AUSTRALIA: Transfer from Queensland to Darwin

Sept 27: We spent half of the day transferring from Queensland to Darwin, but before leaving Rose Gums Wilderness Retreat, we took another chance to look for the Victoria’s Riflebird that our co-guide, Barry, had spotted briefly yesterday.  At first light we assembled on the edge of the forest near to its territory. It was not long before some of our group saw a black bird shoot across a forest opening, it’s call confirming it’s identity, as we peered heard to see it.  Eventually, our patience was rewarded with amazing looks of this bird-of-paradise.  It flew into a tree, then over a grassy area, landing on a bare branch on the forest edge, revealing brilliant, iridescent purple and green gorget.  We also heard Channel-billed Cuckoo, Rose-breasted and Superb Fruit-Doves.

Rose Gums

We said our goodbyes to Peta and Jon, our lovely hosts of Rose Gums Wilderness Retreat, as we had a 2-hour drive to Cairns, to catch the late morning flight to Darwin. On the way, we stopped briefly to observe a large mob of Agile Wallabys and some Sarus Cranes in a field.

A two-hour flight from Darwin dropped us into Australia’s Northern Territory. This is the “Top End” of the country,  temperatures were the mid 90’s, and the build up to the wet season, torrential rains and stifling heat was about to begin.

Being close to the airport, we visited Knuckey Lagoons on our way into Darwin.  An expansive pond held a large number of Magpie Goose and an assortment of waterfowl including Rajah Shelduck and Green Pygmy Goose. Waders included Wood, Marsh and Sharp-tailed Sandpipers, along with a beautiful Pied Heron.  Comb-crested Jacana walked atop floating vegetation, and Australian Pratincoles dotted surrounding grounds.

A nice flurry of avian activity along the woods edge and orchard included Little and Silver-crowned Friarbirds, White-gaped Honeyeater, Paperbark Flycatcher and two Grey-crowned Babblers. Red-collared Lorikeets whizzed by and both Whistling and Black Kites made forays around the lagoon.

We checked into our hotel in downtown Darwin, located on Knuckey Street.  Our inquiries revealed that Knuckey was one of the first surveyors of the Northern Territory, obviously making his mark!

Janis, Anna Marie, Vicki, Ginger, Marie, Joy, Barry and I headed to the East Point Preserve and walked the Mangrove Trail. We found a Lemon-bellied Flycatcher just begining construction on it nest. This species now goes by the name of “Flyrobin,” as it looks more like robin than a flycatcher!  Leaden and Shining Flycatchers, members of the monarch flycatcher family, showed well.  Brown Honeyeaters were most common, followed by White-gaped and Rufous-banded Honeyeaters.  The nicest may have been the Red-headed Honeyeater. A Bar-shouldered Dove, Green Oriole, Northern Fantail and Forest Kingfisher were also seen. A Collared Sparrowhawk streaked towards the mangroves, where we got extraordinary looks at a Brahminy Kite flying low overhead.

We enjoyed a lovely dinner outside at the Darwin Yacht Club, with a pleasant sea breeze swaying the palm trees and cooling us off from the heat.  Tomorrow would be our first full day in Australia’s Northern Territory!
all photos © adrian binns