Monthly Archives: November 2011
Chestnut-breasted Mannikin
Finches are a worldwide and much loved group of birds. Seed eaters, these tiny jewels are more commonly found in drier habitats where native grasses abound. The exception to this general rule is the Chestnut Breasted Mannikin, a pretty little … Continue reading
Orange-footed Scrubfowl
Visitors to Mission Beach who stay near the rainforest may be startled to hear strange gurgling, choking cries in the night but they can be assured these eerie sounds are nothing more than Orange-footed Scrubfowls as they squabble over territorial … Continue reading
Magpie Lark
The Magpie Lark is a common bird throughout Australia but its name is misleading as it’s neither Magpie nor Lark! Other common names including Peewee or Murray Magpie but Magpie Lark for its black and white colouration and Lark for … Continue reading
Mama Cass – an unabridged biography
She first appeared around July, about 5 months after Yasi’s havoc and where she came from we never knew but she did quickly take over our yard and adjoining forest. Something about her gave an impression of age and she … Continue reading
Rafting – The Mighty Tully River
What a great way to spend a Sunday, but to do a little extreme adventure on the Tully River, white water rafting. We were picked up from Mission Beach and taken into Tully before driving 20-30 minutes to the gorge. … Continue reading
Topknot Pigeon
The Topknot Pigeon is an irregular visitor to the Mission Beach rainforests. These handsome birds prefer life in the higher country of the Atherton Tablelands and usually only venture into the lowlands during winter. However in the year of Yasi … Continue reading
So you want to be a Carer?
This blog has mentioned wildlife caring in the past but with the advent of the stormy season it’s a good time to raise it afresh. As a carer myself who’s looked after wallabies, kangaroos, many, many birds and a not … Continue reading
Black-faced Monarch
Another of our regular seasonal visitors is the Black-faced Monarch. This handsome member of the flycatcher family arrives in Mission Beach around April, remains to breed and then heads south again for spring and summer in southern climes. Some birds … Continue reading
