Red-bellied Pitta Bird Week 2010

Tuesday 26th January 2010 - Monday 1st February 2010

ITINERARY

Monday 25th January - Cairns - Pre-tour Evening Drinks and Introductions
(meals, drinks and accommodation at own expense)

DAY 1: Tuesday, 26 January
Cairns to Lockhart River
We depart from Cairns Airport early morning, arriving at Lockhart River Aerodome mid-morning, and get settled into our accommodation. After lunch we get our first chance to experience the sights and sounds of Iron Range National Park.

DAY 2: Wednesday, 27 January
Our first full day of birding will involve a general search of Iron Range National Park trying to locate the birds that are often visible alongside the roads and tracks. We will enjoy lunch in the park and then resume our search, continually adding to our bird lists. Species seen may include Frilled Monarchs, Black-winged Monarchs, White-faced Robins & Green-backed Honeyeaters.

DAY 3: Thursday, 28 January
Today we go in search of one of Iron Range's most sought after endemic species, the Red-bellied Pitta. We will begin our search early morning and continue late afternoon if necessary.

DAY 4: Friday, 29 January
Target species for today will be the two birds of paradise that call Iron Range home, the Magnificent Riflebird and the Trumpet Manucode. We will visit the display perch of the Magnificent Riflebird and hopefully witness the male's exciting display.

DAY 5: Saturday, 30 January
Today we will go in search of Northern Scrub-robins, Yellow-billed Kingfishers & Marshall's Figparrots and keep our eyes open for any other rarities. In the evening we will head back into the park and try to locate the Marbled Frogmouth, Rufous Owl and Spotted and Southern Common Cuscus.

DAY 6: Sunday, 31 January
Moving out of the rainforest, we spend the day out in the open forest and heathlands looking for White-streaked Honeyeaters and Fawn-breasted Bowerbirds.

DAY 7: Monday, 01 February
Lockhart River to Cairns
We get one last chance to look through Iron Range before lunch, trying to spot any species that have eluded us. After lunch we say goodbye to Iron Range National Park and return to Cairns mid-afternoon.

*The bulk of our birding for the week will be in and around Iron Range National Park but we will also make a stop at Chili Beach and Portland Roads plus the boat ramp at Lockhart River by day or night in small groups.

*As this is a wet season tour our itinerary must be flexible and while we will accommodate guests' wishes as much as possible please note that certain areas may be inaccessible.

*Please note that Lockhart River is in an Alcohol management area. This means no alcohol is permitted. Heavy fines will be enforced if you are found with alcohol.

Click here to view other travel details (what to bring etc)

For Bookings and Information Contact: OZ TOURS SAFARIS Toll free (within Australia) 1800 079 006 Telephone: +61 7 4055 9535 Fax: +61 7 4055 9918 Email: info@oztours.com.au Website: www.oztours.com.au