Banded Sea Krait

Posted on February 16, 2012 by Mission Beach Tourism

"sea krait"The Banded Sea Krait is a small sea snake commonly found beachwashed along northern beaches following storms. A small snake usually attaining little more than 60cms in length it is nonetheless a dangerous species although the short fangs and placid temperament of the species ensure bites are rare.

As with all Sea Snakes the Banded Sea Krait has a paddle shaped tail to aid its swimming abilities but still needs to surface every 30 minutes or so for air.

The venom of the species is highly neurotoxic (affects the nervous system) as is the case with most terrestrial Snakes in northern Australia.

Look for these attractive snakes when snorkeling in shallow water around the reef or beachwashed after storms.

Adrian Walker

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Paronella Park – Magical!

Posted on February 13, 2012 by Mission Beach Tourism

One of the most magical places I have ever been, tucked away about 20km off the highway in a little town called Mena Creek, is Paronella Park.

"paronella park" "mena creek" "spanish castle"The story of José Paronella and his dream of building a castle in the middle of the rainforest with gardens and reception centre, for the enjoyment of the public, began in 1929. José built the park completely by hand with labour of love and solid determination. In 1935, the Park was officially opened to the public to enjoy. José resourcefulness and creativity enabled him to use the power of the waterfall to create electricity to power to the entire Park, during a time when this literally was the only electricity in the area.

The admission for an adult is $36 per person. This price allows you to do a day tour and come back for a night tour, which I highly recommend you do. It also enables you to stay for a night in the caravan park and revisit the attraction for the next 24 months. This aspect is great, especially as a local, who have family and friends come to stay who want to see something special and unique when visiting Far North Queensland.

My cousin came to visit and she wanted to see the area. I had never been on Paronella Park night tour, so I booked us in. The night tour is quite a different experience from the day tour. The history of the park and José’s story is not as much discussed on the night tour. Therefore if you do not know the story of Jose Paronella and have a little extra time try and arrive by 4.15pm to make the last day tour which leaves at 4.30pm. This will enable you to see the park by day and by night as the night tour leaves at 6.15pm.

The night tour explores the rainforest at dusk which is truly a magical experience to be among the trees at this time. The sound of the screeching bats which fly overhead, the flicker of fire flies that buzz around and the enchantingly lit up castle give you a glimmer of José’s dream. It is like being in a magical forest where you can imagine you are in a fairy tale, with a waterfall, castle, a grand staircase and even a swing bridge. Even though I have been many times, I always see something I have not seen before and never become tired of what Paronella Park has to offer. It is truly a magical place.

Katie Trott

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Spotted Catbird

Posted on February 9, 2012 by Mission Beach Tourism

"spotted catbird" "mission beach" The Spotted Catbird is an often heard, seldom seen, resident of the Mission Beach rainforests. Named for its catlike, meowing call, locals will be familiar with the sound but not so much the singer as Catbirds are shy, unobtrusive creatures.

A member of the Bowerbird family, the Catbird is not a builder like many of its cousins, preferring instead a simple circular stage to perform vocally on as a means of attracting himself a mate. The birds may most easily be found in swampier locations so look for them where Licuala Palms abound.

Good luck and good birding
Adrian Walker aka Professor Birdbrain

Adrian’s book – Birds of Mission Beach and environs is available through the Mission Beach Visitor Centre at $7.00 plus postage. To purchase call on 07 4068 7099 or email enquiry@missionbeachtourism.com

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Green Sea Turtle

Posted on February 8, 2012 by Mission Beach Tourism

Whilst the waters around Mission Beach provide home and shelter for numerous sea turtle species, the most commonly encountered is the Green.

"green sea turtle" "mission beach"Passive giants of the oceans, these turtles browse on seagrass and also eat jellyfish which has led to them occasionally ingesting plastic bags which can cause the disease known as flotation syndrome whereby the animals are unable to dive and thus find difficulties in feeding.

Although Turtle numbers appear to be declining slowly breeding in some years is exceptional and 2012 is looking to be one of those with active nests already noted at both Cowley and Wongaling Beaches locally. Turtle nests are no more than sandscrapes into which eggs are buried with the young hatchlings being obliged to scurry to the sanctity of the ocean through a waiting array of predators such as goannas and others.

Most hatching seems to occur around the full moon so please be aware on Feb 8th and around that date as evenings may see numerous ‘fresh from the egg’ turtles scampering to the water.

Adrian Walker

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Australian Lacelid

Posted on February 6, 2012 by Mission Beach Tourism

"australian lacelid" "mission beach"With the damp, warm weather we’ve been receiving recently, frogs are in good voice throughout Mission Beach. One distinctive and uncommon species is the beautiful Australian Lacelid, pictured below. The Lacelid is a small and rarely seen frog in spite of its prominent makings. Its call is a soft ticking and the preferred habitat is along flowing streams in dense rainforest. As is the case in the specimen pictured, the Lacelids often may be found amongst sedges or Pandanus, perhaps favouring these prickly leaved shrubs for protection against predators such as Brown Tree Snakes.

Adrian Walker

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Indian Myna

Posted on February 2, 2012 by Mission Beach Tourism

"indian myna" "mission beach"The Indian Myna has been a subject of some debate recently. It seems some foolish people hold the view that these introduced pests are welcome to overrun our gardens and villages with their aggressive ways. The Indian Myna is a member of the Starling family and has the intelligence and adaptive ability of these birds, making it a dangerous pest second only to the Cane Toad in capacity for destruction of native wildlife. The birds displace native species from nesting hollows as well as utilizing human roofing for nesting which brings disease carrying properties into human contact.

These pests are spreading and we need to be more diligent with eradication of the species locally.

Good luck and good birding
Adrian Walker aka Professor Birdbrain

Adrian’s book – Birds of Mission Beach and environs is available through the Mission Beach Visitor Centre at $7.00 plus postage. To purchase call on 07 4068 7099 or email enquiry@missionbeachtourism.com

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Varied Triller

Posted on January 30, 2012 by Mission Beach Tourism

"varied triller" "mission beach" queenslandThe Varied Triller is yet another common bird of the Mission Beach rainforests. This bird is a member of the Cuckoo-shrike family and its diet is similar to its close relatives, insects and caterpillars. The latter are eaten by way of the Trillers being able to remove irritating hairs which many caterpillars have as defensive mechanisms, in their throats before these hairs reach the stomach and cause problems.

The nest is a shallow bowl, always well concealed in mid-storey vegetation.

Look for these enchanting birds throughout the rainforest and in suburban gardens.

Good luck and good birding
Adrian Walker aka Professor Birdbrain

Adrian’s book – Birds of Mission Beach and environs is available through the Mission Beach Visitor Centre at $7.00 plus postage. To purchase call on 07 4068 7099 or email enquiry@missionbeachtourism.com

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Red-capped Plover

Posted on January 26, 2012 by Mission Beach Tourism

"red-capped plover" "mission beach" queenslandThe Red-capped Plover is a distinctive small shorebird present all year round along our beaches. They may be seen scurrying back and forth as the tide comes in and recedes as they attempt to collect anything tasty that may freshly wash up. Apart from the bounty the oceans deliver they also eat small crabs and other marine invertebrates.

The nest is a scrape in the sand with a clutch of eggs that resemble beach pebbles and the birds are experts at the broken wing distraction display to lead a potential threat away from the nest site.

Wongaling Beach is a favoured haunt of these charming little birds so look for them in small parties there.

Good luck and good birding
Adrian Walker aka Professor Birdbrain

Adrian’s book – Birds of Mission Beach and environs is available through the Mission Beach Visitor Centre at $7.00 plus postage. To purchase call on 07 4068 7099 or email enquiry@missionbeachtourism.com

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Giant Brown Mantis

Posted on January 23, 2012 by Mission Beach Tourism

"giant brown mantis" "mission beach" queenslandThe insects of the rainforest are sadly often neglected! Thus, today’s blog mentions 2 of our common local residents. One is the Giant Brown Mantis, seen here with the other, a greengrocer, one of our common cicadas.

For their size Mantids are impressive predators and this species has been known to take small mammals such as mice and small birds. So even though the hapless Greengrocer looks like a hearty Mission Beach breakfast, these guys can manage bigger prey if the opportunity presents.

Look and listen for both species in the rainforest where both abound.

Good luck and good birding
Adrian Walker aka Professor Birdbrain

Adrian’s book – Birds of Mission Beach and environs is available through the Mission Beach Visitor Centre at $7.00 plus postage. To purchase call on 07 4068 7099 or email enquiry@missionbeachtourism.com

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Yellow-spotted Honeyeater

Posted on January 19, 2012 by Mission Beach Tourism

The Yellow Spotted Honeyeater is perhaps the most abundant bird in the Mission Beach region.

"yellow-spotted honeyeater"Found in rainforest, home gardens, mangroves, virtually anywhere there are trees or shrubs this confiding and cheerful little bird is well known to all local humans with an interest in wildlife. Recognised by its distinctive ‘ee yu’ call, repeated 5 or 6 times quickly it may be distinguished from the similar Graceful Honeyeater both on call and also from the yellow line from the beak.

The nest is a typical Honeyeater open cup, suspended on 3 sides, and placed in the understorey to protect the young against the ravages of predators.

This charming little bird may be found anywhere throughout the village and in adjoining forest or garden.

Good luck and good birding
Adrian Walker aka Professor Birdbrain

Adrian’s book – Birds of Mission Beach and environs is available through the Mission Beach Visitor Centre at $7.00 plus postage. To purchase call on 07 4068 7099 or email enquiry@missionbeachtourism.com

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