IMG
© Stephen Matthews

Finland Road Wetlands

-26.61065 , 153.07439

Australia

Finland Road is a renowned birding mecca in the Sunshine Coast region of Southeastern Queensland. It is not an obvious wetland when seen from the map, but owes its richness to a combination of habitats. The site is adjacent to the Maroochy River wetlands. There are also ponds alongside the golf course and beside the road on the west side, while parts of the adjacent fields are flooded in wet weather. There are areas of grassland on both sides and a small but rich eucalyptus forest on the east side of the road.

Finland Road takes its name from the Finnish settlers who used to cut sugar cane in the area and are commemorated at the Finnish Memorial Park further up the road. It is marked as a no-through road, and hence sees relatively little traffic. Although old-timers lament that it is not as rich as it once was, the site is still the premier hotspot in the Sunshine Coast region, with around 220 species recorded on eBird.

Delete exact location

The introductory text should contain general information about the site, which may include for instance:
• geographic/ biogeographic location
• habitat and vegetation
• typical bird species/bird communities
• protection status
• land use and history
• importance for birdwatching

Coordinates were changed by Stephen Matthews : -26.6106/153.0744 (2023-07-17 05:36:15 )

Coordinates were changed by Stephen Matthews : -26.6106/153.0744 (2023-07-08 09:52:36 )

Coordinates were set by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) : -26.6159/153.0662 (2021-01-04 21:32:53 )

Site name was set by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) as "Finland Road Wetlands" (2021-01-04 21:32:53 )

Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2024-03-01 01:46:12
Finland Road is a renowned birding mecca in the Sunshine Coast region of Southeastern Queensland. It is not an obvious wetland when seen from the map, but owes its richness to a combination of habitats. The site is adjacent to the Maroochy River wetlands. There are also ponds alongside the golf course and beside the road on the west side, while parts of the adjacent fields are flooded in wet weather. There are areas of grassland on both sides and a small but rich eucalyptus forest on the east side of the road. Finland Road takes its name from the Finnish settlers who used to cut sugar cane in the area and are commemorated at the Finnish Memorial Park further up the road. It is marked as a no-through road, and hence sees relatively little traffic. Although old-timers lament that it is not as rich as it once was, the site is still the premier hotspot in the Sunshine Coast region, with around 220 species recorded on eBird.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2023-10-09 07:00:53
Finland Road is a renowned birding mecca in the Sunshine Coast region of Southeastern Queensland. It is not an obvious wetland when seen from the map, but owes its richness to a combination of habitats. The site is adjacent to the Maroochy River wetlands, there wetlands. There are also ponds alongside the golf course and beside the road on the west side, while parts of the adjacent fields are flooded in wet weather. There are areas of grassland on both sides and a small but rich eucalyptus forest on the east side of the road. Finland Road takes its name from the Finnish settlers who used to cut sugar cane in the area and are commemorated at the Finnish Memorial Park further up the road. It is marked as a no-through road, and hence sees little traffic. Although old-timers lament that it is not as rich as it once was, the site is still the premier hotspot in the Sunshine Coast region, with around 220 species recorded on eBird.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2023-07-17 05:36:15
Finland Road is a renowned birding mecca in the Sunshine Coast region of Southeastern Queensland. It is not an obvious wetland when seen from the map, but owes its richness to a combination of habitats. The site is adjacent to the Maroochy River wetlands, there are ponds alongside the golf course and beside the road on the west side, while parts of the adjacent fields are flooded in wet weather. There are areas of grassland on both sides and a small but rich eucalyptus forest on the east side of the road. Finland Road takes its name from the Finnish settlers who used to cut sugar cane in the area and are commemorated at the Finnish Memorial Park further up the road. It is marked as a no-through road, and hence sees little traffic. Although old-timers lament that it is not as rich as it once was, the site is still the premier hotspot in the Sunshine Coast region, with around 220 species recorded on eBird.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2023-07-09 09:18:28
Finland Road is a renowned birding mecca in the Sunshine Coast region of Southeastern Queensland. It is not an obvious wetland when seen from the map, but owes its richness to a combination of habitats. The site is adjacent to the Maroochy River wetlands, there are ponds alongside the golf course and beside the road on the west side, while parts of the adjacent fields are flooded in wet weather. There are areas of grassland on both sides and a small but rich forest on the east side of the road. Finland Road takes its names name from the Finnish settlers who used to cut sugar cane in the area and are commemorated at the Finnish Memorial Park further up the road. It is marked as a no-through road, and hence sees little traffic. Although old-timers lament that it is not as rich as it once was, the site is still the premier hotspot in the Sunshine Coast region, with around 220 species recorded on eBird.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2023-07-09 09:18:11
Finland Road is a renowned birding mecca in the Sunshine Coast region of Southeastern Queensland. It is not an obvious wetland when seen from the map, but owes its richness to a combination of habitats. The site is adjavcent adjacent to the Maroochy River wetlands, there are ponds alongside the golf course and beside the road on the west side, while parts of the adjacent fields are flooded in wet weather. There are areas of grassland on both sides and a small but rich forest on the east side of the road. Named after Finnish settlers, Finland Road takes its names from the Finnish settlers who used to cut sugar cane in the area and are commemorated at the Finnish Memorial Park further up the road. It is marked as a no-through road, and hence sees little traffic. Although old-timers lament that it is not as rich as it once was, the site is still the premier hotspot in the Sunshine Coast region, with around 220 species recorded on eBird.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2023-07-09 09:11:36
Finland Road is a renowned birding mecca in the Sunshine Coast region of Southeastern Queensland. It is not an obvious wetland when seen from the map, but owes its richness to a combination of habitats. There The site is adjavcent to the Maroochy River wetlands, there are ponds alongside the golf course and beside the road on the west side, while parts of the adjacent fields are flooded in wet weather. There are areas of grassland on both sides and a small but rich forest on the east side of the road. Named after Finnish settlers, Finland road Road is marked as a no-through road, and hence sees little traffic. Although old-timers lament that it is not as rich as it once was, Finland Road the site is still the top premier hotspot in the Sunshine Coast region, with around 220 species recorded on eBird.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2023-07-08 11:05:07
Finland Road is a renowned birding mecca in the Sunshine Coast region of Southeastern Queensland. It is not an obvious wetland as when seen from the map, but owes its richness to a combination of habitats. There are ponds alongside the golf course and beside of the road on the west side, while parts of the adjacent fields are flooded in wet periods. weather. There are areas of grassland on both sides and a small but rich forest on the east side of the road. Named after Finnish settlers, Finland road is marked as a no-through road, and hence sees little traffic. Although old-timers lament that it is not as rich as it once was, Finland Road is still the top hotspot in the Sunshine Coast region, with around 220 species recorded on eBird.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2023-07-08 09:52:36
Finland Road is a birding mecca in the Sunshine Coast region of Southeastern Queensland. It is not an obvious wetland as seen from the map, but owes its richness to a combination of habitats. There are ponds alongside the golf course and beside of the road on the west side, while parts of the adjacent fields are flooded in wet periods. There are areas of grassland and a small but rich forest on the east side of the road. Named after Finnish settlers, Finland road is marked as a no-through road, and hence sees little traffic. Although old-timers lament that it is not as rich as it once was, Finland Road is still the top hotspot in the Sunshine Coast region, with around 220 species recorded on eBird.

List up to ca. 25 species that:
• have a limited distribution range and/or are rare on a global level
• are most sought-after by birdwatchers at this site
• and are relatively easy to see at this site (year-round or seasonally)

Plumed Whistling-Duck (Dendrocygna eytoni)
Comb-crested Jacana (Irediparra gallinacea)
Latham's Snipe (Gallinago hardwickii)
Pacific Heron (Ardea pacifica)
Spotted Harrier (Circus assimilis)
Australian Hobby (Falco longipennis)
Brown Falcon (Falco berigora)
Golden-headed Cisticola (Cisticola exilis)
Tawny Grassbird (Cincloramphus timoriensis)
Double-barred Finch (Stizoptera bichenovii)

Australian Hobby (Falco longipennis) was added by Stephen Matthews (2024-03-01 01:48:48)

Double-barred Finch (Stizoptera bichenovii) was added by Stephen Matthews (2024-03-01 01:43:32)

Spotted Harrier (Circus assimilis) was added by Stephen Matthews (2023-07-08 10:54:48)

Brown Falcon (Falco berigora) was added by Stephen Matthews (2023-07-08 10:54:24)

Golden-headed Cisticola (Cisticola exilis) was added by Stephen Matthews (2023-07-08 10:53:16)

Tawny Grassbird (Cincloramphus timoriensis) was added by Stephen Matthews (2023-07-08 10:52:30)

Plumed Whistling-Duck (Dendrocygna eytoni) was added by Stephen Matthews (2023-07-08 10:36:56)

Latham's Snipe (Gallinago hardwickii) was added by Stephen Matthews (2023-07-08 10:15:51)

Pacific Heron (Ardea pacifica) was added by Stephen Matthews (2023-07-08 10:15:38)

Comb-crested Jacana (Irediparra gallinacea) was added by Stephen Matthews (2023-07-08 10:15:18)

Wetland birds can be seen throughout the day, while forest birds and raptors are most active in the morning.

Resident wetland species include Comb-crested Jacana, Pied Stilt, Royal Spoonbill and Plumed Whistling-duck, as well as the ubiquitous Australian Swamphen and Dusky Moorhen. Grey and Chestnut Teal, Wandering Whistling-duck and occasionally Pink-eared Duck visit when there is sufficient water. Ardeids include Pacific and White-faced Heron, Great, Intermediate and Cattle Egrets. Latham's Snipe is present in spring and summer.

Resident raptors include Whistling, Black and Black-shouldered Kites, Nankeen Kestrel and Spotted Harrier. Less common raptors such as Brown Falcon and Australian Hobby are seen regularly. Grey and Pied Butcherbirds perch on the telegraph wires along the road.

Most species may be seen by walking along the road, especially the southern section from David Low Way north to Ernst Road and the pond. Although marked as a road on maps, Ernst Road is in fact a rough grass track, which offers a right of way into the wetlands. The small pond on the west side of Finland Road, a short walk north of Ernst Road, has waterfowl such as Plumed Whistling-duck. At this point, one can also view the forest on the east side of the road, where various honeyeater and parrot species should be present. Rufous Whistler and Grey Shrikethrush are often seen at the forest edges. Finally, the grassland on either side of the road may have Australian Pipit, Golden-headed Cisticola, Tawny Grassbird, Red-backed and Variegated Fairy-wrens.

This is a well-watched site and there are often one or two local birders around willing to share tips.

Give recommendations for making your visit as productive as possible.
This may include for instance:
• best season
• best time of the day
• how much time to spend at the site
• best means of locomotion within the site
• recommended routes / areas within the site
• guiding

Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2023-10-09 07:14
Wetland birds can be seen throughout the day, while forest birds and raptors are most active in the morning. Resident wetland species include Comb-crested Jacana, Pied Stilt, Royal Spoonbill and Plumed Whistling-duck, as well as the ubiquitous Australian Swamphen and Dusky Moorhen. Grey and Chestnut Teal, Wandering Whistling-duck and occasionally Pink-eared Duck visit when there is sufficient water. Ardeids include Pacific and White-faced Heron, Great, Intermediate and Cattle Egrets. Latham's Snipe is present in spring and summer. Resident raptors include Whistling, Black and Black-shouldered Kites, Nankeen Kestrel and Spotted Harrier. Less common raptors such as Brown Falcon and Australian Hobby are seen regularly. Grey and Pied Butcherbirds perch on the telegraph wires along the road. Most species may be seen by walking along the road, especially the southern section from David Low Way north to Ernst Road and the pond. Although marked as a road on maps, Ernst Road is in fact a rough grass track, which offers a right of way into the wetlands. The small pond on the west side of Finland Road, a short walk north of Ernst Road, has waterfowl such as Plumed Whistling-duck. At this point, one can also view the forest on the east side of the road, where various honeyeater and parrot species should be present. Rufous Whistler and Grey Shrikethrush are often seen at the forest edges. Finally, the grassland on either side of the road may have Australian Pipit, Golden-headed Cisticola, Tawny Grassbird, Red-backed and Variegated Fairy-wrens. This is a well-watched site and there are often one or two local birders around willing to share tips.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2023-07-17 05:32
Wetland birds can be seen throughout the day, while forest birds and raptors are most active in the morning. Resident wetland species include Comb-crested Jacana, Pied Stilt, Royal Spoonbill and Plumed Whistling-duck, as well as the ubiquitous Australian Swamphen and Dusky Moorhen. Grey and Chestnut Teal, Wandering Whistling-duck and occasionally Pink-eared Duck visit when there is water. Ardeids include Pacific and White-faced Heron, Great and and Great, Intermediate and Cattle Egrets. Latham's Snipe is present in spring and summer. Resident raptors include Whistling, Black and Black-shouldered Kites, Nankeen Kestrel and Spotted Harrier. Less common raptors such as Brown Falcon and Australian Hobby are seen regularly. Grey and Pied Butcherbirds perch on the telegraph wires along the road. Most species may be seen by walking along the road, especially the southern section from David Low Way north to Ernst Road and the pond. Although marked as a road on maps, Ernst Road is in fact a rough grass track, which offers a right of way into the wetlands. The small pond on the west side of Finland Road, a short walk north of Ernst Road, has waterfowl such as Plumed Whistling-duck. At this point, one can also view the forest on the east side of the road, where various honeyeater and parrot species should be present. Rufous Whistler and Grey Shrikethrush are often seen at the forest edges. Finally, the grassland on either side of the road may have Australian Pipit, Golden-headed Cisticola, Tawny Grassbird, Red-backed and Variegated Fairy-wrens. This is a well-watched site and there are often one or two local birders around willing to share tips.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2023-07-10 09:10
Wetland birds can be seen throughout the day, while forest birds and raptors are most active in the morning. Resident wetland species include Comb-crested Jacana, Pied Stilt, Royal Spoonbill and Plumed Whistling-duck, as well as the ubiquitous Australian Swamphen and Dusky Moorhen. Grey and Chestnut Teal, Wandering Whistling-duck and occasionally Pink-eared Duck visit when there is water. Ardeids include Pacific and White-faced Heron, Great and and Intermediate Egrets. Latham's Snipe is present in spring and summer. Resident raptors include Whistling, Black and Black-shouldered Kite, Kites, Nankeen Kestrel and Spotted Harrier. Less common raptors such as Brown Falcon and Australian Hobby are seen regularly. Grey and Pied Butcherbirds perch on the telegraph wires along the road. Most species may be seen by walking along the road, especially the southern section from David Low Way north to Ernst Road and the pond. Although marked as a road on maps, Ernst Road is in fact a rough grass track, which offers a right of way into the wetlands. The small pond on the west side of Finland Road, a short walk north of Ernst Road, has waterfowl such as Plumed Whistling-duck. At this point, one can also view the forest on the east side of the road, where various honeyeater and parrot species should be present. Rufous Whistler and Grey Shrikethrush are often seen at the forest edges. Finally, the grassland on either side of the road may have Australian Pipit, Golden-headed Cisticola, Tawny Grassbird, Red-backed and Variegated Fairy-wrens. This is a well-watched site and there are often one or two local birders around willing to share tips.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2023-07-09 09:25
Wetland birds can be seen throughout the day, while forest birds and raptors are most active in the morning. Resident wetland species include Comb-crested Jacana, Pied Stilt, Royal Spoonbill and Plumed Whistling-duck, as well as the ubiquitous Australian Swamphen and Dusky Moorhen. Grey and Chestnut Teal, Wandering Whistling-duck and occasionally Pink-eared Duck visit when there is water. Ardeids include Pacific and White-faced Heron, Great and and Intermediate Egrets. Latham's Snipe is present in spring and summer. Resident raptors include Whistling, Black and Black-shouldered Kite, Nankeen Kestrel and Spotted Harrier. Less common raptors such as Brown Falcon and Australian Hobby are seen regularly. Both Grey and Pied Butcherbirds perch on the telegraph wires along the road. Most species may be seen by walking along the road, especially the southern section from David Low Way north to Ernst Road and the pond. Although marked as a road on maps, Ernst Road is in fact a rough grass track, which offers a right of way into the wetlands. The small pond on the west side of Finland Road, a short walk north of Ernst Road, has waterfowl such as Plumed Whistling-duck. At this point, one can also view the forest on the east side of the road, where various honeyeater and parrot species should be present. Rufous Whistler and Grey Shrikethrush are often seen at the forest edges. Finally, the grassland on either side of the road may have Australian Pipit, Golden-headed Cisticola, Tawny Grassbird, Red-backed and Variegated Fairy-wrens. This is a well-watched site and there are often one or two local birders around willing to share tips.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2023-07-09 09:13
Wetland birds can be seen throughout the day, while forest birds and raptors are most active in the morning. Resident wetland species include Comb-crested Jacana, Pied Stilt, Royal Spoonbill and Plumed Whistling-duck, as well as the ubiquitous Australian Swamphen and Dusky Moorhen. Grey and Chestnut Teal, Wandering Whistling-duck and occasionally Pink-eared Duck visit when there is water. Ardeids include Pacific and White-faced Heron, Great and and Intermediate Egrets. Latham's Snipe is present in spring and summer. Resident raptors include Whistling, Black and Black-shouldered Kite, Nankeen Kestrel and Spotted Harrier. Rarer Less common raptors such as Brown Falcon and Australian Hobby are seen regularly. Both Grey and Pied Butcherbirds perch on the telegraph wires along the road. Most species may be seen by walking along the road, especially the southern section from David Low Way north to Ernst Road and the pond. Although marked as a road on maps, Ernst Road is in fact a rough grass track, which offers a right of way into the wetlands. The small pond on the west side of Finland Road, a short walk north of Ernst Road, has waterfowl such as Plumed Whistling-duck. At this point, one can also view the forest on the east side of the road, where various honeyeater and parrot species should be present. Rufous Whistler and Grey Shrikethrush are often seen at the forest edges. Finally, the grassland on either side of the road may have Australian Pipit, Golden-headed Cisticola, Tawny Grassbird, Red-backed and Variegated Fairy-wrens. This is a well-watched site and there are often one or two local birders around willing to share tips.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2023-07-08 11:10
Wetland birds can be seen throughout the day, while forest birds and raptors are most active in the morning. Resident wetland species include Comb-crested Jacana, Pied Stilt, Royal Spoonbill and Plumed Whistling-duck, as well as the ubiquitous Australian Swamphen and Dusky Moorhen. Grey and Chestnut Teal Teal, Wandering Whistling-duck and occasionally Pink-eared Duck visit when there is water. Ardeids include Pacific and White-faced Heron, Great and and Intermediate Egrets. Latham's Snipe is present in spring and summer. Resident raptors include Whistling, Black and Black-shouldered Kite, Nankeen Kestrel and Spotted Harrier. Rarer raptors such as Brown Falcon and Australian Hobby are seen regularly. Both Grey and Pied Butcherbirds perch on the telegraph wires along the road. Most species may be seen by walking along the road, especially the southern section from David Low Way north to Ernst Road and the pond. Although marked as a road on maps, Ernst Road is in fact a rough grass track, which offers a right of way into the wetlands. The small pond on the west side of Finland Road, a short walk north of Ernst Road, has waterfowl such as Plumed Whistling-duck. At this point, one can also view the forest on the east side of the road, where various honeyeater and parrot species should be present. Rufous Whistler and Grey Shrikethrush are often seen at the forest edges. Finally, the grassland on either side of the road may have Australian Pipit, Golden-headed Cisticola, Tawny Grassbird, Red-backed and Variegated Fairy-wrens. This is a well-watched site and there are often one or two local birders around willing to share tips.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2023-07-08 10:50
Wetland birds can be seen throughout the day, while forest birds and raptors are most active in the morning. Resident wetland species include Comb-crested Jacana, Pied Stilt, Royal Spoonbill and Plumed Whistling-duck, as well as the ubiquitous Australian Swamphen and Dusky Moorhen. Grey and Chestnut Teal and occasionally Pink-eared Duck visit when there is water. Ardeids include Pacific and White-faced Heron, Great and and Intermediate Egrets. Latham's Snipe is present in spring and summer. Resident raptors include Whistling, Black and Black-shouldered Kite, Nankeen Kestrel and Spotted Harrier. Rarer raptors such as Brown Falcon and Australian Hobby are seen regularly. regularly. Both Grey and Pied Butcherbirds perch on the telegraph wires along the road. Most species may be seen by walking along the road, especially the southern section from David Low Way north to Ernst Road and the pond. Although marked as a road on maps, Ernst Road is in fact a rough grass track, which offers a right of way into the wetlands. The small pond on the west side of Finland Road, a short walk north of Ernst road, Road, has waterfowl such as Plumed Whistling-duck. At this point, one can also view the forest on the east side of the road, where various honeyeater and parrot species should be present. Rufous Whistler and Grey Shrikethrush are often seen at the forest edges. Finally, the grassland on either side of the road may have Australian Pipit, Golden-headed Cisticola, Tawny Grassbird, Red-backed and Variegated Fairy-wrens. This is a well-watched site and there are often one or two local birders around willing to share tips.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2023-07-08 10:39
Wetland birds can be seen throughout the day, while forest birds and raptors are most active in the morning. Resident wetland species include Comb-crested Jacana, Pied Stilt, Royal Spoonbill and Plumed Whistling-duck, as well as the ubiquitous Australian Swamphen and Dusky Moorhen. Grey and Chestnut Teal and occasionally Pink-eared Duck visit when there is water. Ardeids include Pacific and White-faced Heron, Great and and Intermediate Egrets. Latham's Snipe is present in spring and summer. Resident raptors include Whistling, Black and Black-shouldered Kite, Nankeen Kestrel and Spotted Harrier. Rarer raptors such as Brown Falcon and Australian Hobby are seen regularly. Most species may be seen by walking along the road, especially the southern section from David Low Way north to Ernst Road and the pond. Ernst Road (marked Although marked as a road on maps) maps, Ernst Road is in fact a rough grass track, which offers a right of way into the wetlands. The small pond on the west side of Finland Road Road, a short walk north of Ernst road ahs watefolw road, has waterfowl such as Plumed Whisling-duck. Whistling-duck. At this point, one can also view the forest on the east side of the road, where various honeyeaters honeyeater and parrot species should be present. Rufous Whistler and Grey Shrikethrush are often seen at the forest edges. Finally, the grassland on either side of the road may have Australian Pipit, Golden-headed Cisticola, Tawny Grassbird, Red-backed and Variegated Fairy-wrens. This is a well-watched site and there are often one or two local birders around willing to share tips.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2023-07-08 10:36
Wetland birds can be seen throughout the day, while forest birds and raptors are most active in the morning. Resident wetland species include Comb-crested Jacana, Pied Stilt, Royal Spoonbill and Plumed Whistling-duck, as well as the ubiquitous Australian Swamphen and Dusky Moorhen. Grey and Chestnut Teal and occasionally Pink-eared Duck visit when there is water. Ardeids include Pacific and White-faced Heron, Great and and Intermediate Egrets. Latham's Snipe is present in spring and summer. Resident raptors onclude Whistleing, include Whistling, Black and Black-shouldered Kite, Nankee Nankeen Kestrel and Spotted Harrier. Rarer raptors such as Brown Falcon and Australian Hobby are seen regularly. Most species may be seen by walking along the road, especially the southern section from David Low Way north to Ernst Road and the pond. Ernst Road (marked as a road on maps) is in fact a rough grass track, which offers a right of way into the wetlands. wetlands. The small pond on the west side of Finland Road a short walk north of Ernst road ahs watefolw such as Plumed Whisling-duck. At this point, one can also view the forest on the east side of the road, where various honeyeaters and parrot species should be present. Rufous Whistler and Grey Shrikethrush are often seen at the forest edges. Finally, the grassland on either side may have Australian Pipit, Golden-headed Cisticola, Tawny Grassbird, Red-backed and Variegated Fairy-wrens. This is a well-watched site and there are often one or two local birders around willing to share tips.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2023-07-08 10:15
Wetland birds can be seen throughout the day, while forest birds and raptors are most active in the morning. Resident wetland species include Comb-crested Jacana, Pied Stilt, Royal Spoonbill and Plumed Whistling-duck, as well as the ubiquitous Australian Swamphen and Dusky Moorhen. Grey and Chestnut Teal and occasionally Pink-eared Duck visit when there is water. Ardeids include Pacific and White-faced Heron, Great and and Intermediate Egrets. Latham's Snipe is present in spring and summer. Resident raptors onclude Whistleing, Black and Black-shouldered Kite, Nankee Kestrel and Spotted Harrier. Rarer raptors such as Brown Falcon and Australian Hobby are seen regularly. Most species may be seen by walking along the road, especially the southern section from David Low Way north to Ernst Road and the pond. Ernst Road (marked as a road on maps) is in fact a rough grass track, which offers a right of way into the wetlands. This is a well-watched site and there are often one or two local birders around willing to share tips.

The site is close to the Sunshine Motorway: exit on route 6 (David Low Way) and proceed westwards to Finland Road. There is no car park as such, but birders park beside the road wherever there is space, such as near the entrance to Ernst Road.

Bus number 620 runs between Bli Bli and Pacific Paradise, stopping on David Low Way at Finland Road bus stop. It is then a short walk up the road to the wetlands.

Explain from where and how to get to this site with private and public transport.

Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2023-07-08 11:14
The site is close to the Sunshine Motorway: exit on route 6 (David Low Way) and proceed westwards to Finland Road. There is no car park as such, but birders park beside the road wherever there is space, such as near the entrance to Ernst Road. Bus number 620 runs between Bli Bli and Pacific Paradise, stopping on David Low Way at Finland Road bus stop. It is then a short walk up the road to the wetlands.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2023-07-08 10:48
The site is close to the Sunshine Motorway: exit on route 6 (David Low Way) and proceed westwards to Finland Road. Bus number 620 runs between Bli Bli and Pacific Paradise, stopping on David Low Way at Finland Road bus stop. It is then a short walk up the road to the wetlands.

The birding begins as soon as one enters Finland Road. At several points there are "private property" signs preventing visitors from leaving the roadside, and there is a private house and garden beside the pond. However, Ernst Road (a grass track) provides a right of way offering close views of the wetlands.

Provide information on how to enter this site, which may include:
• entry points
• entry permits / entry tickets and fees
• opening hours / opening season
• other restrictions

Note that this section should only contain information on how to ACCESS (= enter) a site. Info on how to REACH a site should be added to "How to get there" section.

Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2023-07-17 05:34
The birding begins as soon as one enters Finland Road. At several points there are "private property" signs preventing visitors from leaving the roadside, and there is a private house and garden beside the pond. However, Ernst Road (a grass track) provides a right of way offering close views of the wetlands.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2023-07-09 09:24
The birding begins as one enters Finland Road. At several points there are "private property" signs preventing visitors from leaving the roadside, and there is a private house and garden beside the pond. However, Ernst Road (a grass track) provides a right of way into offering close views of the wetlands.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2023-07-08 11:00
The birding begins as one enters Finland Road. At several points there are "private property" signs preventing visitors from leaving the roadside, and there is a private house and garden beside the pond. However, Ernst Road provides a right of way into the wetlands.

While pleasant enough, the site does not offer much in the way of scenery. Non-birding companions may enjoy the beaches at Mudjimba and Marcoola or the Sunshine Plaza in Maroochydore (10 minutes' drive to the south), a large covered shopping mall offering varied dining options. 

Add information about other attractions at this site, including
• wildlife (apart from birds)
• sights (natural, cultural, archaeological, etc.)
• activities (e.g. for non-birding companions)

Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2024-03-01 01:45
While pleasant enough, the site does not offer much in the way of scenery. Non-birding companions may enjoy the beaches at Mudjimba and Marcoola or the Sunshine Plaza in Maroochydore (10 minutes' drive to the south), a large covered shopping mall offering varied dining options. 
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2023-07-08 11:06
While pleasent pleasant enough, the site does not offer much in the way of scenery. Non-birding companions may enjoy the Sunshine Plaza in Maroochydore (10 minutes' drive to the south), a large covered shopping mall offering varied dining options. 
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2023-07-08 11:03
While pleasent enough, the site does not offer much in the way of scenery. Non-birding companions may enjoy the Sunshine Plaza in Maroochydore (10 minutes' drive to the south), a large covered shopping mall offering varied dining options. 

Provide information about what type of facilities are available at
or near this site, including:
• information centers / information points
• catering
• accommodation
• hides and watchtowers
• restrooms / toilets

Not available yet

Since much of the birding is done from the roadside, it is necessary to be aware of occasional vehicles passing at high speed. If parking at the side of the road, be sure not to cause obstruction.

Are there any security issues or other annoyances at this site? For
instance, these may include:
• offenses like robbery or theft
• natural hazards
• dangerous or annoying animals or plants (mosquitoes, leaches, thorn bushes, etc.)
• noise pollution

Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2024-03-01 01:47
Since much of the birding is done from the roadside, it is necessary to be careful aware of occasional vehicles passing at high speed. If parking at the side of the road, be sure not to cause obstruction.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2023-07-10 09:09
Since much of the birding is from the roadside, it is necessary to be careful of occasional vehicles passing at speed. If parking at the side of the road, be sure not to cause obstruction.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2023-07-09 09:27
Since much of the birding is from the roadside, it is necessary to be careful of occasional vehicles passing vehicles.at speed. If parking at the side the road, be sure not to cause obstruction.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2023-07-08 10:42
Since much of the birding is from the roadside, it is necesary necessary to be careful of passing vehicles. If parking at the side the road, be sure not to cause obstruction.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2023-07-08 10:28
Since much of the birding is from the roadside, it is necesary to be careful of passing vehicles. If parking at the side the road, be sure not to cause obstruction.
All information about this site was contributed by Orniverse users. Neither Orniverse nor the contributors accept responsibility for the completeness and accuracy of the information provided.

Local guides


No local guides yet

Gallery


Reports

Season:
to
Species:
no reports found
Finland Road Wetlands - Orniverse