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

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□ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □

□

□ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □

□

□

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

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□ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □

□ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □

□ □ □ □

□ □ □

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

D

F I

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