Leaving Heron Island

The two and a half hour ferry ride to Heron Island was extremely rough. The entire lot of us, excluding Mike and the crew, were seasick for two hours; really awful. Mike was a rock and the crew was helpful collecting used bags and handing out iced towels for the back of the neck. It isn't a particularly scenic or interesting crossing even when smooth, so we decided to take a sea plane back.  It was quicker and no bags needed.  Here's a photo of it coming in to take us back.

 

It also offered great views of the island as we departed.

 

We changed our connection in Gladstone and made it to Brisbane in time for a late lunch. Chris was happy because she didn't have to drive in the dark, but I think she was happier about avoiding the ferry.

Birds of Heron Island

Although we came for the turtles, there are plenty of birds on Heron Island.  It is named for the Pacific Reef Heron.

 

The Black Noddies are everywhere with dozens of nests in most trees.

 

The buff-banded rails are everywhere too.

 

Since it's summer, there are many hatchlings around, including Silver Gull chicks.

 

Here's a photo of a bridled tern feeding a chick.

 

On the first night, we saw a white-bellied sea eagle flying overhead.

 

The pied oystercatcher was a nice find.

 

The silver-eyes were the most common small bird around.

 

Chris spotted a Brown Honeyeater but we were much more interested in this undocumented bird than the 'naturalist' at the resort.

 

Silver Gull Family

I think I should let Chris tell this story. Well, we both found them extremely amusing, but maybe Mike just thinks this should be told from a mother's perspective? The mother gull would be resting on our porch or lawn, and these nearly full grown chicks would annoy her begging to be fed. She would run away every time, and they just didn't seem to be learning it was time to get a job and take care of themselves. She was actually very patient considering how many times we saw them chase her around our villa every day we were there. Much squawking from both parents was also used to try and give them the message with no luck. One afternoon our canapé service included oysters, so since neither of us are that fond of them, we decided to help mom out. She graciously let the two chicks have both with none for herself. Yes, we know it's a little bad to be feeding, but it was oysters, not cookies, and we didn't give them any champagne at least!

 

 I

Could it be?

They say turtles lay their eggs on the same beach they are born.  Once hatched, the baby turtles crawl their way from the sand to the sea and they spend 20-25 years at sea before reaching maturity, finding a mate, and returning to the beach where they are born to dig a nest and lay eggs.  The crawl to the sea is dangerous with sea gulls and terns swarming down to eat the baby turtles.   So, in 1993, Chris and the kids protected some baby turtles from the gulls and carried them to the sea.

 

 

Now, two decades later we return to Heron Island.  Mike got up early one morning to find a turtle knocking against our door.  

Could it be the same turtle Chris saved  years ago? Is it possible the grateful turtle came back to see Chris again?

 

We can't be sure, but it certainly looks like it.

 

Return to Heron Island

Heron Island is the only place we returned to after our trip to Australia two decades ago.  It still has the same nature that attracted us years ago, but has become a bit more of a crowded resort that happens to be on a nature preserve.

 

 

Our main draw is the turtles that nest on the island and the other sea life.  

 

 

Of course, now that we are birders we are paying more attention to the birds too. The sacred kingfisher was fun to watch.

 

Many chicks were around.