A tour of Brisbane wetlands - Feb 11 2006

[DionM]

Would anyone be interested?

I have been looking at the various Brisbane wetlands, and I reckon we could piece together a tour of the wetlands and related places. The slant would be mainly birdlife, but there is of course plant life in these places too (and bugs, for those so inclined ...).

For example, we could start northside - Tambi Tambi and Boondall obviously, the over the bridge and off to the Port, Wynnum and Thorneside (check the tides for Thorneside).

Then onto Minnippi, Oxley Common and the various other hidey-holes in the Western suburbs (there's quite a few). Could probably fill in a whole day (1-1.5hrs at each location); and maybe end at Mt Coo-tha Gardens ... or somewhere else for some dusk shots.

Thoughts / comments / suggestions? We could probably second a BBQ somewhere along the way for lunch, and same for dinner if we do run that late (or just be lazy and hit a cafe or two).

I have not been to all of these places myself (just went to Minnippi the other day, and plan to go to a few more over the coming weeks). I'm guessing this is about the best time for birds etc - once autumn comes it may be a little late (esp for migratory birds).

We would only need cars for this tour - there might be some dirt roads for the Western Suburbs stuff, but we're not going way out of town.

Comments, suggestions for dates etc? Don't want it too hot on the heels of the last meet I guess ...

[Oneputt]

But would you turn up Dion???

[DionM]

But would you turn up Dion???

Mmm ... I had a good reason for the last one .

If it's before Feb there is a high chance - after that work just goes stupid ...

[Oneputt]

Understood. So pick a date and then we can get serious

[Manta]

I'd be interested. As far as locations are concerned, BlacknStormy and Damian are the experts.
"Come in, Narelle. Do you copy?"

[blacknstormy]

Hey guys - we'd be definitely interested, but have to start a fauna survey around the 22nd of Jan (had to take time off work to do it), so would either have to be 14/15th of January, or mid February .......
ball in your court
Rel & Damian

[DionM]

Understood. So pick a date and then we can get serious

Maybe some time towards the end of the month - what about Australia day, since it is orphaned on Thurs 26 Jan?

Or if people are taking Fri off and turning it into a long weekend (I probably will), what about the Sat before -> 21 Jan.

[big pix]

...... mid february will be a lot cooler..........or need less beers........

[big pix]

Rel and Damian can teach us all a lot......... about chasing wildlife......

[Big Red]

be interested but ... only have a couple of weekend left before the comp on the 28th jan so have to modify the truck before then.
after that could be a big possibility

[DionM]

Hey guys - we'd be definitely interested, but have to start a fauna survey around the 22nd of Jan (had to take time off work to do it), so would either have to be 14/15th of January, or mid February .......
ball in your court
Rel & Damian

Ooops ... sorry ... was composing my msg when you wrote this (didn't mean to sound as if I totally ignored your suggestions!).

Okay ... well its either 14/15th Jan or mid-Feb now.

Big Pix and shane have voted mid-Feb ... anyone else?

FWIW I'll be going visiting a few places this weekend myself anyway to get more practice with the new big lens

[Manta]

Mid-Feb fine by me. I HATE the heat so hopefully things will have cooled down by then.

[Slider]

Mid Feb. Cool. Well no, not that cool but it will be less hot

[neroli]

Sounds great! I'm definitely interested as well.

Cheers
Judy

[xerubus]

mid feb and i'm in.

cheers

[DionM]

Okay, Feb 11th it is then?

[Oneputt]

It's in the diary

[Slider]

Okay, Feb 11th it is then?

Work's for me

[Zeeke]

I'll come if someone can give me a lift... and then anyone who wants to try my 90mm tamron may

Tim

[big pix]

Okay, Feb 11th it is then?

if this is the date .......Feb 11th....... ask the mods to add it to the calendar....

[blacknstormy]

bugger bugger bugger - the day we go back on shift !
We can meet up with you guys sometime after we finish work (12.30), or, if I can really push the friendship, make it for the following Saturday (18th)

[DionM]

bugger bugger bugger - the day we go back on shift !
We can meet up with you guys sometime after we finish work (12.30), or, if I can really push the friendship, make it for the following Saturday (18th)

Okay ... how about the 18th (since you guys are to be our expert guides ...) !

[mitedo]

Feb 11th looks ok for me

[Manta]

I'm okay for either weekend but feel we should look at combining day and evening timeslots, i.e. start after lunch (or even incorporate lunch), shoot birds, reptiles etc during the afternoon, catch some sunset shots then wait for the frogs (and other night critters) to come out.

If we limit the trek to just daylight hours then we severely cut down our photographic opportunities in these sort of habitats. There are a few factors to consider, such as closing times in some areas and, of course, the return home for those that are travelling longer distances but the rewards will definitely be worth it, especially if you're going to be seeing things from a completely different perspective. And besides, we creatures of the night feel a lot more comfortable after sundown!

[big pix]

Simon ...... sounds like a very good idea....... and could be done...... a day and evening shoot together .......... fantastic......

[DionM]

I'm okay for either weekend but feel we should look at combininig day and evening timeslots, i.e. start after lunch (or even incorporate lunch), shoot birds, reptiles etc during the afternoon, catch some sunset shots then wait for the frogs (and other night critters) to come out.

Simon, sounds great - we can keep the 11th then and Narelle and co can join us as well?

[Manta]

Lock it in Eddie!

Dion - As you kicked it off, I'll leave it with you to PM the Mods to get it listed on the calendar.

Ladies and Gentlemen... start your memory cards. We have an event.

(PS - I spoke with Narelle today and we both feel it would beneficial if we don't try to cover too much ground on the day. Closer to the day, we should toss around some ideas regarding three or four possible locations that aren't too far from each other so that we can get some variety but also not lose too much time in travel)

[big pix]

locked and loaded.......

[DionM]

Lock it in Eddie!

Dion - As you kicked it off, I'll leave it with you to PM the Mods to get it listed on the calendar.

Ladies and Gentlemen... start your memory cards. We have an event.

(PS - I spoke with Narelle today and we both feel it would beneficial if we don't try to cover too much ground on the day. Closer to the day, we should toss around some ideas regarding three or four possible locations that aren't too far from each other so that we can get some variety but also not lose too much time in travel)

Sounds great to me!

PM about to be sent to a mod.

Now to list some places.

[DionM]

Places

Okay people, lets list some places we could put in our itinery, and then work out which ones to choose. We don't want to loose much time due to travel, so I'll arrange by approximate locations.

Northside

- Tinchi Tamba (near Gateway Merge onto highway at Pine River)
- Boondall
- Sandgate Lagoon
(these 3 are all close to each other)

- Kedron Brook (near Toombul Rd roundabout)

Eastern Suburbs

- Port of Brisbane bird hide
- Wynnum mangroves
- Thorneside
- Minnippi

(the last 3 are 'reasonably' close to each other, and I don't know if the Port bird hide is anything special anyway)

- Black Swamp at Cleveland
- Wellington Point Constructed Wetlands
- Egret Colony at Redland Bay


Western Suburbs

- Oxley reserve
- Any other places of interest?

Now I don't know much about any of these places really, just what I have read up myself. If anyone has other places please list it and I'll put them together in this post.

It would be good to do a few places close to each other in the afternoon, and then again in the evening. I have no idea of what to expect after dark so I'll leave that to the experts (they know who they are ) but I'll be packing the 580EX and lightsphere PJ!

We should also post what we are interested in - myself I think it will be mostly be birds and macro subjects. At night I'm guessing we are going to be pretty limited to macro subjects (ie frogs etc).

As we are going thru the evening perhaps we should also decide for dinner location - and perhaps a very obvious and very useful location would be Kangaroo point - snap off some dusk photos over the city and have ourselves a BBQ - having said that, the area is VERY popular and my wife and I have had to skip it in the past. But that's only if we are going to be traversing near the city. I'm sure there are other places just as good, and if we are doing wildlife, maybe its best to stay away from the city.

I will stick my hand up this early and also ask for a lift as we are a one car family (well, two car, but one is permanently off the road ).

[Manta]

There are a stack of good places in the Redlands area - including Black Swamp at Cleveland, the Wellington Point Constructed Wetlands and the Egret Colony at Redland Bay.

This is merely scratching the surface though - Narelle and Damian know some cool little hidey holes that the rest of us wouldn't have a chance of finding. I'm sure Rel will chime in shortly with some ideas.

[DionM]

There are a stack of good places in the Redlands area - including Black Swamp at Cleveland, the Wellington Point Constructed Wetlands and the Egret Colony at Redland Bay.

Added to the list!

This is merely scratching the surface though - Narelle and Damian know some cool little hidey holes that the rest of us wouldn't have a chance of finding. I'm sure Rel will chime in shortly with some ideas.

Look forward to it!

[neroli]

I'm in Kedron (northside), so if that's of any use to anyone wanting a lift, just yell.

Sounds like a neat outing.

Judy

[Dargan]

Sounds like a great outing. I won't be able to make it due to work but will look for the image output on the forum after the day.

[big pix]

I'm okay for either weekend but feel we should look at combininig day and evening timeslots, i.e. start after lunch (or even incorporate lunch), shoot birds, reptiles etc during the afternoon, catch some sunset shots then wait for the frogs (and other night critters) to come out.

Simon, sounds great - we can keep the 11th then and Narelle and co can join us as well?

If anyone on the coast wants a lift let me know......... this will be another great meet........but where is the Starting or meeting point......

[Manta]

I'll have a chat to Narelle & Damian about it at work and we'll put up some proposals. Obviously the start/meet point will depend on the itinerary.

[Oneputt]

Please remember there will be several of us (four I think) travelling down from the Sunshine Coast so not too early please.

[Manta]

No problems John - as previously mentioned here, it's most likely to be a lunchtime or early afternoon start anyway so you can all have your beauty sleep.

[big pix]

Please remember there will be several of us (four I think) travelling down from the Sunshine Coast so not too early please.

and bring your new toys so we can all have a play........

[SteveGriffin]

Would love to come along to this one folks but I will be somewhere between the bottom and top of Mt Kilimanjaro at the time. Probably very smelly and definately in need of a beer.

Maybe next time

[big pix]

Would love to come along to this one folks but I will be somewhere between the bottom and top of Mt Kilimanjaro at the time. Probably very smelly and definately in need of a beer.

Maybe next time

steve..... somehow I think that this meet will include a few beers ...... so we will all have one for you....... will let you know the cost later......

[Manta]

Would love to come along to this one folks but I will be somewhere between the bottom and top of Mt Kilimanjaro at the time. Probably very smelly and definately in need of a beer.

Maybe next time

Steve,
I'm starting to think that you'd much rather go on mind-blowing adventures in exotic locations than come and take photos of ducks with us.
Good lord man, what's wrong with you??

[DionM]

Well wherever we go, I think we can give the Kenmore area a miss.

Stuff out there is widely spaced and not real encouraging. In fact Moggil Forest is full of houses now couldn't see any walking tracks. Gap Ck Reserve might be okay (heard plenty of birds, but they were way-way-way up high), but most of the other stuff out there was a bit of a let down.

College Crossing and the weir just up the road looked interesting but again they are a fair bit out of Brissy (more Ipswich).

[blacknstormy]

Hey everyone - sorry we've been quiet - been running around like headless chooks (just ask Simon ) Damo is asleep at the moment but we will get our heads together and come up with some ideas over the weekend.

Will be a great avo/night wherever we end up

Rel

[DionM]

Hey everyone - sorry we've been quiet - been running around like headless chooks (just ask Simon ) Damo is asleep at the moment but we will get our heads together and come up with some ideas over the weekend.

Will be a great avo/night wherever we end up

Rel

Yup, looking forward to it very much.

Might even have to go and splash out on a new lens

Oh ... wait ... just did that

[SteveGriffin]

Simon,
so is this minimeet really just a duck shoot in disguise The greenies will be onto you

Seriously I would really like to catch up with you guys and girls BUT this trip was planned months ago. And besides someone around here has to try and keep up with the likes of Darb

Oh! Did I mention that the post trek party is on the beach at Zanzibar

Steve

[big pix]

I had hoped to do this mini meet from above......... have a great trip.....':lol:' envy envy envy

[Big Red]

just thinking back ... caboolture has a lake system loaded with birds, port of brisbane had a wetland with plenty of birds and biting insects.
botanical gardens had heaps of flowers and water up the top [have never been up to the water yet though so don't know what its like]
south west side of the gateway bridge has a small lake with plenty of birds.

[big pix]

I'll have a chat to Narelle & Damian about it at work and we'll put up some proposals. Obviously the start/meet point will depend on the itinerary.

WE are getting closer.......... but where are we going..........

[Manta]

I PMed Narelle yesterday and she said she'd post something by today.