Image by David Clode from Pixabay
Edited, updated, proofread by Admin.
CDTLI celebrated National Bird Week (23–29 October 2017) with a birdwatching walk through the Bush Garden, guided by Michael McMaster from BirdLife Townsville.
Seventeen volunteers, including Cub Scouts and parents from Pimlico-Mundingburra, Loam Island, and Bluewater Scout troops, joined the fun.
The Bush Garden’s tranquil paths were ideal for listening to birds. Volunteer Sue sparked excitement by sharing a discarded honeyeater nest, its sturdy weave amazing kids and adults alike. We explored a recently installed owl box, now home to possums. These boxes offer vital habitat for hollow-dwelling birds, replacing scarce old trees in Townsville’s urban areas.
Kids loved spotting jacanas, marveling through binoculars at their long toes that let them walk on lily pads. The day’s highlight came at Aplin’s Weir: a family of tawny frogmouths—two adults and two juveniles—perched on a branch. Nearby, we found their nest in a paperbark tree overhanging the river.
Thank you to Michael McMaster, BirdLife Townsville, and all our volunteers for celebrating our wildlife. We hope you’ll join us in the bush again soon.