Geoff Stapley | Guest Contributor
Bird surveys at Innisfail’s Warrina Lakes, in the Cassowary Coast Region, have been carried out for the past seven years I have been told. For those not familiar with them, the Warrina Lakes are part of a botanical garden developed in Innisfail over many years. In the early years Dr Bill Markwell was very much responsible for developing the gardens, along with others. A memorial plaque is located in the gardens recognising his contribution.
In addition to the lakes and gardens, there is also a miniature train and line maintained and operated by a group of enthusiasts, plus a number of covered shelters and facilities, including a large, open pavilion (aka Big Pavilion). A skate park and adventure playground has recently been added to provide a more inclusive place for people to visit.
The park, gardens and lakes comprise a large area between two open drains which form the upper arms of a “Y”. Birds are often seen in or near the drains.
The two upper arm drains then join at the base of the “Y” to become one drain that flows to the North Johnstone River. This in turn joins the South Johnstone River forming the estuary that flows to the Coral Sea. The River of course has crocodiles and is home to many fishing boats.
The Main Lake, and its surrounds of mini-lakes and sedge-surrounded wet areas, has varied vegetation. This of course is a haven for birds with around 130 species accredited to the area. Thus the local group of birders can be assured of finding numerous species on a visit to this area. The Cassowary Coast Region, which includes Innisfail, has around 300-350 recorded bird species.
On 12 January 2025 an intrepid of group of eight local bird observers gathered at the car park for the regular once-monthly bird survey. You don’t have to look far: in the nearby drain was a Royal Spoonbill. Torresian-Imperial (formerly Pied-Imperial) Pigeon (TIP), Australasian Figbird and noisy Rainbow Lorikeet were also observed.
Walking past the Big Pavilion guarded by the tame introduced geese looking for a hand out, we could see activity high in the surrounding trees, including more TIPs. We also saw a cheeky sparrow, as well as two Bush Stone-curlews looking for trains before crossing the mini-train line.
We approached the other arm of the “Y”-shaped open drain. It was flowing strongly and revealed nothing that could be identified positively, although a possible Gerygone was seen. Turning right across the drain we entered the area to north of the Main Lake where there are several small ponds. As my eyesight and hearing are not great, I needed to leave some of the observations to others as we headed west, but a Laughing Kookaburra and Helmeted Friarbird were recorded. As we turned to return, sharp eyes sighted a Brown-backed Honeyeater at a nest which seemed to be nearly completed.
This area also has a number of trees that have lost all their leaves. Some members have suggested that these trees have died due to the ingress of salt into the waters in the drain, and across the land. The area has been subject to recent prolonged flooding, the flood waters being backed up from the River, and high tides forcing salt water up the River and into the wetlands.
As we headed back we observed activity at an obscure nest, and after a long wait were able to identify a Large-billed Gerygone. A number of birds were very actively nesting today.
Sometimes it’s good to be last. Most of the group had moved on once out of the grasses, which are long in places, when we saw two Orange-footed Megapodes (formerly Scrubfowl) cross an open area for cover.
Finally, with our group together again, we returned to the Main Lake. Although after a couple of hours conditions were becoming uncomfortable, a few of us stayed on a little longer and observed a couple of young Comb-crested Jacanas amongst the water-lilies.
A few younger intrepid observers headed off around the lake which seemed devoid of ducks, but a few more observations and another breeding bird were the rewards for their energy and younger legs. This included a nesting Shining Flycatcher in a lovely nest of lichen.
Finally, many birds were seen or heard, and counted by our group: 42 species and 263 individuals, plus our resident eight domestic geese. At least six nesting species were seen by sharper eyes than mine. Please refer to Ceri Pearce’s Bird List:
Ceri adds that of the breeding activity, at least five Brown-backed Honeyeater nests were under construction and/or possibly in use; there was one old looking and occupied Large-billed Gerygone nest; and a gorgeous male Shining Flycatcher was found on a delicate little cup-shaped nest decorated with lichen. We also saw two immature Helmeted Friarbird, and two immature Comb-crested jacana –good indicators of breeding success in our parkland [Pers. comm. Ceri Pearce, BirdLife Northern Queensland (BLNQ)’s Cassowary Coast Area Coordinator].
If any of you reading this are stimulated to see more when you are down along the coast, put Warrina Lakes on your bucket list. Its open seven days a week. Our group meets at 7.00 am at the car park every second Sunday each month. You can’t miss us as we are the first people there. If you need more information google Warrina Lakes Innisfail.