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Birdlife Northern QueenslandArtemis StationGolden-shoulderedParrot Campout22 - 27 MAY 2013Excitement was in the air when members fromTownsville and Northern Queensland branch convergedon Artemis Station for a joint campout in May. I wasjust one of the many members who had been lookingforward to Awesome Artemis for weeks beforehand.Owners, Sue and Tom Shephard, made us mostwelcome and shared with us, not only their property,but also the best locations to spot the elusive GoldenshoulderedParrots. One hundred and forty ninespecies of birds were sighted during the camp out. Thistrip report is a combined effort. Thanks go to my coauthorsfor sharing "What was the best part of theArtemis campout?".Virginia: The Golden-shouldered Parrots! Their colourwas so much more vivid and startling than I expected.Murray: Revisiting some of my favourite bird watchingsites, and showing attendees an assortment of greatbirds such as finches, owls, parrots and raptors.Ceri: Observing the rare and threatened GSP's,feeding and caring for their young in the termitemound nests. Having listened to Gabriel Crowley'sfascinating talk about the plight of the parrots at theApril meeting, actually seeing the birds in real life wasjust awesome. They are stunning!Darlene: The hospitality of Sue and Tom and theirwillingness to share their local knowledge of GoldenshoulderedParrots and their property with us.Midge: the unmistakable Australian-ness of thecountry, especially the Blue Winged and LaughingKookaburras having a shout-off at dawn with thegalahs chipping in.Don: Marina Plains by day and night; a young GoldenshoulderedParrot poking its head out of the entranceto its termite-mound nest and, after a long wait, theadult pair flying in to feed it.Murray: It was great to get out in the country, andonce again experience the sights, sounds, andhospitality of the Cape.Alison: the expert knowledge, patience andwillingness of group leaders and others guiding us andshowing us the birds.Golden shouldered parrot.Image courtesy of Scott TempletonMidge: the thrill of driving around another corner andseeing another billabong covered with water lilies andbirds - and the spear gates - who could forget them.Alison: Seeing the Jacana on our visit to the LotusBird Lodge lagoon. To have such long toes, and I lovetheir delicate 'flipper' walk.Ceri: Catching sight of Doug dance when he found theOwlet nightjar.Midge: The night spotting was wonderful. We saw somany night birds and saw them often. Barking owls,nightjars, frogmouths and barn owlsCeri: Our sunset drinks at Marina Plains and theglorious golden hues of the sky, followed by picnicdinner watching the full moon rise. As if that wasn'tenough, we then had the best spotlighting drive in mylife - I've never seen that many owls and nightjars inone night. Never!Pippy: The Cooktown orchids in full display in the VineThicket.Ceri: Seeing Murray and Doug present that greatclosing gift to Sue and Tom, with all the groupsappreciation. A lot of thought went into findingAustralian stamps of Golden-shouldered Parrots andframing them. Good on Murray for thinking of it.And generally from everyone: The laid backatmosphere, the camping, the great weather andsunshine, and getting together with the Townsvillemob, and sharing their experience and knowledge ofthis great birding place. Special thanks to Doug andMurray, and the Shephard's for this great birdingcampout! Let's do it again.Compiled by Ceri Pearce8 August 2013
Contact CallAwesome ArtemisBirdlife members with Tom and Sue ShephardOn the lookout for Golden-shouldered Parrots.Image courtesy of Midge BellMurray presenting the gift Barn Owl, Marina Plains.to Tom and Sue.Owl image courtesy of Don FranklinIs the coast clear? A Golden-shouldered Parrot in theentrance hole to a nest in a termite mound.Image courtesy of Scott TempletonCooktown orchidsGSP termite mound.Images courtesy of Don FranklinOwlet nightjar! A new bird for Doug and a few others.The Editor has a photo of Doug's new bird dance, andmay consider sharing it for the right price.The sunset crew at Marina PlainsAugust 2013 9
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