Monthly Archives: January 2011
Musky Rat Kangaroo – Mission Beach
Whilst this blog principally refers to birdlife, it will make occasional forays into other areas of natural history and what better place to start than the amazing Musky Rat Kangaroo. Considered by science to be the most primitive of the … Continue reading
Mission Beach Cassowary
No blog concerning Mission Beach birds can leave the iconic Cassowary without a mention for long. This primitive, flightless bird has been living in these rainforests for millennia yet has displayed the ability to adapt to human settlement through eating … Continue reading
McLeay’s Fig Parrot – Mission Beach
Fig-parrots are the smallest members of the entire parrot tribe in Australia, considerably smaller than the Budgerigar. Just one species is currently recognized, the Double-eyed Fig Parrot, but they have been split into three distinct forms, Coxen’s in the south, … Continue reading
Osprey – Mission Beach
This blog hasn’t mentioned our wonderful Birds of Prey as yet so it’s time to start! Mission Beach enjoys a wealth of Raptors with a prominent species the majestic fish-eating Osprey. These birds have successfully colonized every continent with the … Continue reading
Water Buffalo – Johnstone River Croc Park
News from Johnstone River Crocodile Park The first water buffaloes ever on display in Innisfail arrived at the Johnstone River Crocodile Park last week. The pair, named Wilma and Betty after the Flinstones cartoon characters, were soon settling in after … Continue reading
Mistletoebird – Mission Beach
We discussed Sunbirds recently and so a mention of its relative, the Mistletoebird, is appropriate for this week. These charming little birds are quite common around the village although not often seen by a casual observer. As the name implies, … Continue reading
Forest Kingfisher – Mission Beach Queensland
Kingfishers are a prominent group of birds in Australia and Mission Beach is fortunate to have eight of the ten Australian species here. Far and away our most common is the beautiful Forest Kingfisher, often seen perched on wires throughout … Continue reading
Sunbirds – Mission Beach
Sunbirds are well known and much loved birds in the Mission Beach area. Their habit of occasionally building nests on house decks or outdoor patios has endeared these little jewels to many a local resident. Australia only has the single … Continue reading
Beach Stone Curlew – Mission Beach
Another of Mission Beaches’ special birds is the now rare Beach Stone-curlew. Once, far more widely distributed around the coastline they have declined with development pressure along our beaches. Strictly territorial the birds live in pairs along the beachfront where … Continue reading
