Lake Eacham

Check my birding map for specific location.

Lake Eacham is stunning. The waters are crystal clear and the surrounding rainforest is incredible. You must get there early though as one of the best birding spots is actually in the car park. in April 2022 I visited with a Cairns birder Mark and although there were already people there on a hot weekend day the car park was fizzing. We quickly found Silvereye, scrubwren and thornbill before being distracted by a male Victoria's Riflebird. It disappeared before I could get good shots but we knew it was going to be a good day. Zooming around overhead were parrots and we followed the Double-eyed Fig Parrot until it settled to eat. I love these little birds, they are quintessentially exotic. 

Double-eyed Fig Parrot (Cyclopsitta diophthalma)

Once done in the car park we walked the track that goes all around the lake through the rainforest. It was a sensory overload with birds everywhere. We saw shrike-thrush, robins and monarchs and best of all another Riflebird, the female this time. She was using that huge bill to dig into bark for bugs. Unconcerned by us, we were able to watch her for some time.

Victoria's Riflebird (Ptiloris victoriae)

But then, something else interesting. Also combing the trees for bugs was the White-throated Treecreeper. Often very quiet, you need to see them working the tree trunks to find them. Even then it is tricky as they scurry up the trunk and disappear around the back.

White-throated Treecreeper (Cormobates leucophaea)

A real treat was when we passed a Red-legged Pademelon feeding very close to the path. Normally they bolt as soon as they see you but she continued and we stayed really quite trying to get photographs through the bush. She was stunning and it was a thrill to be able to show her to some passing kids who thought it was the best thing ever. 

Red-legged Pademelon (Thylogale stigmatica)

eBird List

https://ebird.org/australia/checklist/S107147112