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View allAll Photos Tagged Carpentaria
Sandbars in the Gulf of Carpentaria, Northern Territory, Australia.
Thanks for your visit. Comments and faves are very appreciated. I am grateful for invitations too.
The Northern Water Dragon is mainly found in the far northern Australian coastal regions in the Northern Territory and the western portion of the Cape York Peninsula. It also occurs in the southern part of New Guinea and on some of the islands to the north of Australia, as far north as the Maluku Islands of Indonesia.
Within its distribution, this semi-arboreal species can be found in a range of habitats, including coastal dunes, tropical savannah woodlands, monsoon forests, paperbark swamps and billabongs, creeks and riverine environments. In particular, it can be found in the Arnhem Land tropical savanna, the Cape York Peninsula tropical savanna, the Carpentaria tropical savanna, the Trans-Fly savanna and grasslands, the Victoria Plains tropical savanna, and possibly the Kimberley tropical savanna.(Wikipedia)
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Our first lizard of the trip! This handsome creature posed nicely for us as we jockeyed around him to get the best view. In total, he is about 10cm in length from nose to tail tip.
George Brown Darwin Botanic Garden, Northern Territory, Australia. October 2022.
Eagle-Eye Tours - Tropical Australia.
The Double-barred Finch is never far from water, the Double-barred finch prefers scrubby grassland, long grass, open forests and farmlands.
Found in the Kimberley region through to west of the Gulf of Carpentaria and then from Cape York down the east coast to south-eastern Victoria.
In their native habitat, Double-barred finches feed on seeds off the ground as well as picking them from seed-heads. Insects are also consumed, especially during the breeding season.
Photographed Kobble Creek, Dayboro, Qld, Australia.
Steve Hitchcock © All rights reserved
A beach on the Gulf of Carpentaria, Australia. There are many hundreds of kilometres of undeveloped shoreline on the Gulf.
It looks idyllic - a beach all to yourself. Not where you would want to go swimming though. There are sharks, crocodiles, sawfish and stingrays and also harmless dugongs.
Thanks for your visit. Comments, faves and invitations are very appreciated if you chose to leave any.
Many thanks for your visits, faves and comments. Cheers.
Double-barred Finch
Scientific Name: Taeniopygia bichenovii
Description: The Double-barred Finch is one of the long-tailed grass-finches and is notable for its 'owl-faced' features, having a white face bordered black. It is grey-brown, with white underparts banded black above and below the chest, giving the species its name. The wings are black, spotted white, the tail is black and the bill and legs are blueish-grey. Juveniles are dulller, with indistinct chest bars. These grass-finches usually feed in flocks and have a bouncing, undulating flight pattern.
Similar species: There are two subspecies of Double-barred Finch: the eastern race has a white rump and the western race has a black rump. Otherwise, distinguished form other finches by its 'owl-face'.
Distribution: The Double-barred Finch is found in the Kimberley region through to west of the Gulf of Carpentaria (the western race annulosa), and then from Cape York down the east coast to south-eastern Victoria (the eastern race, bichenovii).
Habitat: The Double-barred Finch prefers dry grassy woodlands and scrublands, open forests and farmlands. It is never far from water.
Seasonal movements: Nomadic; only an occasional visitor to extreme south-eastern part of range.
Feeding: The Double-barred Finch feeds on the ground on seeds. It will also take insects, especially when breeding. It usually feeds in groups or flocks of up to 40 birds.
Breeding: The Double-barred Finch builds a rounded nest, with a side entrance and short tunnel into a inner chamber lined with fine grass, feathers and plant down. The nest is placed between 1 m to 5 m from the ground in pandanus or thick shrubs, or even in the eaves of a building, often close to an active wasps' nest. Both parents incubate and feed the young.
The nestlings of Double-barred Finches beg with their heads down to one side. This is unique to the grass-finch and waxbill family.
Calls: A brassy, drawn-out 'tzeeaat, tzeeaat'; also a low 'tat tat'
Minimum Size: 10cm
Maximum Size: 12cm
Average size: 11cm
Average weight: 10g
Breeding season: After rain in north and inland.
Clutch Size: 4 to 7 eggs
Incubation: 14 days
Nestling Period: 21 days
(Source: www.birdsinbackyards.net)
__________________________________________
© Chris Burns 2020
All rights reserved.
This image may not be copied, reproduced, distributed, republished, downloaded, displayed, posted or transmitted in any form or by any means, including electronic, mechanical, photocopying and recording without my written consent.
Tolga in the Tablelands Region of Queensland, Australia.
The Barron River forms the north-east boundary of the region. The south-western of the locality is the Great Divising Range which creates the drainage divide that separates the drainage basin of the Barron River (which flows to the Coral Sea) from that of the Mitchell River (which flows to the Gulf of Carpentaria).
The northern and eastern parts of Tolga are relatively flat land used for growing crops. The western parts are more mountainous and are mostly undeveloped. Bones Knob is a peak to the west of the town above sea level.
The Tolga Scrub on the southern side of town is one of the last remaining areas of Mabi rainforest on the Atherton Tableland. It is the most drought resistant type of rainforest in Australia.
Information Source:
Many thanks for your visits, faves and comments. Cheers.
Double-barred Finch
Scientific Name: Taeniopygia bichenovii
Description: The Double-barred Finch is one of the long-tailed grass-finches and is notable for its 'owl-faced' features, having a white face bordered black. It is grey-brown, with white underparts banded black above and below the chest, giving the species its name. The wings are black, spotted white, the tail is black and the bill and legs are blueish-grey. Juveniles are dulller, with indistinct chest bars. These grass-finches usually feed in flocks and have a bouncing, undulating flight pattern.
Similar species: There are two subspecies of Double-barred Finch: the eastern race has a white rump and the western race has a black rump. Otherwise, distinguished form other finches by its 'owl-face'.
Distribution: The Double-barred Finch is found in the Kimberley region through to west of the Gulf of Carpentaria (the western race annulosa), and then from Cape York down the east coast to south-eastern Victoria (the eastern race, bichenovii).
Habitat: The Double-barred Finch prefers dry grassy woodlands and scrublands, open forests and farmlands. It is never far from water.
Seasonal movements: Nomadic; only an occasional visitor to extreme south-eastern part of range.
Feeding: The Double-barred Finch feeds on the ground on seeds. It will also take insects, especially when breeding. It usually feeds in groups or flocks of up to 40 birds.
Breeding: The Double-barred Finch builds a rounded nest, with a side entrance and short tunnel into a inner chamber lined with fine grass, feathers and plant down. The nest is placed between 1 m to 5 m from the ground in pandanus or thick shrubs, or even in the eaves of a building, often close to an active wasps' nest. Both parents incubate and feed the young.
The nestlings of Double-barred Finches beg with their heads down to one side. This is unique to the grass-finch and waxbill family.
Calls: A brassy, drawn-out 'tzeeaat, tzeeaat'; also a low 'tat tat'
Minimum Size: 10cm
Maximum Size: 12cm
Average size: 11cm
Average weight: 10g
Breeding season: After rain in north and inland.
Clutch Size: 4 to 7 eggs
Incubation: 14 days
Nestling Period: 21 days
(Source: www.birdsinbackyards.net)
__________________________________________
© Chris Burns 2021
All rights reserved.
This image may not be copied, reproduced, distributed, republished, downloaded, displayed, posted or transmitted in any form or by any means, including electronic, mechanical, photocopying and recording without my written consent.
The sun setting in the Shire of Mareeba, Queensland, Australia.
The town of Mareeba was the earliest European settlement on the Atherton Plateau; at its founding it was called Granite Creek and served as a stop for miners on their way to goldfields in the interior.
Its present name is derived from an Aboriginal term meaning “meeting of the waters” or “place to meet.” The town serves as the commercial centre of the Mareeba-Dimbulah Irrigation Area, the tobacco farms of which receive water from the Tinaroo Falls Reservoir.
The shire's eastern area adjoined the Atherton Tableland, a fertile upland originally covered in forest. The dividing range extends westwards to Irvinebank, a prosperous tin mining town of the 1900s, and then across hilly ranges that incorporate the Chillagoe and Mungana copper/silver/lead mineral fields. To the north are Mount Mulligan (coal), Mount Molloy (copper) and Mount Carbine (wolfram).
Other products shipped through Mareeba are bacon, beef (from the Gulf of Carpentaria region to the west), and timber.
Information Sources:
Tolga in the Tablelands Region of Queensland, Australia.
The Barron River forms the north-east boundary of the region. The south-western of the locality is the Great Divising Range which creates the drainage divide that separates the drainage basin of the Barron River (which flows to the Coral Sea) from that of the Mitchell River (which flows to the Gulf of Carpentaria).
The northern and eastern parts of Tolga are relatively flat land used for growing crops. The western parts are more mountainous and are mostly undeveloped. Bones Knob is a peak to the west of the town above sea level.
The Tolga Scrub on the southern side of town is one of the last remaining areas of Mabi rainforest on the Atherton Tableland. It is the most drought resistant type of rainforest in Australia.
Information Source:
Many thanks for your visits, faves and comments. Cheers.
Double-barred Finch
Scientific Name: Taeniopygia bichenovii
Description: The Double-barred Finch is one of the long-tailed grass-finches and is notable for its 'owl-faced' features, having a white face bordered black. It is grey-brown, with white underparts banded black above and below the chest, giving the species its name. The wings are black, spotted white, the tail is black and the bill and legs are blueish-grey. Juveniles are dulller, with indistinct chest bars. These grass-finches usually feed in flocks and have a bouncing, undulating flight pattern.
Similar species: There are two subspecies of Double-barred Finch: the eastern race has a white rump and the western race has a black rump. Otherwise, distinguished form other finches by its 'owl-face'.
Distribution: The Double-barred Finch is found in the Kimberley region through to west of the Gulf of Carpentaria (the western race annulosa), and then from Cape York down the east coast to south-eastern Victoria (the eastern race, bichenovii).
Habitat: The Double-barred Finch prefers dry grassy woodlands and scrublands, open forests and farmlands. It is never far from water.
Seasonal movements: Nomadic; only an occasional visitor to extreme south-eastern part of range.
Feeding: The Double-barred Finch feeds on the ground on seeds. It will also take insects, especially when breeding. It usually feeds in groups or flocks of up to 40 birds.
Breeding: The Double-barred Finch builds a rounded nest, with a side entrance and short tunnel into a inner chamber lined with fine grass, feathers and plant down. The nest is placed between 1 m to 5 m from the ground in pandanus or thick shrubs, or even in the eaves of a building, often close to an active wasps' nest. Both parents incubate and feed the young.
The nestlings of Double-barred Finches beg with their heads down to one side. This is unique to the grass-finch and waxbill family.
Calls: A brassy, drawn-out 'tzeeaat, tzeeaat'; also a low 'tat tat'
Minimum Size: 10cm
Maximum Size: 12cm
Average size: 11cm
Average weight: 10g
Breeding season: After rain in north and inland.
Clutch Size: 4 to 7 eggs
Incubation: 14 days
Nestling Period: 21 days
(Source: www.birdsinbackyards.net)
__________________________________________
© Chris Burns 2019
All rights reserved.
This image may not be copied, reproduced, distributed, republished, downloaded, displayed, posted or transmitted in any form or by any means, including electronic, mechanical, photocopying and recording without my written consent.
Tolga in the Tablelands Region of Queensland, Australia.
The Barron River forms the north-east boundary of the region. The south-western of the locality is the Great Divising Range which creates the drainage divide that separates the drainage basin of the Barron River (which flows to the Coral Sea) from that of the Mitchell River (which flows to the Gulf of Carpentaria).
The northern and eastern parts of Tolga are relatively flat land used for growing crops. The western parts are more mountainous and are mostly undeveloped. Bones Knob is a peak to the west of the town above sea level.
The Tolga Scrub on the southern side of town is one of the last remaining areas of Mabi rainforest on the Atherton Tableland. It is the most drought resistant type of rainforest in Australia.
Information Source:
Tolga in the Tablelands Region of Queensland, Australia.
The Barron River forms the north-east boundary of the region. The south-western of the locality is the Great Divising Range which creates the drainage divide that separates the drainage basin of the Barron River (which flows to the Coral Sea) from that of the Mitchell River (which flows to the Gulf of Carpentaria).
The northern and eastern parts of Tolga are relatively flat land used for growing crops. The western parts are more mountainous and are mostly undeveloped. Bones Knob is a peak to the west of the town above sea level.
The Tolga Scrub on the southern side of town is one of the last remaining areas of Mabi rainforest on the Atherton Tableland. It is the most drought resistant type of rainforest in Australia.
Information Source:
Many thanks for your visits, faves and comments. Cheers.
Double-barred Finch
Scientific Name: Taeniopygia bichenovii
Description: The Double-barred Finch is one of the long-tailed grass-finches and is notable for its 'owl-faced' features, having a white face bordered black. It is grey-brown, with white underparts banded black above and below the chest, giving the species its name. The wings are black, spotted white, the tail is black and the bill and legs are blueish-grey. Juveniles are dulller, with indistinct chest bars. These grass-finches usually feed in flocks and have a bouncing, undulating flight pattern.
Similar species: There are two subspecies of Double-barred Finch: the eastern race has a white rump and the western race has a black rump. Otherwise, distinguished form other finches by its 'owl-face'.
Distribution: The Double-barred Finch is found in the Kimberley region through to west of the Gulf of Carpentaria (the western race annulosa), and then from Cape York down the east coast to south-eastern Victoria (the eastern race, bichenovii).
Habitat: The Double-barred Finch prefers dry grassy woodlands and scrublands, open forests and farmlands. It is never far from water.
Seasonal movements: Nomadic; only an occasional visitor to extreme south-eastern part of range.
Feeding: The Double-barred Finch feeds on the ground on seeds. It will also take insects, especially when breeding. It usually feeds in groups or flocks of up to 40 birds.
Breeding: The Double-barred Finch builds a rounded nest, with a side entrance and short tunnel into a inner chamber lined with fine grass, feathers and plant down. The nest is placed between 1 m to 5 m from the ground in pandanus or thick shrubs, or even in the eaves of a building, often close to an active wasps' nest. Both parents incubate and feed the young.
The nestlings of Double-barred Finches beg with their heads down to one side. This is unique to the grass-finch and waxbill family.
Calls: A brassy, drawn-out 'tzeeaat, tzeeaat'; also a low 'tat tat'
Minimum Size: 10cm
Maximum Size: 12cm
Average size: 11cm
Average weight: 10g
Breeding season: After rain in north and inland.
Clutch Size: 4 to 7 eggs
Incubation: 14 days
Nestling Period: 21 days
(Source: www.birdsinbackyards.net)
__________________________________________
© Chris Burns 2021
All rights reserved.
This image may not be copied, reproduced, distributed, republished, downloaded, displayed, posted or transmitted in any form or by any means, including electronic, mechanical, photocopying and recording without my written consent.
Many thanks for your visits, faves and comments. Cheers.
Double-barred Finch
Scientific Name: Taeniopygia bichenovii
Description: The Double-barred Finch is one of the long-tailed grass-finches and is notable for its 'owl-faced' features, having a white face bordered black. It is grey-brown, with white underparts banded black above and below the chest, giving the species its name. The wings are black, spotted white, the tail is black and the bill and legs are blueish-grey. Juveniles are dulller, with indistinct chest bars. These grass-finches usually feed in flocks and have a bouncing, undulating flight pattern.
Similar species: There are two subspecies of Double-barred Finch: the eastern race has a white rump and the western race has a black rump. Otherwise, distinguished form other finches by its 'owl-face'.
Distribution: The Double-barred Finch is found in the Kimberley region through to west of the Gulf of Carpentaria (the western race annulosa), and then from Cape York down the east coast to south-eastern Victoria (the eastern race, bichenovii).
Habitat: The Double-barred Finch prefers dry grassy woodlands and scrublands, open forests and farmlands. It is never far from water.
Seasonal movements: Nomadic; only an occasional visitor to extreme south-eastern part of range.
Feeding: The Double-barred Finch feeds on the ground on seeds. It will also take insects, especially when breeding. It usually feeds in groups or flocks of up to 40 birds.
Breeding: The Double-barred Finch builds a rounded nest, with a side entrance and short tunnel into a inner chamber lined with fine grass, feathers and plant down. The nest is placed between 1 m to 5 m from the ground in pandanus or thick shrubs, or even in the eaves of a building, often close to an active wasps' nest. Both parents incubate and feed the young.
The nestlings of Double-barred Finches beg with their heads down to one side. This is unique to the grass-finch and waxbill family.
Calls: A brassy, drawn-out 'tzeeaat, tzeeaat'; also a low 'tat tat'
Minimum Size: 10cm
Maximum Size: 12cm
Average size: 11cm
Average weight: 10g
Breeding season: After rain in north and inland.
Clutch Size: 4 to 7 eggs
Incubation: 14 days
Nestling Period: 21 days
(Source: www.birdsinbackyards.net)
__________________________________________
© Chris Burns 2021
All rights reserved.
This image may not be copied, reproduced, distributed, republished, downloaded, displayed, posted or transmitted in any form or by any means, including electronic, mechanical, photocopying and recording without my written consent.
Hot air balloons flying over the Shire of Mareeba, Queensland, Australia.
The town of Mareeba was the earliest European settlement on the Atherton Plateau; at its founding it was called Granite Creek and served as a stop for miners on their way to goldfields in the interior.
Its present name is derived from an Aboriginal term meaning “meeting of the waters” or “place to meet.” The town serves as the commercial centre of the Mareeba-Dimbulah Irrigation Area, the tobacco farms of which receive water from the Tinaroo Falls Reservoir.
The shire's eastern area adjoined the Atherton Tableland, a fertile upland originally covered in forest. The dividing range extends westwards to Irvinebank, a prosperous tin mining town of the 1900s, and then across hilly ranges that incorporate the Chillagoe and Mungana copper/silver/lead mineral fields. To the north are Mount Mulligan (coal), Mount Molloy (copper) and Mount Carbine (wolfram).
Other products shipped through Mareeba are bacon, beef (from the Gulf of Carpentaria region to the west), and timber.
Information Sources:
Welcome to my night photography trek around Sydney.
We're on the docks at 1.00am. Perfect, lol.
Tonight I am at Darling Harbour and, in particular, here at Wharf 7 - Pyrmont Bay. It was later than I realised when I reached this wharf, and the car was parked way back near Star City Casino.
But anyway, the wharf was so peaceful. No one was around. Yet everything was still sparkling, with the ships lit up and the lights from the city reflecting across Darling Harbour.
Well it was definitely after midnight, and so here's Hanne Boel with the best-ever version of J.J. Cale's 'After Midnight':
www.youtube.com/watch?v=7z9VrpuXRo8
The red ship is the Carpentaria light-ship. It is otherwise known as the Commonwealth Light Ship [CLS4]. The ship beyond is the 'James Craig' tallship.
My Canon EOS 5D Mk IV with the Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM lens.
Processed in Adobe Lightroom and PhotoPad Pro by NCH software.
Pelicans preparing to leave a sand island out from Karumba, in the Gulf of Carpentaria as our sunset cruise arrives.
Many thanks for your visits, faves and comments. Cheers.
Double-barred Finch
Scientific Name: Taeniopygia bichenovii
Description: The Double-barred Finch is one of the long-tailed grass-finches and is notable for its 'owl-faced' features, having a white face bordered black. It is grey-brown, with white underparts banded black above and below the chest, giving the species its name. The wings are black, spotted white, the tail is black and the bill and legs are blueish-grey. Juveniles are dulller, with indistinct chest bars. These grass-finches usually feed in flocks and have a bouncing, undulating flight pattern.
Similar species: There are two subspecies of Double-barred Finch: the eastern race has a white rump and the western race has a black rump. Otherwise, distinguished form other finches by its 'owl-face'.
Distribution: The Double-barred Finch is found in the Kimberley region through to west of the Gulf of Carpentaria (the western race annulosa), and then from Cape York down the east coast to south-eastern Victoria (the eastern race, bichenovii).
Habitat: The Double-barred Finch prefers dry grassy woodlands and scrublands, open forests and farmlands. It is never far from water.
Seasonal movements: Nomadic; only an occasional visitor to extreme south-eastern part of range.
Feeding: The Double-barred Finch feeds on the ground on seeds. It will also take insects, especially when breeding. It usually feeds in groups or flocks of up to 40 birds.
Breeding: The Double-barred Finch builds a rounded nest, with a side entrance and short tunnel into a inner chamber lined with fine grass, feathers and plant down. The nest is placed between 1 m to 5 m from the ground in pandanus or thick shrubs, or even in the eaves of a building, often close to an active wasps' nest. Both parents incubate and feed the young.
The nestlings of Double-barred Finches beg with their heads down to one side. This is unique to the grass-finch and waxbill family.
Calls: A brassy, drawn-out 'tzeeaat, tzeeaat'; also a low 'tat tat'
Minimum Size: 10cm
Maximum Size: 12cm
Average size: 11cm
Average weight: 10g
Breeding season: After rain in north and inland.
Clutch Size: 4 to 7 eggs
Incubation: 14 days
Nestling Period: 21 days
(Source: www.birdsinbackyards.net)
__________________________________________
© Chris Burns 2021
All rights reserved.
This image may not be copied, reproduced, distributed, republished, downloaded, displayed, posted or transmitted in any form or by any means, including electronic, mechanical, photocopying and recording without my written consent.
RM93 departs Croydon with the weekly "Golden Gate" run to the yard limits where the passengers will enjoy a hearty outback meal before reversing back to the platform.
RM93 was built at the Ipswich Railway Museum in 1950 and arrived at Normanton in 1982, where it has remained ever since.
The Normanton to Croydon rail line was built between 1888 and 1891, utilising an innovative system of submersible track with patented steel sleepers, designed to combat not only flooding water but termites that plagued the line originally.
The line initially was planned to be a transcontinental link between western Queensland and the Gulf of Carpentaria. In 1886, the link was approved for construction between Cloncurry (on the now Mount Isa line) and Normanton, however, the discovery of gold in Croydon distracted these plans. The line was then constructed (and detoured) to Croydon with the full ambition to continue it onto Cloncurry. However, the gold mine at Croydon did not maintain the anticipated success and by the early 1900s was closed and the line's fate sealed.
Today this line remains as Queensland Rail's only isolated railway, with the nearest link some 190km away from Croydon at Forsayth.
Wednesday 20th July 2022
Many thanks for your visits, faves and comments. Cheers.
Double-barred Finch
Scientific Name: Taeniopygia bichenovii
Description: The Double-barred Finch is one of the long-tailed grass-finches and is notable for its 'owl-faced' features, having a white face bordered black. It is grey-brown, with white underparts banded black above and below the chest, giving the species its name. The wings are black, spotted white, the tail is black and the bill and legs are blueish-grey. Juveniles are dulller, with indistinct chest bars. These grass-finches usually feed in flocks and have a bouncing, undulating flight pattern.
Similar species: There are two subspecies of Double-barred Finch: the eastern race has a white rump and the western race has a black rump. Otherwise, distinguished form other finches by its 'owl-face'.
Distribution: The Double-barred Finch is found in the Kimberley region through to west of the Gulf of Carpentaria (the western race annulosa), and then from Cape York down the east coast to south-eastern Victoria (the eastern race, bichenovii).
Habitat: The Double-barred Finch prefers dry grassy woodlands and scrublands, open forests and farmlands. It is never far from water.
Seasonal movements: Nomadic; only an occasional visitor to extreme south-eastern part of range.
Feeding: The Double-barred Finch feeds on the ground on seeds. It will also take insects, especially when breeding. It usually feeds in groups or flocks of up to 40 birds.
Breeding: The Double-barred Finch builds a rounded nest, with a side entrance and short tunnel into a inner chamber lined with fine grass, feathers and plant down. The nest is placed between 1 m to 5 m from the ground in pandanus or thick shrubs, or even in the eaves of a building, often close to an active wasps' nest. Both parents incubate and feed the young.
The nestlings of Double-barred Finches beg with their heads down to one side. This is unique to the grass-finch and waxbill family.
Calls: A brassy, drawn-out 'tzeeaat, tzeeaat'; also a low 'tat tat'
Minimum Size: 10cm
Maximum Size: 12cm
Average size: 11cm
Average weight: 10g
Breeding season: After rain in north and inland.
Clutch Size: 4 to 7 eggs
Incubation: 14 days
Nestling Period: 21 days
(Source: www.birdsinbackyards.net)
__________________________________________
© Chris Burns 2025
All rights reserved.
This image may not be copied, reproduced, distributed, republished, downloaded, displayed, posted or transmitted in any form or by any means, including electronic, mechanical, photocopying and recording without my written consent.
Shots from three National Parks in the Northern Territory of Australia is my theme for today. What's in a name? The explorer Phillip Parker King was the first English navigator to enter the Gulf of Carpentaria. He made a number of explorations in the area between 1818 and 1822 and named the rivers after the crocodiles which he mistook for alligators as his journals note.
"Alligator River" refers to the Alligator Rivers region in Australia's Northern Territory, which includes the East, West, and South Alligator Rivers. This area, a significant portion of which lies within Kakadu National Park, is known for its rich biodiversity and is home to large populations of saltwater crocodiles. The rivers are a popular spot for nature activities and fishing, but swimming is strongly discouraged.
Many thanks for your visits, faves and comments. Cheers.
Double-barred Finch
Scientific Name: Taeniopygia bichenovii
Description: The Double-barred Finch is one of the long-tailed grass-finches and is notable for its 'owl-faced' features, having a white face bordered black. It is grey-brown, with white underparts banded black above and below the chest, giving the species its name. The wings are black, spotted white, the tail is black and the bill and legs are blueish-grey. Juveniles are dulller, with indistinct chest bars. These grass-finches usually feed in flocks and have a bouncing, undulating flight pattern.
Similar species: There are two subspecies of Double-barred Finch: the eastern race has a white rump and the western race has a black rump. Otherwise, distinguished form other finches by its 'owl-face'.
Distribution: The Double-barred Finch is found in the Kimberley region through to west of the Gulf of Carpentaria (the western race annulosa), and then from Cape York down the east coast to south-eastern Victoria (the eastern race, bichenovii).
Habitat: The Double-barred Finch prefers dry grassy woodlands and scrublands, open forests and farmlands. It is never far from water.
Seasonal movements: Nomadic; only an occasional visitor to extreme south-eastern part of range.
Feeding: The Double-barred Finch feeds on the ground on seeds. It will also take insects, especially when breeding. It usually feeds in groups or flocks of up to 40 birds.
Breeding: The Double-barred Finch builds a rounded nest, with a side entrance and short tunnel into a inner chamber lined with fine grass, feathers and plant down. The nest is placed between 1 m to 5 m from the ground in pandanus or thick shrubs, or even in the eaves of a building, often close to an active wasps' nest. Both parents incubate and feed the young.
The nestlings of Double-barred Finches beg with their heads down to one side. This is unique to the grass-finch and waxbill family.
Calls: A brassy, drawn-out 'tzeeaat, tzeeaat'; also a low 'tat tat'
Minimum Size: 10cm
Maximum Size: 12cm
Average size: 11cm
Average weight: 10g
Breeding season: After rain in north and inland.
Clutch Size: 4 to 7 eggs
Incubation: 14 days
Nestling Period: 21 days
(Source: www.birdsinbackyards.net)
__________________________________________
© Chris Burns 2025
All rights reserved.
This image may not be copied, reproduced, distributed, republished, downloaded, displayed, posted or transmitted in any form or by any means, including electronic, mechanical, photocopying and recording without my written consent.
Long-tailed finch, one of the many beautiful exotic birds of Bloedel Conservatory in Vancouver, BC Canada.
The long-tailed finch (Poephila acuticauda) is a common species of estrildid finch found in northern Australia, from the Kimberley region to the Gulf of Carpentaria. It is a predominantly fawn-coloured bird with a pale grey head and prominent black bib and eyes. It inhabits dry savannah habitats in Australia and adapts readily to aviculture.
Trundling along between Croydon and Blackbull, RM93 crosses another trestle bridge on its weekly West bound journey back from Croydon to Normanton.
RM93 was built at the Ipswich Railway Museum in 1950 and arrived at Normanton in 1982, where it has remained ever since.
The Normanton to Croydon rail line was built between 1888 and 1891, utilising an innovative system of submersible track with patented steel sleepers, designed to combat not only flooding water but termites that plagued the line originally.
RM93 was built at the Ipswich Railway Museum in 1950 and arrived at Normanton in 1982, where it has remained ever since.
The Normanton to Croydon rail line was built between 1888 and 1891, utilising an innovative system of submersible track with patented steel sleepers, designed to combat not only flooding water but termites that plagued the line originally.
The line initially was planned to be a transcontinental link between western Queensland and the Gulf of Carpentaria. In 1886, the link was approved for construction between Cloncurry (on the now Mount Isa line) and Normanton, however, the discovery of gold in Croydon distracted these plans. The line was then constructed (and detoured) to Croydon with the full ambition to continue it onto Cloncurry. However, the gold mine at Croydon did not maintain the anticipated success and by the early 1900s was closed and the line's fate sealed.
Today this line remains as Queensland Rail's only isolated railway, with the nearest link some 190km away from Croydon at Forsayth.
Thursday 21st July 2022
RM93 trundles along between Haydon and Critters Camp with the return of the weekly Gulflander service from Croydon to Normanton.
RM93 was built at the Ipswich Railway Museum in 1950 and arrived at Normanton in 1982, where it has remained ever since.
The Normanton to Croydon rail line was built between 1888 and 1891, utilising an innovative system of submersible track with patented steel sleepers, designed to combat not only flooding water but termites that plagued the line originally.
RM93 was built at the Ipswich Railway Museum in 1950 and arrived at Normanton in 1982, where it has remained ever since.
The Normanton to Croydon rail line was built between 1888 and 1891, utilising an innovative system of submersible track with patented steel sleepers, designed to combat not only flooding water but termites that plagued the line originally.
The line initially was planned to be a transcontinental link between western Queensland and the Gulf of Carpentaria. In 1886, the link was approved for construction between Cloncurry (on the now Mount Isa line) and Normanton, however, the discovery of gold in Croydon distracted these plans. The line was then constructed (and detoured) to Croydon with the full ambition to continue it onto Cloncurry. However, the gold mine at Croydon did not maintain the anticipated success and by the early 1900s was closed and the line's fate sealed.
Today this line remains as Queensland Rail's only isolated railway, with the nearest link some 190km away from Croydon at Forsayth.
Thursday 21st July 2022
View from the plane on the way to Darwin. Cox River in Limmen National Park, Northern Territory, Australia.
Many thanks for your visits, faves and comments. Cheers.
Double-barred Finch
Scientific Name: Taeniopygia bichenovii
Description: The Double-barred Finch is one of the long-tailed grass-finches and is notable for its 'owl-faced' features, having a white face bordered black. It is grey-brown, with white underparts banded black above and below the chest, giving the species its name. The wings are black, spotted white, the tail is black and the bill and legs are blueish-grey. Juveniles are dulller, with indistinct chest bars. These grass-finches usually feed in flocks and have a bouncing, undulating flight pattern.
Similar species: There are two subspecies of Double-barred Finch: the eastern race has a white rump and the western race has a black rump. Otherwise, distinguished form other finches by its 'owl-face'.
Distribution: The Double-barred Finch is found in the Kimberley region through to west of the Gulf of Carpentaria (the western race annulosa), and then from Cape York down the east coast to south-eastern Victoria (the eastern race, bichenovii).
Habitat: The Double-barred Finch prefers dry grassy woodlands and scrublands, open forests and farmlands. It is never far from water.
Seasonal movements: Nomadic; only an occasional visitor to extreme south-eastern part of range.
Feeding: The Double-barred Finch feeds on the ground on seeds. It will also take insects, especially when breeding. It usually feeds in groups or flocks of up to 40 birds.
Breeding: The Double-barred Finch builds a rounded nest, with a side entrance and short tunnel into a inner chamber lined with fine grass, feathers and plant down. The nest is placed between 1 m to 5 m from the ground in pandanus or thick shrubs, or even in the eaves of a building, often close to an active wasps' nest. Both parents incubate and feed the young.
The nestlings of Double-barred Finches beg with their heads down to one side. This is unique to the grass-finch and waxbill family.
Calls: A brassy, drawn-out 'tzeeaat, tzeeaat'; also a low 'tat tat'
Minimum Size: 10cm
Maximum Size: 12cm
Average size: 11cm
Average weight: 10g
Breeding season: After rain in north and inland.
Clutch Size: 4 to 7 eggs
Incubation: 14 days
Nestling Period: 21 days
(Source: www.birdsinbackyards.net)
__________________________________________
© Chris Burns 2019
All rights reserved.
This image may not be copied, reproduced, distributed, republished, downloaded, displayed, posted or transmitted in any form or by any means, including electronic, mechanical, photocopying and recording without my written consent.
Swinging North briefly after a stop at Blackbull for morning tea, RM93 trundles along near Haydon, heading for Normanton.
RM93 was built at the Ipswich Railway Museum in 1950 and arrived at Normanton in 1982, where it has remained ever since.
The Normanton to Croydon rail line was built between 1888 and 1891, utilising an innovative system of submersible track with patented steel sleepers, designed to combat not only flooding water but termites that plagued the line originally.
RM93 was built at the Ipswich Railway Museum in 1950 and arrived at Normanton in 1982, where it has remained ever since.
The Normanton to Croydon rail line was built between 1888 and 1891, utilising an innovative system of submersible track with patented steel sleepers, designed to combat not only flooding water but termites that plagued the line originally.
The line initially was planned to be a transcontinental link between western Queensland and the Gulf of Carpentaria. In 1886, the link was approved for construction between Cloncurry (on the now Mount Isa line) and Normanton, however, the discovery of gold in Croydon distracted these plans. The line was then constructed (and detoured) to Croydon with the full ambition to continue it onto Cloncurry. However, the gold mine at Croydon did not maintain the anticipated success and by the early 1900s was closed and the line's fate sealed.
Today this line remains as Queensland Rail's only isolated railway, with the nearest link some 190km away from Croydon at Forsayth.
Thursday 21st July 2022
Many thanks for your visits, faves and comments. Cheers.
Singing Honeyeater
Scientific Name: Lichenostomus virescens
Description: The Singing Honeyeater has a plain grey-brown upperbody, a distinctive black streak through the eye from the bill to the neck, bordered by a yellow streak below the eye grading into a white throat, and a white to grey underbody streaked dark grey-brown. There is a small, inconspicuous white ear-tuft, usually hidden by the yellow ear coverts (feathers). The bill is black and the eye is dark brown. Young birds are similar to adults, with a lighter forehead and crown and a narrower, duller face marking. This widely-distributed species is known for its pleasant voice and is usually seen in small noisy groups of five or six birds.
Similar species: Within its habitat, the Singing Honeyeater may be mistaken for the Purple-gaped Honeyeater, L. cratitius, or the Grey-headed Honeyeater, L. keartlandi. It differs from the former by having a longer black face streak, white on its throat and chest, and streaked underparts. It differs from the latter by being larger and having white on its face and no obvious yellow plume at the end of its face mask. Two other species that share the Singing Honeyeater's black, yellow and white face markings do not share its habitat or range: the Mangrove Honeyeater, L. fasciogularis, and the Varied Honeyeater, L. versicolor.
Distribution: The Singing Honeyeater is widespread on mainland Australia. It is found west of the Great Dividing Range from Queensland through to New South Wales, but is rare around Canberra or on the eastern slopes of New South Wales. It is widespread in western Victoria and in all regions of South Australia, except the Mt Lofty Ranges. Widespread in Western Australia except for the extreme south-west or northern Kimberley region, and not common in the Top End but otherwise widespread in the Northern Territory. Also found on Groote Eylandt and Sir Edward Pellew Islands in the Gulf of Carpentaria.
Habitat: The Singing Honeyeater is found mostly in open shrublands and low woodlands, especially dominated by acacias. It is also be found in swamplands, along creeks and drainage channels. It is often seen in urban parks and gardens and around farmyards, particularly in south-west Western Australia. It is also found in partly cleared lands with remnant woodlands and has been seen in plantations and in African Boxthorn thickets or isolated shrubs.
Seasonal movements: Resident or sedentary throughout range, with local movements only.
Feeding: The Singing Honeyeater feeds on nectar, insects and fruit. It forages in low shrubs or on the ground, usually alone, but sometimes in loose flocks. It feeds at lower levels than most other honeyeaters
Breeding: The Singing Honeyeater forms monogamous pairs, with some long-term bonds. The open, often flimsy cup-nest is formed from matted grasses and lined with roots, wool or other mammal hairs. It has once been observed nesting in the top 'false nest' cup of a Yellow-rumped Thornbill nest while the lower nest chamber was occupied. The female incubates the eggs alone but both adults feed the young. This species is parasitised by the Pallid Cuckoo.
Calls: A large range of clear, noisy calls, usually lively and melodious: 'prrip, prrip'. Dawn choruses may last for an hour, starting before sunrise.
Minimum Size: 17cm
Maximum Size: 24cm
Average size: 19cm
Average weight: 26g
Breeding season: August to November near coast, otherwise variable.
Clutch Size: 1 to 3 eggs, usually 2
Incubation: 13 days
Nestling Period: 13 days
(Source: www.birdsinbackyards.net)
Wilga - attracts a lot of honeyeaters in flower and red-tailed black cockatoos when the fruit comes - Geijera parviflora, commonly known as wilga, is a species of shrub or small tree in the family Rutaceae and is endemic to inland parts of eastern Australia. It has drooping branches, linear to narrow lance-shaped leaves, small white flowers in loose panicles and spherical fruit containing a shiny black seed. Cockatoos love the seed. (Source: Wikipedia)
__________________________________________
© Chris Burns 2025
All rights reserved.
This image may not be copied, reproduced, distributed, republished, downloaded, displayed, posted or transmitted in any form or by any means, including electronic, mechanical, photocopying and recording without my written consent.
The Gulflander, with stalwart RM93 in charge and two trailer carriages in tow, crosses the Norman River bridge near Glenore, on the approach to its final destination of Normanton with the weekly service from Croydon.
RM93 was built at the Ipswich Railway Museum in 1950 and arrived at Normanton in 1982, where it has remained ever since.
The Normanton to Croydon rail line was built between 1888 and 1891, utilising an innovative system of submersible track with patented steel sleepers, designed to combat not only flooding water but termites that plagued the line originally.
The line initially was planned to be a transcontinental link between western Queensland and the Gulf of Carpentaria. In 1886, the link was approved for construction between Cloncurry (on the now Mount Isa line) and Normanton, however, the discovery of gold in Croydon distracted these plans. The line was then constructed (and detoured) to Croydon with the full ambition to continue it onto Cloncurry. However, the gold mine at Croydon did not maintain the anticipated success and by the early 1900s was closed and the line's fate sealed.
Today this line remains as Queensland Rail's only isolated railway, with the nearest link some 190km away from Croydon at Forsayth.
Thursday 21st July 2022
These mazes of rock cover thousands of square kilometres around the Gulf of Carpentaria in Australia's Northern Territory
RM93 departs Croydon with the return of the weekly Gulflander service from Croydon to Normanton.
RM93 was built at the Ipswich Railway Museum in 1950 and arrived at Normanton in 1982, where it has remained ever since.
The Normanton to Croydon rail line was built between 1888 and 1891, utilising an innovative system of submersible track with patented steel sleepers, designed to combat not only flooding water but termites that plagued the line originally.
RM93 was built at the Ipswich Railway Museum in 1950 and arrived at Normanton in 1982, where it has remained ever since.
The Normanton to Croydon rail line was built between 1888 and 1891, utilising an innovative system of submersible track with patented steel sleepers, designed to combat not only flooding water but termites that plagued the line originally.
The line initially was planned to be a transcontinental link between western Queensland and the Gulf of Carpentaria. In 1886, the link was approved for construction between Cloncurry (on the now Mount Isa line) and Normanton, however, the discovery of gold in Croydon distracted these plans. The line was then constructed (and detoured) to Croydon with the full ambition to continue it onto Cloncurry. However, the gold mine at Croydon did not maintain the anticipated success and by the early 1900s was closed and the line's fate sealed.
Today this line remains as Queensland Rail's only isolated railway, with the nearest link some 190km away from Croydon at Forsayth.
Thursday 21st July 2022
RM93 approaches Critters Camp with the weekly Gulflander service to Normanton.
RM93 was built at the Ipswich Railway Museum in 1950 and arrived at Normanton in 1982, where it has remained ever since.
The Normanton to Croydon rail line was built between 1888 and 1891, utilising an innovative system of submersible track with patented steel sleepers, designed to combat not only flooding water but termites that plagued the line originally.
The line initially was planned to be a transcontinental link between western Queensland and the Gulf of Carpentaria. In 1886, the link was approved for construction between Cloncurry (on the now Mount Isa line) and Normanton, however, the discovery of gold in Croydon distracted these plans. The line was then constructed (and detoured) to Croydon with the full ambition to continue it onto Cloncurry. However, the gold mine at Croydon did not maintain the anticipated success and by the early 1900s was closed and the line's fate sealed.
Today this line remains as Queensland Rail's only isolated railway, with the nearest link some 190km away from Croydon at Forsayth.
Thursday 21st July 2022