Embedded Files
Visited: winter
Recommendation: This is a secluded spot right next to the main from to Julatten. It is a patch of rainforest with the potential to hide all kinds of birds. Definitely worth a stop if you are in the area.
Hunter Creek is a rest area very close to Abattoir Swamp and although I have driven past it many times, it was only after a local tip that I started visiting. It looks very ordinary with a single picnic table and bush toilet. However, there is a creek running under the adjacent road and along the back of the area and it is all rainforest. There is also a little walkway, only about 50 metres through the forest and the whole place is full of rainforest birds.
Here, you need to sit and wait for the birds to appear and tune into the sounds of the forest. There are some of the same species as at Abattoir Swamp but there is also some great rainforest specialities here. They are also uncommon and often hard to find, making this another great spot to spend some time.
I started at the creek, hoping to see the Azure Kingfisher I had spotted at Abattoir Swamp. I was rewarded, however, with the squeaks of the Large-billed Scrubwren. They are very endearing birds but difficult to photograph always skulking about in the dense foliage. I did get a couple and that was a pretty good start.
Large-billed Scrubwren (Sericornis magnirostra)
Next I walked through the area by the toilet and I heard the Pied Monarch, another bird seemingly allergic to light! I got a couple of reasonable shots before it disappeared into the gloom.
Pied Monarch (Arses kaupi)
A bit more co-operative was a group of Silvereye feeding on some red berries on the side of the bush and I got several of this greedy bird with juice smeared all over it. I couldn't help but laugh.
Silvereye (Zosterops lateralis)
The Fairy Gerygone and Grey Whistler were my last 2 catches and I was thrilled. The Fairy Gerygone was the northern personata form with a black chin and white moustaches. Very interesting.
Fairy Gerygone (Gerygone palpebrosa personata)
The Lemon-bellied Flyrobin has foxed me on numerous occasions with its yellow breast and un-whistler like behaviour. I was by no means certain this was one until I could look at my photos. Very pleased to have a clear shot of one at last.
Lemon-bellied Flyrobin (Microeca flavigaster)
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse