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This shot, from the overlook at Luke's Farm in Lamington National Park, shares just a tiny idea of the type of dramatic scenery that we experience on this tour. Oh, and we saw Peregrine Falcons sitting on the cliff here, too! Video by guide Tom Johnson.
Koala, cassowary, platypus, parrots, kangaroos, cockatoos - this tour had it all! We enjoyed fine weather and great company on this journey through Australia's Northern Territory and Queensland. Most of the group continued on to Tasmania (and we include Tasmania birds here in the annotated summary).
Our adventure started in the hot and sunny Top End of the Northern Territory, where we used Darwin as our base to visit the coast of East Point, the forests around Darwin River Dam, and the wetland oasis of Fogg Dam. Our daily adventures started early in the morning to beat the heat, and this helped us track down many highlights, including our first of many Magpie Geese, huge Beach Thick-knees, colorful Rose-crowned Fruit-Dove, and three species of Rainbow birds (Rainbow Pitta, Rainbow Lorikeet, and Rainbow Bee-eater).
Heading east, we ventured to Cairns and its rich intertidal zone. We enjoyed the riches of the shorebird life here with a great high-tide experience on the famous Esplanade. Great Knots, Curlew Sandpipers, Far Eastern Curlews, and even a Broad-billed Sandpiper crowded in to roost, affording us wonderful views of these Asian migrants. We made a morning visit to the rainforest north of Cairns and enjoyed a breakfast courtesy of Sue Gregory at Cassowary House, and a nearby walk afforded us views of a stunning adult Southern Cassowary with a chick strolling through the forest.
Chambers Wildlife Lodges in the Atherton Tableland served as our home for the next nights of the tour, allowing us access to the wonderfully rich, preserved forests of this unique area. In addition to the special birds like Bower's Shrikethrush, Golden Bowerbird, Chowchilla, and Fernwren, we had some great mammal experiences at the lodge at night. Honey smeared onto tree trunks serves as a sweet feeder for arboreal marsupials, and we had great looks at a beautiful Striped Possum splayed out on a tree as it gorged itself.
Moving to Outback Queensland, it felt like we were entering an oven -- hot and dry, with a dusty wind that made the afternoons a perfect time for a siesta. However, the early morning and evening hours were perfect for staking out water holes at a few dams in the Georgetown area. Parrots, honeyeaters, bustards, Apostlebirds, and more came to drink as we waited patiently along the banks, taking in the show. We had some tremendous views of Budgerigars and Cockatiels, fascinating in their natural, wild element, and also had great experiences with raptors such as Brown Falcon and Australian Hobby. We had several sightings of Tawny Frogmouths on day roosts. A few very exciting finches put in appearances -- a nervous flock of Pictorella Munias drank at Routh Creek, and a large group of nomadic Plum-headed Finches went to roost in waterside vegetation at Cumberland Dam.
Returning to Cairns on a long drive from the Outback, we flew to Brisbane, where we were whisked up into the mountains of Lamington National Park and the splendor of O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat. Here, we dined in style and occasionally had Regent Bowerbirds, Crimson Rosellas, and Australian King-Parrots land on us in search of food! On our first morning there, we enjoyed a rare Albert's Lyrebird singing and displaying near the lodge, and we tracked down a wild Koala "perched" at eye level in a hillside eucalypt. Australian Logrunners kicked leaves along the forest trails, and handsome, chunky male Satin Bowerbirds added blue flowers, straws, and bottle caps to their exquisite bowers. A night-birding outing here was good for great looks at a Marbled Frogmouth, and we also found a beautifully cryptic Southern Leaf-tailed Gecko crossing the road. As it climbed a tree, it paused amid the lichen-covered bark and completely vanished -- perfect camouflage!
The stay at O'Reilly's was superb, but before long it was time to head south for the Tasmania extension. Our short week in Tasmania took us to the mysterious mountains of the northwest, where we spent a few nights marveling at Tasmanian Devils and Spotted-tailed Quolls at Mountain Valley Lodge. We also headed to the island's capital of Hobart, where we enjoyed our comfortable hotel, a brisk breeze off the cool ocean (a straight shot from here to Antarctica), and the opportunity to round up the rest of the island's endemic birds -- we found all of them without a problem. The capstone in that effort was a journey to Bruny Island, where we saw very rare, restricted Forty-spotted Pardalotes, gorgeous Hooded Plovers, and flower-sipping Swift Parrots.
During our sharing of our "Top 3 Moments" at the final dinner, Southern Cassowary had the most votes for favorite bird of the tour. However, the spread was very wide in the voting, with many species and events represented. We take this as a sign of a diverse and successful tour!
John and I would like to thank you all for a fantastic time traveling across a large chunk of this impressive continent. It was an honor to share so much of the flora, fauna, and magical landscape with you. Special thanks go to Jun Matsui for his local natural history knowledge and careful driving in Queensland.
Good birding!
--Tom
KEYS FOR THIS LIST
One of the following keys may be shown in brackets for individual species as appropriate: * = heard only, I = introduced, E = endemic, N = nesting, a = austral migrant, b = boreal migrant
BIRDS
Casuariidae (Cassowaries)
SOUTHERN CASSOWARY (Casuarius casuarius) – Jun spotted an adult with a chick in a forest patch near Cassowary House. Seeing this massive bird was clearly one of the tour's many high points.
Anseranatidae (Magpie Goose)
MAGPIE GOOSE (Anseranas semipalmata) – These peculiar waterbirds were rather common in the Top End and in a few places on the Atherton Tableland.
Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl)
PLUMED WHISTLING-DUCK (Dendrocygna eytoni) – >1000 of these striking ducks were at Hasties Swamp, and we saw more elsewhere between the Atherton Tableland and Georgetown.
WANDERING WHISTLING-DUCK (Dendrocygna arcuata) – Roughly 100 were at Buffalo Creek on the tour's first birding outing. Then we saw smaller numbers at places like Fogg Dam, Knuckey Lagoon, Hasties Swamp, and Sandy Camp Road Wetlands in Brisbane.
A Spotted Harrier buzzed our bus during a scan of a crater on the Atherton Tableland. Photo by guide Tom Johnson.
AUSTRALIAN SHELDUCK (Tadorna tadornoides) – Tasmania. We saw a couple pairs near Deloraine on the way to Mountain Valley Lodge, and more on the drive to Hobart.
RADJAH SHELDUCK (Tadorna radjah) – Common in the Top End around Darwin; there were also a few at Centenary Lakes in Cairns.
GREEN PYGMY-GOOSE (Nettapus pulchellus) – We saw lots in the Top End at Fogg Dam and in the flooded pools along the Arnhem Highway; 10 were at Warruma Swamp in Queensland.
COTTON PYGMY-GOOSE (Nettapus coromandelianus) – Jun picked one out at Warruma Swamp in Queensland. This was our only sighting of the tour.
Flocks of wild Budgerigars (here) and Cockatiels wheeling through the air made our time in Outback Queensland extra special. Photo by guide Tom Johnson.
MALLARD (Anas platyrhynchos) – Tasmania. We saw a small flock of these familiar, introduced ducks near Deloraine. [I]
PACIFIC BLACK DUCK (Anas superciliosa) – Common at most freshwater wetlands visited during the tour.
AUSTRALIAN SHOVELER (Anas rhynchotis) – Tasmania. About 11 were on a roadside lake during our drive to Hobart.
GRAY TEAL (Anas gracilis) – Common in the north, especially in Queensland.
CHESTNUT TEAL (Anas castanea) – Tasmania. These small ducks were on ponds near Deloraine and elsewhere on Tasmania.
This Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoo sat at close range during a picnic lunch stop in Tasmania. Photo by guide Tom Johnson.
WHITE-EYED DUCK (Aythya australis) – These "Hardheads" are the native Aythya of Australia; we saw small numbers in many spots, but had >100 twice, once at Warruma Swamp and again on a roadside lake in Tasmania.
Megapodiidae (Megapodes)
AUSTRALIAN BRUSHTURKEY (Alectura lathami) – These large, quirky mound-builders were quite common in Queensland in forested habitats. In Cairns, we watched as one kicked a long (>50 feet) trail of leaves back toward its mound.
ORANGE-FOOTED SCRUBFOWL (Megapodius reinwardt) – We found these stocky megapodes around Darwin and also in forested areas of Queensland such as Centenary Lakes and Chambers Lodges.
Phasianidae (Pheasants, Grouse, and Allies)
BROWN QUAIL (Synoicus ypsilophorus) – One of these cryptic birds was at Fogg Dam; another seven were along the road near our platypus spot on the Atherton Tableland.
Podicipedidae (Grebes)
AUSTRALASIAN GREBE (Tachybaptus novaehollandiae) – Quite common on freshwater wetlands in the Top End and Queensland.
Yellow-throated Miners were among the many species of honeyeaters that showed up at dawn and dusk to drink at the dams we visited in Outback Queensland. Photo by guide Tom Johnson.
GREAT CRESTED GREBE (Podiceps cristatus) – We saw these large grebes a few times while driving, but our best looks were at Warruma Swamp.
Procellariidae (Shearwaters and Petrels)
SHORT-TAILED SHEARWATER (Ardenna tenuirostris) – Swarms of shearwaters at distance offshore of Adventure Bay, Bruny Island, Tasmania were surely this species (or at least mostly this species).
Ciconiidae (Storks)
BLACK-NECKED STORK (Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus) – One was at Fogg Dam; another two were in the ponds along the Arnhem Highway.
Sulidae (Boobies and Gannets)
AUSTRALASIAN GANNET (Morus serrator) – Tasmania. We had great views of one on the water during our ferry crossing to Bruny Island.
Phalacrocoracidae (Cormorants and Shags)
LITTLE BLACK CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax sulcirostris) – Common in the Top End; we also saw a few on the day we visited Bruny Island inTasmania.
GREAT CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax carbo) – Uncommon; we saw these at a few widely scattered locations, including one at Lake Barrine, eight at Warruma Swamp, and one that flew past along the river at Mountain Valley Lodge.
We had some fine experiences with Australia's birds-of-paradise on the tour. This male Victoria's Riflebird displayed from a vertical snag on the Atherton Tableland. Photo by guide Tom Johnson.
LITTLE PIED CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax melanoleucos) – These petite cormorants were at widely scattered locations in the Top End and in Queensland.
Anhingidae (Anhingas)
AUSTRALASIAN DARTER (Anhinga novaehollandiae) – We found these snakey waterbirds at wetlands in the Top End and in Queensland. They are in the same family as our Anhinga in the Americas.
Pelecanidae (Pelicans)
AUSTRALIAN PELICAN (Pelecanus conspicillatus) – These striking pelicans were at quite a few locations in the Top End and Queensland. Our best views were certainly at the high tide shorebird roost on the Cairns Esplanade.
Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns)
PACIFIC HERON (Ardea pacifica) – We found small numbers of these striking herons in Queensland. The views were especially good at Cumberland Dam.
GREAT EGRET (Ardea alba) – Common and widespread in the Top End and Queensland.
Massive Torresian Imperial-Pigeons dashed at eye level past our hotel in Cairns. Photo by guide Tom Johnson.
WHITE-FACED HERON (Egretta novaehollandiae) – These handsome herons were scattered along our route, often by themselves at the edges of ponds.
LITTLE EGRET (Egretta garzetta) – Common in the Top End and Queensland.
PACIFIC REEF-HERON (Egretta sacra) – We found two - one was at East Point, and the other was along the Cairns Esplanade.
PIED HERON (Egretta picata) – These striking herons were rather common in the Top End. We saw about 18 at Fogg Dam and 25 in the roadside pools on the Arnhem Highway.
CATTLE EGRET (Bubulcus ibis) – Most of ours were on the Atherton Tableland and in Outback Queensland.
STRIATED HERON (Butorides striata) – Two were at Nightcliff near Darwin.
RUFOUS NIGHT-HERON (Nycticorax caledonicus) – Several flushed from along the road at Fogg Dam, but we later had better views at Hasties Swamp and Routh Creek near Georgetown.
Threskiornithidae (Ibises and Spoonbills)
GLOSSY IBIS (Plegadis falcinellus) – Common in marshes in the Top End and Queensland. 60 were at Fogg Damn and 100 were along the Arnhem Highway.
This Tasmanian breeding endemic Swift Parrot was feasting at flowers on Bruny Island, Tasmania. Photo by guide Tom Johnson.
STRAW-NECKED IBIS (Threskiornis spinicollis) – Bizarre! We saw these strange ibis widely in the Top End and in Queensland.
ROYAL SPOONBILL (Platalea regia) – Fairly common in marshes in the north; we saw up to 19 at Cumberland Dam near Georgetown.
YELLOW-BILLED SPOONBILL (Platalea flavipes) – Three were at Hasties Swamp, and another was at Durham Dam near Georgetown.
Pandionidae (Osprey)
OSPREY (Pandion haliaetus) – Scattered sightings near water in the north; great views of an active nest at the Sandy Camp Rd. Wetlands in Brisbane.
Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)
This Southern Leaf-tailed Gecko melted away into a tree trunk with its near-perfect camouflage at Lamington NP. Photo by guide Tom Johnson.
PACIFIC BAZA (Aviceda subcristata) – Two of these beauties posed for us on our first two days near Darwin; we had to move the scope around a bit, but we all eventually managed views through the canopy foliage.
WEDGE-TAILED EAGLE (Aquila audax) – These huge, distinctive-looking raptors were soaring at a few locations in the north including Warruma Swamp. We also had a distant pair of the local Tasmanian subspecies when we birded Cradle Mountain National Park.
SWAMP HARRIER (Circus approximans) – Fairly common in Tasmania; we saw them at least four times.
SPOTTED HARRIER (Circus assimilis) – One circled at close range alongside the bus when we were at Bromfield Swamp in Queensland. This was a stunning view of a fairly colorful raptor!
GRAY GOSHAWK (Accipiter novaehollandiae) – Brief views in the north, including one at Luke's Farm in Lamington NP; we watched one at length in Tasmania (during the brief leech attack!), and another flew over at Mountain Valley Lodge. The birds on Tasmania were amazing white morphs, rather striking!
Rather common in its small island range, this Tasmanian Native-Hen was wandering around Adventure Bay at Bruny Island. Photo by guide Tom Johnson.
BLACK KITE (Milvus migrans) – Abundant and widespread in the Top End and Queensland. Our top single site count was around 300 at Fogg Dam.
WHISTLING KITE (Haliastur sphenurus) – Widespread, but not nearly as common as Black Kite in most places. Our top single site count was 18 at Fogg Dam.
BRAHMINY KITE (Haliastur indus) – A few drifted over us near Darwin, with good views at Buffalo Creek, Stokes Hill Wharf, and Fogg Dam.
WHITE-BELLIED SEA-EAGLE (Haliaeetus leucogaster) – We had a few distant sightings of this huge eagle up north, including a soaring youngster at Darwin River Dam and a perched adult at Lake Barrine.
Otididae (Bustards)
AUSTRALIAN BUSTARD (Ardeotis australis) – Stunning views near our motel in Georgetown. After an initial tease, we had one fantastic individual strutting around in the open, and then we found more pairs hiding in the shade of trees during the heat of the afternoon.
Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)
RED-NECKED CRAKE (Rallina tricolor) – One of these reclusive forest birds fed stealthily in a wet drip at Cassowary House in Queensland.
BUFF-BANDED RAIL (Gallirallus philippensis) – One crossed the road in front of us at Hasties Swamp.
WHITE-BROWED CRAKE (Porzana cinerea) – These diminutive rails performed admirably for us at Fogg Dam near Darwin. Typically quite reclusive, they walked across floating vegetation right in front of the elevated platform - great views!
Our breakfast on the veranda at Cassowary House allowed us great views of Spotted Catbirds. Photo by guide Tom Johnson.
AUSTRALASIAN SWAMPHEN (Porphyrio melanotus melanotus) – Fairly widespread - we had roughly 40 at Hasties Swamp for our top single site count.
DUSKY MOORHEN (Gallinula tenebrosa) – Eight were at the Sandy Camp Road wetlands in Brisbane.
TASMANIAN NATIVE-HEN (Tribonyx mortierii) – Rather common in Tasmania. We had some excellent views of these funny-looking rails at Adventure Bay on Bruny Island.
EURASIAN COOT (Fulica atra) – Common. 150 were at Warruma Swamp, and 200 were at one pond in Deloraine.
Gruidae (Cranes)
SARUS CRANE (Grus antigone) – After quite a search, we found 10 of these large cranes together in a field in the Atherton Tableland. The experience made an impression on Joan, who picked these birds as a favorite at the end of the tour.
Participant George Sims made this fine portrait of a Striated Pardalote at Mountain Valley Lodge in Tasmania.
Burhinidae (Thick-knees)
BUSH THICK-KNEE (Burhinus grallarius) – Common in the Top End and coastal Queensland. We were fortunate to watch a nesting pair up close at Centenary Lakes in Cairns.
BEACH THICK-KNEE (Esacus magnirostris) – After considerable effort around Darwin, we finally found a stunning pair of these huge waders on the beach at the mouth of the Rapid Creek Estuary. Their huge bills and eyes really add to the package to make this one bizarre (and beautiful) shorebird.
Recurvirostridae (Stilts and Avocets)
PIED STILT (Himantopus leucocephalus) – Common in the north, with 100 at Knuckey Lagoon and 17 up close at Cumberland Dam.
Haematopodidae (Oystercatchers)
PIED OYSTERCATCHER (Haematopus longirostris) – Tasmania. We found these bold shorebirds along the beaches near "The Neck" on Bruny Island.
A tour highlight (and probably a life highlight for some!) was certainly this massive Cassowary that escorted a chick across a forest trail in front of us in Queensland. Amazing! Photo by guide Tom Johnson.
Charadriidae (Plovers and Lapwings)
PACIFIC GOLDEN-PLOVER (Pluvialis fulva) – Common in the coastal Top End. We had especially nice, close views during our walk on the rock shelf at Nightcliff.
BANDED LAPWING (Vanellus tricolor) – Tasmania. Eight of these uncommon plovers posed for us in a pasture near Deloraine.
MASKED LAPWING (Vanellus miles) – Very common and widespread.
LESSER SAND-PLOVER (Charadrius mongolus) – These were quite common in the coastal areas of the Top End. We had nice comparisons between this and the following species, which are usually separable by structure.
GREATER SAND-PLOVER (Charadrius leschenaultii) – These brutes offered nice comparisons with Lesser Sand-Plovers at Nightcliff, Northern Territories. We saw a few more on the flats at Cairns.
This Scarlet Myzomela was exploiting some flowers planted outside our lodge on the Atherton Tableland in Queensland. Photo by guide Tom Johnson.
RED-KNEED DOTTEREL (Erythrogonys cinctus) – Our first was at Knuckey Lagoon, but we had spectacular looks (and comparisons with Black-fronted Dotterels) at Cumberland Dam near Georgetown.
HOODED PLOVER (Thinornis cucullatus) – Oooo-la-la. These very fancy (and rare) plovers were hiding on the sand on a nesting beach on Bruny Island, Tasmania. We had very nice scope views.
BLACK-FRONTED DOTTEREL (Elseyornis melanops) – We saw these striking plovers at several locations in the north, but they were downright everywhere at Cumberland Dam, where we eventually counted 27. Remarkable!
Jacanidae (Jacanas)
COMB-CRESTED JACANA (Irediparra gallinacea) – Very common at Fogg Dam and Knuckey Lagoon.
Scolopacidae (Sandpipers and Allies)
TEREK SANDPIPER (Xenus cinereus) – We saw our first of these hyperactive shorebirds near Darwin, and then found 7 more at the Cairns Esplanade. Ken picked this as a tour favorite.
In the absence of natural blue items, Satin Bowerbirds sometimes resort to adding bits of attractive plastic to their bowers. Photo by guide Tom Johnson.
GRAY-TAILED TATTLER (Tringa brevipes) – Common in the rocky shoreline of East Point near Darwin. These Asian shorebirds sound sort of like Black-bellied Plovers when they call.
While searching for Mangrove Robins in Cairns, we looked up to discover a tiny, colorful pair of Double-eyed Fig-Parrots excavating a nest cavity. Photo by guide Tom Johnson.
MARSH SANDPIPER (Tringa stagnatilis) – A few played hide-and-seek with us at Knuckey Lagoon, but we had very nice views at Fogg Dam and an even closer one at Cumberland Dam near Georgetown.
LITTLE CURLEW (Numenius minutus) – About sixty of these sleek, long-distance Asian migrants flew past us in multiple flocks while we were watching at Fogg Dam, looking and sounding like mini Whimbrels. A small group of young birds attempted to land in the pool in front of us, but gave up when they realized that the water was too deep. Very exciting to see!
WHIMBREL (Numenius phaeopus) – These were reasonably common along coastlines in the Top End and near Cairns. These were white-backed Siberian breeders.
FAR EASTERN CURLEW (Numenius madagascariensis) – Six of these massive curlews posed for us on the flats at Cairns. Stunning!
BLACK-TAILED GODWIT (Limosa limosa) – Our first flew past us at Fogg Dam; we also had nice comparisons with Bar-tailed Godwits on the Cairns Esplanade.
BAR-TAILED GODWIT (Limosa lapponica) – About 55 of these long-distance migrants were on the flats at the Cairns Esplanade.
RUDDY TURNSTONE (Arenaria interpres) – These widespread migrants were easy to find in the coastal Top End; one on the Cairns Esplanade was unexpected there.
GREAT KNOT (Calidris tenuirostris) – We enjoyed about 15 of these stocky shorebirds at East Point near Darwin, and then were bowled over by great views of ~200 at the Cairns Esplanade as the rising tide drew them in close.
BROAD-BILLED SANDPIPER (Calidris falcinellus) – Certainly one of the shorebird highlights! One individual was foraging during the rising tide at the Cairns Esplanade, and was eventually pushed in toward us, ending up about 30 feet away with a bunch of Great Knots and Curlew Sandpipers. We had a spectacular look at this small, stripey fellow (a much-anticipated lifer for the junior leader).
SHARP-TAILED SANDPIPER (Calidris acuminata) – We found these colorful (well, as far as sandpipers go, anyway!) Asian migrants in the Top End and in Queensland, though they weren't very common at any site we visited. Top counts were 18 at Knuckey Lagoon and 15 at Hasties Swamp.
CURLEW SANDPIPER (Calidris ferruginea) – Common in Cairns - about 80 came in to a high tide roost on the Esplanade.
We had decent views of Regent Bowerbirds at O'Reilly's. Just kidding - they were outstanding! Photo by guide Tom Johnson.
LATHAM'S SNIPE (Gallinago hardwickii) – One fed along the shoreline at Hasties Swamp during our departure from that site.
Glareolidae (Pratincoles and Coursers)
AUSTRALIAN PRATINCOLE (Stiltia isabella) – Nice views of these elegant, slim waders at Fogg Dam and Knuckey Lagoon in the Top End.
Laridae (Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers)
SILVER GULL (Chroicocephalus novaehollandiae) – Common in the Top End, Queensland, and coastal Tasmania.
PACIFIC GULL (Larus pacificus) – This hulk with the huge, blobby bill was a highlight of our birding at the Kettering Ferry Terminal while we were waiting to go to Bruny Island, Tasmania.
KELP GULL (Larus dominicanus) – Common in Hobart and around Bruny Island, Tasmania.
LITTLE TERN (Sternula albifrons) – A few of these small, Least Tern look-alikes were active along the coastlines near Darwin and Cairns.
Along with Black and Red Kites, Brahminy Kites (here) frequently circled overhead in the Darwin area. Photo by guide Tom Johnson.
CASPIAN TERN (Hydroprogne caspia) – We saw just a few of these huge terns along the coast in Cairns.
WHISKERED TERN (Chlidonias hybrida) – These striking marsh terns are common in freshwater wetlands in the Top End, and we saw more at Warruma and Bromfield Swamps in Queensland, too.
COMMON TERN (Sterna hirundo) – One at Warruma Swamp and another at Cumberland Dam, both in Queensland, were unusual sightings away from the coast. We photographed both to document the sightings.
GREAT CRESTED TERN (Thalasseus bergii) – Common around Darwin; we also saw these handsome terns in Cairns and Bruny Island, Tasmania.
Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)
ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia) – Mostly restricted to towns and cities. We saw quite a few in Cairns.
This beautiful Shining Bronze-Cuckoo was singing up a storm at the edge of a clearing at Mountain Valley Lodge in Tasmania. Photo by participant George Sims.
SPOTTED DOVE (Streptopelia chinensis) – We had some very nice views of this beautiful dove near Cairns.
BROWN CUCKOO-DOVE (Macropygia phasianella) – Common at Crater Lakes NP and O'Reilly's.
EMERALD DOVE (Chalcophaps indica) – Part of the group had a brief look at Chambers, but we cleaned this up nicely at Kingfisher Park.
BRUSH BRONZEWING (Phaps elegans) – A few flushed off the road ahead of us near Mountain Valley Lodge in Tasmania, and we played cat and mouse with a calling bird for a while, too.
CRESTED PIGEON (Ocyphaps lophotes) – Delightfully common in Outback Queensland.
SPINIFEX PIGEON (Geophaps plumifera) – After a slow stalk, we got on to about five of these stealthy, amazing pigeons near Routh Creek in the Georgetown area.
A Red-necked Crake walked around stealthily alongside the porch at Cassowary House. Typically, this forest species is very difficult to see. Photo by guide Tom Johnson.
WONGA PIGEON (Leucosarcia melanoleuca) – These charming pigeons were an early morning highlight of O'Reilly's.
DIAMOND DOVE (Geopelia cuneata) – Especially common in Outback Queensland.
PEACEFUL DOVE (Geopelia placida) – This was the very common small dove in the Top End and Queensland.
BAR-SHOULDERED DOVE (Geopelia humeralis) – This was the very common medium-sized dove in the Top End, and to a lesser extent, in Queensland.
WOMPOO FRUIT-DOVE (Ptilinopus magnificus) – Wom-poo! What a bird! We had repeated good views of this very colorful pigeon, including multiple nests on the Atherton Tableland. Best views might have been the birds at our first platypus-watching site. Char picked this beauty as one of her favorites.
Golden Whistlers posed kindly for us at several forest locations, including The Crater in Queensland. Photo by participant George Sims.
ROSE-CROWNED FRUIT-DOVE (Ptilinopus regina) – These lovely fruit-doves were in the Darwin area, and we had great views at Darwin River Dam. 3 birds were constantly shuffling around in the canopy, and we even saw some excited chases!
TORRESIAN IMPERIAL-PIGEON (Ducula spilorrhoa) – Holy smokes! This huge pigeon is one of the most striking birds of northern Australia. We saw LOTS in Darwin and Cairns, where they shot past our hotel windows at eye level.
TOPKNOT PIGEON (Lopholaimus antarcticus) – Our first views were of some flyovers at Chambers, but we eventually had some great scope looks at O'Reilly's.
Cuculidae (Cuckoos)
PALLID CUCKOO (Cacomantis pallidus) – Our first was sitting on a fence just down the lane from the flock of Sarus Cranes on the Atherton Tableland. Another was calling overhead at Trevallyn Nature Recreation Area in Tasmania.
BRUSH CUCKOO (Cacomantis variolosus) – Our best view was of one overhead just upslope from the Bell Miner colony near O'Reilly's.
Our waterhole watches in Outback Queensland made for good shorebirding too. This Red-kneed Dotterel was feeding at Cumberland Dam along with a bunch of Black-fronted Dotterels. Photo by guide Tom Johnson.
HORSFIELD'S BRONZE-CUCKOO (Chrysococcyx basalis) – We were fortunate to run into these stunning little cuckoos on multiple occasions near Darwin, and also had one near the Forty-spotted Pardalotes on Bruny Island, Tasmania.
SHINING BRONZE-CUCKOO (Chrysococcyx lucidus) – Though we had one at Luke's Farm at O'Reilly's, our best views were surely of the birds at Mountain Valley Lodge in Tasmania.
LITTLE BRONZE-CUCKOO (Chrysococcyx minutillus) – These tiny cuckoos were near Darwin and also at the Centenary Lakes in Cairns.
PACIFIC KOEL (AUSTRALIAN) (Eudynamys orientalis cyanocephalus) – We saw this big cuckoo on a few occasions, but our best view was at Darwin River Dam early in the tour.
CHANNEL-BILLED CUCKOO (Scythrops novaehollandiae) – Just outside of Mareeba, Queensland, we saw five of these incredible cuckoos fly overhead. It is hard to describe just how massive these birds appear in flight.
The calls of Black Currawongs rang through the air at Mountain Valley Lodge in Tasmania. We even got to see these large, black birds chasing a white morph Gray Goshawk at the lodge. Photo by guide Tom Johnson.
Tytonidae (Barn-Owls)
SOOTY OWL (GREATER) (Tyto tenebricosa tenebricosa) – We heard one calling along the O'Reilly's entrance road, but it was at considerable distance. [*]
Strigidae (Owls)
BARKING OWL (Ninox connivens) – Close views at the Darwin Botanical Gardens and also at Fogg Dam. The beautiful yellow eyes are hard to forget.
SOUTHERN BOOBOOK (Ninox novaeseelandiae) – We heard these talkative owls on several occasions. To see them, we took a long walk up the driveway at Chambers and eventually found two birds calling over the road.
Aegothelidae (Owlet-nightjars)
AUSTRALIAN OWLET-NIGHTJAR (Aegotheles cristatus) – There were too many vines between us and the calling owlet-nightjar at O'Reilly's. We did have an epic game of hide and seek, but the owlet-nightjar ended up winning. [*]
Podargidae (Frogmouths)
TAWNY FROGMOUTH (Podargus strigoides) – Fairly common in the Georgetown area, where we encountered at least five. A pair was nesting in a caravan park, and we stumbled upon several others while we were out beating the bushes. One was also day-roosting at Luke's Farm near O'Reilly's. One of Mike's picks for favorite bird.
Red-backed Fairywrens pranced around in scrubby edges as we watched Great Bowerbirds and Red-tailed Black-Cockatoos in the Top End near Darwin. Photo by guide Tom Johnson.
Caprimulgidae (Nightjars and Allies)
LARGE-TAILED NIGHTJAR (Caprimulgus macrurus) – Our early arrival at Fogg Dam allowed time for us to find 3 of these cooperative nightjars along the entrance road as huge flying foxes streamed overhead.
Apodidae (Swifts)
WHITE-THROATED NEEDLETAIL (Hirundapus caudacutus) – A loose flock of about 10 of these huge swifts streamed over when we were searching for a Mountain Thornbill on the Atherton Tablelands.
AUSTRALIAN SWIFTLET (Aerodramus terraereginae) – Common around Cairns.
Alcedinidae (Kingfishers)
AZURE KINGFISHER (Ceyx azureus) – Our best views were at Fogg Dam, where we saw 4.
LAUGHING KOOKABURRA (Dacelo novaeguineae) – Common in Queensland, but also in Tasmania, where introduced.
This Rainbow Bee-eater snagged a tasty morsel near Darwin. Photo by guide Tom Johnson.
RED-BACKED KINGFISHER (Todiramphus pyrrhopygius) – One perched nicely for us during both of our visits to Cumberland Dam near Georgetown.
FOREST KINGFISHER (Todiramphus macleayii) – Most of ours were perched alongside roads in the Top End, but we also saw one near Mareeba, Queensland.
TORRESIAN KINGFISHER (Todiramphus sordidus) – A pair exchanged food underneath the pier in Darwin as we peered down from above. This species was split from Collared Kingfisher in August of 2015.
SACRED KINGFISHER (Todiramphus sanctus) – One was perched out in a small mangrove at the edge of the rocks at Nightcliff, near Darwin.
Meropidae (Bee-eaters)
RAINBOW BEE-EATER (Merops ornatus) – Quite common in the north; we also noticed a northward movement of about 45 overhead at Cumberland Dam.
Coraciidae (Rollers)
DOLLARBIRD (Eurystomus orientalis) – These peculiar birds were often found teed up atop bare trees. Our best views were in the scope at Howard Springs in the Top End.
Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras)
AUSTRALIAN KESTREL (Falco cenchroides) – These small falcons were at the Cairns airport and Bromfield Swamp in Queensland.
Our driver and local guide Jun Matsui spotted a flock of Plum-headed Finches at Cumberland Dam as they went to roost for the evening. This is a nomadic species that we don't expect to encounter on this tour - a nice bonus! Photo by guide Tom Johnson.
BROWN FALCON (Falco berigora) – This was the fairly common large falcon that we saw on the tour. The best views were of a bird perched on the tower at Cumberland Dam, though we also had a nice flyover at Routh Creek near Georgetown.
PEREGRINE FALCON (Falco peregrinus) – The vista from the nesting cliff at Luke's Farm in Lamington NP, Queensland was hard to top. AND it was neat to actually see the falcons of the resident Australian subspecies.
Cacatuidae (Cockatoos)
RED-TAILED BLACK-COCKATOO (Calyptorhynchus banksii) – Fairly common in the Top End. These massive cockatoos fly with deep, slow wingbeats and are truly amazing to watch. From a Western Hemisphere perspective, these are totally unlike any of our New World parrots.
YELLOW-TAILED BLACK-COCKATOO (Calyptorhynchus funereus) – Two were at Gowrie Park in Tasmania, where we had very close looks from about 25 feet. More were at Mountain Valley Lodge, and we also got to carry an injured one in a box from Bruny Island back to the Tasmanian "mainland", where it was dropped off with wildlife rehab specialists.
One of the more colorful, unique honeyeaters, this Eastern Spinebill was probing flowers just outside our lodge in the Atherton Tableland. Photo by guide Tom Johnson.
LITTLE CORELLA (Cacatua sanguinea) – We saw large, tight flocks of these cockatoos during our morning drive to the Darwin River Dam.
SULPHUR-CRESTED COCKATOO (Cacatua galerita) – Widespread and conspicuous.
COCKATIEL (Nymphicus hollandicus) – Small groups totaling about 12 individuals zoomed past us at Durham Dam in Outback Queensland. Another flew by at Routh Creek. It was very special to see this familiar cage bird in a wild context.
Psittaculidae (Old World Parrots)
AUSTRALIAN KING-PARROT (Alisterus scapularis) – We were swarmed by these striking red and green parrots during our stay at O'Reilly's.
RED-WINGED PARROT (Aprosmictus erythropterus) – Good views in the Top End; GREAT views at Cumberland and Durham Dams during our waterhole watches.
BLUE-WINGED PARROT (Neophema chrysostoma) – A few flew over on Bruny Island, giving their thin flight calls. One perched nicely on a bare snag, allowing everyone to have a good scope view.
We heard Rainbow Pittas in a few wooded areas in the Top End, but our scope views at Darwin River Dam were particularly special. Photo by guide Tom Johnson.
GREEN ROSELLA (Platycercus caledonicus) – Endemic to Tasmania - we had scope views near Launceston and on Bruny Island.
CRIMSON ROSELLA (Platycercus elegans) – Several of us had the opportunity to serve as perches for these bold visitors to O'Reilly's. John and I also watched 3 try to get into wine glasses on the porch of the bar there.
NORTHERN ROSELLA (Platycercus venustus) – Our first was walking around in the grass near some sprinklers at Darwin River Dam.
PALE-HEADED ROSELLA (Platycercus adscitus) – These slim parrots were frequent visitors to the waterholes in Outback Queensland. Best views were probably those that were in the scope at Durham Dam.
A Broad-billed Sandpiper (the small, contrasty sandpiper just left of the center) was a nice find among a roosting flock of Curlew Sandpipers and Great Knots at the Cairns Esplanade. Photo by guide Tom Johnson.
BUDGERIGAR (Melopsittacus undulatus) – Near Georgetown, we encountered flocks at Cumberland Dam and Routh Creek. The flock of ~225 birds at Routh Creek was incredible to watch as the birds rushed past with audible wingbeats, turning in synchrony like a flock of shorebirds.
VARIED LORIKEET (Psitteuteles versicolor) – A flock of about 55 flew over us at Fogg Dam near Darwin.
RAINBOW LORIKEET (Trichoglossus haematodus) – Common and widespread in the Top End and Queensland. Those in the Top End are the "Red-collared" subspecies rubritorquis. Those in Queensland were moluccanus.
SCALY-BREASTED LORIKEET (Trichoglossus chlorolepidotus) – We ran into these small lorikeets a few times in Queensland - best views were in the trees alongside Yorkeys Lagoon.
Pittidae (Pittas)
NOISY PITTA (Pitta versicolor) – After hearing them calling, we managed some wonderful views in the dark understory at Kingfisher Park.
Next to a warehouse at the Cairns airport, a tree full of Metallic Starling nests positively glowed with these iridescent birds. Photo by guide Tom Johnson.
Menuridae (Lyrebirds)
ALBERT'S LYREBIRD (Menura alberti) – On our first morning at O'Reilly's, we were ecstatic to find a young male singing, displaying, and feeding along the beginning of the Border Track. Eventually, he strolled on over between the buildings, leaving everyone pretty thrilled with the encounter. The experience marked this as a favorite for George S.
Ptilonorhynchidae (Bowerbirds)
Common Wombats patrolled around at Cradle Mountain NP in Tasmania, where participant Char Glacy took this photo.
GREEN CATBIRD (Ailuroedus crassirostris) – These were calling everywhere in the forest in Lamington NP. Eventually, we had good views from the trails at O'Reilly's.
TOOTH-BILLED CATBIRD (Scenopoeetes dentirostris) – We needed to bob and weave a bit to find the right gap in the forest, but we eventually were able to admire the "stage maker" as he yowled and jabbered above his stage near Lake Barrine on the Atherton Tableland.
GOLDEN BOWERBIRD (Amblyornis newtoniana) – We waited for a while near an elaborate maypole bower in the Atherton Tableland before a glowing male arrived to stand watch.
REGENT BOWERBIRD (Sericulus chrysocephalus) – This stunner is common near O'Reilly's. A few even landed on us for treats! Steve picked this as one of his favorites.
SATIN BOWERBIRD (Ptilonorhynchus violaceus) – We enjoyed wonderful views of these glossy, rotund bowerbirds at O'Reilly's. Several bowers were on display - most had a carpet of blue items, including straws and bottle caps!
GREAT BOWERBIRD (Chlamydera nuchalis) – It was fascinating to see the huge avenue bower of this species just outside of Darwin. We had repeated excellent views of these bold birds, especially the 7 during our rest stop in Mt. Surprise.
Climacteridae (Australasian Treecreepers)
WHITE-THROATED TREECREEPER (Cormobates leucophaea) – We found our first individual at the Curtain Fig Tree, where it posed very nicely. This was the "Little" subspecies minor. Another of the "White-throated" subspecies group was near O'Reilly's at the Bell Miner colony.
RED-BROWED TREECREEPER (Climacteris erythrops) – Good views after a bit of a wait along the Duck Creek Rd. in Lamington National Park.
BROWN TREECREEPER (Climacteris picumnus) – During our hot afternoon walk at Flat Creek Station near Georgetown, we turned up two of these treecreepers.
Maluridae (Fairywrens)
VARIEGATED FAIRYWREN (Malurus lamberti) – Three were at O'Reilly's.
This Orange-footed Scrubfowl was running around East Point, Darwin like a mad chicken. Photo by guide Tom Johnson.
SUPERB FAIRYWREN (Malurus cyaneus) – Good initial views at O'Reilly's, and then EVERYWHERE common in Tasmania. Spectacular - some of the best blue tones of the trip can be found on these little guys.
RED-BACKED FAIRYWREN (Malurus melanocephalus) – Our first ones were in a dry, scrubby forest in the Top End near the Great Bowerbird bower; more were at Cumberland Dam and Durham Dam in Outback Queensland.
Meliphagidae (Honeyeaters)
EASTERN SPINEBILL (Acanthorhynchus tenuirostris) – These attractive, well-patterned honeyeaters were common in plantings and forest edges in the Atherton Tableland and at O'Reilly's. We also saw one in Launceston in Tasmania.
YELLOW-SPOTTED HONEYEATER (Meliphaga notata) – Our only quality sighting was at the forest patch where we saw Cassowaries in Queensland.
LEWIN'S HONEYEATER (Meliphaga lewinii) – Very common at Crater Lakes NP and O'Reilly's, among other Queensland sites.
For some of the group, Magpie-Larks were the first birds seen upon arrival in Australia. They were very common in the Top End and in Queensland. Photo by guide Tom Johnson.
YELLOW HONEYEATER (Stomiopera flava) – Our first was at Yorkeys Lagoon near Cairns, and then we saw more in Outback Queensland.
WHITE-GAPED HONEYEATER (Stomiopera unicolor) – Common around Darwin.
YELLOW-FACED HONEYEATER (Caligavis chrysops) – These were at Hasties Swamp, Warruma Swamp, and O'Reilly's.
BELL MINER (Manorina melanophrys) – The colony of these noisy, specialized honeyeaters offered us a jarring soundscape in which to consider their strange and destructive habit of "mining" lerp from eucalypt leaves.
NOISY MINER (Manorina melanocephala) – We saw these honeyeaters at Mount Garnet and Luke's Farm near O'Reilly's.
YELLOW-THROATED MINER (Manorina flavigula) – Common in Outback Queensland. Our best views were at Durham Dam.
BRIDLED HONEYEATER (Bolemoreus frenatus) – The picnic area at Mount Hypipamee National Park was good for some nice sightings of this honeyeater.
YELLOW WATTLEBIRD (Anthochaera paradoxa) – Common in Tasmania.
At O'Reilly's in Lamington National Park, the Crimson Rosellas were rather bold and seemed intent on getting their share of the spoils from the bar. Video by guide Tom Johnson.
MANGROVE HONEYEATER (Gavicalis fasciogularis) – The same spot near Brisbane that produced Mangrove Gerygone was good for two of these honeyeaters.
YELLOW-TINTED HONEYEATER (Ptilotula flavescens) – Common in Outback Queensland - we saw lots at Cumberland Dam and Durham Dam.
GRAY-FRONTED HONEYEATER (Ptilotula plumula) – Uncommon in the area of this tour - it took a while, but we eventually found two near Flat Creek Station in Outback Queensland.
BROWN-BACKED HONEYEATER (Ramsayornis modestus) – Good looks at Centenary Lakes and Yorkeys Lagoon near Cairns.
BAR-BREASTED HONEYEATER (Ramsayornis fasciatus) – This lovely, contrasty honeyeater was quite common at Darwin River Dam during one of our very first birding outings on the tour.
RUFOUS-BANDED HONEYEATER (Conopophila albogularis) – Common in edge habitat (including mangroves) around Darwin.
RUFOUS-THROATED HONEYEATER (Conopophila rufogularis) – Rather common in Outback Queensland.
DUSKY MYZOMELA (Myzomela obscura) – We saw a few of these drab honeyeaters near Darwin at the Botanic Gardens and the Darwin River Dam. They were also in a few places in Queensland.
We were fortunate to have several opportunities to see the colorful Red-browed Firetail during our time in Queensland. Photo by participant George Sims.
SCARLET MYZOMELA (Myzomela sanguinolenta) – Nice views at Hasties Swamp and Chambers on the Atherton Tableland.
BANDED HONEYEATER (Cissomela pectoralis) – These striking honeyeaters were very common in just one spot, Flat Creek Station in Outback Queensland, where we saw about 20.
BROWN HONEYEATER (Lichmera indistincta) – Quite common in the Top End; less so in Queensland.
CRESCENT HONEYEATER (Phylidonyris pyrrhopterus) – Our only views were across from Peppers Lodge in Cradle Mountain NP in Tasmania.
NEW HOLLAND HONEYEATER (Phylidonyris novaehollandiae) – Quite common on Tasmania. Pishing worked wonders to bring these excited honeycreepers in out of the woodwork.
WHITE-CHEEKED HONEYEATER (Phylidonyris niger) – Very nice views in the plantings outside our lunch stop at the Tolga Wood Works in Queensland.
YELLOW-THROATED HONEYEATER (Nesoptilotis flavicollis) – Relatively common in Tasmania, where we encountered it several times in the mountains near Mountain Valley Lodge.
One of the fun migrant species that we encountered near Darwin was Little Curlew. Several flocks cruised past us, calling, at Fogg Dam. Photo by guide Tom Johnson.
WHITE-THROATED HONEYEATER (Melithreptus albogularis) – Found on several occasions in the Top End and Queensland - most of our sightings were either at Darwin River Dam or the Big Mitchell Creek Preserve (the burned forest site we stopped at in Queensland).
WHITE-NAPED HONEYEATER (Melithreptus lunatus) – Seen only around O'Reilly's in Lamington NP.
BLACK-HEADED HONEYEATER (Melithreptus affinis) – Tasmania only. Often seen in the company of Strong-billed Honeyeaters.
STRONG-BILLED HONEYEATER (Melithreptus validirostris) – Tasmania only. Typically seen with Black-headed Honeyeaters, though we saw fewer Strong-billeds.
MACLEAY'S HONEYEATER (Xanthotis macleayanus) – Seen at Cassowary House and Kingfisher Park in Queensland. Our best views came during breakfast at Cassowary House, when these bold birds came in to the feeders within feet of us (as we enjoyed our fruit and coffee!).
LITTLE FRIARBIRD (Philemon citreogularis) – Common and widespread in the Top End and Queensland.
Another Cassowary House specialty, this Macleay's Honeyeater approached closely to feed on fruit at the balcony. Photo by guide Tom Johnson.
HELMETED FRIARBIRD (HELMETED) (Philemon buceroides gordoni) – We saw this subspecies of Helmeted Friarbird on several occasions on our first day near Darwin in the Top End.
SILVER-CROWNED FRIARBIRD (Philemon argenticeps) – Top End only for us. Most of ours were at Middle Arm near Darwin, seen as we walked through the open forest looking for Partridge Pigeons.
NOISY FRIARBIRD (Philemon corniculatus) – Common in Outback Queensland; also seen at O'Reilly's.
Pardalotidae (Pardalotes)
SPOTTED PARDALOTE (Pardalotus punctatus) – After hearing but struggling to see several of these tiny birds, we finally got one in the scope at O'Reilly's.
This pair of Torresian Kingfishers exchanged a fish under a pier in Darwin. Photo by participant George Sims.
RED-BROWED PARDALOTE (Pardalotus rubricatus) – Nice views overhead along the road into the Georgetown Racecourse.
STRIATED PARDALOTE (Pardalotus striatus) – Seen frequently in Tasmania, where we got to see nests in holes in the ground at a few sites including Trevallyn Nature Recreation Area and Mountain Valley Lodge.
Acanthizidae (Thornbills and Allies)
FERNWREN (Oreoscopus gutturalis) – This tough-to-see, tiny bird of forested stream edges sang wonderfully for us at Mount Hypipamee NP in Queensland.
YELLOW-THROATED SCRUBWREN (Sericornis citreogularis) – Common in the area around O'Reilly's.
WHITE-BROWED SCRUBWREN (Sericornis frontalis) – Common at O'Reilly's.
TASMANIAN SCRUBWREN (Sericornis humilis) – We found these skulkers at several sites in Tasmania - our best views were around Mountain Valley Lodge.
The mammals weren't too shabby on this tour, either! This iconic Koala was swatting flies away from his face just below O'Reilly's in Lamington National Park. Photo by guide Tom Johnson.
LARGE-BILLED SCRUBWREN (Sericornis magnirostra) – Seen nicely at Lake Barrine on the Atherton Tableland.
SCRUBTIT (Acanthornis magna) – On our second walk up the hill from Mountain Valley Lodge, we found this diminutive Tasmanian endemic at the roadside.
STRIATED FIELDWREN (Calamanthus fuliginosus) – We worked hard to see these interesting Acanthizids at Cradle Mountain NP in Tasmania, and then lucked into some more good views at the Hoary-headed Grebe pond.
BUFF-RUMPED THORNBILL (Acanthiza reguloides) – We ended up having nice views near the Bell Miner colony below O'Reilly's.
Our time in Outback Queensland was marked by the discovery of several day-roosting Tawny Frogmouths. Photo by participant Jill Sadler.
BROWN THORNBILL (Acanthiza pusilla) – We saw these drab thornbills a few times around O'Reilly's.
TASMANIAN THORNBILL (Acanthiza ewingii) – These thornbills put up a fight by looking rather similar to other thornbills that we saw on the mainland, but we had great looks on several occasions on Tasmania.
YELLOW THORNBILL (Acanthiza nana) – Three were at the Gravel Pit below O'Reilly's.
STRIATED THORNBILL (Acanthiza lineata) – There was a noisy flock of these barely-patterned thornbills near the Bell Miner site below O'Reilly's.
WEEBILL (Smicrornis brevirostris) – Fairly common in the Top End and Queensland, though mostly by voice. 2 or 3 came right up to us at eye level during a waterhole watch at Durham Dam. Yes, the bill is rather wee!
Massive Beach Stone-Curlews ruled the beach north of Darwin. The combination of patterns and shapes make these birds truly bizarre-looking. Photo by guide Tom Johnson.
FAIRY GERYGONE (Gerygone palpebrosa) – During a hot afternoon stop, we eventually found one at Forty Mile Scrub in Outback Queensland.
WHITE-THROATED GERYGONE (Gerygone olivacea) – Two posed nicely for us at Durham Dam.
LARGE-BILLED GERYGONE (Gerygone magnirostris) – The whole bird is less than 12 cm long - how can its bill be large!? While the name is clearly a lie, we DID see the species a number of times in the Top End and Queensland.
BROWN GERYGONE (Gerygone mouki) – Common in areas of Queensland - for us, good views were at Chambers, Lake Barrine, and Hasties Swamp, among other spots.
MANGROVE GERYGONE (Gerygone levigaster) – The Lota Lota Camping Reserve came through for us with good views (alongside Mangrove Honeyeater) after we had only the briefest of views in the Top End.
Pomatostomidae (Pseudo-Babblers)
GRAY-CROWNED BABBLER (Pomatostomus temporalis) – Oddly, we only got on to one of these babblers as a group. It was near the bus at the Big Mitchell Creek Preserve in Queensland.
Orthonychidae (Logrunners)
AUSTRALIAN LOGRUNNER (Orthonyx temminckii) – Wow! Brilliant views of males, females, and juveniles in the leaf litter along the boardwalk at O'Reilly's. Fantastic and charismatic birds, they kick their legs sideways from the body to expose food on the forest floor.
An Albert's Lyrebird sang and danced for us near our rooms at O'Reilly's. Photo by guide Tom Johnson.
Psophodidae (Whipbirds and Wedgebills)
EASTERN WHIPBIRD (Psophodes olivaceus) – Common at Chambers and O'Reilly's, where we were introduced to Mr. Whippy!
Machaerirhynchidae (Boatbills)
YELLOW-BREASTED BOATBILL (Machaerirhynchus flaviventer) – We saw these Machaerirhynchids (fun to spell; more fun to say!) well at the Cassowary site and the Mulligan Highway caravan park in Queensland.
Artamidae (Woodswallows)
WHITE-BREASTED WOODSWALLOW (Artamus leucorynchus) – Common in the Top End; less common in Queensland, but we did see them at Centenary Lakes and the Sandy Camp Road wetlands.
During our ferry crossing to Bruny Island, Tasmania, a lone Australasian Gannet bobbed in the waves, showing off its buttered head. Photo by guide Tom Johnson.
DUSKY WOODSWALLOW (Artamus cyanopterus) – We saw these woodswallows twice in Tasmania, including quite well on Bruny Island.
Cracticidae (Bellmagpies and Allies)
The Australian King Parrots were often difficult to observe at O'Reilly's, mostly because they were too close to focus the binoculars on them! Here a flock of parrots rests on guide Tom Johnson as he struggles to appear in control of the situation. Photo by participant Char Glacy.
SILVER-BACKED BUTCHERBIRD (Cracticus argenteus argenteus) – This species represents a split from Gray Butcherbird. We saw 3 nicely at Middle Arm near Darwin.
PIED BUTCHERBIRD (Cracticus nigrogularis) – Our first was at the town of Humpty Doo in the Top End; they proved to be much more common in Outback Queensland.
BLACK BUTCHERBIRD (Cracticus quoyi) – We first saw this handsome bird in the Top End, and then observed the rufescens subspecies (including a rufous immature) in Cairns.
AUSTRALIAN MAGPIE (Gymnorhina tibicen) – Common in Queensland and Tasmania. Those in Queensland were black-backed, while those in Tasmania were white-backed.
PIED CURRAWONG (Strepera graculina) – We encountered this large, noisy species frequently in Queensland, from the Atherton Tableland to O'Reilly's.
BLACK CURRAWONG (Strepera fuliginosa) – Tasmania only; we found these a few times, including right overhead on several occasions at Mountain Valley Lodge.
GRAY CURRAWONG (CLINKING) (Strepera versicolor arguta) – These currawongs were at the Trevallyn Nature Recreation Area near Launceston, Tasmania.
Campephagidae (Cuckooshrikes)
BLACK-FACED CUCKOOSHRIKE (Coracina novaehollandiae) – Fairly common in drier areas of Queensland. We also found them in the mountains in Tasmania (near the burnt truck).
WHITE-BELLIED CUCKOOSHRIKE (Coracina papuensis) – Most of ours were in the Top End, but we also found them in Queensland.
WHITE-WINGED TRILLER (Lalage tricolor) – Common in the Top End; we also encountered it in Outback Queensland.
VARIED TRILLER (Lalage leucomela) – Common in the Top End; we found ours at Darwin River Dam and Fogg Dam.
COMMON CICADABIRD (Edolisoma tenuirostre) – Excellent views at Centenary Lakes.
Pachycephalidae (Whistlers and Allies)
CRESTED SHRIKE-TIT (Falcunculus frontatus) – One posed very nicely in the scopes just above the Bell Miner colony near O'Reilly's.
LITTLE SHRIKETHRUSH (Colluricincla megarhyncha) – We saw this shrikethrush (also called Rufous Shrikethrush) on the Atherton Tableland at Chambers.
The lighting was just perfect to show off the warm colors of this Australian Hobby near Georgetown, Queensland. Photo by guide Tom Johnson.
BOWER'S SHRIKETHRUSH (Colluricincla boweri) – This range-restricted bird posed very nicely for us along the driveway at Chambers, and we saw it again at The Crater.
OLIVE WHISTLER (Pachycephala olivacea) – Nice views in Tasmania at Mountain Valley Lodge.
GOLDEN WHISTLER (Pachycephala pectoralis) – Fairly common in forested areas that we visited in Queensland.
Participant George Sims nailed a spectacular photo of a splendid Spinifex Pigeon during our time in the Outback near Georgetown.
GRAY WHISTLER (GRAY) (Pachycephala simplex simplex) – These were in mangrove forests at Buffalo Creek and along the Adelaide River in the Top End. Also called "Brown Whistler".
RUFOUS WHISTLER (Pachycephala rufiventris) – We only saw this bird twice - once at Darwin River Dam in the Top End, and once at Routh Creek in Outback Queensland.
Oriolidae (Old World Orioles)
OLIVE-BACKED ORIOLE (Oriolus sagittatus) – After seeing lots of Green Orioles, we finally found an Olive-backed at Big Mitchell Creek Preserve in Queensland.
GREEN ORIOLE (Oriolus flavocinctus) – Common in the Top End and around Cairns.
During our forest outings at O'Reilly's, Australian Logrunners kicked leaves and attended juveniles without much concern for us, the human interlopers. Photo by guide Tom Johnson.
Dicruridae (Drongos)
SPANGLED DRONGO (Dicrurus bracteatus) – Our first was at the Botanic Garden in Darwin; others were at Centenary Lakes in Cairns and also at O'Reilly's.
Rhipiduridae (Fantails)
NORTHERN FANTAIL (Rhipidura rufiventris) – A roadside nest at East Point in Darwin was a hit; we also saw them foraging near the nest site. [N]
WILLIE-WAGTAIL (Rhipidura leucophrys) – Widespread and fairly common in the Top End and Queensland. These handsome birds were often fairly confiding, wagging right up next to us!
RUFOUS FANTAIL (Rhipidura rufifrons) – Our best views of these active songbirds were around the area of O'Reilly's at Lamington NP.
A diurnal highlight of our trips around Darwin was a pair of Barking Owls at the botanical gardens. Photo by guide Tom Johnson.
GRAY FANTAIL (Rhipidura albiscapa) – Our first was at The Crater in Queensland; then, we saw lots in forested habitat in Tasmania.
Monarchidae (Monarch Flycatchers)
BLACK-FACED MONARCH (Monarcha melanopsis) – Common around O'Reilly's.
SPECTACLED MONARCH (Symposiachrus trivirgatus) – We had excellent studies along the edge of the forest at Lake Barrine.
PIED MONARCH (Arses kaupi) – At the Curtain Fig Tree in Queensland, two danced along tree trunks, showing off their amazing patterns.
MAGPIE-LARK (Grallina cyanoleuca) – Common and widespread in the Top End and Queensland.
LEADEN FLYCATCHER (Myiagra rubecula) – Our only three were overhead in the burned section at the Big Mitchell Creek Preserve in Queensland.
BROAD-BILLED FLYCATCHER (Myiagra ruficollis) – These striking Myiagra flycatchers were in mangroves at Buffalo Creek and along the Adelaide River near Darwin.
Disclaimer - not all spots are visible in this photo! Perhaps the rarest bird seen on this tour, the Forty-spotted Pardalote is restricted to southern Tasmania. We found these very special birds shortly after the ferry landed on Bruny Island. Photo by guide Tom Johnson.
PAPERBARK FLYCATCHER (Myiagra nana) – After our first sightings at Fogg Dam near Darwin, we saw more in Outback Queensland near Georgetown.
SHINING FLYCATCHER (Myiagra alecto) – These fancy flycatchers were posing with tails cocked at Darwin River Dam on our first day in the field.
Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies)
TORRESIAN CROW (Corvus orru) – This was the only crow we found in northern Australia.
FOREST RAVEN (Corvus tasmanicus) – Common in Tasmania.
Corcoracidae (White-winged Chough and Apostlebird)
APOSTLEBIRD (Struthidea cinerea) – Fairly common in dry outback Queensland near Georgetown. One attacked Tom's head in criticism of his pishing attempt.
Paradisaeidae (Birds-of-Paradise)
PARADISE RIFLEBIRD (Ptiloris paradiseus) – We were quite lucky to find two different adult males around O'Reilly's. These riflebirds usually display from horizontal limbs and vines, unlike Victoria's, which displays atop a vertical "post".
Completely different from our New World orioles, this Green Oriole patrolled some viney tangles near Darwin. Photo by guide Tom Johnson.
Petroicidae (Australasian Robins)
LEMON-BELLIED FLYCATCHER (Microeca flavigaster) – These plump birds were confiding and active, seen best near Darwin, especially at East Point.
SCARLET ROBIN (Petroica boodang) – We had the opportunity to compare these stunners with Flame Robin at Mountain Valley Lodge in Tasmania.
FLAME ROBIN (Petroica phoenicea) – Our best views were certainly at Mountain Valley Lodge in Tasmania. This was one of Cathy's favorite species.
ROSE ROBIN (Petroica rosea) – Good views near the end of the forest boardwalk at O'Reilly's.
PINK ROBIN (Petroica rodinogaster) – Two were attending a nest in the woods near our picnic site at Gowrie Park, Tasmania.
DUSKY ROBIN (Melanodryas vittata) – These Tasmanian robins posted nicely for us at Cradle Mountain and on Bruny Island.
PALE-YELLOW ROBIN (Tregellasia capito) – Fairly inconspicuous on this tour, but we found several around the Atherton Tableland.
Blue-faced Honeyeaters were large and conspicuous at many locations in Queensland. They were especially easy to find around watering holes in the Outback. Photo by guide Tom Johnson.
MANGROVE ROBIN (Eopsaltria pulverulenta) – After a distant heard-only along the Elizabeth River in the Top End, one posed for close scope views in the mangroves at the Cairns Esplanade. Fantastic!
GRAY-HEADED ROBIN (Heteromyias cinereifrons) – These chunky, well-patterned robins hunting insects at several sites on the Atherton Tableland, including Lake Barrine, The Crater, and Kingfisher Park.
Alaudidae (Larks)
AUSTRALASIAN BUSHLARK (Mirafra javanica) – Three flushed repeatedly from roadsides just after we left Fogg Damn. Another was in the weedy edge at Cumberland Dam in Queensland.
SKY LARK (Alauda arvensis) – These introduced birds sang beautifully as they floated around above Banded Lapwings on Tasmania.
Hirundinidae (Swallows)
WELCOME SWALLOW (Hirundo neoxena) – This Barn Swallow look-alike was common and widespread at many of the sites visited in the Top End, Queensland, and Tasmania.
Crimson Finches were a regular roadside feature in the Top End. Photo by participant George Sims.
TREE MARTIN (Petrochelidon nigricans) – After brief sightings at Fogg Dam and Durham Dam up north, these swallows were rather common in Tasmania.
Acrocephalidae (Reed-Warblers and Allies)
AUSTRALIAN REED-WARBLER (Acrocephalus australis) – We had repeated good views of these handsome, cryptic warblers at several freshwater wetland sites throughout the tour. Our first was at Fogg Dam.
Locustellidae (Grassbirds and Allies)
TAWNY GRASSBIRD (Megalurus timoriensis) – Great scope views allowed us to compare these streaky songbirds to nearby Golden-headed Cisticolas.
Cisticolidae (Cisticolas and Allies)
GOLDEN-HEADED CISTICOLA (Cisticola exilis) – At least ten were along the causeway at Fogg Dam, offering spectacularly close views.
Zosteropidae (White-eyes, Yuhinas, and Allies)
AUSTRALIAN YELLOW WHITE-EYE (Zosterops luteus) – Common in mangroves in the Top End, including at Buffalo Creek and along the Elizabeth River.
This Musky Rat-Kangaroo was scrounging around for food under the balcony at Cassowary House. A strange, oddly-shaped marsupial! Photo by participant Jill Sadler.
Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies)
OLIVE-TAILED THRUSH (Zoothera lunulata) – One of these large, scaly thrushes put on a real show for us along the entrance road below O'Reilly's. The back pattern, and more importantly, the exact pattern of the wing coverts, helped to eliminate Russet-tailed Thrush from ID contention.
EURASIAN BLACKBIRD (Turdus merula) – We saw these while driving in Tasmania, mostly near towns and settled areas. [I]
Sturnidae (Starlings)
METALLIC STARLING (Aplonis metallica) – These amazingly colored starlings were busy sprucing up their nesting colonies and sparkling like jewels near the Cairns airport, where we had our best views.
EUROPEAN STARLING (Sturnus vulgaris) – Common in Tasmania. [I]
COMMON MYNA (Acridotheres tristis) – Fairly common in Queensland, especially around Cairns. [I]
Dicaeidae (Flowerpeckers)
MISTLETOEBIRD (Dicaeum hirundinaceum) – These tiny mistletoe specialists were busy foraging when we found them (frequently) in the Top End and in Queensland.
Nectariniidae (Sunbirds and Spiderhunters)
OLIVE-BACKED SUNBIRD (Cinnyris jugularis) – Fairly common right around Cairns - great views at Yorkeys Lagoon and Centenary Lakes.
Motacillidae (Wagtails and Pipits)
AUSTRALASIAN PIPIT (AUSTRALIAN) (Anthus novaeseelandiae australis) – We had some brief views at Luke's Farm below O'Reilly's; later, a few posed nicely for us in northern Tasmania.
Fringillidae (Finches, Euphonias, and Allies)
EUROPEAN GREENFINCH (Chloris chloris) – We saw a few of these introduced finches feeding with European Goldfinches in a pasture west of Launceston. [I]
A prize from the mangroves of the Top End, this Arafura Fantail bobbed and weaved nicely right above our heads near the Adelaide River. Photo by guide Tom Johnson.
Passeridae (Old World Sparrows)
HOUSE SPARROW (Passer domesticus) – Common in Queensland in Tasmania. Around towns. [I]
Estrildidae (Waxbills and Allies)
RED-BROWED FIRETAIL (Neochmia temporalis) – Great looks in woods and wooded edges in Queensland, including coming to a feeder at Kingfisher Park!
CRIMSON FINCH (Neochmia phaeton) – Our minds received a full color saturation experience while watching these striking finches in the Top End. The 20 we saw along roadsides at Fogg Dam were particularly impressive.
PLUM-HEADED FINCH (Neochmia modesta) – Wow! We saw about 120 of these uncommon/ sporadic finches at Cumberland Dam. They were really tucked in to some dense vegetation at the edge of the dam, but we managed good views in the fading evening light. Thanks for spotting these, Jun!
ZEBRA FINCH (Taeniopygia guttata) – Common in Outback Queensland.
DOUBLE-BARRED FINCH (Taeniopygia bichenovii) – Common in the Top End and in Outback Queensland, where a flock of 40 came in to drink at Durham Dam.
These large, mound-building Australian Brushturkeys were present at many forested sites we visited in Queensland. Photo by guide Tom Johnson.
SCALY-BREASTED MUNIA (Lonchura punctulata) – A flock of 8 popped up at Centenary Lakes in Cairns. [I]
CHESTNUT-BREASTED MUNIA (Lonchura castaneothorax) – A large flock came in to squeaking along a road through pastureland on the Atherton Tableland.
PICTORELLA MUNIA (Heteromunia pectoralis) – We were surprised by a group of about 50 of these at the Routh Creek water hole near Georgetown.
MAMMALS
SHORT-BEAKED ECHIDNA (Tachyglossus aculeatus) – These spiky footballs were fairly common in Tasmania - we ended up seeing around 12.
PLATYPUS (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) – Our first views on the Atherton Tablelands were mostly at distance, but we improved our sightings with some closer individuals in the river at Mountain Valley Lodge in Tasmania.
YELLOW-FOOTED ANTECHINUS (Antechinus flavipes) – While walking back up the hill from the Bell Miner colony near O'Reilly's, we found a curious Antechinus peering at us from a tree cavity. Yellow-footed is the most likely species.
SPOTTED-TAILED QUOLL (Dasyurus maculatus) – A few lucky folks got to see a quoll visit their porch during the evening Tasmanian Devil stakeout at Mountain Valley Lodge.
A flock of Crescent Honeyeaters zipped around us near a lodge in Cradle Mountain National Park, Tasmania. Photo by guide Tom Johnson.
COMMON WOMBAT (Vombatus ursinus) – We ended up seeing about 5 of these rotund marsupials trundling around in Tasmania, all around Cradle Mountain NP.
KOALA (Phascolarctos cinereus) – One of these sluggish but iconic beasts was swatting flies at the top of the Duck Creek Rd. in Lamington National Park. Superb scope views, nearly at eye level!
COMMON BRUSHTAIL POSSUM (Trichosurus vulpecula) – Seen near O'Reilly's.
SHORT-EARED POSSUM (Trichosurus caninus) – Also near O'Reilly's.
SUGAR GLIDER (Petaurus breviceps) – We heard these little guys barking at night near O'Reilly's while we searched for owls and owlet-nightjars.
HERBERT RIVER RINGTAIL POSSUM (Pseudochirulus herbertensis) – During an owling walk at Chambers, we found one of these highly localized possums feeding in a tree.
This chunky Green Ring-tailed Possum was moving around in the subcanopy as we walked along a road near The Crater in Queensland. Photo by guide Tom Johnson.
STRIPED POSSUM (Dactylopsila trivirgata) – What a magnificent critter! On a few occasions, we checked the feeders at night at Chambers and found this beautiful animal sprawled out, upside-down, above the honey.
MUSKY RAT-KANGAROO (Hypsiprymnodon moschatus) – These pint-sized marsupials were feeding below the deck at Cassowary House.
TASMANIAN PADEMELON (Thylogale billardierii) – Very common in Tasmania.
RED-NECKED PADEMELON (Thylogale thetis) – Very common at O'Reilly's.
RED-LEGGED PADEMELON (Thylogale stigmatica) – These pademelons were quite common at Chambers - they came out on the lawn in the evenings.
AGILE WALLABY (Macropus agilis) – This was the macropod that we found all over in the northern reaches of the tour.
RED-NECKED WALLABY (Macropus rufogriseus) – These wallabies were around Lamington NP and also in Tasmania.
WHIPTAIL WALLABY (Macropus parryi) – These "Pretty-faced" Wallabies were fairly common near Lamington National Park. During our bus descent from O'Reilly's, we saw dozens.
The wonderfully spiked Short-beaked Echidna appeared on several occasions in Tasmania. This one was trundling along a road near Launceston. Photo by guide Tom Johnson.
COMMON WALLAROO (Macropus robustus) – These large macropods were in deserts of the Georgetown area.
RED KANGAROO (Macropus rufus) – Two of these large kangaroos were near Cumberland Dam.
BLACK FLYING-FOX (Pteropus alecto) – These large bats came in to roost in the morning at Fogg Dam - it was quite a sight to have these beasts swooping in overhead.
LITTLE RED FLYING-FOX (Pteropus scapulatus) – A few of these bats were roosting in the botanical gardens in Cairns.
OLD WORLD RABBIT (Oryctolagus cuniculus) – Common in Tasmania. [I]
FALLOW DEER (Dama dama) – We saw a herd along the highway north of Hobart as we drove across Tasmania. [I]
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Totals for the tour: 355 bird taxa and 27 mammal taxa