Lakeland

Visited: dry season

Recommendation: You are more likely to be in Lakeland on your way to Cape York rather than looking for wildlife. However, there is wildlife to be seen here. It might be run of the mill birds or you might have to really look but it is there.

I visited Lakeland on my way to and return from Artemis Station. It is a busy place with Cape York to the north and Cooktown to the east and there were a lot of travellers passing through both times I was there. Arriving from the east and the first thing you see is a sports field and a park. The park (pictured above) was a walkthrough display of interesting facts about the area. Circling overhead were Black Kites, passing through were Red-winged Parrots and doves were on the ground. It was a very nice introduction to Lakeland.

Diamond Dove (Geopelia cuneata)

Peaceful Dove (Geopelia placida)

Red-backed Kingfisher (Todiramphus pyrrhopygia)

I had high hopes for the birding possibilities at Lakeland as the eBird lists had recently included riflebird, parrots and honeyeater. As soon as I arrived I wandered through the sports field and did see Red-backed, Sacred and Forest Kingfishers.

Sacred Kingfisher (Todiramphus sanctus)

Forest Kingfisher (Todiramphus macleayii)

The largest kingfisher of them all was also present. It sat menacingly high up watching and waiting!

Blue-winged Kookaburra (Dacelo leachii)

I had seen the Black Kites resting on the pitch and they took off as I approached. This bird, however, stuck around. It circled me numerous times, taking great interest in me and I in it.

Black Kite (Milvus migrans)

Yellow Honeyeater (Stompiopera flava)

Blue-faced Honeyeater (Entomyzon cyanotis)

Close to the caravan park was a large bush attracting honeyeaters. Helmeted Friarbird, Blue-faced Honeyeater and Yellow Honeyeater were all buzzing around it.

The Helmeted Friarbird is a common and conspicuous bird throughout its range and plays an important role in the ecosystem as a pollinator and seed disperser. Their diet is varied and includes nectar, fruit, insects, and even small lizards.

Friarbird are known for their loud, raucous calls and their aggressive territorial behaviour, especially when they are building their large, hanging nests made of twigs and bark.

Helmeted Friarbird (Philemon buceroides)

Try as I might, I couldn't find any Red-cheeked Parrots or Magnificent Riflebird. I couldn't even find their habitat. However there were lots of interesting things to see including Australian Pratincole in the surrounding fields. At one point the sky became a hazy blue but the sun turned a deep red colour. Burning to the east created this effect apparently, although no smoke was visible nor was any smell.

Great Bowerbird (Chlamydera nuchalis)

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