kingfisher Todiramphus pyrrhopygius Rainbow Bee-eater Merops ornatus Black-tailed Treecreeper Climacteris melanura Weebill Smicrornis brevirostris Striated Pardalote Pardalotus striatus Dusky Honeyeater Myzomela obscura Banded Honeyeater Cissomela pectoralis Brown Honeyeater Lichmera indistincta Varied Sittella Daphoenositta chrysoptera Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike Coracina novaehollandiae White-bellied Cuckoo-shrike Coracina papuensis Rufous Whistler Pachycephala rufiventris Little Woodswallow Artamus minor Arafura Fantail Rhipidura dryas Willie Wagtail Rhipidura leucophrys Torresian Crow Corvus orru Shining Flycatcher Myiagra alecto Rufous Songlark Cincloramphus mathewsi Fairy Martin Petrochelidon ariel Tree Martin Petrochelidon nigricans Mistletoebird Dicaeum hirundinaceum Masked Finch Poephila personata Mammals ( 2 ) Agile Wallaby Macropus agilus Antilopine Wallaroo Macropus antilopinus Location: Mary River Park Diamond Dove Geopelia cuneata Peaceful Dove Geopelia striata Bar-shouldered Dove Geopelia humeralis White-bellied Sea-Eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster White-winged Black Tern Chlidonias leucopterus Sulphur-crested Cockatoo Cacatua galerita Red-collared Lorikeet Trichoglossus rubritorquis Rainbow Bee-eater Merops ornatus White-gaped Honeyeater Lichenostomus unicolor Dusky Honeyeater Myzomela obscura Little Friarbird Philemon citreogularis White-bellied Cuckoo-shrike Coracina papuensis Varied Triller Lalage leucomela Spangled Drongo Dicrurus bracteatus Arafura Fantail Rhipidura dryas Northern Fantail Rhipidura rufiventris Leaden Flycatcher Myiagra rubecula Paperbark Flycatcher Myiagra nana Double-barred Finch Taeniopygia bichenovii Day 2: Tuesday, 21 July 2015 Location: Kakadu, Mamukala Brown Quail Coturnix ypsilophora Magpie Goose Anseranas semipalmata Plumed Whistling-Duck Dendrocygna eytoni Wandering Whistling-Duck Dendrocygna arcuata Green Pygmy-goose Nettapus pulchellus Pacific Black Duck Anas superciliosa Peaceful Dove Geopelia striata Bar-shouldered Dove Geopelia humeralis Intermediate Egret Ardea intermedia Pied Heron Egretta picata Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus Australian White Ibis Threskiornis molucca Straw-necked Ibis Threskiornis spinicollis Whistling Kite Haliastur sphenurus Black Kite Milvus migrans Purple Swamphen Porphyrio porphyrio Masked Lapwing Vanellus miles Comb-crested Jacana Irediparra gallinacea Australian Pratincole Stiltia isabella Gull-billed Tern Gelochelidon nilotica Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybrida White-winged Black Tern Chlidonias leucopterus Little Corella Cacatua sanguinea Pheasant Coucal Centropus phasianinus Little Bronze-Cuckoo Chalcites minutillus Sacred Kingfisher Todiramphus sanctus Rainbow Bee-eater Merops ornatus Red-backed Fairy-wren Malurus melanocephalus White-gaped Honeyeater Lichenostomus unicolor Bar-breasted Honeyeater Ramsayornis fasciatus Rufous-banded Honeyeater Conopophila albogularis Dusky Honeyeater Myzomela obscura White-throated Honeyeater Melithreptus albogularis Blue-faced Honeyeater Entomyzon cyanotis Grey-crowned Babbler Pomatostomus temporalis White-bellied Cuckoo-shrike Coracina papuensis Rufous Whistler Pachycephala rufiventris Willie Wagtail Rhipidura leucophrys Leaden Flycatcher Myiagra rubecula Lemon-bellied Flycatcher Microeca flavigaster Golden-headed Cisticola Cisticola exilis Mistletoebird Dicaeum hirundinaceum Double-barred Finch Taeniopygia bichenovii Long-tailed Finch Poephila acuticauda Masked Finch Poephila personata Crimson Finch Neochmia phaeton Location: Kakadu, Manggarre Monsoon Forest Walk Rose-crowned Fruit-Dove Ptilinopus regina Striated Heron Butorides striata Whistling Kite Haliastur sphenurus Little Corella Cacatua sanguinea Varied Triller Lalage leucomela Australasian Figbird Sphecotheres vieilloti Butterflies Common Crow Euploea core Reptiles Estuarine Crocodile Crocodylus porosus Location: Kakadu, Bardedjilidji Sandstone Walk Chestnut-quilled Rock-Pigeon Petrophassa rufipennis Day 3: Wednesday, 22 July 2015 Location: Kakadu, Anbangbang Magpie Goose Anseranas semipalmata Plumed Whistling-Duck Dendrocygna eytoni Wandering Whistling-Duck Dendrocygna arcuata Radjah Shelduck Tadorna radjah Green Pygmy-goose Nettapus pulchellus Pacific Black Duck Anas superciliosa Australasian Darter Anhinga novaehollandiae Little Pied Cormorant Microcarbo melanoleucos White-necked Heron Ardea pacifica Intermediate Egret Ardea intermedia Australian White Ibis Threskiornis molucca Straw-necked Ibis Threskiornis spinicollis Eurasian Coot Fulica atra Masked Lapwing Vanellus miles Comb-crested Jacana Irediparra gallinacea Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybrida Sulphur-crested Cockatoo Cacatua galerita Forest Kingfisher Todiramphus macleayii Magpie-lark Grallina cyanoleuca Lemon-bellied Flycatcher Microeca flavigaster Magpie Goose Anseranas semipalmata Plumed Whistling-Duck Dendrocygna eytoni Wandering Whistling-Duck Dendrocygna arcuata Radjah Shelduck Tadorna radjah Green Pygmy-goose Nettapus pulchellus Pacific Black Duck Anas superciliosa Australasian Darter Anhinga novaehollandiae Little Pied Cormorant Microcarbo melanoleucos White-necked Heron Ardea pacifica Intermediate Egret Ardea intermedia Australian White Ibis Threskiornis molucca Straw-necked Ibis Threskiornis spinicollis Eurasian Coot Fulica atra Masked Lapwing Vanellus miles Comb-crested Jacana Irediparra gallinacea Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybrida Sulphur-crested Cockatoo Cacatua galerita Location: Kakadu, Anbangbang Forest Kingfisher Todiramphus macleayii Magpie-lark Grallina cyanoleuca Lemon-bellied Flycatcher Microeca flavigaster Location: Kakadu, Burrunggui Dusky Honeyeater Myzomela obscura Helmeted Friarbird Philemon buceroides White-bellied Cuckoo-shrike Coracina papuensis Rufous Whistler Pachycephala rufiventris Leaden Flycatcher Myiagra rubecula Mistletoebird Dicaeum hirundinaceum Day 4: Thursday, 23 July 2015 Location: Kakadu Highway, Sth Al River, Peaceful Dove Geopelia striata Bar-shouldered Dove Geopelia humeralis Australian White Ibis Threskiornis molucca Brown Goshawk Accipiter fasciatus White-winged Black Tern Chlidonias leucopterus Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo Calyptorhynchus banksii Galah Eolophus roseicapillus Sulphur-crested Cockatoo Cacatua galerita Red-collared Lorikeet Trichoglossus rubritorquis Red-winged Parrot Aprosmictus erythropterus Forest Kingfisher Todiramphus macleayii Rainbow Bee-eater Merops ornatus Great Bowerbird Ptilonorhynchus nuchalis White-gaped Honeyeater Lichenostomus unicolor Rufous-banded Honeyeater Conopophila albogularis Rufous-throated Honeyeater Conopophila rufogularis Dusky Honeyeater Myzomela obscura White-throated Honeyeater Melithreptus albogularis Yellow Oriole Oriolus flavocinctus Spangled Drongo Dicrurus bracteatus Torresian Crow Corvus orru Broad-billed Flycatcher Myiagra ruficollis Lemon-bellied Flycatcher Microeca flavigaster Golden-headed Cisticola Cisticola exilis Mistletoebird Dicaeum hirundinaceum Double-barred Finch Taeniopygia bichenovii Crimson Finch Neochmia phaeton Location: Harriot Creek Whistling Kite Haliastur sphenurus Galah Eolophus roseicapillus Sulphur-crested Cockatoo Cacatua galerita Red-collared Lorikeet Trichoglossus rubritorquis Brown Honeyeater Lichmera indistincta Silver-backed Butcherbird Cracticus argenteus Location: Copperfield Dam Green Pygmy-goose Nettapus pulchellus Peaceful Dove Geopelia striata Bar-shouldered Dove Geopelia humeralis Australasian Darter Anhinga novaehollandiae Great Egret Ardea alba Whistling Kite Haliastur sphenurus Black Kite Milvus migrans Galah Eolophus roseicapillus Cockatiel Nymphicus hollandicus Rainbow Bee-eater Merops ornatus Brown Honeyeater Lichmera indistincta Rufous Whistler Pachycephala rufiventris Willie Wagtail Rhipidura leucophrys Location: Edith Falls Road White-necked Heron Ardea pacifica White-winged Black Tern Chlidonias leucopterus Rainbow Bee-eater Merops ornatus Varied Sittella Daphoenositta chrysoptera Little Woodswallow Artamus minor Paperbark Flycatcher Myiagra nana Masked Finch Poephila personata Crimson Finch Neochmia phaeton Gouldian Finch Erythrura gouldiae Location: Pine Creek Crested Pigeon Ocyphaps lophotes Red-collared Lorikeet Trichoglossus rubritorquis Hooded Parrot Psephotus dissimilis Blue-faced Honeyeater Entomyzon cyanotis Little Friarbird Philemon citreogularis Grey-crowned Babbler Pomatostomus temporalis White-breasted Woodswallow Artamus leucorynchus Magpie-lark Grallina cyanoleuca Day 5: Friday, 24 July 2015 Location: Ferguson River Bar-shouldered Dove Geopelia humeralis Sulphur-crested Cockatoo Cacatua galerita Cockatiel Nymphicus hollandicus Varied Lorikeet Psitteuteles versicolor Northern Rosella Platycercus venustus Striated Pardalote Pardalotus striatus White-gaped Honeyeater Lichenostomus unicolor Rufous-throated Honeyeater Conopophila rufogularis White-throated Honeyeater Melithreptus albogularis Pied Butcherbird Cracticus nigrogularis Grey Fantail Rhipidura albiscapa Masked Finch Poephila personata Gouldian Finch Erythrura gouldiae Location: Bridge Creek Australasian Grebe Tachybaptus novaehollandiae Australasian Darter Anhinga novaehollandiae Great Egret Ardea alba Little Egret Egretta garzetta Royal Spoonbill Platalea regia Yellow-billed Spoonbill Platalea flavipes Brown Honeyeater Lichmera indistincta Paperbark Flycatcher Myiagra nana Location: Fogg Dam Orange-footed Scrubfowl Megapodius reinwardt Magpie Goose Anseranas semipalmata Wandering Whistling-Duck Dendrocygna arcuata Radjah Shelduck Tadorna radjah Green Pygmy-goose Nettapus pulchellus Pacific Black Duck Anas superciliosa Black-necked Stork Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus Intermediate Egret Ardea intermedia Great Egret Ardea alba Cattle Egret Ardea ibis Pied Heron Egretta picata Little Egret Egretta garzetta Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus Australian White Ibis Threskiornis molucca Straw-necked Ibis Threskiornis spinicollis Royal Spoonbill Platalea regia White-bellied Sea-Eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster Whistling Kite Haliastur sphenurus Swamp Harrier Circus approximans Brown Falcon Falco berigora Brolga Grus rubicunda Masked Lapwing Vanellus miles Comb-crested Jacana Irediparra gallinacea Australian Pratincole Stiltia isabella Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybrida Forest Kingfisher Todiramphus macleayii Rainbow Pitta Pitta iris Grey Whistler Pachycephala simplex Willie Wagtail Rhipidura leucophrys Shining Flycatcher Myiagra alecto Magpie-lark Grallina cyanoleuca |
Trip Report – Best of Top End Birding, July 1-8, 2015PRE-TOUR DINNER - Meet and greet DAY 1 - DARWIN to PINE CREEK 6.30am Pick up from Palm City Resort - Bush Breakfast at Dudley Point (East Point). Bush Breakfast Dudley Point, start of the 'Best of Top End Birding' tour (photo copyright Mike Jarvis)
 We started off exploring East Point monsson forest, rocky coast line and mangrove boardwalk. Broad-billed Flycatcher at East Point (photo copyright Alan Kydd)
 We had a picnic lunch at Rapid Creek after exporing and finding Long-tailed Finches, Striated Pardalotes and various mangrove species. From there we headed down to Pine Creek. Dinner at Lazy Lizard, Railway Resort no longer open for dinner. Accommodation at Pine Creek Hotel and Lazy Lizard Highlights – Rainbow Pitta and Mistletoebird at East Point, a juvenile Rose-crowned Fruit-Dove at the rocks, Broad-billed Flycatcher at the mangroves, Tawny Frogmouth, White-throated Honeyeater, Rufous-banded Honeyeater, and Long-tailed Finch at Rapid Creek, Red-backed Kingfisher, Great Bowerbird, Blue-faced Honeyeater and Great Bowerbird, and bower, at Pine Creek. DAY 2 - PINE CREEK to KATHERINE - breakfast with Gouldian Finches! Breakfast at a vantage point overlooking a waterhole, watching Gouldian Finches and others coming in to drink. Birding around Katherine and Nitmiluk. Dinner at Regent Court, Chinese Restaurant and accommodation at the Beagle Inn and Knott’s Crossing campground, Katherine. Highlights – Breakfast with Gouldians at Edith Falls waterhole, Crimson Finches, Striated Pardalotes (nesting), Collared Sparrowhawk also. Pheasant Coucal at Katherine Town Centre. DAY 3 - KATHERINE to TIMBER CREEK - real outback country! Bush breakfast at a creek off Victoria Highway, explored some great birding locations between Katherine and Timber Creek. Bird call, dinner and accommodation at Wirib Tourism Park, Timber Creek. Highlights – Breakfast at Chainman Creek, on the old highway, Andrew fell down a hole, guests led the vehicle through long grass back to the highway. Silver-crowned Friarbird. Flemington Yards saw Black-tailed Treecreeper, Varied Sittella and Cockatiel. Lunch at Victoria River Roadhouse, saw Black-fronted Dotterel. Star Finches, Rufous-throated Honeyeater at Policeman’s Point. Memorable dinner at Timber Creek Hotel. DAY 4 - TIMBER CREEK to KATHERINE July 2015 'Best of Top End Birding' group at Policemans Point (photo copyright Mike Jarvis)
 We had a bush breakfast at Policeman's Point, four kilometres from Timber Creek, where Buff-sided Robin was seen Next we headed back towards Katherine along the Victoria Highway, stopping at more good birding locations along the way. Bird call, dinner and accommodation at Katherine. Highlights – Breakfast at Policeman’s Point, Buff-sided Robin. Sandstone Shrike-thrush and Grey-fronted Honeyeater on the escarpment. Bar-breasted and Banded Honeyeaters in Timber Creek. Lunch at the Vic River access. Crackers and dip at Chinaman’s Creek. Dinner at the Regent Chinese Restaurant. DAY 5 - KATHERINE to KAKADU Guests on the July 2015 Best of Top End Birding tour, crossing the bridge at Yurmikmik, Kakadu (photo copyright Mike Jarvis)
 We left early for Pine Creek and had good views of Hooded Parrots and Cockatiels. Continued on to Kakadu, explored the Yumikmik walk at Boulder Creek and then Warradjan Cultural Centre and Yellow Water Cruise. Yellow Water cruise (photo copyright Mike Jarvis)
Accommodation - Anbinik Kakadu Resort Highlights – Quick breakfast at Pine Creek oval, saw a couple of Hooded Parrots flying over and then drove around Pine Creek and had several more good sightings. Saw Cockatiels at the Water Garden. Green ant medicinal remedy served for Gerrie and sampled by all. Stopped at Harriot Creek and saw the Silver-backed Butcherbird and Yellow-throated Miner. Lunch was at Yurmikmik and we walked Boulder Creek. Enjoyed the Warradjan Cultural Centre and souvenir shop (and ice-creams). Continued on to do the Yellow Water cruise. This was the highlight of the day. Pleasant dinner at Aurora Lodge, Jabiru. Accommodation at Anbinik. Cockatiels at Pine Creek (photo copyright Alan Kydd)
DAY 6 - EXPLORE KAKADU Bush breakfast at Anbangbang Billabong and then explored Burrunggui, whee we saw Rainbow Pitta and Black Wallaroo. On to Ubirr, more rock art, crocodiles and endemic birds. Accommodation - Anbinik Kakadu Resort Highlights – Breakfast at Anbangbang Billabong, first Pacific Black Duck, did the Burrunggui walk, great views of a Rainbow Pitta near the Anbangbang Gallery. Good view of a Sandstone Helmeted Friarbird and Silver-crowned Friarbird together. A female Black Wallaroo with joey came into view while we were sitting at an observation point near Gunwarrddewardde lookout. Rock art enjoyed by all. Lunch at Jabiru Lake and then off to Ubirr. Climbed the Nadab lookout with great views of the Nadab Floodplain and saw a Black-shouldered Kite. Also saw a Black-necked Stork positioned like a statue on top of the escarpment. Stopped briefly at Cahill’s Crossing and saw a big croc. Did the Bardedjilidji Sandstone Walk and saw Chesnut-quilled Rock-Pigeon. Dinner at the Crocodile Inn and bird call back at the Anbinik. Female Black Wallaroo with joey, at Burrunggui, Kakadu. The male of the species is larger, very powerfully built, and black. They are only found in the Arnhem Land Escarpment. (photo copyright Alan Kydd)
DAY 7 - JABIRU to MARY RIVER We checked out early and head down to Mamukala wetlands for a bush breakfast, did the walk and then viewed waterbirds from the hide. Then we continued on to the Mary River area, have a picnic lunch at Mary River billabong and then on to Mary River Wilderness Retreat. Dinner and accommodation at Mary River Wilderness Retreat. Highlights – Breakfast at Mamukala and then the walk. Hundreds of Purple Swamphens and Hardheads. Great views of at least three Horsfield’s Cuckoo. Baby Comb-crested Jacana and Brown Quail. Long-tailed Finches building a nest on the ground in the grass. South Alligator River, fiddler crabs, mud skippers and Estuarine Crocs going with the flow with the rapid incoming tide. Lunch at Mary River Wilderness Retreat. Bamboo Walk was very birdy, nice views of Arafuru Fantail and a very showy immature Paperbark Flycatcher. Dinner at Mary River Wilderness Retreat. DAY 8 - MARY RIVER to DARWIN Bush breakfast at a lookout on the Marrakai track and then we spent the rest of the morning exploring savannah woodland country along the track. Continued on to Fogg Dam and made a last stop at Fisherman's Wharf in Darwin before returning to Palm City Resort. Highlights – Breakfast at lookout on Marrakai track. Coloured up male Red-backed Fairy-wren, White-throated Gerygone, male red-headed Gouldian Finch and Red-winged Parrots and Northern Rosellas. Raptors on the floodplain including Wedge-tailed Eagle, Black-breasted Buzzard, Nankeen Kestrel and Brown Falcons. Buff-sided Robin, Arafura Fantail and Little-bronze Cuckoo at Margaret River. Lunch at the Purple Mango. Fogg Dam was looking great with an abundance of water birds. Our last stop before returning to Palms City Resort was Fisherman’s Wharf, where we saw an Eastern Curlew and a Beach Stone-curlew! A total of 155 bird species were seen over the eight days. Most of the photos uploaded here were generously shared by Alan Kydd and all are from this tour. Thanks Alan! |
SightingsOrange-footed Scrubfowl Megapodius reinwardt
Lesser Wanderer butterfly (photo copyright Alan Kydd)
Merton's Water Monitor at the Yellow Water Cruise dock (photo copyright Alan Kydd)
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Trip Report – Chestnut Rail Expedition, 29 May 2015Our search for the elusive Chestnut Rail begins with a 6am hotel pick-up and a short drive down to the dock at Stokes Hill Wharf. By 6.30 we were boarded on the ‘Snubfin’ and ready to go. Chestnut Rail Expedition, first light (photo copyright Sea Darwin)
The passengers were a mix of local and visiting birders and tour industry people. Jim Smith, owner and operator of Sea Darwin, skippered and guided while I pointed out various bird species and provided some additional information about some of the species we were seeing. Being on the water at sunrise is an incredibly peaceful way to start the day and all on board were able to absorb that to the full as we cruised slowly along, searching the banks for our main target and any other species we could come across. Our first bird sighting, called by Jim from the helm, was a Striated Heron perched in typical hunting pose on the mooring line of a classic sailing vessel, with golden glow of sunrise illuminating its profile. Chestnut Rail Expedition (photo copyright Sea Darwin)
There were plenty of bird calls coming out of the mangroves but we didn’t hear the raucous ‘waark waark waark’ of the Chestnut Rail. Collared Kingfishers were the noisiest. There were big numbers of Australasian Figbird, Little Friarbird and some Helmeted Friarbirds. We saw a group of Pied Imperial-pigeons take off from their night roost in the mangroves and head for their day’s feeding in the city area. This is part of the resident population that have chosen Darwin as their home while the vast majority of their species return to New Guinea and Indonesia for the dry season. Jim steered the Snubfin through some stands of mangroves away from the main channel and brought us up to Sadgroves Creek, where we had views of mudbanks all around. We waited quietly for a while, searching the banks and listening for calls…. no Chestnut Rail… then it was time to leave and we cruised back along the channel, and on the last section of mudbank there was a Rail! It ignored the boat and foraged along the bank in the open, giving everyone on board good views. Chestnut Rail in Darwin Harbour (photo copyright Sea Darwin)
After this delightful start to the morning I took my guest, Margaret, to East Point where our target was the Rainbow Pitta. We proceeded along the monsoon forest walk and within a minute or so there was a very obliging Pitta, affording us great views as it hopped in the understorey, searching the leaf litter for food. From there we went to East Point Rocks and had a great view of a Beach Stone-curlew. Rainbow Pitta at East Point (photo copyright Marie Holding)
Next we walked the mangrove boardwalk and had a coffee on the landing at the end. The Apple Mangrove was flowering and Little and Helmeted Friarbirds were very noisy in their efforts to make the most of it. Margaret had great views of Red-headed Honeyeater and Broad-billed Flycatcher. Red-headed Honeyeater (photo copyright Marie Holding)
Our last stop for the morning was Rapid Creek, where the target was Long-tailed Finch. We saw them as well as Masked and Double-barred Finches, Striated Pardalotes and Rainbow Bee-eaters, all in the same tree, finches coming down to feed on the ground. Long-tailed Finch (Poephila acuticauda) - moderately common and widespread resident, woodlands, edge of wetlands and floodplains, parks and gardens. Taken at Rapid Creek (photo copyright Kay Parkin)
Local birder, John Rawesthorne’s take on the Chestnut Rail Expedition… I tagged along on the Chestnut Rail boat tour this morning. Very easy going and friendly mob, the Sea Darwin crew along with Mike Jarvis – clearly they enjoy what they do. Anyway, we pottered about in Sadgroves Ck for an hour or so, seeing nary a Rail, but a nice suite of other birds. As we headed back to Stokes Hill Wharf through the moored yachts near Dinah Beach, quite literally on the very last square metre of mud we had left to look at (on the mangrove corner opposite Dinah Beach boat ramp, for those more familiar) there was a rail! Walking around out in the open foraging. Doing rail stuff. Except the “run away” bit – it didn’t run away, which was nice. (I suppose another way to look at it was that this was also the very first square metre of mud we looked at on the way in, so we could have just sat there for the morning and saved fuel…) JR |
SightingsDate:Friday, 29 May 2015Location: Darwin Harbour
Location: East Point Reserve
Location: East Point Mangrove Boardwalk
Mammals ( 1 )
Location: Rapid Creek
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Trip Report – Woodland and Wetland Experience, 25-26 May 2015We started out from Darwin at 6.00 am to get to the Marrakai Road as early as possible.
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SightingsDate:Monday, 25 May 2015Location: Marrakai Track Location: Mary River Park Date: Tuesday, 26 May 2015 Location: Mary River Billabong Location: Bird Billabong Waxbills and Allies Estrildidae Mammals ( 3 ) Reptiles ( 1 ) Location: Corroboree Wetlands Ibises and Spoonbills Threskiornithidae Reptiles ( 1 ) Location: Fogg Dam Butterflies ( 1 ) Reptiles ( 2 ) |
Trip Report – Gouldians on the Marrakai, 22 May 2015Notes: with Jenny and John, Sue and Ben from Sydney, one day private charter We started out from Darwin at 6.00am and drove straight out to the Adelaide River area. First light was at Beatrice Lagoons, but we didn't stop as we wanted to get as good a chance as possible to see our main target - Gouldian Finch!
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SightingsDate:Friday, 22 May 2015Location: Marrakai Track
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Private Charter with Alan and Linda from the UK
Bush Breakfast on the Marrakai in the wet season (photo copyright Mike Jarvis)
 Tuesday 24th February, 2015 - After a 7am pick up we made our first stop at East Point. The main target here was the Rainbow Pitta. We had glimpses but not great views. We walked through to the grassy break and saw Mistletoebirds feeding in an Amyema Mistletoe in a Milkwood Tree. Green-backed Gerygones obliged with some curious responses to our pishing efforts. Agile Wallabies seemed to be watching our every move. Next we went to the East Point rocks area where Alan was happy to see some old friends eg Ruddy Turnstone, Whimbrel etc. even though the tide was a bit too high for ideal wader conditions. There was also one Terek Sandpiper. At the nearby access track to the mangrove boardwalk we saw another Rainbow Pitta and Brown (Grey) Whistlers. We had a cup of coffee at Lake Alexander and a friendly Little Friarbird checked was doing some ‘people watching’. From there we went to the Rapid Creek and saw a good range of finches including Double-barred, Long-tailed, Masked and Chestnut-breasted Mannikin. Next we travelled out to Fogg Dam and had lunch. Water birds were not in big numbers due to the seasonal dispersal which takes place at this stage of the wet season. Paperbark Flycatchers were there as usual plus Comb-crested Jacana and Horsfield’s Bushlark. We looked for Mangrove Golden Whistlers at Adelaide River bridge, and with them calling strongly we had brief glimpses, until mosquitos got the better of us. Djukbinj National Park is looking lovely and green and we drove just past the Scott’s Creek crossing and back. We had great views of Red-winged Parrot and White-bellied Sea-eagle. There were 64 bird species for the day. Wednesday 25th February, 2015 – After a 6.00am pick-up in Darwin we headed out along Arnhem Highway. First we stopped at Corroboree Park and made our acquaintance with Brutus, the 4.5 metre Estuarine Crocodile. Next we headed down the Marrakai track and almost immediately had two or three Northern Rosellas in the bushes close to the road. Further down the track we pulled over and had breakfast. Here we heard Black-tailed Treecreepers but didn’t see any. On returning to Corroboree we had fish and chips for lunch in a typical Aussie outback pub. (Incident involving my vehicle and mud has been edited from the record to protect my reputation…) Driving back to Darwin along Arnhem Highway we saw a large, very dark Wedge-tailed Eagle feeding on some carrion. It flew up as we passed, always an awesome bird to see and not seen very often here at this time of the year. Within metres of this sighting a Channel-billed Cuckoo flew across in front of us and a few kilometres further on a Black Bittern crossed the road in front of us as we passed through paperbark forest habitat. We did the loop walk at Howard Springs and had a view of a Rainbow Pitta perched in Pandanus briefly. From there we went to the shoreline near Baffalo Creek and saw Beach Stone-curlew and various waders including Far Eastern Curlew. We saw a total of 85 bird species for the two days. Crimson Finches at Fogg Dam (photo copyright Mike Jarvis)
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SightingsDate: Tuesday, 24 February 2015Location: East Point Reserve Location: East Point Mangrove Boardwalk Butterflies Location: Rapid Creek Location: Fogg Dam Location: Adelaide River Bridge Location: Djukbinj National Park Location: Arnhem Highway Date: Wednesday, 25 February 2015 Location: Marrakai Track Mammals Location: Arnhem Highway Date: Thursday, 26 February 2015 Location: Howard Springs Location: Buffalo Creek |
