Hervey Bay outing June ’13

A Weekend at Hervey Bay – 8th, 9th and 10th June, 2013.

Birdwatchers from Woodgate: John and Megan, Bundaberg: Jeff, Helen and Brandon, and the Gold Coast: Pamela, all stayed at Point Vernon, at a small Caravan Park just near Gatakers Bay, where our birdwatching activities for the weekend were based.

On Saturday morning we went for a local walk and viewed an Osprey’s nest being attended by 2 birds, quite low in the tree.  From here they were joined by several other birders from Maryborough, Brisbane, Toogoom, Hervey Bay and even Spain (!)  to head off to Mungomery’s Vine Forest Reserve, at Dundowran.  No sightings of BBBQ (plenty of fresh platelets!), but Pamela spotted a pair of Tawny Frogmouths, blending in with the hanging Spanish Moss.  After a good morning here, the group had a couple of hours at Arkarra Lagoons, where we had morning tea, getting great close-up views, of, among other beaut birds, a Grey Goshawk, which was spotted by Brandon. After lunch, we met again at Dolphin Waters, near Burrum Heads.  Here, we were lucky enough to find Beach Stone Curlew, Shining Flycatcher, Tawny Frogmouth and many other interesting birds.  The weather was fine, and a good day was had by all. Eduardo, our Spanish visitor, who had come along to get information for his studies, and a complete birdwatching novice, was completely taken in with this weird hobby, and I think he’s hooked for life.

We met again on Sunday morning, at Garnet’s Lagoon, where John Knight kindly let us in the gate, and led our wonderful day.  A few light showers at the beginning, which soon cleared off.  There, among thousands of great birds, were Double-banded Plover, Brolga, Pink-eared Duck, Freckled Duck (18!) and a lonely Sharp-tailed Sandpiper. On to Matheison’s Hide.  Plenty to look at here – many Bar-tailed Godwit, Whimbrel & Eastern Curlew.

Then, an hour or two at  Woodland Park and then, to finish off the day, John led us right to a young Pacific Gull, on the beach at Urangan. A very photogenic bird, who behaved itself beautifully while being snapped.  It was kept company by Silver Gull, one of which, poor thing, had a fishing hook and line hanging from it’s mouth.

Most folk left to go home that afternoon, but a few stayers (Pamela, from the Gold Coast, Kay, Christine and Nerida went to Beverly Park on Monday morning, to finish off their weekend. We added another half dozen sp. to the list, and viewed a few different sp. of waders, which we didn’t identify.

Pamela had good views of a Noisy Pitta at Mungomeries later in the day.

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