Carol and Andrew Iles - Birding Guides 2.35

The purpose of this Page is to build a picture of the fantastic area we live in by showing some of the beautiful places we visit with clients, the birds and other wildlife a visitor might see, and providing regular updates on a variety of subjects of interest to those planning a trip to Tropical North Queensland.
Should you want a guide for any of your stay, a day or half-day out with either of us can be tailored to personally suit you, but a typical day, travelling in your vehicle, would normally cover a variety of habitats including rainforest, wetland and dry woodland. We bring morning and afternoon tea/coffee and cakes which we can have under cover if the weather isn't kind. Lunch is at your own expense but for the keen birder, sandwiches are recommended so the birding doesn't have to stop. You can expect to spend up to 10 hours in the field because there'll always be another bird to see, and although totals vary with the season, the weather, and the time spent on each new bird, a list of over 100 is frequently attainable. We're happy to accompany keen photographers, first-time birders, or those with just a short list of required species. Children with an interest in wildlife are very welcome and we'll help them get the best out of their day.

Depending on the season and the weather, our day might begin at 7am with getting to know the rainforest species, perhaps with a drive up Mt Lewis Rd in search of the high-altitude endemics such as Fernwren, Chowchilla, and Golden and Tooth-billed Bowerbirds. By stopping en route we may see Pied Monarch and Chestnut-breasted Cuckoo. A visit to Mt Lewis can involve anything from 2-6 hours, depending on individual wishes, but often morning tea can be had at 900m with the Atherton Scrubwrens, before descending to do some wetland birding on the way to a covered lunch spot, possibly near to an active Great Bowerbird bower. In the afternoon you might expect to add birds such as Squatter Pigeon, Pale-headed Rosella, and Tawny Frogmouth to your list, as well as up to a dozen species of honeyeater, possibly with Apostlebirds trying to steal some afternoon tea. Australian Bustards displaying in the breeding season or flying ponderously as the day cools, or fluorescent Red-winged Parrots seen in the setting sun are guaranteed to convince you that it's worth being out till dusk!