Last Friday Jenny and I visited Alligator Creek south of Townsville. This area so picturesque and attractive  that it's hard not to take it all for granted. But what a great day this turned out to be not only because of the pretty environment, a crystal clear creek with Eucalyptus trees around a lovely camp area, but wildlife galore including Wallbies Rock Wallabies, Turtles and of course, birds.   After an approach up a winding, dusty track we came upon our first Wallaby of the trip. He was casually licking the rocks just in front of us, we excitedly snapped away not realising what was to come! 

Now, Kookaburras are probably the most iconic Ausie bird. apart from Kylie of course…….. the ones around the camping area, all four of them were slightly more interesting than her and definitely more vocal!. It was a real treat to watch one, just feet away from me,  catch sight of a lizard on a tree at least 30 metres away, leave the perch and catch it with an audible bang as it snapped it's beak shut on it's prey…….. Kookaburra 1, lizard 0!

The Kookaburras seemed to enjoy having their picture taken and posed beautifully, repeatedly and in various photogenic poses.  Then, as the day almost turned to evening and the car park cleared, Rock Wallabies came in to crop the sweet short grasses around the picnic area, a real thrill. I took more than 100 photos in an effort to get a real special one. 

These animals were "dinky", about the size of a Jack Russell.  They were very appealing and attractive.  I didn't realise it before we went, but Alligator Creek is one of the few places in the area where you can be sure of seeing them, so a lucky find.

Saturday saw us deciding to explore the little beach towns just north of Townsville and we started at Bushland Beach which is a good area for wading birds and during the migration, home to thousands of familiar and not so familiar birds.  The tide was out when we arrived and in front was a vast expanse of sand and mud flats. A bit of exploring and I found a …… Plover as well as Gull Billed Tern (a first for me),  and an Eastern Curlew. We finished with Fish and chips and a glorious sunset overlooking the sea at Balgal Beach.  This is a really special place, laid back in Ausie style with a creek running in to the ocean past the Fishermen's Landing Pub.  Signs all around tell you to watch out for the local Saltwater Croc,  no luck……. he didn't put in an appearance for me! 

On Sunday after my usual dawn trip, this time to the local cemetery, I returned home to find my wife really ill.  She has got Vertigo caused by the pressure on the plane journey and was again physically sick for the second time.   Enough was enough and so we spent the morning and a bit of the afternoon finding, and visiting a doctor.  Can't speak highly enough of the service she received, she is now on medication and today feels a little bit better and not so sick.  The doctors visit cost just 50$, considering the extremely high cost of most things here, very reasonable.  By the way, the tablets cost £15, so don't moan about paying £7.50 at home for your prescription.  As is normal, literally half the price of Australia.  On the same theme, one coffee and a piece of cake just cost me slightly short of £7!  Paradise at a price!

 

This morning my quest for Bee Eaters continued and it's coming on nicely, but as I went in to the cemetery there was a magnificent Black Kite perched on the head stones and I took perhaps the best photographs of my life!

I must send my apologies for not updating the blog on a daily basis but not having my own internet connection is a real bind! Also with Jenny not feeling her best my priorities have been directed in another direction. For family and friends who know us well, Jenny is feeling just a little bit better today and hasn't been sick at least and managed to eat the supper that I prepared her……… those that know me really well will know that she must be poorly if I am resorting to domestics!!!!!!!