Birds of Western Downs

BIRDS OF WESTERN DOWNS

Queensland, Australia

WELCOME TO WESTERN DOWNS

To Rockhampton

WANDOAN

To Roma

To Surat

GLENMORGAN

MEANDARRA

MILES CHINCHILLA JANDOWAE DALBY TARA

To Goondiwindi

WARRA

BELL KAIMKILLENBUN

To Toowoomba and Brisbane

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 petrified wood, gliding, waterskiing and much more. Join in the action of the Chinchilla Melon 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 and vintage twist at both the Back to the Bush Festival in Miles and the Jandowae Timbertown Festival.

Visit www.westerndownsqueensland.com.au for detailed information about 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.

BIRDING RANGE

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 woodlands, but also along the banks of the Condamine River, narrow winding creeks and lagoons. Farmlands with cultivation paddocks (dry or irrigated) and crops ready for harvesting provide habitats for a range of birds also. Our roads, verges, farm infrastructure and urban buildings also provide a habitat for a diverse range of bird species.

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, Soft-scrub, Wetland and Savannah. Most birding sites in the region cover two habitat types if they are based around water which most are.

DALBY AND SURROUNDS

WarregoHwy Dalby-Jandowae

MYALL CREEK

WarregoHwy

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.

Thomas Jack Park on the Warrego Highway, right in the heart of Dalby 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). While in Dalby, take a peaceful stroll along the picturesque Myall Creek Parkland Walkway to the Dalby Golfcourse where you will see a great variety of water birds, often nesting on the Island near the Edward Street Weir.

The district of Kumbarilla is bordered by the KoganCondamine Road, Kumbarilla Lane and the Moonie Highway. The Poplar box and open grass country features lagoons along the Condamine River, some swamp areas and Brigalow Belah scrub country with various waterbirds, Honeyeaters and Parrots.

The area of flat open farmland between Dalby, Warra and Jandowae features cultivation and River Red Gums along creeks.

The Brigalow Belah Scrub corridor along Nine Mile Stock Route crosses Jeitz Road at Trumpeter's Corner and is a great location for spotting the Painted Honeyeater as it searches for the Mistletoe Flower of the Brigalow tree.

The Warra Weir and Condamine River near Warra also provide places to spot Honeyeaters and the White Throated Nightjar.

HABITAT

Dalby is a great place to base yourself to explore the southern and western areas of the region. Some of the secondary roads are gravel so it is important to drive to the conditions and look out for livestock and wildlife.

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.

SUGGESTED BIRDING SITES

KUMBARILLA LAKE BROADWATER

WARRA

Rd and stock route

Bunya Hwy

To Toowoomba and Brisbane

To Chinchilla and Miles

DALBY

To Bunya Mountains

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.

BLACK DUCK

DUSKY MOORHEN

BLUE BONNET

LAUGHING KOOKABURRA

SUPERB FAIRY WREN

CRESTED PIDGEON

Lake Broadwater Conservation Park

BUNYA MOUNTAINS

Travel east from Dalby across farming plains, cultivation and open grasslands to Kaimkillenbun, a farming township with the longest name. Here you can spot the Open Plain birds of prey such as Kestrels, Wedgetail Eagles, Brown Falcons and the Black Shouldered Kite - just to name a few.

To Jandowae

BELL

KAIMKILLENBUN

If you are travelling up the mountain from the Kumbia side, take a detour into Burtons Well campground, where the large Grass Trees when in flower attract a number of Honey Eaters to the spikes.

Across the road from Burtons Well, the Mt Kiangarow Track takes you to the highest peak of the mountain on the western side where you will walk through rainforest and vine scrub.

When out walking you will see lots of pigeons, including the topknot, white-headed species and brown cuckoo and Emerald doves.

Follow the Ironbark ridges onto Bell and you will pass the Koondaii Dam, the town's water supply and a great spot to see water birds. Local roads around Bell including Sunnyvale, Walkers Creek, and Woodlawn Road are also great bird watching locations.

On the drive to the Bunya Mountains, you will traverse through the soft scrub area of the Myall Creek, where you may spot White-winged Chough, the rare Ground Cuckoo Shrike and the Apostle birds.

If you are lucky you may also see the "scratchings" of the Black-breasted Button Quail or hear the noisy Pitta bird.

If you are traversing the Mountain from the township of Maidenwell you may see the brightly coloured male Regent Bowerbird fly across the road in front of you.

To Dalby

To Toowoomba

To Kingaroy

Bunya Mountains Outlook

BIRDS YOU COULD DISCOVER

KING PARROT

CRIMSON ROSELLA SATIN BOWERBIRD

REGENT BOWERBIRD

WONGA PIGEON

TOPKNOT PIGEON EASTERN YELLOW ROBIN GREEN CATBIRD

BAR-SHOULDERED DOVE

APOSTLEBIRD AUSTRALIAN MAGPIE

WEDGE-TAIL EAGLE

Bunya Mountains Walking Track

Chinchilla is an easy 80km drive west of Dalby, along the Warrego Highway, along the vast wide open broadacre and cotton farming areas of the region. Chinchilla is a mixed resource town with cattle grazing, timber from the nearby Barakula Forestry, Melon growing and more recently the Resources Industry and Energy sector featuring the Kogan Creek Power Station, Coopers Gap Wind Farm and three major Solar Farms.

Producing 25 percent of the country's watermelons, Chinchilla features the bi-annual Melon Festival with a range of interesting watermelon related sporting style competitions and entertaining street parade.

Fossickers from around the world come in search of much sought after "Chinchilla Red" petrified wood. A Department of Resources Fossickers Licence must be purchased either on-line or from the Chinchilla Visitor Information Centre, along with a permit to fossick on either of the two allocated sites located on private property's just south-west of Chinchilla. While you are at the Information Centre, ask for a copy of the Western Downs Visitor Guide which provides maps and information on Drive Trails in the region enabling you to explore the history, art and culture, flora and fauna and significant landmarks such as the Condamine Bell, Leichhardt Monument, the Big Melon, Wild Dog Barrier Fence and Possum Park, just to name a few.

OTHER THINGS TO SEE AND DO

SUGGESTED BIRDING SITES

Archers Crossing

Located on the Condamine River, about 6km from Chinchilla, Archers Crossing (South) is a peaceful location for spotting waterbirds along this tree-lined arm of the Condamine River.

Chinchilla Botanic Parkland

This parkland, that was named Australia's Park of the Year in 2020, 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.

Take a walk through the parkland and look up into the old dead Box trees - you may spot nesting Galahs. Be inspired by the demonstration garden or stroll 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

The much-loved Chinchilla Weir is a great spot to enjoy the outdoors, have a picnic or camp for a minimum of two nights. This facility has recently been upgraded to include a camp kitchen, two new electric Barbacues and picnic table settings. Twelve powered sites are available. This is a perfect spot to watch the sunset and of course the prolific bird life which nest on the inland Island of this section of the Condamine River.

Chinchilla Weir, Charleys Creek, Old Man Lagoon, Round Waterhole, Barakula State Forest.

Chinchilla Weir

Archers Crossing

Chinchilla Botanic Parkland

HABITAT

LeichhardtHwy

Miles was originally named Dogwood Crossing and was established on a track blazed by the explorer, Ludwig Leichhardt in 1884.

Miles is a great town to base yourself for birdwatching with a variety of the Woodland, Wetland and Forest areas around picturesque permanent lagoons, creeks and the Gil Weir. Varieties of Waterbirds can be found around the edges of lagoons blooming with waterlilies.

Spring is the best time to visit the Gurulmindi State Forest which covers an area of around 13,000 hectares and is located north-east of Miles. There you will find an abundance of small birds amongst the wildflowers and heathland shrubs.

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 waterlillies bloom in abundance.

DOGWOOD CREEK POSSUM PARK

CHINAMAN’S LAGOON GIL WEIR CALIGUEL LAGOON

COLUMBOOLA COUNTRY

GURULMUNDI STATE FOREST

Chinaman's Lagoon

Caliguel Lagoon

Caliguel Lagoon is located 7km south of Condamine and is named after an early pastoral run in the area. A long narrow stretch of water forms this lagoon which is a peaceful and tranquil location not only for birdwatching, but the beautiful sunrise and sunsets are perfect for photography.

The recent facility upgrade to Caliguel Lagoon makes it an attractive spot to not only picnic, enjoy the beautiful sunrise and sunset, waterski, but for camping and caravanning. There are a number of new shelters with picnic table settings, a camp kitchen, a free-standing electric barbecue and eight powered sites.

SULPHUR-CRESTED COCKATOO

AUSTRALIAN BUSTARD

COCKATIEL

AUSTRALIAN PELICAN

HARDHEAD

RED-RUMPED PARROT

GREY CROWNED BABBLER

Caliguel Lagoon

TARA AND SURROUNDS

Follow the Sunset Way and you will pass through the town of Tara, via the Moonie Highway. Tara is literally ‘off the beaten track’ and that’s just how the locals like it.

Chinchilla Tara Rd

To Chinchilla

THE GUMS

To Meandarra

TARA SunsetWay

TARA LAGOON

SuratDevelopmental Road To Dalby

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.

HABITAT

Located on the edge of town, Tara Lagoon is part of Undulla Creek and host to a serene camping ground with great facilities including toilets and showers, barbecue areas with seating and shelter and powered sites. A pathway along the water’s edge provides a tranquil walking or cycling track and ample opportunity to enjoy the impressive native parrots and birdlife that collect in the eucalypts. A feature of the Tara Lagoon include the 150m boardwalk over water with viewing platform and seating.

Tara Lagoon

TARA LAGOON Wetland/Woodland

HABITAT

THE GUMS RESERVE Wetland/Forest

The Gums Reserve

Located on the Crossroads of the Surat Development Road and the Leichhardt Highway, west of Tara, the Reserve is located behind the cemetery and includes an ephemeral lagoon surrounded by open forest and mixed flora. A highlight of this lagoon is the White-bellied Sea-eagle. You will also spot Egrets, Spoonbills and Miner birds, to name a few.

MASKED LAPWING

PHESANT COUCAL

LITTLE CORELLA

STRAW-NECKED IBIS

YELLOW-BILLED SPOONBILL SINGING HONEYEATER ZEBRA FINCH

The Gums Reserve

MEANDARRA AND GLENMORGAN

Meandarra is the hub of a prime production area of broad-acre farming, cattle, and sheep and Brigalow Creek in the town is a popular fishing, and camping spot and is popular for a picnic when the waterlilies are in bloom.

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.

Meandarra is in the heart of the Brigalow Belt of Queensland with numerous soil and vegetation types, thereby providing some favoured locations for feeding, roosting and nesting.

Much of the Brigalow Belah scrubs of this region have been cleared over the years to make way for farming and cultivation, hence bird species have changed to adapt to the changing conditions. You can still find stands of Brigalow scrub, Woodlands and Acacia thickets in the south of the region all laden with bird species such as parrots, treecreepers, dollarbirds, owls and woodswallows. There are Grassland and restricted areas of Spinifex while Watercourses and the Wetland swamps with Melon Holes are home to egrets, herons, spoonbills, ducks and brolgas.

HABITAT

MYALL PARK BOTANIC GARDEN

Myall Park Botanic Garden

The township of Glenmorgan is located on the Surat Developmental Road and just 7km north of the town is the Myall Park Botanic Garden.

This 132ha botanic garden is known as the home of the Gordon hybrid grevilleas and arid, semi-arid and dry tropical species of Australian trees and shrubs. With over 190 species of birds recorded within the garden this is a birdwatcher's paradise.

The abundance of nectar-producing plants attracts a variety of Honeyeaters and a bird hide on the watercourse attracts about 50 species of waterbirds. Many woodland birds can be found around the timbered margins of the lake and nesting in the fringing River red gums, while small birds can be found in the natural grass areas. There are flora and fauna lists available from the on-site gallery and gift shop.

Other bird watching areas around Glenmorgan include the Hannaford Scientific Reserve at the junction of the Surat Developmental Road and Old Coomrith Road for a good variety of woodland birds. In addition the Eringibba National Park which can be accessed via the Windermere Road, 1km east of Glenmorgan features scrub areas which are good for small birds and there is also a good variety of woodland birds.

GLENMORGAN

MYALL PARK BOTANIC GARDEN

HANNAHFORD

To Tara

To Surat SuratDevelopmentalRd

Condamine Meandarra Rd Meandarra Talwood Rd

MEANDARRA

To Condamine

To Westmar

Native Bushland/Brigalow Belah Woodlands

Bird Hide at Myall Park Botanic Garden

BIRDS YOU COULD DISCOVER

"Brigalow Birds"

A handy resource to have on your bird-watching adventure is the Brigalow Birds book - which features birds of Myall Park Botanic Garden, just outside Glenmorgan and the surrounding region.

This text is a field guide to the bird species found in this part of the Queensland Brigalow Belt and with numerous soil types and vegetations, there will be favoured locations for feeding, roosting and nesting.

The Book is $25 and available from the Chinchilla Visitor Information Centre and Myall Park Botanic Gardens, Glenmorgan.

BLACK-SHOULDERED KITE

COMMON BRONZEWING

AUSTRALIAN WOOD DUCK

PIED CURRAWONG STRIPED HONEYEATER

PEACEFUL DOVE

SPINY-CHEEKED HONEYEATER

JacksonWandoanRd

The quiet wheat and cattle town of Wandoan is the perfect stopover between Miles and Taroom as you travel along the Leichhardt Highway.

The Waterloo Plains Environmental Park is a Wetland area which features a small lagoon filled with water reeds where a variety of water birds fee. The surrounding forest trees are home to finches, wrens and the occasional crow.

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.

The recently opened Avenue of Honour, a pathway within O'Sullivan Park celebrates Wandoan's rich history and contribution to the 103 families who came to the town through the Soldier Settler Scheme. The recent rose garden plantings along the walkway will provide new habitats for a variety of small birds.

HABITAT

GREY FANTAIL

WATERLOO PLAIN

WANDOAN LeichhardtHwy

To Miles

To Taroom

WATERLOO PLAIN Wetland

OTHER THINGS TO SEE AND DO

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 signposted at their original sites. The Juandah Historical Site also hosts a Folk Museum of local heritage items and social history.

Waterloo Plain Environmental Park

Juandah Historical Site

HABITAT

If spending some time birdwatching in Jandowae, why not stay a night or two at the Jandowae Caravan Park. A quiet friendly and spacious country caravan park with great amenities, right in the heart of town. You may also like to enjoy a picnic while birdwatching at the Jandowae Dam with its great spanse of Water.

INVERAI ROAD

Jandowae features two bird trails - take a drive along the Inverai Road through open farming plains and cultivation where the Painted Honeyeater can be found in the corridors of Brigalow trees and softwood scrub - particularly in the Spring.

JANDOWAE CONNECTION ROAD

If you traverse the Jandowae Connection Road and head towards Chinchilla via the Canaga Creek Road or Lower Jinghi Road, this open Belah Forest country features creeks lined with River Red Gum and Poplar Box and Ironbark.

In this area you can spot Emus and a variety of Honey Eater birds, just to name a few.

JANDOWAE DAM

On the eastern side of Jandowae the dam is great spot to picnic and see waterbirds over a great spance of water.

Jandowae Dam

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.

RED-WINGED PARROT

GREY TEAL

NANKEEN KESTREL

PAINTED HONEYEATER

DARTER

RUFOUS WHISTLER

EMU

Athlone Cottage

TimberTown Festival

Dingo Barrier Fence

Great Egret

001 CASSOWARIES 001 Emu 

002 DUCKS,

GEESE

AND SWANS 199 Magpie Goose  205 Plumed Whistling-Duck  204 Wandering WhistlingDuck  216 Blue-billed Duck  217 Musk Duck  214 Freckled Duck  203 Black Swan  202 Australian Wood Duck  200 Cotton Pygymy-goose  948 Northern Mallard  208 Pacific Black Duck  212 Australasian Shoveler  211 Grey Teal  210 Chestnut Teal  213 Pink-eared Duck  215 Hardhead  003

PHEASANTS, FOWL AND ALLIES 008 Australian Brush-turkey  009 Stubble Quail  011 Brown Quail  004 GREBES 061 Australasian Grebe  062 Hoary-headed Grebe  060 Great Crested Grebe  005 STORKS 183 Black-necked Stork  006 IBISES AND SPOONBILLS 179 Australian White Ibis  180 Straw-necked Ibis  178 Glossy Ibis  181 Royal Spoonbill  182 Yellow-billed Spoonbill  007 HERONS AND BITTERNS 188 White-faced Heron  185 Australasian Little Egret  189 White-necked Heron  187 Eastern Great Egret 

186 Intermediate Egret  977 Cattle Egret (Eastern)  192 Nankeen Night-Heron (Rufous)  196 Black Bittern  197 Australasian Bittern 

008 PELICANS 106 Australian Pelican  009 CORMORANTS AND SHAGS 100 Little Pied Cormorant  099 Pied Cormorant  097 Little Black Cormorant  096 Great Cormorant 

009 A DARTERS 101 Australasian Darter  10 OSPREY 241 Eastern Osprey 

10 A

KITES, HAWKES AND EAGLES

234 Pacific Baza  232 Black-shouldered Kite  233 Letter-winged Kite  230 Square-tailed Kite  231 Black-breasted Buzzard  229 Black Kite  228 Whistling Kite  226 White-bellied Sea Eagle  218 Spotted Harrier  219 Swamp Harrier  221 Brown Goshawk  220 Grey Goshawk  222 Collared Sparrowhawk  223 Red Goshawk  224 Wedge-tailed Eagle  225 Little Eagle 

011 BUSTARD 117 Australian Bustard  012 RAILS, CRAKES AND COOTS 046 Buff-banded Rail  045 Lewin’s Rail  050 Baillon’s Crake  049 Australian Spotted Crake

Moorhen  055 Black-tailed Native-hen  059 Eurasian Coot 

013 CRANES 117 Brolga  014 BUTTON-QUAIL 013 Red-backed Button-quail  018 Little Button-quail  019 Red-chested Button-quail  014 Painted Button-quail  017 Black-breasted Button-quail  015 STONE-CURLEWS 175 Bush Stone-curlew (Thick-knee) 

016 STILTS AND AVOCETS 147 Banded Stilt  146 Pied Stilt (White-headed)  148 Red-necked Avocet 

017 PLOVERS 137 Pacific Golden Plover  143 Red-capped Plover  145 Inland Dotterel  144 Black-fronted Dotterel  132 Red-kneed Dotterel  135 Banded Lapwing  133 Masked Lapwing 

018

PAINTED-SNIPES 170 Australian Painted Snipe 

019 JACANAS 171 Comb-crested Jacana  020 SANDPIPERS AND SNIPES 168 Latham’s Snipe  152 Black-tailed Godwit  153 Bar-tailed Godwit  151 Little Curlew  159 Marsh Sandpiper  158 Common Greenshank 

154 Wood Sandpiper  157 Common Sandpiper  162 Red-necked Stint  163 Sharp-tailed Sandpiper  161 Curlew Sandpiper  021 173 Australian Pratincole  022

GULL,

TERNS AND

SKIMMERS 125 Silver Gull  111 Australian Gull-billed Tern  112 Caspian Tern  110 Whiskered Tern  109 White-winged Black-Tern 

023

PIGEONS

348 Channel-billed Cuckoo  349 Pheasant Coucal 

025 BARN OWLS 253 Greater Sooty Owl  250 Australian Masked Owl  249 Eastern Barn Owl  252 Eastern Grass Owl  026 OWLS 248 Powerful Owl  246 Barking Owl  242 Southern Boobook  027 FROGMOUTHS 313 Tawny Frogmouth 

240 Nankeen Kestrel 

034 COCKATOOS 264 Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo  265 Glossy Black-Cockatoo  267 Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoo  273 Galah  271 Little Corella  272 Long-billed Corella  270 Major Mitchell Cockatoo (Pink Cockatoo)  269 Sulphur-crested Cockatoo  274 Cockatiel 

AND DOVES

957 Rock Dove  028 White-headed Pigeon  989 Spotted Dove  029 Brown Cuckoo-Dove  033 Pacific Emerald Dove  034 Common Bronzewing  036 Flock Bronzewing  043 Crested Pigeon  042 Spinifex Pigeon  039 Squatter Pigeon  031 Diamond Dove  032 Peaceful Dove  030 Bar-shouldered Dove  044 Wonga Pigeon  025 Wompoo Fruit-Dove  023 Superb Fruit-Dove  021 Rose-crowned Fruit-Dove  207 Topknot Pigeon 

028 NIGHTJARS 331 Spotted Nightjar  330 White-throated Nightjar  029

OWLET-NIGHTJARS 317 Australian Owletnightjar  030 SWIFTS 334 White-throated Needletail  335 Pacific Swift (fork-tail)  031 ROLLERS 318 Dollarbird (Oriental)  032 KINGFISHERS 319 Azure Kingfisher  322 Laughing Kookaburra  323 Blue-winged Kookaburra  324 Forest Kingfisher  325 Red-backed Kingfisher  326 Sacred Kingfisher 

035

PARROTS 281 Australian King-parrot  280 Red-winged Parrot  282 Crimson Rosella  288 Eastern Rosella  286 Pale-headed Rosella  294 Australian Ringneck (Mallee/Barnardi)  297 Greater Blue Bonnet  309 Swift Parrot  295 Red-rumped Parrot  296 Mulga Parrot  310 Budgerigar  302 Turquoise Parrot  254 Rainbow Lorikeet  256 Scaly-breasted Lorikeet  258 Musk Lorikeet  260 Little Lorikeet  261 Double-eyed Fig-parrot (Coxen’s) 

CUCKOOS 336 Oriental Cuckoo  337 Pallid Cuckoo  339 Brush Cuckoo  338 Fan-tailed Cuckoo  341 Black-eared Cuckoo  342 Horsefield’s BronzeCuckoo  344 Shining Bronze Cuckoo  345 Little Bronze-Cuckoo  347 Pacific Koel (Eastern) 

024

032 A BEE-EATERS 329 Rainbow Bee-eater  033 FALCONS AND CARACARAS 239 Brown Falcon  235 Australian Hobby  236 Grey Falcon  238 Black Falcon  237 Peregrin Falcon 

561 White-browed Treecreeper  555 Brown Treecreeper 

038

AUSTRALASIAN WRENS

529 Superb Fairy-wren  532 Splended Fairy-wren  536 Purple-backed Fairy-wren (Variegated)  541 Red-backed Fairy-wren  535 White-winged Fairy-wren 

039

HONEYEATERS

630 Red Wattlebird  640 Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater  585 Striped Honeyeater  645 Noisy Friarbird  646 Little Friarbird  603 Regent Honeyeater  641 Blue-faced Honeyeater  634 Noisy Miner  635 Yellow-throated Miner  605 Lewin’s Honeyeater  614 Yellow-faced Honeyeater  608 Singing Honeyeater  617 White-eared Honeyeater  619 Yellow-tufted Honeyeater  623 Grey-fronted Honeyeater  613 Fuscous Honeyeater  635 White-plumed Honeyeater  580 Black-chinned Honeyeater  583 Brown-headed Honeyeater  579 White-throated Honeyeater  578 White-naped Honeyeater  597 Brown Honeyeater  598 Painted Honeyeater  594 White-fronted Honeyeater  591 Eastern Spinebill 

589 Black Honeyeater  502 Pied Honeyeater  586 Scarlet Honeyeater (Myzomela)  449 Crimson Chat  450 Orange Chat  448 White-front Chat 

040 PARDALOTE

565 Spotted Pardalote  570 Red-browed Pardalote  976 Striated Pardalote 

041

AUSTRALASIAN

WARBLERS

493 Yellow-throated Scrubwren  488 White-browed Scrubwren  494 Large-billed Scrubwren  504 Speckled Warbler  465 Weebill  454 Brown Gerygone  463 Western Gerygone  453 White-throated Gerygone  475 Brown Thornbill  476 Inland Thornbill  481 Chestnut-rumped Thornbill  484 Buff-rumped Thornbill  486 Yellow-rumped Thornbill  471 Yellow Thornbill  470 Striated Thornbill  466 Southern Whiteface 

042

AUSTRALASIAN

BABBLERS

443 Grey-crowned Babbler  445 White-browed Babbler 

WOODSWALLOWS,

BUTCHERBIRDS AND ALLIES

543 White-breasted Woodswallow  544 Masked Woodswallow  545 White-browed Woodswallow  546 Black-faced Woodswallow  547 Dusky Woodswallow  546 Little Woodswallow  702 Grey Butcherbird  700 Pied Butcherbird  705 Australian Magpie  694 Pied Currawong  046

CUCKOO-SHRIKES

AND TRILLERS

043

LODRUNNERS 434 Australian Logrunner  044

AND QUAIL-THRUSH

WHIPBIRDS

424 Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike  428 Barred Cuckoo-shrike  425 White-bellied Cuckoo-shrike  429 Common Cicadabird  423 Ground cuckoo-shrika  430 White-winged Triller  431 Varied Triller  047 SITTELLAS 549 Varied Sittella  048 AUSTRALO-PAPUAN BELLBIRDS 419 Crested Bellbird  049 WHISTLERS AND ALLIES 416 Crested Shrike-tit  398 Golden Whistler  401 Rufous Whistler  408 Grey Shrike-thrush  050 FIGBIRDS AND ORIOLES 432 Australasian Figbird  671 Olive-backed Oriole  051 DRONGOS 673 Spangled Drongo  052 FANTAILS 362 Rufous Fantail 

361 Grey Fantail  364 Willie Wagtail 

053 MONARCHS

373 Black-faced Monarch  375 Spectacled Monarch  365 Leaden Flycatcher  366 Satin Flycatcher  369 Restless Flycatcher  415 Magpie-lark 

054

CROWS AND JAYS

692 Torresian Crow  691 Little Crow  930 Australian Raven 

055 AUSTRALIAN MUDNESTERS

693 White-winged Chough  675 Apostlebird 

056 BIRDS-OF-PARADISE 686 Paradise Riflebird  057 AUSTRALASIAN ROBINS 377 Jacky Winter  380 Scarlet Robin  381 Red-capped Robin  384 Rose Robin  385 Hooded Robin 

392 Eastern Yellow Robin 

058 LARKS 648 Australasian Bushlark (Hosfield’s) 

059 SWALLOWS AND MARTINS

358 White-backed Swallow  357 Welcome Swallow  359 Tree Martin  360 Fairy Martin 

063 STARLINGS 999 Common Starling (European)  998 Common Myna 

060

REED-WARBLERS AND ALLIES 524 Australian ReedWarbler 

061 GRASSBIRDS AND ALLIES 509 Rufous Songlark  508 Brown Songlark  523 Tawn Grassbird  522 Little Grassbird 

061 A CISTICOLAS AND ALLIES 525 Golden-headed Cisticola  062 WHITE-EYES 574 Silvereye 

064 THRUSHES 779 Bassian Thrush  780 Russet-tailed Thrush  991 Common Blackbird (Eurasian)  065 FLOWERPECKERS 564 Mistletoebird  066 OLD WORLD SPARROWS 995 House Sparrow 

067 WAXBILLS, MUNIAS AND ALLIES 653 Zebra Finch  655 Double-barred Finch  661 Plum-headed Finch  662 Red-browed Finch  652 Diamond Firetail  657 Chestnut-breasted Mannikin 

068 WAGTAILS AND PIPITS 647 Australian Pipit 

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

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.

• 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

Chinchilla Field Naturalist's Group

The Chinchilla Field Naturalist's Group meet monthly to partake in flora and fauna excursions of the region, assist with scientific research and document and preserve information related to the southern Queensland region. An annual bird watching get-together is hosted every January on the Australia Day long weekend at the Bunya Mountains with bird watchers from other areas also welcome. The group has produced a number of flora related books over the years, and the "Urimbirra" newsletter is published six times a year. For more details on this group's meetings and monthly field trips, contact Heather Mason via email - riverdellbluewren@hotmail.com.

" Birdwatching is an awesome hobby as well as beneficial to our health and happiness."

Bell Birdwatching Group

BERNICE SETON

As an Honorary Life Member of Birds Queensland, Bernice Seton refers to the Bunya Mountains as an "an amazing inland Island of birds, trees and vegetation."

From the verandah of her Bell farmhouse, Bernice enjoys picturesque views across the Origional Sym’s family property - once a dairy farm, when first settled in the mid 1870s, (still a family grazing property) now held by the fourth and fifth generations of the family, to the soft scrub foothills of the Bunya Mountains.

Natural history has always been an interest for Bernice, having helped organised children’s nature activities in the Bunya Mountains years ago. More recently, Bernice with the encouragement of Bell resident, Ruth Storey, formed the Bell Birdwatching Group, a social group with a keen interest in the outdoors, and in particular identifying bird species of the region and surrounding countryside.

Comprising around 30 people, the group meet on the third Friday of each month, and in car convoy equipped with UHF radios, birding books, telescope, binoculars and cameras, set off for a days organised adventure.

Breaks for morning tea and lunch allow the group to collaborate and record bird specie’s sightings in the Bell Birding Group Checklist, which can be found in their monthly newsletter and report. Each year in January, the group spend a day bushwalking in the Bunya Mountains and enjoying the rare bird species common to that area.

The Bell Birdwatching Group have played host to many visitors from around the country and welcome anyone who appreciates nature and would like to discover a new place or learn about the fascinating world of birds.

For information on the Bell Birdwatching Group: Contact Bernice Seton on 0427 631 080 or email bunyabirds1@bigpond.com

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.

Yellow-tuffed Honeyeater

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