Birdwatching on the Atherton Tablelands in the Wet Tropics.
The Wet Tropics of Far North Queensland is home to over 370 bird species. The Atherton Tablelands truly is a birdwatcher’s paradise. There are over 300 recorded species ranging through very diverse habitats from upland rainforests and wet sclerophyll forests to dry woodlands, open farmlands and wetlands.
The Atherton Tablelands has 13 endemic species found nowhere else in the world. These are: Victoria’s Rifle Bird, Chowchilla, Golden Bowerbird, Tooth–billed Bowerbird, Mountain Thornbill, MacLeay’s Honeyeater, Bridled Honeyeater, Grey-headed Robin (also occurs in Papua New Guinea), Bower’s Shrike-thrush, Pied Monarch, Atherton Scrubwren, Fernwren, and Lesser Sooty Owl.
Birdlife at Grandview
We are blessed with a diversity of birdlife at Grandview. Within the 5 acre boundaries of Grandview we have recorded over 75 bird species. These range from the Rainbow Lorikeet, King Parrot and Crimson Rosella through to the Yellow–bellied sunbird, Emerald Dove and Lewin’s Honeyeater. As we continue our rainforest re-planting programme the number of species will continue to grow.
“A lovely place — a little slice of heaven. You’ve thought of everything! We loved the natural setting and the gorgeous wildlife — Thank you.”
John, Margie, Danny & May, Cairns.
For the novice birdwatcher we offer the use of binoculars and Bird Identification books such as the ‘Simpson & Day Field Guide to the Birds of Australia’ and the ‘Reader’s Digest Complete Book of Australian Birds’.
Birding on the Atherton Tablelands
There are many premier birding locations encompassing diverse habitats which are close to Grandview.
- Crater Lakes National Park, Lake Eacham. (20 minutes from Grandview) The Lake Eacham section (490 hectares) of the Crater Lakes National Park comprises the lake itself (a maar or crater lake of 50 hectares) and several types of upland rainforest, including some areas of regrowth. Although the lake has no inlet or outlet, Wrights Creek and several of its tributaries flow through the park. Recorded birds include the Pale-yellow Robin and Tooth-billed Bowerbird; the Channel-billed Cuckoo; the Grey Fantail and the Noisy Friarbird.
- Crater Lakes National Park, Lake Barrine. (25 minutes from Grandview) The Lake Barrine section (490 hectares) of the Crater Lakes National Park comprises the lake itself (a maar or crater lake) and surrounding rainforest characteristic of the type found on fertile basalt (red) soils in areas of high rainfall. Lake Barrine also has a favourable environment for water birds, including shallow edges with reeds, water lilies and fallen trees that act as natural perches. Recorded birds include the Black-faced Monarch; Scarlet Honeyeater; Pale-yellow Robin and Tooth-billed Bowerbird.
- Malanda Falls Conservation Park, Malanda. (10 minutes from Grandview) The Conservation Park protects a small rainforest remnant. The falls on the North Johnstone River tumble over an ancient lava flow which originated from the Mt Hypipamee area, 15km away. The Park features many rainforest birds such as the Australian Brush Turkey, Atherton Scrub Wrens and the Spotted Catbird.
- Nyleta Wetlands/Hastie’s Swamp National Park. (25 minutes from Grandview). Hastie’s Swamp National Park (57 hectares) is a seasonal wetland, filled by wet season rains and drying out during the year. Habitats in the park include open water, muddy edges, reeds and sedgeland, grassland and remnant eucalypt woodland. The balance between the different aquatic habitats changes as the swamp follows it annual cycle of wet and dry. The woodland has elements of wet eucalypt forest (such as Rose Gum) and gallery forest (like blue Quandong) linking Hastie’s Swamp with more extensive wet forest nearby. The varied habitat attracts a wide range of resident and migrant birds, at times including large numbers of Whistling Ducks, Magpie Geese and Sarus Cranes.
- Bromfield Swamp. (20 minutes from Grandview) Bromfield Swamp has excellent early morning or late afternoon platform viewing of Brolgas and Sarus Cranes (July to November).
- Mt Hypipamee Crater National Park (20 minutes from Grandview). The walk to the Crater and Dinner Falls features endemics such as Fernwrens, Golden Bowerbirds and Mountain Thornbills. The Southern Cassowary is often sighted.
- Curtain Fig State Forest. (15 minutes from Grandview) Near Yungaburra, the Curtain Fig Tree is a short walk through rainforest. A variety of rainforest birds including Bower’s Shrike-thrush, Rufous Owl and the Orange-footed Scrub Fowl.
- Other birdwatching areas include: Wooroonooran National Park; Wongabel State Forest; Millstream Falls National Park; Halloran’s Hill Conservation Park; Lake Tinaroo; Danbulla State Forest; Nardello’s Lagoon; Mareeba Tropical Savanna and Wetlands Reserve; Davies Creek National Park; and the Mt Molloy/Julatten area.
Birding Tours of the Atherton Tablelands and Cairns Highlands
Alan's Wildlife Tours, Yungaburra will show you the unique birdlife of Tropical North Queensland. See rare endemics like Golden Bowerbird, Fig Parrot and Fernwren. Australian icons of Cockatoos, Broglas, Kookaburras and Magpie Geese. Personalised tours cater for first time beginners or twitchers completing their Australian list.
Fine Feather Tours Mossman has for many years introduced visitors to birdlife of the Daintree River and Julatten region in Far North Queensland. Some guests have returned for up to six tours in order to locate more species. Enquiries welcome.
Wild Watch Australia Personalised Bird Watching and Wildlife Tours with experienced professional naturalist Jonathan Munro. Excursions are tailored to your interests, from one day to any duration,fully accommodated or with guiding only. Cairns and Misty Mountains-based. Over 3500 excursions since 1987.
Links to Birding Sites
Birdsaustralia.com.au Comprehensive site on all aspects of Australian Birds.
Birdcinema.com is a place for people to post many different types of bird videos. The aim of this site is to provide a community of people who love birds, domestic and wild.
