BIRDS OF WESTERN DOWNS Queensland, Australia
WELCOME TO WESTERN DOWNS To Rockhampton
WANDOAN
To Roma
MILES CHINCHILLA
JANDOWAE
DALBY TARA To Toowoomba and Brisbane
To Goondiwindi
Only three hours from Queensland’s capital, the Western Downs is an easy escape from fast paced city life. This is Big Sky country where days unfold under vast, wide open skies before the sun sets in vivid splendour and a blanket of stars appear in the clear nights. Discover country towns, rich with pioneering history and friendly local characters. Vibrant and distinctive festivals are truly special celebrations of what makes this region so special. Our country landscapes, national parks and freshwater lakes provide natural settings for camping and all kinds of outdoor adventures, from bush walking to bird watching, fossicking for rare petrified wood, gliding and much more. Join in the action of the world’s biggest watermelon festival; experience a grand night of opera in the grounds of the magnificent Jimbour House; watch the camels racing at Tara’s Festival of Culture and Camel Races or immerse yourself in country-style fun at both the Back to the Bush Festival in Miles and the Jandoawe Timbertown Festival. Visit www.westerndownsqueensland.com.au for detailed information about the Western Downs. 2 Birds of the Western Downs
TIPS FOR BIRDWATCHING When you are starting out, it is best to become familiar with the birds that live in your garden, the local park, on walking routes and at holiday spots. In this way you will soon become aware of the range of common species associated with each site, seasonal changes through the year, the breeding residents, regular migrants and occasional visitors. With practice, you will begin to recognise different species, and eventually you will notice that each has its own way of life. By gradually expanding your horizons, and birdwatching in new places, you will see more and more different species. Holidays to different parts of Australia or overseas will never be the same again. About 800 different species of birds have been recorded in Australia. Some are unmistakable, but others are a little more difficult to identify. Luckily, most of the hard work of identification has already been done. Publications such as field guides are books with colour illustrations of all Australian birds, with notes on how to identify them, and other information, such as their distribution, calls and habits. With a little practice, they are easy to use, and essential whenever you have seen an unfamiliar bird. A range of Apps are also available for your digital device.
LOCAL AND MIGRATING BIRDS A birding range is the area where a bird species can be found during its lifetime and includes areas where individuals or communities may migrate or live permanently. Every bird on the planet has its own unique geographic range. Cockatoos for example are native only to Australia. Some species have a wide range, while others live in a very limited area. Several factors determine a bird’s range including climate, food and water sources. When a bird’s water or food source disappears or alters, they must find another source, extend their range, or risk extinction. When the climate changes (from drought to flood) ranges can move, shrink, or grow.
BIRDWATCHING ON THE WESTERN DOWNS The Western Downs is a wonderful place to go birdwatching because birds are everywhere you look. Our region is proud to host at least 342 species that migrate annually or live here. Our birds are not just in the forests, bushy ridges and winding creeks, but in farmland and parks, on the tallest of hills and on the driest plains. Even in our towns streets you can see a diverse range of species. Birdwatchers on the Western Downs are fortunate because there are so many types to see, they are large in number, many are colourful in movement, beauty and song. The beauty of birdwatching is its free to be done anywhere and anytime you feel like it. Watching birds can take on many different forms. For most people it is a relaxing pastime which allows them to head out into the fresh air and visit places they may not usually go. Some enjoy the freedom of solitude it can provide while others see it as a social experience, meeting with people who share a common interest. For others it is the lure of the chase which ignites their passion. Still others look upon birds as environmental indicators and use them to understand how the natural world is faring. Whatever drives Western Downs birdwatchers, almost all agree — they like watching birds to appreciate their beauty and freedom, and because it’s enjoyable.
Western Downs Habitat Six habitats play host to birds of the Western Downs. These can be roughly defined as Woodland, Heathland, Forest, Rainforest, Wetland and Savannah. Most birding sites in the region cover two habitat types if they are based around water which most are.
Birds of the Western Downs 3
DALBY AND SURROUNDS Built on the black soil plains of the northern Darling Downs, Dalby is the regional hub of the Western Downs and a hive of rural enterprise. Celebrate with the local community at the Dalby Delicious and DeLIGHTful Festival held in August every year and enjoy international cuisine, a spectacular lantern parade and talented entertainers.
BUNYA MOUNTAINS
BELL
MOOLA CREEK WARRA
KAIMKILLENBUN
To Chinchilla and Miles Bunya Hw y
Dalby-Jandowae Rd
Wa rre go Hw y
DALBY MYALL CREEK
Thomas Jack Park is the perfect place to stop for a wander through beautifully landscaped gardens, relax by the lily pond and listen to the tranquil sounds of the waterfall (bird watching opportunity). Experience the local history and culture of the district on display at Pioneer Park Museum, with the largest collection of working early model trucks, tractors and agricultural equipment. Follow the Dalby Heritage Trail and visit some of Dalby’s stunning historical buildings, homes and churches. Dalby is a great place to base yourself exploring Bell, Bunya Mountains National Park and historic Jimbour House, a short drive north-east of town. To the south-west of Dalby is the Lake Broadwater Conservation Park, a popular spot for camping, bushwalking, watersports and birdwatching.
Wa rre go Hw y
KUMBARILLA
LAKE BROADWATER
SAINT RUTH
To Toowoomba and Brisbane
Dalby's local economy includes beef, cotton, sorghum, wheat and broadacre crops such as chickpeas and mung beans. In fact the Dalby Regional Saleyards are one of the nation's most significant cattle market facilities.
HABITAT DALBY/JANDOWAE STOCK ROUTE Savannah/Woodland
BELL Soft wood scrub
BUNYA MOUNTAINS
LAKE BROADWATER
ST RUTH RESERVE
Rainforest/Savannah
Wetland
Woodland/Wetland
SUGGESTED BIRDING SITES Myall Creek, Kaimkillenbun, Kumbarilla, Lake Broadwater, Bell, Bunya Mountains, Moola Creek, Warra, St Ruth Reserve
4 Birds of the Western Downs
Bunya Mountains
BIRDS YOU COULD DISCOVER
WONGA PIGEON
SUPERB WREN
GREEN CATBIRD
PLUMED WHISTLING-DUCK
KING PARROT
GALAH
BAR SHOULDERED DOVE
WHITE-BROWED SCRUBWREN
DIAMOND FIRETAIL
LEWIN'S HONEYEATER
CRESTED PIGEON
RED TAILED BLACK COCKATOO
BLUE BONNETS
YELLOW THROATED MINER
LAUGHING KOOKABURRA
OTHER THINGS TO SEE AND DO Dalby War Memorial and Gates Dalby’s grand tribute to its local WWI soldiers represents a joint venture of local and international talent. Governor Sir Matthew Nathan unveiled the Dalby War Memorial on 26 July 1922. The memorial and wrought iron gates flanked by carved sandstone pillars were designed by local monumental mason, J Shill. British sculptors John Whitehead and Sons modelled the Dalby soldier statue, based on a sergeant-major of the Grenadier Guards. The statue was cast at a London foundry. Only two known examples of Whitehead’s work exist in Queensland and Dalby’s digger is one of only two bronze diggers in the state. The memorial, set in a park, honours 360 local men who served as well as 64 men who gave their lives in WWI. Bronze plates, created by Norwegian immigrant Ernest Gunderson, bear the soldiers’ names. Sandstone gate pillars adorned with torch shaped lights feature the AIF badge and the dates 1914 and 1919.
Dalby War Memorial and Gates
Lake Broadwater Conservation Park Lake Broadwater Conservation Park protects the only natural lake on the Darling Downs. Waterbirds and wildlife are drawn to the shallow lake and find refuge in the surrounding vegetation. The lake precinct was a focal point for local Aboriginal people and later teamsters and early settlers. Surrounded by cypress pine, eucalypt and brigalow open woodland, the shallow lake is listed in the Directory of Nationally Important Wetlands and is an excellent example of a semi-permanent freshwater lake in an area where these are rare. The lake fills only after heavy rains and when full is up to three to four metres deep. Picnic under river red gums, relax and enjoy the wildlife and wildflowers. Watch waterbirds nesting on the ‘neck’ of the lake from an elevated bird hide. More than 230 species of birds have been recorded at the park. Stroll along the two-kilometre track connecting the two camping areas or take the five-kilometre (return) self-guided drive. With easy access to water, tracks and recreational facilities, Lake Broadwater a great spot to relax and to appreciate nature. Birds of the Western Downs 5
CHINCHILLA AND SURROUNDS Famous for its melons and a renowned spot for fossicking, fishing, bushwalking and camping, the vibrant little town of Chinchilla is an easy drive 81km west of Dalby along the Warrego Highway.
BARAKULA STATE FOREST
Producing 25 per cent of the country's watermelons, Chinchilla is the undisputed melon capital. Nothing captures the strong community spirit of this town better than the biennial 'Chinchilla Melon Festival', featuring the hilarious melon bungee, melon eating, pip-spitting and smashing competitions.
OLD MAN LAGOON ROUND WATERHOLE To Miles CHARLEYS CREEK
Wa rre go
Chinchilla is a peaceful and pretty town, featuring a beautiful tree-lined main street just off the highway. Head to the Cultural Centre, the pride of the street. The award-winning building includes a cinema, library and the Lapunyah Art Gallery.
Hw y
CHINCHILLA
To Dalby
CHINCHILLA WEIR
Fossickers from around the world come in search of much sought after "Chinchilla Red" petrified wood. Pick up an official Queensland Mines and Energy Fossicking licence from the Visitor Information Centre. While you are at the Information Centre, ask about the side-tracks and byways to experience an amazing array of wildlife and flora, local history and significant landmarks, including the Big Melon.
HABITAT CHINCHILLA WEIR
CHARLEY’S CREEK
OLD MAN LAGOON
ROUND WATERHOLE
BARAKULA STATE FOREST
ARCHERS CROSSING
Wetland/Woodland
Wetland/Forest
Wetland/Woodland
Wetland/Woodland
Forest
Wetland/Woodland
BIRDS YOU COULD DISCOVER
WHITE WING CHOUGH
RAINBOW LORIKEET
MISTLETOEBIRD
WEDGE TAILED EAGLE
SCALY-BREASTED LORIKEET
SACRED KINGFISHER
APOSTLEBIRD
BLUE-FACED HONEYEATER
YELLOW-TUFTED HONEYEATER
WILLIE-WAGTAIL
6 Birds of the Western Downs
SUGGESTED BIRDING SITES Chinchilla Weir, Charley's Creek, Old Man Lagoon, Round Waterhole, Barakula State Forest.
Chinchilla Weir
OTHER THINGS TO SEE AND DO Chinchilla Historical Museum
The Chinchilla Museum offers insight into the unusual - a fascinating glimpse into a district rich in cattle, grain, sheep and timber, and more recently melons, grapes, stone fruits and vegetables. The Museum has a fine collection, including a non-working replica of a 1910 steam sawmill, steam engines, vintage cars, period costumes and historical relics. The buildings include Goombi Hall, the Emmerson Building, the authentic slab hut, Wongongera Cottage, a blacksmith shop and the old jail.
Chinchilla Historical Museum
Buildings from early village times have been re-erected on the grounds and add to the historical atmosphere. In recent times, the original Chinchilla School with school rolls and school memorabilia including all country schools information has been added. Other key displays include: Cypress Pine Centre, which tells the story of the saw milling industry that established the town; The Green Plague exhibit, explaining the devastation caused by the Prickly Pear cactus; and The Melon Festival display, celebrating Chinchilla as Australia's 'melon capital'.
Chinchilla Botanic Parkland This parkland incorporates the prehistoric flora and fauna native to the area, the region's Aboriginal cultural history and the towns railway heritage connection with the early Western line.
Chinchilla Botanic Parkland
Be inspired by the demonstration garden or walk along the Ephemeral Creek which mirrors the banks of nearby Charleys Creek. Enjoy a splash of water when the showpiece watermelon fills up and empties in the custom built watermelon water play area Birds of the Western Downs 7
MILES AND SURROUNDS Miles was originally named Dogwood Crossing and was established on a track blazed by the explorer, Ludwig Leichhardt in 1884.
GURULMUNDI STATE FOREST
COLUMBOOLA COUNTRY
To Wandoan
Warrego Hw y
DOGWOOD CREEK POSSUM PARK CHINAMAN’S LAGOON
To Chinchilla and Dalby
MILES
t rd
ha
ich Le
y Hw
GIL WEIR
The Miles Historical Village Museum is a big talking point among all who have travelled this way before. Here the visitor will literally step back into history when they step into the many buildings in this turn-of-the century village. There are more than 30 buildings as well as unique collections like the Lapidary and Shell rooms. Another must see when in town is Dogwood Crossing @ Miles, which is home to the local art gallery, library, IT centre and social history. The lovely staff will be more than happy to help you out with any information. Miles is the centre of a native wildflower region extending north to the Great Divide. In the heart of the Western Downs, the region has diversified primary production, and successful mining of Bentonite Clay. The beautiful Dogwood Creek highlights the beauty of Miles, particularly in September when the wildflowers bloom in abundance.
To Tara
CALIGUEL LAGOON
HABITAT CALIGUEL LAGOON
DOGWOOD CREEK
CHINAMAN'S LAGOON
GIL WEIR
GURULMUNDI STATE FOREST
Wetland/Woodland
Wetland/Forest
Wetland
Wetland/Forest
Forest/Heathland
SUGGESTED BIRDING SITES Columboola Country, Possum Park, Caliguel Lagoon, Dogwood Creek, Chinaman’s Lagoon, Gil Weir, Gurulmundi State Forest
8 Birds of the Western Downs
Caliguel Lagoon
BIRDS YOU COULD DISCOVER
MASKED WOODSWALLOW
BLACK KITE
SULPHUR-CRESTED COCKATOO
AUSTRALIAN MAGPIE
RED-RUMPED PARROT
VARIED SITTELLA
PLUM-HEADED FINCH
COCKATIEL
AUSTRALIAN BUSTARD
TREE MARTIN
HARDHEAD
FAIRY MARTIN
STRIATED PARDALOTE
PELICAN
BLACK FACED CUCKOO SHRIKE
OTHER THINGS TO SEE AND DO Miles Historical Village Museum Miles Historical Village Museum is one of Australia’s leading regional museums. It was officially opened in 1971, and over the years has developed into one of the region’s premier tourism attractions. The Village was the vision of some very inspiring community members whose aim was to create a place where history could be preserved and presented in a ‘streetscape’ style as it was back in the day. There are more than 30 buildings housing amazing collections and bring a bygone era to life. These include the coach house, blacksmiths, general store, post office, bakery, union hotel, barbers, chemist, café, bank, hospital and a butcher shop. In addition to the streetscape shops, there are significant collection displays including The Artesian Basin Centre, Norman Donpon Lapidary Display, War Museum, Mr G Morgan Shell House, Main Museum and more. Many of the collections are comprised of items generously donated by keen enthusiasts of the Miles Historical Village from all over Australia.
Miles Historical Village Museum
Dogwood Crossing Dogwood Crossing is the cultural heart of the community, inspiring and entertaining those who visit. The award-winning building has become a cultural icon for the region with its seven-metre tall stylised steel bottle trees forming a colonnade down the centre of the facility. The modern climate controlled environment is a welcoming place for locals and visitors to learn, explore, connect and enjoy. Dogwood Crossing includes: an Art Gallery with A-class regional standards and facilities to host national touring exhibitions. Between six and eight local and touring exhibitions are hosted each year. A Library, forming part of a regional service to community, welcomes locals and travellers. Visitors are welcome to read a selection of papers and magazines while resting and relaxing in the library’s cool and comfortable surrounds.
Birds of the Western Downs 9
TARA AND SURROUNDS
Chinc
hilla T a
ra Rd
Follow the Sunset Way and you will end up in the peaceful Tara region, as far from city life as you can imagine. Accessible by the main Moonie and Warrego Highways, Tara is literally ‘off the beaten track’ and that’s just how the locals like it.
TARA TARA LAGOON
To Miles
l Rd enta
t Sura
m elop Dev
THE GUMS
To Dalby
If you are hankering to totally escape the stress of the city, you’ll find life in Tara happens at a relaxed pace and travellers are always welcome to stay a while. When you arrive in town, drop into the Tara Information Centre to chat to a local about what to see and do. Enjoy the Lagoon Parklands featuring Settlers Park and the Walk of Remembrance Garden. The Lagoon offers a cool respite and it serves as the local fitness precinct complete with outdoor gym. You can picnic by the water’s edge, fish, cycle or take the interpretive walk to see an abundance of birdlife. Native flora and fauna displays are abundant throughout the region, and among these you can spot some rare species. The eastern third of the region also supports Queensland’s best examples of ironbark, spotted gum and cypress pine trees. Tara's Commercial Hotel is home to several paintings by famed artist Hugh Sawrey which he painted while passing through in the 60s. Don’t miss the chance to meet and see the work of Barbara Geisel, an internationally acclaimed wool artist and local resident.
HABITAT TARA LAGOON Wetland/Woodland
SUGGESTED BIRDING SITES Tara lagoon, The Gums.
10 Birds of the Western Downs
The Gums
BIRDS YOU COULD DISCOVER
DOLLARBIRD
LITTLE FRIARBIRD
MASKED LAPWING
ZEBRA FINCH
PHESANT COUCAL
SINGING HONEYEATER
SILVEREYE
LITTLE CORELLA
BROWN FALCON
MASKED WOODSWALLOW
GLOSSY BLACK COCKATOO
YELLOW-BILLED SPOONBILL
TORRESIAN CROW
STRAW-NECKED IBIS
WHITE-BREASTED WOODSWALLOW
OTHER THINGS TO SEE AND DO Tara has lovingly preserved its pioneering history at the Museum. The museum has a variety of treasures including shearing memorabilia, projection equipment from the Blue Moon Picture Theatre and chains from the town's first jail. A relaxing stroll in the Tara Lagoon Parklands offers the visitor a look at our unique flora and fauna. Featuring the Settlers Park and the Walk of Remembrance Garden, you can also park up the Caravan or pitch the tent here. Held in August every second year, Tara Festival of Culture, Camels and camping is one not to be missed. This festival continues to grow in its popularity and offers something for everyone.
Tara Festival Camel Races
Tara Lagoon
Tara Lagoon Birds of the Western Downs 11
MEANDARRA AND SURROUNDS
Condamine
Meandarra Rd
Meandarra is the hub of a prime production area of cereal crops, cattle, and sheep and is the location of a popular fishing and camping spot. Considered the cultural centre of the Tara area, Meandarra boasts the historic School of Arts Hall as well as local artists and impressive handcrafts. This community has the largest storage facilities for Queensland grown wheat, with harvesting from mid-October to mid-November.
MYALL BOTANICAL PARK To Surat
Sur a
Brigalow Creek is well known for its waterlilies and fishing for golden perch and jewfish. Camping is permitted beside the creek.
MEANDARRA
tD
eve lop me
nta
l Rd
lwoo d
Rd
THE GUMS RESERVE
Mea
ndarr a Ta
To Tara
Meandarra is home to an extensive display of military equipment. The fascinating display is on a local property. On the property is also a native wildlife preservation programme that offers excellent opportunities to observe and photograph a diverse range of flora and fauna. Stop off at the Leo Gardon Apex Park where free electric barbecues and picnic facilities can be used amongst pleasant surroundings.
HABITAT THE GUMS RESERVE Wetland/Forest
MYALL BOTANICAL PARK (GLENMORGAN) Forest
SUGGESTED BIRDING SITES Myall Botanical Park (Glenmorgan), The Gums Reserve.
12 Birds of the Western Downs
Myall Botanical Park
BIRDS YOU COULD DISCOVER
RED TAILED BLACK COCKATOO
PIED CURRAWONG
FAN-TAIL CUCKOO
INTERMEDIATE EGRET
PIED BUTCHERBIRD
WESTERN GERYGONE
MAGPIE LARK
WELCOME SWALLOW
SPINY-CHEEKED HONEYEATER
CUCKOOSHRIKE
PINK EARED DUCK
LITTLE BLACK CORMORANT
BROWN HONEYEATER
NOISY MINER
AUSTRALIAN RAVEN
MANED DUCK
AUSTRALIAN GREBE
EURASIAN COOT
PEACEFUL DOVE
BROWN QUAIL
BROWN-HEADED HONEYEATER
DOUBLE-BARRED FINCH
WHITE-BROWED WOODSWALLOW
COMMON BRONZEWING
YELLOW THORNBILL
OTHER THINGS TO SEE AND DO Meandarra ANZAC Memorial Museum Meandarra ANZAC Memorial Museum typifies the bravery and self-sacrifice of the first ANZACs, housing a comprehensive range of military memorabilia collected over the past 30 years. The artefacts cover many of the battles in which our local war veterans fought, representing the three-Armed Services of Navy, Army and Air Force. The contrasting diversity of the Museum’s pieces gives Meandarra a very unique collection including a Canberra Bomber aeroplane, a Grant Tank in North African colours and a Water Buffalo tank from the South West Pacific Campaigns. Birds of the Western Downs 13
WANDOAN AND SURROUNDS To Taroom
an
Rd
dt ar y Hw
WANDOAN
hh
Jac
WATERLOO PLAINS WANDOAN WETLAND ic Le
o and nW kso
To Miles
The quiet wheat and cattle town of Wandoan is the perfect stopover between Miles and Taroom as you travel along the Leichhardt Highway. The fertile Brigalow country yields strong harvests and healthy cattle and isn’t just a picturesque backdrop. It’s home to friendly people, a proud heritage and some of the best bush camping and fishing spots on the Western Downs. Wandoan Information Centre in O’Sullivan Park on Zupp Road is a good place to get the local low-down. There are a few must dos when you’re in town. Take a picnic to enjoy the beautiful surrounds and lakes of the restful Waterloo Plain Environmental Park where many waterbirds thrive in the wetlands. The Wandoan Heritage Trail will lead you to more than 20 points of interest including the Juandah Historical Site, featuring informative panels about the Soldier Settlers and Leichhardt. Visit O’Sullivan Park to meet a local hero and you’ll find the statue of Mick the dog that saved his master’s life after he fell from his horse on Juandah station. Mick ran home for help with a message scratched on a tobacco tin tucked under his collar. For a small town there sure is a lot going on. Enjoy a great day of football at the Lindsay Williams shield in February; mix it with the locals for Wandoan Diggers Race Day in March and the Polocrosse Carnival in June; and feel the excitement of the annual Wandoan Show in April.
HABITAT WATERLOO PLAINS Wetland
BIRDS YOU COULD DISCOVER
WHISTLING KITE
WHITE-NECKED HERON
NANKEEN NIGHT HERON
RAINBOW BEE- EATER
YELLOW RUMPED THORNBILL
SHINING BRONZE CUCKOO
PACIFIC BLACK DUCK
DUSKY MOORHEN
RESTLESS FLYCATCHER
GREY FANTAIL
14 Birds of the Western Downs
SUGGESTED BIRDING SITES Waterloo Plains Environmental Park
Waterloo Plain Environmental Park
OTHER THINGS TO SEE AND DO Juandah Historical Site
Juandah Historical Site
Juandah Historical Site is a truly unique slice of history. This is the original site of the Juandah Head-Station, the heart of a settlement which later became known as Wandoan. At full running capacity, Juandah Station employed up to 80 stockmen to run up to 50,000 head of cattle. Some of the original buildings from its time as a flourishing enterprise are still standing, including the old Juandah Store. Built in the 1850s, the store contains a room that later became the first school room for the area. Various rooms and remnants of the original homestead and other structures are carefully sign-posted at their original sites. The Juandah Historical Site also hosts a Folk Museum of local heritage items and social history.
Birds of the Western Downs 15
JANDOWAE AND SURROUNDS
To Kingaroy To Chinchilla
y Jan Dalb
d ae R dow
JANDOWAE
JANDOWAE DAM e wa ndo
Rd
Ja oy gar
Kin
To Dalby
North of Dalby, the town of Jandowae welcomes visitors to their friendly country community. The Dingo Barrier Fence - ‘the longest fence in the world’ has its northern end near Jandowae. The fence is 5,600 kilometres long and stretches to the Great Australian Bight. A two metre dingo sculpture by Scottish artist, Andy Scott, takes pride of place in Jandowae’s main street. Jandowe hosts monthly country markets and Biennial Timbertown Festival, featuring roving entertainment, a gala art show, chainsaw racing and fireworks. Jandowae dam is a popular fishing, swimming, skiing and boating spot (conditions permitting). No camping is allowed. Farm stays are also available in the area.
HABITAT JANDOWAE DAM Wetland/Woodland
SUGGESTED BIRDING SITES Jandowae Dam
16 Birds of the Western Downs
BIRDS YOU COULD DISCOVER
STRIPED HONEYEATER
PAINTED HONEYEATER
BLACK HONEYEATER
NOISY FRIARBIRD
EMU
PLUMED WHISTLING DUCK
NANKEEN KESTREL
RED-CAPPED ROBIN
GRAY TEAL
RUFOUS WHISTLER
SPANGLED DRONGO
AUSTRALIAN PIPIT
SATIN BOWERBIRD
GREY-CROWNED BABBLER
DARTER
OTHER THINGS TO SEE AND DO Jandowae has so much to offer the visitor. Be sure to come and stay for a while. Take a picnic at the historic Athlone Cottage (circa 1890). Discover the northern end of the worlds longest fence, the Dingo Barrier fence. Jandowae is home to the TimberTown Festival held in June biennially, the weekend is packed with family friendly activities, including street parade, art show, live music yabbie races, and so much more.
Athlone Cottage
Dingo Barrier Fence
TimberTown Festival Birds of the Western Downs 17
Great Egret
BIRDING CHECKLIST
18 Birds of the Western Downs
001
CASSOWARIES
001
Emu
002
DUCKS, GEESE AND SWANS
199 205 204 216 217 214 203 202 200 948 208 212 211 210 213 215
Magpie Goose □ Plumed Whistling-Duck □ Wandering Whistling-Duck □ Blue-billed Duck □ Musk Duck □ Freckled Duck □ Black Swan □ Australian Wood Duck □ Cotton Pygymy-goose □ Northern Mallard □ Pacific Black Duck □ Australasian Shoveler □ Grey Teal □ Chestnut Teal □ Pink-eared Duck □ Hardhead □
003
PHEASANTS, FOWL AND ALLIES
008 009 011
Australian Brush-turkey Stubble Quail Brown Quail
004
GREBES
061 062 060
Australasian Grebe Hoary-headed Grebe Great Crested Grebe
005
STORKS
183
Black-necked Stork
006
IBISES AND SPOONBILLS
179 180 178 181 182
Australian White Ibis Straw-necked Ibis Glossy Ibis Royal Spoonbill Yellow-billed Spoonbill
007
HERONS AND BITTERNS
188 185 189 187 186 977 192
White-faced Heron Australasian Little Egret White-necked Heron Eastern Great Egret Intermediate Egret Cattle Egret (Eastern) Nankeen Night-Heron (Rufous)
□
□ □ □
□ □ □
□
□ □ □ □ □
□ □ □ □ □ □ □
196 197
Black Bittern Australasian Bittern
008
PELICANS
106
Australian Pelican
009
CORMORANTS AND SHAGS
100 099 097 096
Little Pied Cormorant Pied Cormorant Little Black Cormorant Great Cormorant
□ □
□
□ □ □ □
013
CRANES
117
Brolga
014
BUTTON-QUAIL
013 018 019 014 017
Red-backed Button-quail □ Little Button-quail □ Red-chested Button-quail □ Painted Button-quail □ Black-breasted Button-quail □
015
STONE-CURLEWS
175
Bush Stone-curlew (Thick-knee)
009 A DARTERS 101
Australasian Darter
10
OSPREY
241
Eastern Osprey
10 A
KITES, HAWKES AND EAGLES
234 232 233 230 231 229 228 226 218 219 221 220 222 223 224 225
Pacific Baza Black-shouldered Kite Letter-winged Kite Square-tailed Kite Black-breasted Buzzard Black Kite Whistling Kite White-bellied Sea Eagle Spotted Harrier Swamp Harrier Brown Goshawk Grey Goshawk Collared Sparrowhawk Red Goshawk Wedge-tailed Eagle Little Eagle
011
BUSTARD
117
Australian Bustard
012
RAILS, CRAKES AND COOTS
046 045 050 049 051 058 056 055 059
Buff-banded Rail Lewin’s Rail Baillon’s Crake Australian Spotted Crake Spotless Crake Australasian Swamphen Dusky Moorhen Black-tailed Native-hen Eurasian Coot
□
□
□ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □
□
□ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □
□
□
016
STILTS AND AVOCETS
147 146 148
Banded Stilt □ Pied Stilt (White-headed) □ Red-necked Avocet □
017
PLOVERS
137 143 145 144 132 135 133
Pacific Golden Plover Red-capped Plover Inland Dotterel Black-fronted Dotterel Red-kneed Dotterel Banded Lapwing Masked Lapwing
018
PAINTED-SNIPES
170
Australian Painted Snipe
019
JACANAS
171
Comb-crested Jacana
020
SANDPIPERS AND SNIPES
168 152 153 151 159 158 154 157 162 163 161
Latham’s Snipe Black-tailed Godwit Bar-tailed Godwit Little Curlew Marsh Sandpiper Common Greenshank Wood Sandpiper Common Sandpiper Red-necked Stint Sharp-tailed Sandpiper Curlew Sandpiper
□ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □
Australian Pratincole
□
□ □ □ □ □ □ □
□
□
021 173
Birds of the Western Downs 19
022
GULL, TERNS AND SKIMMERS
125 111 112 110 109
Silver Gull Australian Gull-billed Tern Caspian Tern Whiskered Tern White-winged Black-Tern
023
PIGEONS AND DOVES
957 028 989 029 033 034 036 043 042 039 031 032 030 044 025 023 021 207
Rock Dove White-headed Pigeon Spotted Dove Brown Cuckoo-Dove Pacific Emerald Dove Common Bronzewing Flock Bronzewing Crested Pigeon Spinifex Pigeon Squatter Pigeon Diamond Dove Peaceful Dove Bar-shouldered Dove Wonga Pigeon Wompoo Fruit-Dove Superb Fruit-Dove Rose-crowned Fruit-Dove Topknot Pigeon
024
CUCKOOS
336 337 339 338 341 342 344 345 347 348 349
Oriental Cuckoo Pallid Cuckoo Brush Cuckoo Fan-tailed Cuckoo Black-eared Cuckoo Horsefield’s Bronze-Cuckoo Shining Bronze Cuckoo Little Bronze-Cuckoo Pacific Koel (Eastern) Channel-billed Cuckoo Pheasant Coucal
025
BARN OWLS
253 250 249 252
Greater Sooty Owl Australian Masked Owl Eastern Barn Owl Eastern Grass Owl
026
OWLS
248 246 242
Powerful Owl Barking Owl Southern Boobook
20 Birds of the Western Downs
□ □ □ □ □
□ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □
□ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □
□ □ □ □
□ □ □
027
FROGMOUTHS
313
Tawny Frogmouth
028
NIGHTJARS
331 330
Spotted Nightjar White-throated Nightjar
□
□ □
029
OWLET-NIGHTJARS
317
Australian Owlet-nightjar □
030
SWIFTS
334 335
White-throated Needletail □ Pacific Swift (fork-tail) □
031
ROLLERS
318
Dollarbird (Oriental)
032
KINGFISHERS
319 322 323 324 325 326
Azure Kingfisher Laughing Kookaburra Blue-winged Kookaburra Forest Kingfisher Red-backed Kingfisher Sacred Kingfisher
□
□ □ □ □ □ □
032 A BEE-EATERS 329
Rainbow Bee-eater
033
FALCONS AND CARACARAS
239 235 236 238 237 240
Brown Falcon Australian Hobby Grey Falcon Black Falcon Peregrin Falcon Nankeen Kestrel
□
□ □ □ □ □ □
034
COCKATOOS
264 265 267 273 271 272 270 269 274
Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo □ Glossy Black-Cockatoo □ Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoo □ Galah □ Little Corella □ Long-billed Corella □ Major Mitchell Cockatoo (Pink Cockatoo) □ Sulphur-crested Cockatoo □ Cockatiel □
035
PARROTS
281 280
Australian King-parrot Red-winged Parrot
□ □
282 288 286 294 297 309 295 296 310 302 254 256 258 260 261
Crimson Rosella Eastern Rosella Pale-headed Rosella Australian Ringneck (Mallee/Barnardi) Greater Blue Bonnet Swift Parrot Red-rumped Parrot Mulga Parrot Budgerigar Turquoise Parrot Rainbow Lorikeet Scaly-breasted Lorikeet Musk Lorikeet Little Lorikeet Double-eyed Fig-parrot (Coxen’s)
036
PITTAS
352
Noisy Pitta
□ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □
□
036 A BOWERBIRDS 677 684 679 680
Green Catbird Regent Bowerbird Satin Bowerbird Spotted Bowerbird
□ □ □ □
037
AUSTRALASIAN TREECREEPERS
558 561 555
White-throated Treecreeper □ White-browed Treecreeper □ Brown Treecreeper □
038
AUSTRALASIAN WRENS
529 532 536 541 535
Superb Fairy-wren Splended Fairy-wren Purple-backed Fairy-wren (Variegated) Red-backed Fairy-wren White-winged Fairy-wren
039
HONEYEATERS
630 640 585 645 646 603 641 634 635
Red Wattlebird Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater Striped Honeyeater Noisy Friarbird Little Friarbird Regent Honeyeater Blue-faced Honeyeater Noisy Miner Yellow-throated Miner
□ □ □ □ □
□ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □
605 614 608 617 619 623 613 635 580 583 579 578 597 598 594 591 589 502 586 449 450 448
Lewin’s Honeyeater Yellow-faced Honeyeater Singing Honeyeater White-eared Honeyeater Yellow-tufted Honeyeater Grey-fronted Honeyeater Fuscous Honeyeater White-plumed Honeyeater Black-chinned Honeyeater Brown-headed Honeyeater White-throated Honeyeater White-naped Honeyeater Brown Honeyeater Painted Honeyeater White-fronted Honeyeater Eastern Spinebill Black Honeyeater Pied Honeyeater Scarlet Honeyeater (Myzomela) Crimson Chat Orange Chat White-front Chat
040
PARDALOTE
565 570 976
Spotted Pardalote Red-browed Pardalote Striated Pardalote
041
AUSTRALASIAN WARBLERS
493 488 494 504 465 454 463 453 475 476 481 484 486 471 470 466
Yellow-throated Scrubwren White-browed Scrubwren Large-billed Scrubwren Speckled Warbler Weebill Brown Gerygone Western Gerygone White-throated Gerygone Brown Thornbill Inland Thornbill Chestnut-rumped Thornbill Buff-rumped Thornbill Yellow-rumped Thornbill Yellow Thornbill Striated Thornbill Southern Whiteface
042
AUSTRALASIAN BABBLERS
443
Grey-crowned Babbler
□ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □
□ □ □
□ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □
□
445
White-browed Babbler
043
LODRUNNERS
434
Australian Logrunner
044
WHIPBIRDS AND QUAIL-THRUSH
421 436 438
Eastern Whipbird Spotted Quail-thrush Chestnut-breasted Quail-thrush
□
□
□ □ □
045
WOODSWALLOWS, BUTCHERBIRDS AND ALLIES
543 544 545 546 547 546 702 700 705 694
White-breasted Woodswallow □ Masked Woodswallow □ White-browed Woodswallow □ Black-faced Woodswallow □ Dusky Woodswallow □ Little Woodswallow □ Grey Butcherbird □ Pied Butcherbird □ Australian Magpie □ Pied Currawong □
046
CUCKOO-SHRIKES AND TRILLERS
424 428 425 429 423 430 431
Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike Barred Cuckoo-shrike White-bellied Cuckoo-shrike Common Cicadabird Ground cuckoo-shrika White-winged Triller Varied Triller
047
SITTELLAS
549
Varied Sittella
048
AUSTRALO-PAPUAN BELLBIRDS
419
Crested Bellbird
□ □ □ □ □ □ □
□
□
049
WHISTLERS AND ALLIES
416 398 401 408
Crested Shrike-tit Golden Whistler Rufous Whistler Grey Shrike-thrush
050
FIGBIRDS AND ORIOLES
432 671
Australasian Figbird Olive-backed Oriole
□ □ □ □
□ □
051
DRONGOS
673
Spangled Drongo
052
FANTAILS
362 361 364
Rufous Fantail Grey Fantail Willie Wagtail
053
MONARCHS
373 375 365 366 369 415
Black-faced Monarch Spectacled Monarch Leaden Flycatcher Satin Flycatcher Restless Flycatcher Magpie-lark
054
CROWS AND JAYS
692 691 930
Torresian Crow Little Crow Australian Raven
055
AUSTRALIAN MUDNESTERS
693 675
White-winged Chough Apostlebird
056
BIRDS-OF-PARADISE
686
Paradise Riflebird
057
AUSTRALASIAN ROBINS
377 380 381 384 385 392
Jacky Winter Scarlet Robin Red-capped Robin Rose Robin Hooded Robin Eastern Yellow Robin
058
LARKS
648
Australasian Bushlark (Hosfield’s)
□
□ □ □
□ □ □ □ □ □
□ □ □
□ □
□
□ □ □ □ □ □
□
059
SWALLOWS AND MARTINS
358 357 359 360
White-backed Swallow Welcome Swallow Tree Martin Fairy Martin
060
REED-WARBLERS AND ALLIES
524
Australian Reed-Warbler
□ □ □ □
□
Birds of the Western Downs 21
061
GRASSBIRDS AND ALLIES
509 508 523 522
Rufous Songlark Brown Songlark Tawn Grassbird Little Grassbird
□ □ □ □
061 A CISTICOLAS AND ALLIES 525
Golden-headed Cisticola
062
WHITE-EYES
574
Silvereye
063
STARLINGS
□
□
999 998
Common Starling (European) □ Common Myna □
064
THRUSHES
779 780 991
Bassian Thrush □ Russet-tailed Thrush □ Common Blackbird (Eurasian) □
065
FLOWERPECKERS
564
Mistletoebird
066
OLD WORLD SPARROWS
995
House Sparrow
□
067
WAXBILLS, MUNIAS AND ALLIES
653 655 661 662 652 657
Zebra Finch Double-barred Finch Plum-headed Finch Red-browed Finch Diamond Firetail Chestnut-breasted Mannikin
068
WAGTAILS AND PIPITS
647
Australian Pipit
□ □ □ □ □ □
□
□
ENDANGERED AND VULNERABLE BIRDS OF THE WESTERN DOWNS
223 RED GOSHAWK
(Osprey, hawks and eagles)
Location: All of region
039 SQUATTER PIGEON (Pigeon, Dove)
236 GREY FALCON (Falcon)
Location: Western areas
017 BLACK-BREASTED BUTTON QUAIL (Crake, Rail, Gallinule)
Location: Bunya Mountains
161 CURLEW SANDPIPER
170 PAINTED SNIPE
Location: All of region
Location: All of region
309 SWIFT PARROT
248 POWERFUL OWL
Location: Chinchilla
Location: Bunya Mountains
(Waders)
265 GLOSSY BLACK COCKATOO
270 MAJOR MITCHELL COCKATOO
Location: All of region
Location: Western areas
603 REGENT HONEYEATER (Honeyeater)
265 PAINTED HONEYEATER
(Cockatoo, Corella)
261 COXEN'S FIG PARROT
Location: Dalby
Location: Dalby, Bell, Chinchilla, Jandowae
Location: Bunya Mountains
Location: All of region
22 Birds of the Western Downs
(Cockatoo, Corella)
(Cockatoo, Corella)
(Parrot, Rosella)
(Cockatoo, Corella)
(Wader)
(Owls)
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT BIRDING For information about specific locations and to learn about what other bird watchers have sighted in our region, we recommend you visit the eBird website ebird.org/australia/home or download the app for eBird Australia.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS • • • • • • • • •
Bernice Seton, local Western Downs bird watcher Southern Queensland Country Tourism (ATDW town information) www.birdlife.org.au www.nationalgeographic.org www.ebird.org/australia Brigalow Birds Educational Project (book) Going Bush with Chinchilla Nats (book) Lake Broadwater (book) www.birdsqueensland.org.au
Notice This publication endeavours to showcase the birding opportunities of the Western Downs. Please check with local visitor information centres for local road information and other tips. When bird watching do not enter private property without authority of the landowner. Information in this publication has been sourced from various sources including local birding enthusiasts. Whilst every effort has been made to verify information, the Western Downs Regional Council is not responsible for any inaccuracies that may occur. Birds of the Western Downs 23
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www.westerndownsqueensland.com.au westerndownsqueensland experiencewesterndowns
VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRES Dalby Visitor Information Centre Thomas Jack Park Warrego Highway (07) 4679 4461 dalby.vic@wdrc.qld.gov.au Jandowae Community and Cultural Centre Corner George and High Streets (07) 4679 4480 jandowae.ccc@wdrc.qld.gov.au
Chinchilla Visitor Information Centre Warrego Highway (07) 4660 7291 chinchilla.vic@wdrc.qld.gov.au Bell Visitor Information Centre Bell Bunya Community Centre 71 Maxwell Street (07) 4663 1087 bellbunyacommunitycentre@gmail.com
Miles Visitor Information Centre Miles Historical Village Museum Murilla Street (07) 4627 1492 miles.vic@wdrc.qld.gov.au Tara Customer Service Centre 19 Fry Street (07) 4678 7804 info@wdrc.qld.gov.au
Wandoan Visitor Information Centre O'Sullivan Park Zupp Road (07) 4627 5227 info@wdrc.qld.gov.au Moonie Rural Transaction Centre Corner Moonie and Leichhardt Highways (07) 4665 0189 moonie.rtc@wdrc.qld.gov.au