Showing posts with label White-necked Heron. Show all posts
Showing posts with label White-necked Heron. Show all posts

Monday, March 18, 2013

BREWARRINA BIRDS




After our stay at Gundabooka it was off to Brewarrina, where we found a camp site next to the Barwon River about six kilometres from town. It was a lovely spot with the constant sounds of a variety of birds always evident in the background.


Restless Flycatcher

This flycatcher lived up to its name, constantly flitting over the water, snapping up insects in mid-air.


Restless Flycatcher


Stalking along the banks of the river was one of our larger species of water birds, along with a couple of others of the same family, all intent on a spot of fishing.


White-necked Heron



White-necked Heron, Great Egret & White-faced Heron



A soft trilling call in the trees near our van alerted me to the movements of this White-bellied Cuckoo-shrike. It was a dark phase bird, the first time I had seen this form of a species I don't often find, probably because of its quiet and unassuming nature.   


White-bellied Cuckoo-shrike 




Barwon River at sunset



In the waning light of the setting sun I was able to capture this kingfisher watching for that last bit of tucker before retiring for the evening.


Sacred Kingfisher



Large flocks of Cockatiels (or Quarrions, derived from the Aboriginal - guwarrayin) were ever present in the nearby croplands. I love seeing these elegant and smallest members of the cockatoo family wheeling through the air, with their plaintive calls of "weero" accompanying every flight.


Cockatiels



Cockatiels



The bird list for our camp site and the close surrounding area came to about fifty species including Barking Owl, which we heard but failed to locate.



Cheers & Happy Birding



Wednesday, February 13, 2013

BOWRA SANCTUARY - Part 1




Our next port of call was Bowra Sanctuary in western Queensland, a former cattle property just west of Cunnamulla and a place that no self respecting birder should ever miss!





We enjoyed our stay of five days there and although the pickings weren't quite as rich when we visited four years ago, it still lived up to its reputation as an outstanding birding destination.


Black-winged Stilt


There was plenty of water around from the rain events that had affected much of eastern Australia in the previous months, which was great for the wildlife, plants and the landscape as a whole.     


Black-fronted Dotterel


Black-fronted Dotterel pair mating 


With much activity around the homestead area, we didn't have to go far to see some of the action with these Native-hens strutting along within view of our campsite.


Black-tailed Native-hens



Spotted Bowerbird bower



Western Grey Kangaroos



Wild horse


The 14,000 hectare property has many kilometers of tracks to explore so packing a picnic lunch and finding a spot beside the water to watch the varied bird life was a favourite activity. 


Sawpits Creek lagoon







White-faced Heron



White-necked Heron



Brolgas


Even though we were well in to winter with night time temps in the minus, the days were sunny and warm and some of the plant life obviously found this conducive to flowering. 











Cheers & Happy Birding