Once again the sightings have been quite good during the last two months.
Snake sightings have slightly, more so during September as the weather warmed up. One night a group saw three snakes, definite evidence that the snakes are waking up and feeling hungry, as they do at this time of the year. The next two months should be great for snake sightings
There has still been regular Boyd’s Forest Dragon sightings despite the dry weather. Eastern Water Dragons haven’t been seen much and I don’t expect we will see any until it rains a bit.
Leaftailed Geckos are still very active. Despite their camoflage we have seen quite a few of these amazing lizards. They are often seen on tree trunks facing downwards, presumably hunting for insects. Once found, they are seen sometimes for several nights on the same tree.
Frog sightings have remained slow, as we are in the dry season, but we are still seeing Lace Lids regularly and also Stoney Creek Frogs when it rains. Most Frogs are much less active until it warms up.
Lots of Striped Possums have been seen, on all areas of the tracks.There are still lots of dead trees around after the 99 cyclone, and this means there are many larvae to be found, which Stripey Possums love. We often hear the noisy little fellows before we see them, as they make a real racket searching for food.
Croc sightings have been good, the Crocs have been seen on well over 50% of the walks. The are still three crocs are still in Myall Creek, and we have seen two in a night on occasion. People have also reported seeing crocs on the bank of Myall Creek during the day. More importantly we have had a sighting on the beach at night during august. I always believed that crocs rarely if ever venture into the ocean during winter, but have now amended my beliefs!
Many native rats have been seen in August and September, representing all the common species. In particular there are lots of Melomys about, and we usually find these by listening for the chewing sound as they use their sharp teeth to open seeds. This is the time of the year the rodent population peaks, and they are everywhere.
We have also been seeing Bandicoots regularly, and there seems to still be a healthy population of Northern Brown Bandcoots in the valley. Long Nosed Bandicoots have also been seen a bit.
Hope to see you on a Nightwalk in October or November!!!
Sunday, October 17, 2004
Nightwalk Sightings Summary Aug/Sept 04 for Mason’s Tours
Once again the sightings have been quite good during the last two months.
Snake sightings have slightly, more so during September as the weather warmed up. One night a group saw three snakes, definite evidence that the snakes are waking up and feeling hungry, as they do at this time of the year. The next two months should be great for snake sightings
There has still been regular Boyd’s Forest Dragon sightings despite the dry weather. Eastern Water Dragons haven’t been seen much and I don’t expect we will see any until it rains a bit.
Leaftailed Geckos are still very active. Despite their camoflage we have seen quite a few of these amazing lizards. They are often seen on tree trunks facing downwards, presumably hunting for insects. Once found, they are seen sometimes for several nights on the same tree.
Frog sightings have remained slow, as we are in the dry season, but we are still seeing Lace Lids regularly and also Stoney Creek Frogs when it rains. Most Frogs are much less active until it warms up.
Lots of Striped Possums have been seen, on all areas of the tracks.There are still lots of dead trees around after the 99 cyclone, and this means there are many larvae to be found, which Stripey Possums love. We often here the noisy little fellows before we see them, as they make a real racket searching for food.
Croc sightings have been good, the Crocs have been seen on well over 50% of the walks. The are still three crocs are still in Myall Creek, and we have seen two in a night on occasion. People have also reported seeing crocs on the bank of Myall Creek during the day. More importantly we have had a sighting on the beach at night during august. I always believed that crocs rarely if ever venture into the ocean during winter, but have now amended my beliefs!
Many native rats have been seen in August and September, representing all the common species. In particular there are lots of Melomys about, and we usually find these by listening for the chewing sound as they use their sharp teeth to open seeds. This is the time of the year the rodent population peaks, and they are everywhere.
We have also been seeing Bandicoots regularly, and there seems to still be a healthy population of Northern Brown Bandcoots in the valley. Long Nosed Bandicoots have also been seen a bit.
Hope to see you on a Nightwalk in October or November!!!
Snake sightings have slightly, more so during September as the weather warmed up. One night a group saw three snakes, definite evidence that the snakes are waking up and feeling hungry, as they do at this time of the year. The next two months should be great for snake sightings
There has still been regular Boyd’s Forest Dragon sightings despite the dry weather. Eastern Water Dragons haven’t been seen much and I don’t expect we will see any until it rains a bit.
Leaftailed Geckos are still very active. Despite their camoflage we have seen quite a few of these amazing lizards. They are often seen on tree trunks facing downwards, presumably hunting for insects. Once found, they are seen sometimes for several nights on the same tree.
Frog sightings have remained slow, as we are in the dry season, but we are still seeing Lace Lids regularly and also Stoney Creek Frogs when it rains. Most Frogs are much less active until it warms up.
Lots of Striped Possums have been seen, on all areas of the tracks.There are still lots of dead trees around after the 99 cyclone, and this means there are many larvae to be found, which Stripey Possums love. We often here the noisy little fellows before we see them, as they make a real racket searching for food.
Croc sightings have been good, the Crocs have been seen on well over 50% of the walks. The are still three crocs are still in Myall Creek, and we have seen two in a night on occasion. People have also reported seeing crocs on the bank of Myall Creek during the day. More importantly we have had a sighting on the beach at night during august. I always believed that crocs rarely if ever venture into the ocean during winter, but have now amended my beliefs!
Many native rats have been seen in August and September, representing all the common species. In particular there are lots of Melomys about, and we usually find these by listening for the chewing sound as they use their sharp teeth to open seeds. This is the time of the year the rodent population peaks, and they are everywhere.
We have also been seeing Bandicoots regularly, and there seems to still be a healthy population of Northern Brown Bandcoots in the valley. Long Nosed Bandicoots have also been seen a bit.
Hope to see you on a Nightwalk in October or November!!!
Wednesday, July 28, 2004
The Bloomfield Track current conditions
Despite the good wet season The Bloomfield Track remains in reasonable condition. Parts of the road were impassable in March due to landslides and flooding and washouts at creek crossings, but these have been fixed and the road has been open since April.
The pictures show
· Emmagen Creek in flood, when it is this high there is no hope of crossing and if you try you get washed away as some have discovered.
· A landslide between Cape Tribulation and Emmagen – there were actually two of about the same size
At the moment the road is somewhat potholed and there are some slippery sections after rain where all the gravel has washed off.
The Douglas Shire Coucnil is grading the road, and have passed Emmagen Creek
The creek crossings are rocky but passable, low clearance 4WDs need to plan a course through them to avoid the bigger rocks. Woobadda is the worst.
The Bloomfield Causeway has been damaged and drivers need to stay on the upstream side to avoid sections that have subsided.
There are several washouts where the road has been reduced to one lane and the going is very slow. This will improve when the Grader reaches those sections.
Mason’s Tours are operating on the road and their comfortable vehicles have long travel suspension that soaks up most of the bumps. Additionally we carry extensive recovery and safety equipment so we can tackle most obstacles the track throws at us. We have just purchased a Satellite phone, which is carried on the vehicle returning last each day. We aim to have a Satellite phone for each vehicle by the end of this year.
Contact us for a memorable experience on the Bloomfield Track!
The pictures show
· Emmagen Creek in flood, when it is this high there is no hope of crossing and if you try you get washed away as some have discovered.
· A landslide between Cape Tribulation and Emmagen – there were actually two of about the same size
At the moment the road is somewhat potholed and there are some slippery sections after rain where all the gravel has washed off.
The Douglas Shire Coucnil is grading the road, and have passed Emmagen Creek
The creek crossings are rocky but passable, low clearance 4WDs need to plan a course through them to avoid the bigger rocks. Woobadda is the worst.
The Bloomfield Causeway has been damaged and drivers need to stay on the upstream side to avoid sections that have subsided.
There are several washouts where the road has been reduced to one lane and the going is very slow. This will improve when the Grader reaches those sections.
Mason’s Tours are operating on the road and their comfortable vehicles have long travel suspension that soaks up most of the bumps. Additionally we carry extensive recovery and safety equipment so we can tackle most obstacles the track throws at us. We have just purchased a Satellite phone, which is carried on the vehicle returning last each day. We aim to have a Satellite phone for each vehicle by the end of this year.
Contact us for a memorable experience on the Bloomfield Track!
Tuesday, July 27, 2004
Nightwalk Sightings Summary June/July 04 for Mason’s Tours
Despite the weather being very cool the sightings have been quite good during the last two months.
Snake sightings have of course dropped off substantially, but there have still been sightings of Brown Tree Snakes, Spotted Pythons and several sightings of large Amethyst Pythons.
The Boyd’s Forest Dragons have been quiet, but we have seen a few on rainy nights as well as the odd Eastern Water Dragon. These Dragons seem to prefer to sleep outside on rainy nights! No one is quite sure why but they are definitely easier to find when it rains.
There have been some nice Leaftailed Geckos about as well. I suspect we miss a lot of these due to their excellent camoflage. Even with the large tail it is difficult to spot these lizards. Its amazing to see one of these lick each eye in turn!!! They keep the eyes moist in this way.
Frog sightings have also declined as it gets colder, but we are still seeing Lace Lids regularly and also Stoney Creek Frogs when it rains. Most Frogs are much less active until it warms up.
There have been a few Striped Possums about, but we are not seeing as many as last year. This may well be due to the Cyclone damage healing making it easier for these little guys to hide in the vegetation. There are still lots of dead trees around after the 99 cyclone, and this means there are many larvae to be found, which Stripey Possums love.
Croc sightings have been average, the Crocs are also less active when the nights are cold. The same three crocs are still in Myall Creek, and we have seen two in a night on occasion. People have also reported seeing crocs on the bank of Myall Creek during the day.
Many native rats have been seen in these months, representing all the common species. In particular there are lots of Melomys about, and we usually find these by listening for the chewing sound as they use their sharp teeth to open seeds.
We have also been seeing Bandicoots regularly, and there seems to be a healthy population of Northern Brown Bandcoots in the valley.
The cool weather has also resulted in good sightings of sleeping birds, with up to five species seen some nights. These include Spectacled Monarchs, Honeyeaters, Noisy Pittas, Scrubhens, and Silvereyes.
Glowing Fungi has also been present most of the time with some spectacular displays.Hope to see you on a Nightwalk in August!!!
Snake sightings have of course dropped off substantially, but there have still been sightings of Brown Tree Snakes, Spotted Pythons and several sightings of large Amethyst Pythons.
The Boyd’s Forest Dragons have been quiet, but we have seen a few on rainy nights as well as the odd Eastern Water Dragon. These Dragons seem to prefer to sleep outside on rainy nights! No one is quite sure why but they are definitely easier to find when it rains.
There have been some nice Leaftailed Geckos about as well. I suspect we miss a lot of these due to their excellent camoflage. Even with the large tail it is difficult to spot these lizards. Its amazing to see one of these lick each eye in turn!!! They keep the eyes moist in this way.
Frog sightings have also declined as it gets colder, but we are still seeing Lace Lids regularly and also Stoney Creek Frogs when it rains. Most Frogs are much less active until it warms up.
There have been a few Striped Possums about, but we are not seeing as many as last year. This may well be due to the Cyclone damage healing making it easier for these little guys to hide in the vegetation. There are still lots of dead trees around after the 99 cyclone, and this means there are many larvae to be found, which Stripey Possums love.
Croc sightings have been average, the Crocs are also less active when the nights are cold. The same three crocs are still in Myall Creek, and we have seen two in a night on occasion. People have also reported seeing crocs on the bank of Myall Creek during the day.
Many native rats have been seen in these months, representing all the common species. In particular there are lots of Melomys about, and we usually find these by listening for the chewing sound as they use their sharp teeth to open seeds.
We have also been seeing Bandicoots regularly, and there seems to be a healthy population of Northern Brown Bandcoots in the valley.
The cool weather has also resulted in good sightings of sleeping birds, with up to five species seen some nights. These include Spectacled Monarchs, Honeyeaters, Noisy Pittas, Scrubhens, and Silvereyes.
Glowing Fungi has also been present most of the time with some spectacular displays.Hope to see you on a Nightwalk in August!!!
Sunday, May 30, 2004
Sunday, May 23, 2004
Nightwalk sighting Summary for May 2004
Mason’s Tours Cape Tribulation
(the only Croc Spotting Nightwalk in the area)
Nightwalk sightings on Mason’s Tours in May 2004 have been so far been generally good, but the dry weather and the first cool nights resulted in a general decline in sightings.
The Boyd’s Dragons have been reliable as always. It has been usual to see at least one dragon most nights. Boyd’s Dragons are the original tree hugger, usually allowing full contact between their belly and a tree. It has been suggested that this makes them the same temperature as the tree, and hard to find for things like Pythons, which use infrared to sense prey. I am not sure about this, as I reckon a python would be reluctant to swallow a full grown spiky Boyds! One Dragon seen was so tiny it must have been hatched only recently.
Melomys, which are cute little native rats have been seen a bit despite the fact that big wet seasons usually cause their population to decline. Often on nightwalks you will hear them before you see them. Once you hear a gnawing sound, all you need to do is stop and look closely at the surrounding low vegetation and you will often find the culprit sitting on a leaf nearby. It seems to take them up to 30 minutes to break through some seed cases and get to the seeds inside.
There have been sightings of several other native rodents, including Cape York Rats, White Tailed rats, rare Prehensile Tailed Rats and even a rare Water Rat (Hydromys)
Crocodile sightings have been average, with Crocs seen on about 25% of the tours. In some of these cases, we have seen the whole body of the croc, really exciting to get such a good look at night! It seems that there are two medium sized crocs in Myall Creek, and one very small one who spends most of his time upstream.
Striped Possums have been active this month as well, with several sightings. These noisy little fellows are often seen on Fan Palms, but many of the dead trees left from cyclone Rona have been attracting them due to the amount of larvae inside. Striped Possums are amazing to watch, using their paws to tap and listen for likely hollows. They then rip away at the rotting timber to access the yummy larvae inside! We also saw one last week attacking the bottom of a large fern with gusto, there must have been something yummy inside!
Water Dragons have also been seen often in May. Like the Boyd’s Dragon, these are often found sleeping on horizontal vines or branches. They are much more skittish than the Boyd’s, however, and we have to be much more careful not to disturb them. Water Dragons are harem forming, and as such the males are much larger than the females, some males reach 1.5 metres long including the tail! Over the last 2 years researchers have been coming to our land (and other areas) to look at various aspects of the Water Dragon lifecycle, particularly comparing them with what happens in more southerly populations.
During the periods of rainy weather, we have been treated to some spectacular areas of Glowing Fungi. The light we see is chemical reaction, two enzymes, luciferin and luciferase mix and the reaction makes the light. It is certainly a special thing to see.
Fireflies are also being seen more often, and they have a much more direct control over the bioluminescence and produce a flashing light, which is used as a means of communication.
Insect and spider sighting have been good, this is an active time for our smaller beasties as well. Few nights have gone past where we have not seen various cricket species, spiders and other insects. Some of the more unusual include Wood Weevils, Giraffe Weevils, Scutigeramorph (Long legged Centipede!), Scorpions and Net Casting Spiders.
We have seen quite a few snakes this month with Adam seeing 7 snakes on one walk! Slaty Greys, Amethystine Pythons and Brown Tree Snakes have been the most common. As the weather cools, we expect to see less snakes, but our 15 years of records tells us that we often see the biggest snakes in June!
(the only Croc Spotting Nightwalk in the area)
Nightwalk sightings on Mason’s Tours in May 2004 have been so far been generally good, but the dry weather and the first cool nights resulted in a general decline in sightings.
The Boyd’s Dragons have been reliable as always. It has been usual to see at least one dragon most nights. Boyd’s Dragons are the original tree hugger, usually allowing full contact between their belly and a tree. It has been suggested that this makes them the same temperature as the tree, and hard to find for things like Pythons, which use infrared to sense prey. I am not sure about this, as I reckon a python would be reluctant to swallow a full grown spiky Boyds! One Dragon seen was so tiny it must have been hatched only recently.
Melomys, which are cute little native rats have been seen a bit despite the fact that big wet seasons usually cause their population to decline. Often on nightwalks you will hear them before you see them. Once you hear a gnawing sound, all you need to do is stop and look closely at the surrounding low vegetation and you will often find the culprit sitting on a leaf nearby. It seems to take them up to 30 minutes to break through some seed cases and get to the seeds inside.
There have been sightings of several other native rodents, including Cape York Rats, White Tailed rats, rare Prehensile Tailed Rats and even a rare Water Rat (Hydromys)
Crocodile sightings have been average, with Crocs seen on about 25% of the tours. In some of these cases, we have seen the whole body of the croc, really exciting to get such a good look at night! It seems that there are two medium sized crocs in Myall Creek, and one very small one who spends most of his time upstream.
Striped Possums have been active this month as well, with several sightings. These noisy little fellows are often seen on Fan Palms, but many of the dead trees left from cyclone Rona have been attracting them due to the amount of larvae inside. Striped Possums are amazing to watch, using their paws to tap and listen for likely hollows. They then rip away at the rotting timber to access the yummy larvae inside! We also saw one last week attacking the bottom of a large fern with gusto, there must have been something yummy inside!
Water Dragons have also been seen often in May. Like the Boyd’s Dragon, these are often found sleeping on horizontal vines or branches. They are much more skittish than the Boyd’s, however, and we have to be much more careful not to disturb them. Water Dragons are harem forming, and as such the males are much larger than the females, some males reach 1.5 metres long including the tail! Over the last 2 years researchers have been coming to our land (and other areas) to look at various aspects of the Water Dragon lifecycle, particularly comparing them with what happens in more southerly populations.
During the periods of rainy weather, we have been treated to some spectacular areas of Glowing Fungi. The light we see is chemical reaction, two enzymes, luciferin and luciferase mix and the reaction makes the light. It is certainly a special thing to see.
Fireflies are also being seen more often, and they have a much more direct control over the bioluminescence and produce a flashing light, which is used as a means of communication.
Insect and spider sighting have been good, this is an active time for our smaller beasties as well. Few nights have gone past where we have not seen various cricket species, spiders and other insects. Some of the more unusual include Wood Weevils, Giraffe Weevils, Scutigeramorph (Long legged Centipede!), Scorpions and Net Casting Spiders.
We have seen quite a few snakes this month with Adam seeing 7 snakes on one walk! Slaty Greys, Amethystine Pythons and Brown Tree Snakes have been the most common. As the weather cools, we expect to see less snakes, but our 15 years of records tells us that we often see the biggest snakes in June!
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