Last looks before the Wet

Won't be catching up with this immature White-gaped Honeyeater (Lichenostomus unicolor) at Mungalla Station again soon. The Wet's arrived and it's goodbye to some birding spots for several months.

Mud yesterday, under water today where this Little Curlew (Numenius minutus) stands on a Mungalla track beside Palm Creek.

And Whiskered Tern (Chlidonias hybrida) - yesterday teasing me at Orient Station - will today not be bothered by photographers.   

Crimsons counter cyclone blues

Super wet Xmas morn at edge of Cyclone Tasha, so festive cheer needs a boost.

How about two cheers for Crimson Finch (Neochmia phaeton)?

And another for Chestnut-breasted Mannikin (Lonchura castaneothorax)?


Greetings to nature lovers everywhere.
Click pix to enlarge

'Risky' sign over flooded highway

Lot more rain overnight but Cyclone Ellie moderated to a severe low and kept its heaviest efforts well to the north of Ingham. Ellie's falls to the northwest are adding to the Herbert River and it's expected to peak tomorrow at 12+ metres, spilling south to flood streets, yards and under many of Ingham's lower lying high-rise (mainly sitting on 2m piles) houses. Today, surface flooding on the highway and in parts of town was actually receding temporarily after a morning without rain.  

Without noticing the serendipity with camera in hand at 8.30am, the above picture of the highway into town carries a 'Risk-ay' warning (upper centre: ad for casual fashionwear). It was a bit risky for cars with low clearance. But no trouble to an ancient cyclist!

Palm Creek (above) usually flows through the centre of town as a dribble, sadly strewn with litter. For time being it's less litter and more lotta (water). Below, more water, but with a more photographic eye.