Monday 14 October 2013

Bowra Birding

Chestnut-breasted Quail-thrush
A birding break to the outback - specifically Australian Wildlife Conservancy's property near Cunnamulla named Bowra - was recently enjoyed with two mates; Russell Lamb aka Russ and Steven [Steve of the Outback] McBride.

Birding started at quite the furious pace with the day and half drive netting some 125 bird species despite travelling for over eleven hours! Black-breasted Buzzard being a decent sighting in particular.

Scruffy looking sub adult Black-breasted Buzzard
Highlights at Bowra included the impossible to photo Hall's Babbler as well as Chestnut-crowned and Grey-crowned Babblers as well. Steve recorded a rare lifer [his 600th] with Chestnut-breasted Quail-thrush. We enjoyed great views of this uncommon specie. White breasted Treecreepers were seen well - although only one pair; in contrast with Brown Treecreepers which were every where on the property. Two Spotted Nightjars were seen well in the stony ridge country which is bisected by Bowra's main road. 

Major Mitchell
Emu
Waterhole
Dusky woodswallow

Sacred Kingfisher
  Parrots were well represented on Bowra - the highlight being  flocks of the beautiful Major Mitchell
Australian Reed-warbler
Cockatoos in addition to the common Galahs, the odd Little Corella and the even odder Sulphur-crested. Blue Bonnets plus Red-rumps were aslo present. Sadly no budgies nor Mulgas nor Cockatiels.