Warrina Lakes parkland, Innisfail monthly bird survey: May 2025

Ceri Pearce | Cassowary Coast Area Coordinator

Despite the morning rain, three keen birders explored Warrina Lakes Parkland, Innisfail on Sunday 11 May. Raincoats, umbrellas and gumboots were definitely essential, as were waterproof binos, but the perseverance of the team was rewarded.

Raincoats, umbrellas and gumboots (and waterproof binoculars!) were the ‘order of the day’. Photo by Ceri Pearce.

We’d barely left the carpark when a Great-Billed Heron wandered up a grassy lake verge, examined us with its pterodactyl stare, and then flew further up the creek. We were rewarded with several excellent views of this magnificent bird during the morning. Alas no cameras were present to record the sighting. It was just too wet for photography. You’ll have to take my word for it.

However, thanks to BirdLife Australia’s Photography Group, I’ve included a couple of bird photos for you in this report: the Great-billed Heron (photo by Geoff Stapley) immediately below, and the adult Wandering Whistling-Duck photo by Glenn Pure further below.

Great-billed Heron © Geoffrey Stapley 2021 (birdlifephotography.org.au).

Great Egret and Plumed (formerly known as Intermediate) Egret were also present as were Radjah Shelduck and Pacific Black Duck. We were excited to see an adult Wandering Whistling-Duck with four immature birds feeding together in the main lake. It is always satisfying to see evidence of successful breeding.

The Wandering Whistling-Duck ‘family’ feeding together in the main lake. Photo taken on mobile phone by Ceri Pearce.

An adult Wandering Whistling-Duck © Glenn Pure 2024 (birdlifephotography.org.au).

It was good to see two Pacific Baza flying over. Hopefully they will breed at Warrina Lakes again this year.

All up, 37 taxa were recorded in the 500 m area search over 2.5 hrs from 7 am: not bad given the weather conditions.

The Park’s walking paths were more like shallow creeks. Photo by Ceri Pearce.

Innisfail has experienced over 3,200 mm of rain so far this year so it is pretty soggy.

There are even water lilies growing on the concrete path. Photo by Ceri Pearce.

Fingers crossed there will be more sunshine soon. We invite you to join us on our next outing at Warrina Lakes on the 8 June at 7am to find out 😉.