As the dry season sets in I always reflect on the contrasts between the cooler months of winter, compared to the hot and humid conditions of summer. April is the pivotal point and it’s always exciting with the emphasis on croc sightings being so much easier as the air and water temperatures change, becoming cooler. During summer, with the female crocs nesting well up into the creeks (to avoid detection) and with only the 2 large dominant males in our stretch of the river, sightings are limited to juveniles and the occasional large male doing his rounds. There are obviously disappointed tourists who wish to see them basking and I need to explain the situation as The Daintree River has become well known and iconic with interstate visitors, from feedback. As I said, April opens the door and it’s so rewarding to share the enthusiasm with tourists when they see a croc, in the wild, for the first time.

In the April issue, I talked about Lizzie and her 5 hatchlings. We’ve been seeing her daily since then and she guards the crèche. One hatchling was seen dead and a tour guide said he saw the female seemingly killing it. Others have suggested it might have died and that she might have tried to revive it. Either way, I understand that some will die of starvation simply because the odd one doesn’t seem to know how to catch food (frogs and insects). It seemed to have a flat and empty abdomen. There are only 3 left now as I’m writing. On average only 1 will survive the first year. With the cooler times well entrenched, we are having great sightings of Fat Albert and Scarface (the 2 dominant males).

Once again, April sees the animal migration of the wading birds and others. The wading birds include the Eastern Curlew (with the long down curved bill), the Whimbrel (which is similar, but smaller),the Bar – tailed Godwit (similar, but with a long and straight bill, black at the tip and reddish to the base) and the numerous species of very small ones. Their absence is most obvious. They’ll be away until August while they’re nesting in Siberia!

Over the years I have met many interesting and knowledgeable visitors who have helped me in my quest to learn everything I can about wildlife. If you wish to share your knowledge or interests I would really enjoy hearing from you, particularly any interesting events involving The Daintree River. See you next month.

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