Thirteen birdos and two near-birdos, in the capable hands of Environment Tours (Ian Fraser and Margaret McJannett), joined this spectacular and varied trip. We travelled via the Western Plains to our base at Cape Hillsborough National Park, north of Mackay, Queensland, where we lounged in comfortable cabins on the beachfront for four nights before returning via a more coastal route.
Everyone had a unique bird experience - but what could be more special than excellent views of Eungella Honeyeaters, enjoyed by most of the party (unfortunately not myself, as I was ahead of the main group - I've learnt my lesson!). During the observations of the Eungella Honeyeater, Ken exclaimed, "I feel a leech, but I don't care", summarising the ecstasy of the sighting! The excitement didn't end then-there were minutes of viewing the gorgeous Rose-crowned Fruit-dove (either through binoculars or through Allan and Hazel's superb spotting scope), calling Wompoo Pigeons, varied fungi, and spiders and butterflies of various shapes and sizes. The camaraderie that developed among the participants was phenomenal, and everyone made an effort to ensure other individuals saw the birds.
Although patience is needed for rainforest environments, 17 pairs of eyes are better than one, and some of our keenest eyes were from overseas! John and Charles seemed to be up earliest and out latest, and were rewarded with White-eared Monarchs near the cabins at Cape Hillsborough and an Oriental Plover in breeding plumage on the runway at Lady Elliott Island, both of which were later seen by others in the group. Unfortunately the breeding terns were gone from Lady Elliott Island, but many went snorkelling and walkabout on the coral island. Allan's willingness to shoulder that scope meant that we had excellent views of waders, for instance at Carmila Creek south of Mackay and Tin Can Bay near Maroon south of Hervey Bay. The Mangrove Honeyeater and Mangrove Gerygone at Carmila Creek and the Osprey in its huge stick nest on a man-made support at Point Vernon were other highlights.
The travelling days were always brightened by Ian's broad ecological knowledge, encompassing plants and landforms as well as birds and other animals. I can now identify brigalow, myall and wilga! We also BOPed along the way, thus becoming more familiar with the distinguishing features of birds-of-prey such as the Square-tailed Kite - a great way to learn.
The trip was mostly uneventful, except for a ruined inside-dual tyre on the bus and a rolled LP tanker that prevented us from birding in Arcadia Valley in the magnificent Carnarvon National Park. The weather could have been kinder at times, but despite this, a grand total of 224 species was recorded for the trip; I personally saw 162 species, including 6 new birds. Ian even added several new species to his list. Thanks to Ian and Margaret who spared no effort in making it a great trip.
Helen Stevens