Royal Spoonbill © 2010 QWSG
Site information:
Lytton roost site is located just south of the mouth of the Brisbane River and is one of the most important roost sites in Moreton Bay. This site consists of a large intertidal area bordered by mangroves on the eastern side and a railway line on the western side that leads to the Port of Brisbane complex at Fisherman Islands. A park at the end of Wynnum North Road provides a good vantage point to view the waders. From the car park, follow the track from the gate to the bird hide at the top of the grassy knoll. However, to avoid looking directly into the sun in the afternoon, birds nearer the railway line may be best observed from Port Drive.
Depending on the height of the tide, a diverse mix of waders can be observed. It is not unusual to see 300 or more Grey-tailed Tattler perched in the dead mangroves on the eastern side of the roost site. In this same area, greater than 300 Sharp-tailed Sandpiper have been recorded in early summer. From September to November, Red Knot is seen in large numbers, usually peaking in October. Mixed flocks of Black-tailed Godwit and Bar-tailed Godwit are also commonly seen throughout summer, providing an excellent opportunity to refine identification skills.
Rarities such as Asian Dowitcher and Broad-billed Sandpiper have also been recorded here in recent years. During winter, Red-necked Avocet sometimes roost and feed here, but in recent years, this elegant species has tended to favour the reclamation ponds at the Port of Brisbane complex. Red-kneed Dotterel can be observed in good numbers in most years from April to August.
How to get there: From the Gateway Motorway on the south side of the Brisbane River, drive about 5 km east along Lytton Road following the signs to the Port of Brisbane. At the turn-off to Fort Lytton National Park, follow Pritchard Street for almost 1 km to the junction with Port Drive. Pritchard Road veers off to the right, while Port Drive continues straight ahead to the Port of Brisbane. At this junction, follow Pritchard Street for about 1 km, turn left into Wynnum North Road and continue to the car park at the northern end of the road.
Amenities/access: There are no amenities at this site and the nearest toilets and picnic facilities are located at Wynnum North. The site is easily accessible for disabled people. A bitumen path runs right up to the bird hide.
Site coordinates: Lat 27º 25’ 20” S, Long 153º 09’ 40” E.
Wader species: Black-tailed Godwit, Bar-tailed Godwit, Whimbrel, Eastern Curlew, Marsh Sandpiper, Common Greenshank, Grey-tailed Tattler, Asian Dowitcher, Great Knot, Red Knot (September to December), Sharp-tailed Sandpiper, Curlew Sandpiper, Broad-billed Sandpiper, Black-winged Stilt, Red-necked Avocet (June – October), Pacific Golden Plover, Red-kneed Dotterel (April – August) and Masked Lapwing.
Other species: Royal Spoonbill and Chestnut Teal.
