I came out into the garden here at Paluma this morning to see the largest dragonfly I’ve ever come across landing on a raised garden bed. Not only is it the biggest I’ve seen but wiki informs me it’s the largest I’m ever likely to see. By the time I got my camera it had moved on but I found this photo on wiki which ticked all the boxes. This beast is Petalura ingentissima aka the Giant Petaltail which wiki says has been described as the largest dragonfly in the world and found only here in the wet tropics of FNQ.
Its wingspan is around 160mm and body length about 125mm. The one I saw was at least this size. The larvae are unusual in that they live in burrows along river margins and hunt passing prey. Wiki asked for an author credit to “Summerdrought”. Only too happy to credit for such a good pic. Back in the carboniferous days dragonflies were VERY big …wingspan up to 75cm and weighing as much as a crow!
Text by Peter Cooke; Photo by “Summerdrought” courtesy of Wikipedia
Pittas are a group of some 40 species distributed around SE Asia (with one species in Africa). They rank amongst the most gorgeous yet elusive inhabitants of tropical rainforest and are deservedly referred to as ‘jewels of the forest’. The banner for this post gives you a sample of the range and richness of their plumage. Their brilliant colours, and secretive nature has made them targets of interest, and occasionally obsession amongst birdwatchers. A prime example of the latter is documented by Chris Goodie, who has published an entire book (The Jewel Hunter) on his efforts and adventures tracking down every species of Pitta in one year. It’s a delightful and informative read.
Our local species of Pitta is the Noisy Pitta (Pitta versicolor). It is one of 3 species that are resident in Australia. While its plumage is more subdued that some of the species found elsewhere and overseas, its rich colours, with flashes of bright blue when flying make it one of my favourites.
Luckily here in Paluma the Noisy Pitta has become quite accustomed to human activity, and while it does not come to bird feeders I have had Pittas following me around my garden picking up earth worms and other invertebrates exposed by my digging. Glimpses of Pittas flying across the upper rainforested sections of the range road are quite common. A casual day visitor to Paluma is not guaranteed a glimpse of this bird, but its call is usually heard around the village and once learned it is easy to recognize. It’s distinct and regular song is part of its strongly territorial behaviour.
Noisy Pitta recording by Andree Griffin
Like most other Pittas, the Noisy Pitta is monogamous and males share the jobs of nest-building and feeding of chicks. Breeding occurs from October to April. The nest is usually a dome-shaped mound of twigs on or near the ground with an opening on the side accessed by a ramp of twigs often paved with mud or debris. While fairly substantial in size they are almost indistinguishable from the pile of twigs that can often be found in the forest leaning up against a tree or sapling.
Pittas spend most of their time foraging on the forest floor for earthworms, snails and other invertebrates. Their feeding behaviour includes two traits that are, in turn fascinating and endearing. Pittas are among the few groups of birds to use tools (in a rather generic sense). Their fondness for snails, and the difficulty in accessing the animal once it has retracted into its shell has led to Pittas taking shells to a specific rock or hard tree root and then repeatedly smashing the shell against this “anvil” until all of the flesh has been exposed.
Noisy Pitta with large snail shell Image: Sunshine Coast Council from Google
Persistent small piles of shells have been reported next to rock anvils by keen observers in other areas, but I am not sure how common this is around Paluma – I have never seen this, suitable snails may not be that common here, while earthworms are abundant.
Speaking of annelids (the group of invertebrates that includes most worms), one endearing trait of The Noisy Pitta – at least to those of us that spend time tramping along wet forest tracks- is that they are partial to eating a close relative of the earthworm – leeches. Forget about the jewelled plumage, any animal that contributes to the control of leach populations has my undying affection! This dietary interest was discovered here in Paluma and published by one of our famous ex-residents, Cliff Frith who observed a parent with six leeches in its beak returning to feed its nestlings.
While some Pitta species in SE Asia are considered endangered or threatened the status of the Noisy Pitta is of least concern, with a widespread distribution in Qld and occasionally New Guinea. Nevertheless, rainforest clearing and feral cats are key threatening processes which could change its status.
Text and photos (unless specified) by Jamie Oliver
Our local member for Hinchinbrook, Nick Dametto, has written to the Minister for Transport and Main Roads, the Honourable Brent Mickelberg regarding urgent safety concerns about the Paluma Range Road.
Fairy Falls completed roadworks. Image from Michael Drew
We thank Nick for bringing the safety issues regarding our coastal access road to the Minister’s attention. Thanks also to Michael Drew for forwarding Nick’s letter for this post. I’ve inserted the letter as three images below. Please forgive the formatting but we wanted quick and easy access for all to read.
One of the highlights of the Tropical BBQ last Saturday evening (aside from the excellent food and wonderful company) was the announcement of the winners of this year’s Garden Competition. As usual, Bunnings supplied both the prizes as well as the judges (Dee and Ange) for the competition. Despite a gruelling schedule of inspections from early morning to late afternoon, the judges’ enthusiasm for the wonderful variety of floral displays and landscaping never abated. In fact, they insisted on creating a new prize this year so that the 5 acre blocks also had a highly recommended garden (in previous years we only gave a highly commended prize for a village garden). We are very grateful to Bunnings for the ongoing support for this competition.
The winners this year are listed below along with comments from the judges.
Best 5 acre garden: Bobbi Parker
This garden made us feel like we were children on an a hunt through a magical forest and finding a secret cabin, everything was so well thought out. From the fairy gardens to the signage throughout, it truly was a magical experience
Highly Commended 5 acre garden: Don Battersby
We simply could not overlook the amazing abundance of spectacular anthuriums in a single location, we loved chatting to don about his beauties. The passion he has for his plants is very obvious and we look forward to seeing his orchids in bloom.
Best Residential Garden: Michele Bird
This garden immediately makes you want to grab a cuppa, maybe a book and never leave. We could easily have stayed forever, surround by the natural sounds of the rainforest and all its beauty.
Highly Commended Residential Garden: Glenda and Nick Van Rhynswood
What a spectacularly well thought out and maintained garden. The wide variety of plants and colours made for a captivating viewing experience.
Best Commercial Garden: Gumburu
This immaculately kept grounds was such a pleasure to view, it is very apparent that a lot of love and dedication are required to maintain this absolute gem.
Best display or unique plant: Peter and Dorothy Klumpp
Klump: The beautiful bed of multi coloured Anthuriums was a sight to behold, whilst the hints of Greek architecture throughout was so fun and playful. None of us were game to climb the tree-house ladder though
Congratulations to all the winners, and to all of our talented gardeners throughout
the village and blocks who have helped to make Paluma such an amazing and visually spectacular place to live in and visit.
A public meeting is to be held at the Paluma Community Centre at 10am for all ratepayers to discuss the setting of the 2025 fire levy. This will be followed by the PRFB AGM.
The Spotted Catbird (Ailuroedus maculosus) is an unmistakable part of the soundscape of upland rainforests in northeast Queensland. Its eponymous call is indeed very catlike, but despite its aural ubiquity it is rather secretive and is frustratingly difficult to spot in the foliage of the middle forest canopy.
It took me many visits up to Paluma after I first arrived in Australia to finally spot the bird that I had heard repeatedly on every visit. Now that I have a house in Paluma with a bird feeder, I get great views every morning.
This main call is used by a mating pair to establish and defend a territory.
Spotted Catbird territorial cat-like call (recording by Andrée Griffin
Pairs and groups also communicate with each other using a softer single-note call that is often heard but seldom associated with the catbird to non-birders.
Spotted Catbird single note call and other growling calls (recording by Andrée Griffin)
The Spotted Catbird is one of 10 species of catbirds (genus Ailuroedus), which can be found only in New Guinea and Australia. Two species are endemic to Australia (Spotted and Green Catbirds), while a third occurs in the Cape York rainforest and New Guinea.
Like our previous bird of the month, catbirds belong to the bowerbird family (Ptilonorhynchidae). However, unlike all other bowerbirds, they are much less flamboyant in both their plumage and behaviour. Catbirds have a relatively subdued colouration, usually a mix of green on the back and cream to tan mottling on the undersides, with males and females looking alike. They also eschew the hectic and showy romantic antics of other male bowerbirds that build elaborate bowers or stages and compete fiercely to attract multiple mates. Instead, catbird males are monogamous (stick with a single partner) and share parental duties at the nest.
The Spotted Catbird eat mostly fruit supplemented by insects – and the occasional nestling or eggs of smaller birds. Like other bowerbirds, they are very long-lived, with one tagged individual recorded over 19 years! They live mainly above 900m and are relatively sedentary, travelling no more than 2km (typically 70m) to forage for food. Pairs of birds defend a territory of about 1.6ha during the breeding season (August to March).
In the valley or village on the weekend of the 7-8th December? Heading to the Paluma tropical Xmas BBQ (or even if you’re not)? Why not make a day of it on the Saturday and join us for an update on what’s been happening at Mount Zero-Taravale Wildlife Sanctuary in 2024.
The deets (more details in poster below): Saturday 7th December, 10am – 1:30pm. Catering supplied, and for anyone keen, an optional tag along trip to check out feral predator-free exclosure fence – home to a growing population of endangered Northern Bettongs.
The PDCA’s end of year function, the Tropical Christmas BBQ, will be held on Saturday December 7th from 6:30 – 10pm. Bring along whatever you wish to cook on the bbq and a side to share. Or, you may wish to bring a dessert to share instead of a side, it is up to you. The bar will be open of course. It is time to kick back and welcome in the silly season.
Also, as is Paluma tradition, this year’s garden competition winners will be announced at the bbq. The judges, Angela and Dee from North Shore Bunnings, spent a very full day on Monday with Jamie, looking at all participants’ gardens. This was Dee’s first time in Paluma and both judges were thrilled to be up here enjoying the climate and the interesting plants it allows to grow as compared to Townsville. We ensured they had a lovely lunch and break so they didn’t wear out completely. It was fabulous to see quite a few Cairns Birdwing caterpillars munching away on the aristolochia vine.
Dee, Angela and Jamie enjoyed lunch in the cool on the hall verandah.