Check my birding map for specific location.
In February 2024, I returned to Townsville with one objective - to find Rufous Owls. After frequent and fruitless searching in the Cairns area, Brin in Townsville told me he knew of 3 pairs, each with chicks present close to the gardens. I only had one afternoon to spend there so was very keen to see them.
Uncharacteristically, we arrived at the strip of bush to begin searching and another helpful birds pointed them out to us immediately. A pair of owls with 2 juveniles were present close by, obligingly in the light and awake. I was in raptures when we saw them. They were huge, curious and stunning.
Juvenile Rufous Owls
Male Rufous Owls
And for icing on the cake, Brin found a Barking Owl for me as well.
Barking Owl
Another very productive place I visited was Riverside Gardens. Another local birder took me to woods close by looking for the Rufous Owl but it was not to be. I was happy enough to visit the weir, walk along the river and see birds like the Brahminy Kite circling. Such unusual raptors and nice and easy to spot!
Brahminy Kite (Haliastur indus)
Striated Heron (Butorides striata)
We walked along the river and it was beautiful. We found a pair of Tawny Frogmouth roosting right next to the path, totally unconcerned with the people passing by. Well, they always have one eye open.
Tawny Frogmouth (Podargus strigoides)
I also visited Bushlands Beach and was delighted to find another gang of cockatoo. Black cockatoo are always a favourite of mine and I am always pleased to see them. Who doesn't love a happy bird? This group were on the ground feeding as well as socialising and playing.
Red-tailed Black Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus banksii)
eBird Lists
https://ebird.org/australia/checklist/S109409041
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