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Hi Birders,
Enroute to north-west Queensland to
have a go at finding some Grasswrens & Emu-wrens, Robin Benson and I decided
to stay two days at the Bowra property, owned by Ian and Julie McLaren, 12 km
NW of Cunnamulla (as advertised in Wingspan). Cunnamulla area has
been in the grip of a most severe drought and the Bowra property has been
suffering badly as a result. However earlier in the year as a result of Cyclone
Benny, bring rain further north in Queensland, the up there made the rivers
run again and water came down the creeks on Bowra, while on Anzac day, two weeks
before our visit, widespread rain was received across SW Queensland and gave
Bowra a good drenching. So by the time of our visit, grass was starting to
re-appear on the property and waterbirds were present on the newly filled
waterholes. We stayed in the cottage that is for rent and organised for
Julie to provide our evening meals. Unfortunately for us, but fortunately for
the McLarens, rain began to fall in the early morning of 12/5/03 and had the
appearance of looking like it was setting in. So, as we only had a 2 wheel drive
vehicle and the soil between Cunnamulla and the house is pretty sticky, we
reluctantly decided to leave early. Good job we did as it rained there for the
next two days, and over 40 mm of rain fell, giving the McLarens a welcomed
respite from the drought.
We arrived at Bowra about 1030 hrs
and were soon out birdwatching. In the Mulga Scrub we found that the
White-browed Treecreepers were easy to find, and we saw them at 3 seperate
sites. The common fairy-wren turned out to be the Splendid Fairy-wren and a
number of males were seen in full breeding condition. As a result of the
previous recent rains, Pallid Cuckoos and Horsfield Bronze-Cuckoos were all
fired up and called throughout the day. The Hall's Babblers were easy to find
from the directions given by Julie, and we had great views, this bird being a
new species for Rob. Both Grey-crowned and Chestnut-crowned Babblers were seen
nearby giving good comparisons. Other interesting birds seen included a flock of
14 Pink Cockatoos; plenty of Red-winged Parrots & Blue Bonnets around the
house; both Red-browed & Striated Pardalotes in the eucalypts; great views
of Crested Bellbirds and the inland race of the Varied Sittellas; and good
numbers of Southern Whiteface, Thornbills and Red-capped Robins. In our 7 hours
of birding we saw 44 species. We look forward to our return when good seasons
have returned and the rain stays away. Ian & Julie were great hosts and full
of interesting and helpful information.
Alan
Morris
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