Unfortunately, as often is the case with disturbed habitats such as Centenary Lakes, ten metres just isn’t close enough for some. Half of the birds on the protected little nook took off before these two decided they were close enough.

Thankfully the rest of the day was a great improvement! We arrived at the Cattana Wetlands greeted at the first body of water next to the entrance by these two Black-winged Stilts (Himantopus himantopus) feeding in the low water.

A first for north Queensland for me! This has been our first trip to the wetlands since their opening a week ago and we were very impressed. These man-made wetlands are truly spectacular. After spotting some Comb-crested Jacanas (Metopidius gallinacea) jumping around on the lillies, we thought the area augured well for birding too.

This has to be the closest location to Cairns where you can observe this species. Coming here I was hoping to see my first Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus) after reports at Cairns Birds, but it was not to be. Although the on-site bird hide at Cattana Wetlands proved fruitless, I did make some sightings of a couple of Chestnut-breasted Mannikins (Lonchura castaneothorax), Brown-backed Honeyeaters (Ramsayornis modestus), Little Pied (Phalacrocorax melanoleucos) and Pied (Phalacrocorax varius) Cormorants. These are all species I do not often see this close to Cairns.

One of the surprises and another first for me was this small group of Wandering Whistling-ducks (Dendrocygna arcuata).

More regular, but still nice, some Green Pygmy-geese (Nettapus pulchellus).

There was more waterfowl seen at Yorkeys Knob Golf Club where we stopped by afterwards, but I think I will leave that until tomorrow! The Cattana Wetlands development was a very nice surprise — not the sort of thing councils seem to spend money on these days. The improvements were all positive and overall it looks like it is heading towards becoming a well managed eco-tourism spot. Here are some random photos from the wetlands. We actually came across an Amethystine Python (Morelia amethistina) on the boardwalk but it was hidden away and I couldn’t get a good photo darn it!

Thanks for sharing today with me!

Thankfully the weather was kinder today, by which I mean dry, not comfortable. I went out to the Esplanade at low tide and left when it was half in. My binoculars are currently broken and I am awaiting some new Nikon Monarchs but it was a good day none the less. Some interesting species seen were the Terek Sandpiper (Xenus cinereus), Common Sandpiper (Actitis hypoleucos), a couple of dark morph Eastern Reef Egrets (Ardea sacra) and an Eastern Great Egret in full breeding plumage.

This was my first sighting of the Common Sandpiper at the Esplanade, or anywhere for that matter. A pretty good day considering the lack of proper glass! I also drew a couple of sketches. The Grey-tailed Tattler’s (Tringer brevipes) size always seems to surprise, leading me to double take when identifying them. I find a sketch is a good way to set yourself straight.

The pelicans were nice and close earlier so here is a sketch of a sleeping bird I made.

Don’t laugh, drawing from life is tricky. Particularly in the heat of the middle of the day during the Cairns wet season.