RFI Cairns

Frank, The Mangrove Golden Whistler is pretty much absent from the east coast. There is a population on Camp Island down near Ayr, and another in the Torres Strait. It has been recorded from Portland Roads east of Iron Range (one male). Nearest Silver-crowned Friarbirds to Cairns would be Shipton’s Flat up near Cooktown. If you get up that far, you will probably get them in the drier country around Cooktown. North in the range country towards McIvor River is also a good spot In regard to Rufous-throated and Bar-breasted Honeyeaters, they are not much better than vagrants in this east coast area. You do get an occasional bird every few years or so north of Mt Carbine. There is a small population of White-gaped Honeyeaters at McLeod River about 14 km or so north of Mt Carbine. Driving north pull off the road to the right, as you near the bridge. This is a pretty popular camping spot but walk upstream following the vehicle tracks and you should get them. I am of the opinion that the nearest true Fuscous Honeyeaters are in the Townsville-Ingham area (northern yellow-faced race subgermanus). The population around Herberton on the southern Atherton Tableland was first thought to be Yellow-tinted but later was thought to be the yellow-faced race of Fuscous. However, they are neither. I have been following them closely for several years and they really are a mystery bird. Worth looking at them. A good spot is in the tall eucalypts along Weiland Road south-east of Herberton (travelling from Herberton to the Kennedy Highway). Turn off to the left not far past the big deserted hydroponic farm with the pink shade cloth. Another population in the forestry block along Springvale Road (opposite Weiland Road). They respond to squeaking quite well. Kind regards, Lloyd Nielsen Mt Molloy, Nth Qld