A tour of Brisbane wetlands - Feb 11 2006

[Big Red]

how about fort lytton, wetlands in port of brisbane and lake on the west side of the bridge ?
all in the same area and easy parking for a number of vehicles.

[actually not sure about fort lytton parking as i haven't been there]
didn't i hear that fort is only open on sundays?

[TonyH]

Hi Guys,

I'd love to make it to one of the mini meets or shoots, but unfortunately to get me to take photos of birds is like trying to shove a clove of garlic down a vampires throat .

I'm sure a great time will be had by all who attend and I'm looking forward to hopefully a technical meeting of some sort in the near future.....

Best of luck on the day....

Regards

Tony

ps the reason for responding to this thread was in case the locals were wondering where the Brissie members are.

[big pix]

Hi Guys,

I'd love to make it to one of the mini meets or shoots, but unfortunately to get me to take photos of birds is like trying to shove a clove of garlic down a vampires throat .

I'm sure a great time will be had by all who attend and I'm looking forward to hopefully a technical meeting of some sort in the near future.....

Best of luck on the day....

Regards

Tony

ps the reason for responding to this thread was in case the locals were wondering where the Brissie members are.

This is not only a meet to shoot birds as you put it...... but a meet to shoot what is there... what you see ....... and if it flys well also...... and an evening meet to shoot what we find, hidden in the foliage, and the experence of meeting old and new friends........

[Oneputt]

Waiting for the guru (Rel) to post and looking foward to the meet

[big pix]

Waiting for the guru (Rel) to post and looking foward to the meet

I do not mind chasing frogs, but the other things that also chase frogs ...... well I am buying a very thick pair of gum boots........ and bringing a large stick..........{tripod}

[Manta]

didn't i hear that fort is only open on sundays?

You heard correctly. Port of Brisbane lake is good for ducks, geese, swans and the occasional pelican. Certainly worth a visit. The bird hide on the way to Fisherman Islands rarely has anything of interest within coo-ee of it though there are occasionally some egrets and such along the mangrove boardwalk. Bring your mozzie repellent!!!

I know all of these places are great but the bottom line is that are pretty well known and, as such, get plenty of human traffic. Not surprisingly, much of the wildlife has woken up to this fact and stays away for the most part. We'd really like to take you to some places that are not off the beaten track but are certainly hidden from the majority - giving the fauna a bit more of a chance. If we don't hear from Narelle soon I'll put up a proposed itinerary for the meet.

[blacknstormy]

Dion - this is your post Hope you don't mind us making suggestions?
(and yes Manta - I know I've been slack )

We were thinking the Boondal Wetlands, followed by Tinchi Tamba (nice and close) - should be heaps of birds and insects.... then if you wanted to off to Deagon and/or the Port of Brisbane - ditto birds and insects

DINNER - takeout, or if you like a pub dinner, or a BBQ?

Then a choice - there is the Hemmant Quarry Reserve at Wynnum, which is a 24 hectare reserve from an old quarry, and they've filled in the quarry = man made dam... walking tracks etc and maybe the Whites Hill Reserve (Camp Hill) both where we may find frogs, insects and maybe some gliders (possibly greater, squirrel and sugar)

OR

if you want to drive a little longer - off to Karrawatha Forest - we know of a good entrance with access to tracks leading to a good area for frogs, geckos, and maybe if we are lucky, brushtail possums, koalas, and squirrel gliders (but please note, is a fair bit of luck in finding the mammals)

Just a suggestion - this is Dion's baby

But, so far the people who've said they are interested are:

Dion (obviously )
Manta
Mitedo
BigPix
BigRed
Slider
Neroli
Xerubus
Oneputt
Zeeke
and I know Finch is interested.

What do you reckon guys????

I'll be in the bush big time from tomorrow (288 hectare survey - may hate the bush by this time next week ), but will be able to check postings etc at nights

Looking forward to seeing what you think

Rel & Mungi

ps - I was thinking too - would be good to in the future, do a weekend thing - go camping somewhere for a night, and get the wildlife, sit around a campfire and talk/drink , and then cool sunrise shots etc..... just an idea.

Rel

[Oneputt]

Sounds good Raelene as does the camp idea. I will be in both.

[xerubus]

yep... both ideas sound great.

cheers

[big pix]

Sounds good Raelene as does the camp idea. I will be in both.

Like wise ,,,,,, I will be in both........

[blacknstormy]

Woo Hoo Sounds great - Dion - what do you reckon?

[Finch]

Hey Rel,
I absolutely love the ideas you and Damien (i.e. Mungi) have come up with and I can't think of anybody more qualified to work out an itinerary. I also respect that it was Dion's idea and post but am sure he won't mind such valuable input. Pub feed or BBQ sound like a real winner to me, to.

I'm looking forward to it but don't know if I'll have my digi camera by then (D200), looking at the way things are with Maxwells/Nikon -will have to see. Those concerned are doing all in their power to get it sorted.....

Camping idea is definitely a goer - count me in.

Cheers and thanks for suggestions

Michael

[Zeeke]

im keen on both.. if i can get transport.. as for the wetlands tour...

Serious here If people opt for a BBQ, I can supply some fish for people if they'd like it.. 5 or 6 people with no worries.. just need to keep it cold.. and if you want fish, wack ur name up first and put ur dibs in.. on supply will be snapper, pearl perch and cobia

Tim

[Finch]

Fresh fish supplied by Tim. Boy, is this sounding good. Count me in for the fish barbie!

Thanks for the offer of fish, mate.

Cheers

Michael

[Manta]

We normally have lobster and Dom Perignon, Mike, but we don't want to spoil you on your first meet....

[Finch]

Simon,
Can't wait for a second meet then....... (you forgot to mention caviar)

Cheers

Michael

[birddog114]

Tim,
I wish that I have time to fly up and join with you guys upthere the fresh fishes on barbie.
I love the seafoods, take some photos and teasing us down here guys!

[Zeeke]

Birdy, im sure everybody would like it if you could make it.. and someone will make sure to take pics of fish being cooked!

Tim

[Big Red]

camping is one of my favorite things so i'm interested in that as well .
this meet is going to be a heap of fun ... can't wait

[DionM]

Guys, sorry I've been slack and not checked for a little while.

I don't mind the suggestions - please don't think I will object! I'll defer to the greater experts here. I just provided the theme and the date, really By no means do I think I 'own' the thread. I have no idea on good places to take photos for this kind of stuff.

I think the suggestion itinery is excellent. I just want to get some wildlife photos, really. So wherever the best spots are for them, take me to them!

Unlike last time, I will definately be at this one (family tragedies permitting).

And I'm all up for an overnight camp somewhere as a future meet. Perhaps we could extend it to family members too; my wife would probably come along.

[Slider]

Looking good. BBQ in the evening sounds good too

[Zeeke]

only 11 days to go...any more good news on this day of planned fun!?

Tim

[big pix]

A place to meet would be a good start......... and is it a day meet, a day and evening meet, or are we all camping o'night, and where........

[DionM]

Okay, I'll venture:

Starting point: Tinchi Tamba wetlands (they're the most northerly), Wyampa Road.
Time: 2pm (or is this too late?).

Don't think this one will be o/nite, just afternoon/evening.

BBQ I imagine will be somewhere en-route - more planning required as I'm not familiar with the evening destinations (we will be meandering from northside BNE to southside BNE). PS: Check how to get Wyampa Rd, it is not all that easy if you are coming on the highway

[big pix]

Okay, I'll venture:

Starting point: Tinchi Tamba wetlands (they're the most northerly), Wyampa Road.
Time: 2pm (or is this too late?).

Don't think this one will be o/nite, just afternoon/evening.

BBQ I imagine will be somewhere en-route - more planning required as I'm not familiar with the evening destinations (we will be meandering from northside BNE to southside BNE). PS: Check how to get Wyampa Rd, it is not all that easy if you are coming on the highway

can we get a map reference or even ...... it is near or off this road........ for those of us who do not know the area............maybe a local towm as reference

[DionM]

can we get a map reference or even ...... it is near or off this road........ for those of us who do not know the area............maybe a local towm as reference

Sorry bout that

It's near Bracken Ridge (off Bracken Ridge Road).

Its the wetlands near the merge of the Gateway and Highway, near the Pine Rivers bridge.

[Oneputt]

Ok so I am taking it that the time is 2.00pm and the meeting point is Tinchi Tamba wetlands. We will be there.

[Dargan]

My apologies for not being able to make what sounds like a great event especially if the crew from the New Years Eve Rainbow Beach event are going. I am in India at present and hope I can provide some pics for evaluation in another thread. I have gone so far as to get a monopod and handgrip like yours Dion in the quest for improvement. (monopods are weapons and must be taken in checked luggage BTW in case you were thinking of carrying one onboard a plane) I have not felt my photos are up to scratch yet so am just going to blaze away at all opportunities. Not many wetlands over here (Delhi) that I can see though. I look forward to some of those great macro shots of Marks from the event.

[Manta]

Shame you can't make it Dargan but we look forward to seeing some great work from Delhi!!

[Big Red]

looking forward to this meeting of the SEQ mob and trying out "norma"

is it still saturday the 11th ?

[Oneputt]

No changes Shane 2.00pm Tinchi Tamba. I' was wondering if you were still coming. What are you using for a camera bag now, a spacecase?

[blacknstormy]

WooHoo - only 5 days to go

Sorry haven't been online - been running around the bush (as per usual)

Ok - so we are up for 2pm at Tinchi Tamba, right? Did you guys decide where you'd like to go following? - Boondall/Karrawatha/other?

And the BBQ's on

Will be a brilliant afternoon guys - and even if we see nothing - we'll have great company

Rel & Damian

[Oneputt]

Rel after TT we are all at your mercy, so don't ask, just tell us Otherwise a decision will necer get made. I'll make sure that I bring food and drinkies for the BBQ.

[big pix]

Rel after TT we are all at your mercy, so don't ask, just tell us Otherwise a decision will necer get made. I'll make sure that I bring food and drinkies for the BBQ.

sounds good....... ':lol:'

[neroli]

Hi all

Really looking forward to Saturday (just realised today that it's not Sunday!! would have been real peeved if I'd waited til Sunday).

I went out there this weekend as I hadn't previously heard of this spot. Don't forget to bring heaps of mozzie repellent, I got eaten alive whilst wandering around.

Dargan - sorry to hear you won't be able to make it (sure!). I'll bet you are having a much more exciting time than us though.

Rel, I agree with John too - just take us all by the nose and lead on MacDuff. Anywhere is fine by me - the company will be good

Cheers
Judy

[DionM]

Hey all,

I think it will be TT, then Boondall ...... then whatever takes our fancy!

Debating what lenses to take. As I cannot fit everything, I have to leave either my 70-200 or my 400 behind. Are we likely to see lots of birdlife that will will mean I can use the 400, or should I bring the 70-200? My macro etc will fit. Also debating whether to bring my 17-40, I suspect it may not get that much action if we are chasing animals ... Hrm. I should be able to bring my 70-200 and 400 if I don't bring the 17-40 ... PS: Any chance of scoring a lift? If not to Tinchi Tamba, at least from there to subsequent venues. My wife wants the car, she can drop me at TT if no-one can pick me up, but I'll need wheels from there.

[Oneputt]

Take the Rangie At this stage Dion I think that I have a full vehicle, if not I will pick you up. I'll let you know when Kevin gets baxck.

[neroli]

Hey Dion

I'll have an empty car - you're more than welcome to a spare seat

Do you need transport to get there as well? I'm at Kedron if that's helpful. Let me know.

Judy

[DionM]

Thanks Neroli and Oneputt.

Sounds like I should be right then to get around. I'm on the inner southside (near the Gabba), so a bit out of your way Neroli.

[big pix]

has anyone made a list of who will be at the meet, so we do not loose anyone who might be running late or in my case maybe losted........

[DionM]

has anyone made a list of who will be at the meet, so we do not loose anyone who might be running late or in my case maybe losted........

Rel made a list a couple pages ago:

Dion
Manta
Mitedo
BigPix
BigRed
Slider
Neroli
Xerubus
Oneputt
Zeeke
Finch

Is that the list as it stands?

BP - I'll drop you a PM with detailed instructions on how to get to TT.

[neroli]

Good idea Bernie...

There's a service station and some food outlets just cityside of the Carseldine Home Centre (Bunnings etc) on your left if heading north, right if heading south, between the Bracken Ridge/Strathpine turnoff and Beams Road.

I'm happy to wait at the service station on Gympie Road from 1.30pm if anyone wants to meet there and follow me to Tinchi Tamba. It'll only be a 5-10 minute drive from there, but it's a little difficult to find if you don't know the area.

I've got a white (at this stage rather grubby ) VP Commodore so you can recognise me.

Cheers
Judy

[DionM]

Actually, I'll just post here as well.

Tinchi Tamba Wetlands


Coming from the southside:
- Head into Brisbane CBD and go straight through and head out on Gympie Rd (northbound to Sunshine Coast). You want to be on the main drag heading north (Bowen Bridge Rd which becomes Lutwyche Rd which becomes Gympie Rd).
- As you get out past Carindale/Aspley you will come to the Strathpine Rd exit (it passes over the highway). Take that exit and turn right at the lights on top of the overpass (you want to get to the right hand side of the highway). Strathpine Rd is the overpass after Linkfield Rd when heading north (you will pass the big Bunnings on the left, the overpass just there is Linkfield Rd).
- Go over the overpass and turn left once you off the overpass, onto Kluver St (its the first turn left off the overpass)

Importantly - PAY ATTENTION to the offramps. If you miss Strathpine Rd you will have to do a u-turn a long way up the road (you might be able to do it at the quarry just near where the Gateway merges on, I'm not sure).

Coming from the north of Brisbane:
- As you come down the motorway, do not take the Gateway exit. Keep going straight ahead towards Brisbane CBD and Gympie Rd.
- Strathpine Rd is the first exit past the Gateway exit. Turn hard left onto Strathpine Rd and then turn left again onto Kluver Rd (there's only about 50m where you drive on Strathpine Rd).

If you miss the exit, take Linkfield (its a bit weird, the offramp is just after the overpass, not before it like usual). Shoot across the freeway then get back on heading north.

Once on Kluver Rd from either direction:
- Follow Kluver St right to the end. You'll go past the transmission tower field. You'll go past a few T-junctions, including Bracken Ridge Road. Kluver St becomes Wyampa Rd (well, not strictly right to the end, it becomes a narrower road, so stay with the main road that is Wyampa Rd). You'll do a small turn right then a gentle left onto Wyampa Rd.
- Wyampa Rd ends up in Tinchi Tamba Wetlands.

When you get there, just park near the tables and chairs. You guys probably know each other from previous meets. If all is lost, I'm 6'8" and very visible

[DionM]

Neroli - Ooops You posted while I was writing my directions. Yes people could meet there too!

[blacknstormy]

Ok guys - so we are off to TT, then Boondall, then Karawatha if that's still the go? There are free BBQ's at Wally Tate Park, Besline Street, Kuraby (Map 221) which adjoins Bulimba Creek (frogs, dragonflies etc), then off to the 'secret' entrance into Karawatha This is not the main entrance (obviously), but gives better access to the section we want to go, and is at the end of Pamela Crt. (Map 241). This spot gives ample parking, and is surrounded by houses, so the vehicles are also more 'safe' here than in the general parking area.

Location of BBQ at Wally Tate Park:


Location of Pamela Crt, Karawatha Park (top map overall, bottom map expanded view of Pamela Crt)


I'm off to do some invertebrate sampling down the coast, but will be back online late tonight and tomorrow morning ..... any concerns or anything, let me know.

Looking forward to it guys, will be great

Rel & Damo

ps my mobile number is 0412 550 240, home 3202 4194 if anyone needs anything

[Manta]

I'm afraid I won't be able to make the start of this one but hope to catch up with you at Wally Tate Park (No, it's not just because of the food, though that's a pretty good reason!!). Narelle - if you could give me a ring or SMS to let me know when you're on your way there? Ta.

(PS - Great work with the maps!)

[Zeeke]

Someones on the ball, im looking forward to it, ill have enough fish with me for 6 people to cook on the bbq... i know its not enough for everyone.. if i could supply it i would.. first in gets dibs.. ill bring it deboned and filleted ready to rock and roll on the bbq.. dunno what else i can bring..

Tim

[DionM]

Great stuff Narelle.

Really looking forward to this one!

[Manta]

.. ill have enough fish with me for 6 people to cook on the bbq... i know its not enough for everyone..

I'm happy to forego this time Tim and leave your very generous offering as a welcome for our first-time mini-meeters.

[xerubus]

Looking forward to this.... I'm good for a start, but unsure about the bbq at this stage.

cheers