By ANNE WILKINSON

It has been a week of what I can only call coincidences and discoveries.

Take the coincidence first, though I guess in fact it is more a confirmation of what we – and wildwatchers everywhere – have always known.

It happened at a Christmas party. We were admiring the view across paddocks to the distant mountains from the large, rambling and very beautiful garden where the party was being held. Dusk was falling and the last birds were hastening to their roosts while bats were beginning to emerge and swoop after insects.

 November 2012

This year has seen the Tully Branch WPSQ forge very productive partnerships with many other NGOs, private enterprise and the local Council.

The post Yasi opportunity to secure more habitat for the Glider has been the main thrust and involved the cooperation of State Departmental officers, Forest Managers, Terrain staff, Council Nursery staff, Conservation Volunteers Australia and WPSQ members.

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WILDWATCH by ANNE WILKINSON.

I will never forget our first sight of the little kingfisher. Yes, that really is its name, and it is tiny. Indeed, it is hard to picture a kingfisher which is only 12 centimetres long, but that is all this little gem is.

This measurement includes its strong, black beak.

It is Australia’s smallest kingfisher, and its latin name is almost as long as it is, Ceyx pusillus. But back to that wonderful sighting.

WILDWATCH:  by  ANNE WILKINSON.

Wandering the Cassowary Coast beaches, bird watching is always a pleasure. It is a family rule always to carry a light pair of binoculars and, for me, a sketchbook.

There are so many different kinds of birds for which the beach and the sea are focuses.

WILDWATCH: by ANNE WILKINSON.

The exquisite beaches of the Cassowary Coast are often in the news, both for good and, sadly, sometimes for bad reasons.

Whatever the cause, the fact remains this region can boast some of the most beautiful beaches, even after Cyclone Yasi, in Australia.

WILDWATCH  by Lawrie Martin

“We knew very little about the mahogany glider and finding one in a fallen tree on our club grounds brought home the reality of the plight facing this little Queenslander,” John Guyatt said.

Mr Guyatt, involved in the Cardwell Reconstruction programme, was speaking at the Cardwell Country Club last week when a group of concerned citizens gathered to discuss the allocation of Federal Government funding under the Caring for Country programme to improve habitat for mahogany gliders (Petaurus gracilis).