Check my birding map for specific location.
I visited Lakeland on my way to and return from Artemis Station. It is a busy place with Cape York to the north and Cooktown to the east and there were a lot of travellers passing through both times I was there. Arriving from the east and the first thing you see is a sports field and a park. The park (pictured above) was a walkthrough display of interesting facts about the area. Circling overhead were Black Kites, passing through were Red-winged Parrots and doves were on the ground. It was a very nice introduction to Lakeland.
Peaceful Dove (Geopelia placida)
I had high hopes for the birding possibilities at Lakeland as the eBird lists had recently included riflebird, parrots and honeyeater. As soon as I arrived I wandered through the sports field and did see Red-backed, Sacred and Forest Kingfishers.
Forest Kingfisher (Todiramphus macleayii)
I had seen the Black Kites resting on the pitch and they took off as I approached. This bird, however, stuck around. It circled me numerous times, taking great interest in me and I in it.
Black Kite (Milvus migrans)
Close to the caravan park was a large bush attracting honeyeaters. Helmeted Friarbird, Blue-faced Honeyeater and Yellow Honeyeater were all buzzing around it.
Yellow Honeyeater (Stompiopera flava)
Try as I might, I couldn't find any Red-cheeked Parrots or Magnificent Riflebird. I couldn't even find their habitat. However there were lots of interesting things to see including Australian Pratincole in the surrounding fields. At one point the sky became a hazy blue but the sun turned a deep red colour. Burning to the east created this effect apparently, although no smoke was visible nor was any smell.
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