Priors Pocket lies within a loop of the Brisbane River in Moggill. It is one of the elite group of sites in south-east Queensland with an eBird list of over 200. The area has a farm with cattle, remnant bush, large paddocks, and a riverside park at the end of Priors Pocket Road that encompasses a large lagoon that used to be a sand and gravel quarry. At low tide, the lagoon usually holds a range of waterbirds. Recently a new section of the park with a plantation of native trees was opened on the east side of the road. A walk following the river around the edge of the plantation has more natural vegetation, and can be good for birds. It is also worth checking the farm dam at the s-bend about 1.5 km from the end of the road, as it can attract a good variety of water birds.
In drought years (and sometimes even in non-drought years) this area, perhaps because of its open structure, can attract some interesting birds more associated with the west of the Divide, though October may be too early for the emerging El Niño to be having an effect. Whether el Niño or La Niña, this month usually has the highest species diversity of the year. While the open landscape makes it easy to see birds, we will also be focusing on bird calls.
We will meet at the southern end of Priors Pocket Road. To reach Priors Pocket coming from Brisbane, take Moggill Road towards the Moggill ferry, and at the roundabout just past Moggill State School, turn left into Priors Pocket Road. Drive several kilometers to the end of the road, where there is roadside parking. If coming from the Moggill Ferry, drive to the first roundabout (several kilometers) and turn right into Priors Pocket Road.
There are no facilities at Priors Pocket, so bring drinking water and morning tea. Hat and sunscreen are recommended. The nearest public washrooms are in the park at the northern end of Priors Pocket Road.
