A Delightful Sojourn in the Tyto Wetlands

Nature’s Tapestry Unveiled

Nestled a stone’s throw away from the Herbert Valley Motel, the TYTO Wetlands unfurls a canvas of breathtaking biodiversity and serene splendour. On a bright week in August, I set forth on a quest, chiefly to spot the fabled Australasian Grass Owl my good friend Mike Eaton. Yet, the Wetlands, with their myriad charms, held me in a rapturous embrace, revealing much more than anticipated.

Journey’s Log

• Date: A delightful stay at Ingham Tourist Park on 14 Aug 2023 with Mike, followed by a three-night sojourn from 24-26 Aug 2023 at the quaint Herbert Valley Motel.
• Weather Chronicles: The heavens smiled upon our venture with radiant sunshine and mercifully sparing us the swelter of humidity.

Our Quest

The northward leg of our journey, with Ingham as our pitstop, had the required aim of sighting the Australasian Grass Owl for Mr. Eaton. Yet, the tapestry of life in this haven ensnared my senses, compelled me to stay on the southbound.

Birds of Note

• Little Kingfisher: A difficult, infrequently-seen gem that added a splash of brilliance to my journey.
• Black Bittern: Was so surprised to see one flying over the reedbeds I forgot to capture footage.
  
• Australasian Grass Owl: Our prime quarry! A sheer delight to behold and immortalise on film, though I sadly, also failed to capture footage.
  
• White-browed Robin (below): Their distinctive visage was a heartwarming spectacle and wonderful-calls a delight.
  
• Double-eyed Fig-Parrot: A resplendent rarity that utterly captivated me with male feeding female in the early morning sunshine.

And in a twist of unexpected adventure with a couple of overseas visitors, we found ourselves in the company of Scrub Pythons and the majestic Saltwater Crocodile.

Reflections

In my 36 years upon this vast land, this sojourn has granted me glimpses of species that had long remained elusive. It was, without reservation, among the pinnacle of my Australian wildlife encounters.

Fellow Voyagers

Mike Eaton, with his fervour for the Australasian Grass Owl and other missing delights, was my comrade on the journey north. On my homeward path to Brisbane, the esteemed Louise Lee graced me with her companionship for a day of avian admiration.

Tools & Tidbits

For our northbound leg, we snugly settled in ‘swags’ within caravan parks, mindful of the purse strings. Yet, on my return, a penchant for comfort guided me to motels and cabins. Some might call it lavish, but occasionally, (…and with reasons of age) I am rather inclined towards a touch of indulgence.

A golden strategy that bore fruit was our patient vigil at ‘hides’ or ‘blinds’. This patience was especially rewarded with sightings of the regal birds, notably the Little Kingfisher.

Final Musings & Merits

Our expedition was, by all means, splendid for bird-watching. Though, on reflection, the world of nocturnal birds beckoned for more of our evenings.

A Nod of Gratitude

I’d be remiss not to tip my hat to one of the wetland’s visionaries, Mr. John Young. His foresight at assisting in ‘creating’ this sanctuary has enriched many a birder’s heart, mine included.