Having sometime free time in between other commitments we decided to head out for a welcome break at Flat Creek Station with our T-van camper for a birding long weekend organised by the owners Peter and Adam. Flat Creek Station is located south of Georgetown (Queensland). We have visited this location on two previous occasions. We left early as we had to get a 500km check on our Toyota Prado’s front suspension, after having the front struts replaced, in Marreba. Check completed we set off south for our first stop at Mt. Hypipamee NP (The Crater), south of Atherton, just in time for a lunch break. Had lunch with a ever hopeful group of Australia Brush-Turkey waiting for handouts but none came their way! Met a few friends here who were birding and helping National Park staff identify a few plants. We were unable to walk down to the Crater as work was being done to improve the access track after damage caused by Cyclone Jasper.
20min.2.0 ha Search
Australian Brushturkey
White-throated Treecreeper (Little)
Lewin’s Honeyeater
Bridled Honeyeater
Mountain Thornbill
Brown Gerygone
Golden Whistler
Victoria’s Riflebird
Grey-headed Robin 9 Species
Next stop was Mt. Garnet at Bill Brotherton Park opposite the BP fuel station, just before the Return Creek bridge on the western edge of the town. Toilet facilities and a picnic table for afternoon coffee were the attraction here. Also present were three Great Bowerbird who seemed to be sharing a bower, which was suitably decorated with white shells, stones and a few coloured pieces of glass. A Pair of Crested Pigeon were performing, not sure whether the wing in the air was anting or it was trying to draw attention of its mate.
From here we travelled the final journey for the day to Pinarrendi Station Stay on the edge of the Fourty Mile Scrub National Park. Here we caught up with Nadine the hard working owner of the property, who we have come to know over the years we have been visiting Pinnarendi. The camping area had plenty of areas to set up camp.
After the set up we had a short nap and relaxed for the rest of the afternoon. We had unexpected guests visit, sandflies, something we had not encountered here before. Managed a survey around the campsite, late afternoon.
Day 2 30th May 2025
Day 3 31st May 2025
Early start to the day, up at 5.00am to head off to Buchannan Dam (Big Dam). We were the only two birders who had turned up for the weekend! Peter and Adam had two friends staying with them, so the six of us set off for the dam. It was good to be following someone who knew the way as it was still dark with dawn just starting to break as we approached the dam after a 40 minute drive. The station tracks were in good order and only a few gates to negotiate. It was a great sight watching dawn break over the dam and the birds starting to come to life. Most of the birds were in the trees they had been roosting in overnight. Mainly egrets, Magpie Goose, Australian Darter and Galah. Birds started to arrive, Cockatiel, Red-winged Parrot and a large flock of Fairy Martin, overhead there were Black and Whistling Kite. One Whistling Kite perched close to us providing a photo opportunity. Two White-bellied Sea-Eagle were perched on the far side of the dam until they decided to soar over the dam. After two hours squinting through binoculars and a scope we had morning smoko, called it a day and headed off.
Day 4 1st June 2025
Slow start to the day as Peter and Adam were loading cattle onto a truck to take them to the Mareeba saleyards. We walked around the homestead and surrounds adding Weebill and White-throated Gerygone to our trip list.
Leisurely start to the morning as we were leaving today and in no hurry. 20 minute survey to start the morning around the homestead.
From here the 71kms (45mins.) back to Pinnarendi Station Stay was uneventful. Booked in and set up camp before finding our friends from Townsville who we had arrange to meet here. Chris and Len had a powered site for their setup and were easy to find. Spent sometime catching up and story telling! The camping area had plenty of empty spaces when we arrived but soon had others arriving but it was not crowded. Late afternoon was time for another survey, this time in the campground. Three Common Bronzewing were calling nearby and five Red-tailed Cockatoo flew over, Noisy Miner were the most dominant species (as usual).
Spent the evening having dinner with Chris and Len at the Brick Oven Cafe, this time a delicious Lasagna.
In the four days since we were here the track to Big Dam had dried out sufficiently to be able to walk to the dam. It is only a short walk to the waters edge, where we found a single White-necked Heron. The only birds on the water were four Pacific Black Duck and in the trees overlooking the water was an Australasian Darter and a Little Pied Cormorant. The surrounding bush had a few honeyeaters along with a noisy group of Sulphur-crested Cockatoo and a couple of Black-faced Cuckooshrike.
Further along the track is No 1 Dam which proved very quiet but the surrounding bush was productive due mainly to the flowering Melaleuca trees.
Back at camp we had acquired some neighbours, three caravans, with kids and dogs. The kids were enjoying themselves in the outdoors rather than looking at screens!
Started off with a survey around the campground before breakfast and to pack up the T-van ready to head home.
Farewelled Nadine at the Brick House Cafe/reception and headed off. Uneventful journey to our coffee break at Mt. Hypipamee (The Crater), another survey here.
Next stop was Centenary Park, Mareeba, where we arrived in time for a lunch break and a relaxed survey whilst we ate our lunch.
After lunch we replenished our food stocks and drove the 45 minutes back home, so ended a very enjoyable and welcome birding break.
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