RFI – Proposed red-bellied Pitta trip – Iron range

Milton

Two points that I would raise as a potential warning for a visit at that time of year – I have not been there at that time (have had one very wet November where we got onto the Pitta) but have talked to the locals.

The road can get cut off between Lockhart River and Portland Roads at that time of year – there is one creek crossing in particular that can cause problems. Apparently usually goes up and down pretty quickly, but could cause problems (particularly if you miss your flight out at the end). Probably OK at the other end of the trip (Iron Range Cabins are a good accommodation option at Lockhart River but remember no alcohol) as unlikely to be huge numbers of visitors.

Agree on the quality of the food at the cafe, but I have a suspicion they close over the wet (may have a lack of visitors) but may want to check before relying on them (as has been stated Lockhart River has a good shop but you don’t want to be ferrying backwards and forwards if you can avoid it at that time of year and they won’t sell you a beer if you need one to celebrate seeing the Pitta). Search for Out of the Blue Cafe and check before heading up would be my suggestion.

Cheers,

Peter

________________________________
From: Birding-Aus < birding-aus-bounces@birding-aus.org> on behalf of milton smith < milton.smith66@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, 19 December 2017 8:32 AM
To: Dave Torr
Cc: birding-aus
Subject: Re: [Birding-Aus] RFI – Proposed red-bellied Pitta trip – Iron range

On 18 December 2017 at 21:07, Dave Torr < davidtorr@gmail.com> wrote:

> Agree with Marie. Stayed there a few years ago and great place and food.
> We drove up and back earlier in the season.
>
> On 18 Dec 2017 16:29, “Marie Tarrant” < sittella@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> Hi MIlton
> I’ve just returned from a trip to Iron Range. 3 of us took the fly/drive
> accommodation package offered by Portland House – here’s a link to it.
> The trip exceeded all expectations in every way and we ate at the Portland
> Roads cafe which has an outstanding menu on offer – we got all the targets
> bar 4 and didn’t get or expect the Pitta in early December and went in full
> knowledge of that.
>
> My best advice would be to learn the calls in advance as the birding can be
> overwhelming without that. The ebird hotspots have it very well covered
> for references
>
> Here’s a link to the Portland House package if you’re interested
>
> www.tourismcapeyork.com/explore/iron-range/portland-
> house-portland-roads-3/
>
> Not to be missed is the Metallic Starling murmaration on dusk each day at
> chilli beach
>
> regards,
> Marie Tarrant
>
>
> On 18 December 2017 at 14:46, milton smith < milton.smith66@gmail.com>
> wrote:
>
> > Dear Birders,
> >
> > This is an RFI regarding suggested itineraries for a private excursion to
> > Iron range. I know there are some excellent Bird guides that do the trip
> > however
> > this will be myself with about 6 sons and nephews, who have become avid
> > birders also.
> > So any info re Accommodation, transport, best way to see all the local
> > Birds would be great
> > We are thinking say from 3rd week feb onward , is that too late?
> > Thankyou in anticipation
> >
> > Milton Smith
> >