Two Day Daintree Birdwatching

Day 1

• An early morning river cruise on the Daintree River for the prime time of the day for birdwatching. Target species include Little Kingfisher, Great-billed Heron, Black Bittern, Papuan Frogmouth and Azure Kingfisher.
• Return to your accommodation for breakfast or have breakfast at the local restaurant in Daintree Village.
• Drop into Red Mill House for a copy of the local Daintree bird list and ‘mudmaps’, detailing the local area and possible bird sightings along the way.
• Walk and drive both Stewart Creek Rd and Upper Daintree Rd for varied habitats – river, rainforest, mangroves, grassland and wetland. Target species include Lovely Fairy-Wren, Buff-breasted Paradise Kingfisher, a number of raptors, Double-eyed Fig-Parrot, Noisy Pitta, Pied Monarch and Channel-billed Cuckoo.
• A late afternoon or evening river cruise with Dan Irby from Mangrove Adventures is excellent for viewing birds at the end of the day, watching the Cattle Egrets coming into roost by the hundreds, and the Spectacled Flying Foxes leaving their roost by the thousands.
• Stay overnight in the Daintree River area.

A possible 70 species can be seen in the day.

Day 2

While rainforest birding can often be difficult, it can also be very rewarding.

• Cross the Daintree River for an early start at Jindalba Boardwalk looking for the elusive Southern Cassowary, Noisy Pitta and fruit-doves. The car-park area of Jindalba can often be easier than the boardwalk itself as it is more open.
• Visit the Daintree Discovery Centre. Ask about any recent sightings. Climb the Canopy Tower and walk the aerial walkway for views into the canopy, looking for Wompoo Fruit-Dove and Double-eyed Fig-Parrot. Chance of Spotted Catbird, Bridled Honeyeater and a variety of monarchs, flycatchers and honeyeaters. Take the guided walk for an in-depth introduction to the unique lowland rainforest.
• Drive to Maardja Boardwalk for mangrove and rainforest species. This fascinating walk gives an opportunity to see Little Kingfisher, Azure Kingfisher, Shining Flycatcher and possible Victoria’s Riflebird. Rainforest species also seen.
• Stop for lunch at one of many options in the area.
• Drive to the final boardwalk Dubuji, which is in coastal sand plain country and has a path to the beach. Beach Stone-Curlew and Collared Kingfisher can often be seen on the beach. Red-necked Crake has been seen on the walk.
• Return to Daintree early enough to catch the late afternoon light along Stewart Creek Rd, with the hope of seeing Great-billed Heron along the creek.

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