DURING the week, I visited Broughton Island with a very interesting passenger list that included bird watchers, a geologist, and an archaeologist.
The twitchers were excited to explore the island and hopefully sight some of the 66 species of birds that have been recorded on the island.
They also strained to see the rare Goulds Petrel on Cabbage Tree Island.
The geologist has forwarded information on Broughton Island, which has a geological age of millions of years.
The thorough, fascinating research was conducted by local Neil Fraser.
The archaeologist, Greg Jackson, introduced me to what is known as a LiDAR study (Light Detection and Ranging); sometimes called laser imaging.
The study strips away dense forest cover digitally to reveal ancient ruins, structures and earthworks.
Images were sent to me that focused on East Harbour and the rabbit research station.
Other images I received covered the area known as North Harbour, which refers to Providence or North Beach.
This is the area in which Greek fishers and lobstermen built a semi-permanent community prior to 1940.
Nothing I could see was recognisable, but the images do uncover questions that need to be answered.
Could a LiDAR study uncover many of the mysteries associated with the time spent on Broughton Island by the Worimi?
The more I know. the more I need to know.
By John ‘Stinker’ CLARKE
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