Cairnes

We just had a wonderful two days in Cairnes. Went birding with Del Richardson, a local ornithologist who has his own weekly call in radio show to help people identify the birds they are seeing. Our best spot was the cemetery! Saw the smallest parrot in Australia, a double-eyed fig parrot with all the colors of the rainbow. It was so close Dave had to back up to get a photo. Saw the Rainbow Honeyeater, another stunning bird. Then a big footed chicken like thing ran through, orange footed something or other. Another great spot was watching a farmer plow his field. Four unusual crows congregated, a rarely seen grass owl was dislodged and flew away, four raptors including the Australian kestrel and a sea eagle flew over to see what was being uncovered. The farmer came over after awhile. He has relatives in the US and has been to Memphis looking for Elvis. Invited us to drive by his house and check the ponds in back. We saw a stunning crimson finch, think dipped in cherry sauce. Oh my, a female, a male and a young male all flew past us at various points. Then saw a rare pygmy duck, a group of them were hanging out. Saw a nifty white-faced heron fly off as well. It was just a wonderful day walking in various parks and forests, walking beside streams and over little waterfalls, seeing a turquoise snake extended on a branch over the path, the biggest spider web and spider I’ve ever seen – called a golden spider for the color of its web. And it is golden. We saw it shimmer in the sun. Met some local birders on the Esplanade which extends for a couple miles in front of Cairnes. Nice group of guys, enjoyed showing us a lost Laughing Gull. It was a new bird for Del.

Then today we spent the day at the Great Barrier Reef. I went snorkeling around an island. Great fish. Then we spent 4 hours out on a platform. Went on a submersible ride and saw a green turtle, very unusual to see on a half hour ride. Lots of amazing coral and fish. It was tremendous. Then they have a tube you can walk through under the platform. This one fish was so huge it was bigger than the divers. Kept coming around and wanted to be petted if you can believe it. Also saw giant clams, think 4 foot across. Again lots of wonderful fish just swam by. Did some bird watching saw a few Brown Boobies, terns and something that looks like a Brown Noddy. Have to check it when we get home. Gorgeous day. It would rain for 10 minutes and then clear up again. The boat ride was exquisite. Food was great. It’s been a fabulous four days. Now back to work!

Love to you all,
Elise and Dave