Bird Watching Tips
Situated in the dry tropics, the diversity of bird life within our region offers many memorable experiences. Bowen has many short walks and birding sites in close proximity to the Central Business District. Mullers Lagoon is only a kilometre from the Post Office if that and has a species list of 163 birds.
Observations at Kings Beach have noted an Australian Bustard strutting along the beach or a flock of Budgerigars settled in a She-Oak at Dalrymple Point. To observe dry country birds at the beach on the east coast can be quite a thrill.
Bowen is often called the climate capital of Australia due to the number of sunny days we experience. When birding in the Bowen area it is important to note a few things so as to make your visit as enjoyable and memorable as possible. Before setting out make sure you are wearing suitable clothing and footwear plus a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent and a bottle of water are a necessity.
Always tell someone where you are going to visit and a time that you will return, this should be a common practice anywhere that you visit. Pick up the local Bowen tourist guide when you come to town, as it contains a list of Birds that can be spotted in the district. If you would like to know more call (07) 4786 2614 or e-mail maluras5@tpg.com.au.
Download a full list of bird species found in the Bowen area. (100 Kb)
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Locations
Bays & Beaches
Prior to entering the walk from the Horseshoe Bay side set up your scope on Cape Edgecumbe and Inaminka rocks. This is the best location to observe Brown Boobies and Pied Cormorants settled on the rocks. During times of cyclonic activity this is a favoured site for Lesser and Greater Frigatebirds to float effortlessly above the beach. Common Noddies feed amongst the waves seemingly swallowed as they dip down in the wake.
Sooty OysterCatcher and Wandering Tattlers settle amongst the rocks of Cape Edgecumbe, great to see the latter in breeding plumage.
As you drag yourself away from the beach and onto the walk to the first lookout, mind you don't trip over a Brush Turkey that busy themselves by scratching throughout the ground litter. At the base of the first lookout is the mound nest of this species, many people walk by not realising the importance of the massive mound. Excellent views of the rocky coastline and Gloucester Island, the highest island off the Australian coast and a declared National Park can be had at the first lookout.
To the right of the lookout pan across the rock ledges, over the years an osprey has been successfully nesting in this area, leaving the remains of some large nests behind looking like swept up flotsam and jetsom, but well clear of the high water mark.
If you have succeeded in reaching the lookout the remainder of the walk will not pose any problems. Mother Beddick lookout provides more breathtaking vistas with the added opportunity to watch a number of diurnal birds of prey play their games over the rocky outcrops especially during the breeding season.
A number of rest stops are provided on the walk and certainly pays dividends with close sightings of Honeyeaters, Quails and other bush birds.
On arrival at Rose Bay check the beach for Waders.
To return to Horseshoe Bay I suggest that you follow the roadway over the hill and down to the small wetland area at the junction of Horseshoe Bay Road and Rose Bay Road. This area has produced good sightings of waders with a real treat now and again of Red-necked Avocets. To the left is a portion of remnant scrub where Great Bowerbirds frequent, producing a bower and demolishing same year after year. Their comical antics at the bower when a female arrives is so entertaining.
At the road junction keep right and follow the road past picturesque Greys Bay and Horseshoe Bay. Sometimes it is worthwhile to check out the Murrays Bay turnoff. White-faced Herons nest in the paperbarks and at dusk you have the opportunity of sighting some of the nocturnal birdlife of Bowen. This is the area where Masked Owl and Large-tailed Nightjar have been observed. An excellent introduction to Bowen birds. Heavy going in some places moderately fit OK.
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Mullers Lagoon
Mullers Lagoon is the jewel in the crown for Bowen. No other coastal town can boast of a superb birding site in the centre of the township. I like to park the car under the Tamarind tree on the Soldiers Road frontage, at least you have a cool car when you return.
Again Great Bowerbirds head the entertainment list. I will not tell you of the bower locations as it is far better to discover the skill of this avian architect by yourself. A hint, scan around the base of shrubs and overhanging branches. Now and again the treasure trove actually gives the bower with a shiny object catching your eye.
Depending on the timing of your visit you will either find the lagoon packed with waterfowl or almost deserted. With the arrival of the monsoon season in North Queensland many waterfowl disperse to waterholes that become freshly replenished.
A visit to Mullers Lagoon can be as relaxing as you wish or a hectic affair. The Council has developed this parkland and is planning further development in future years but at all times observes the best practice to retain our wildlife in an urban area with the least disruption. Actually, a positive move by the Council was the re-use of treated effluent and the establishment of further wetlands that have provided good areas of aquatic plant life for reed warblers and those secretive crakes and rails.
An information board has been erected near the toilet block, the grant being provided by the Australian Bird Environment Fund.
A free barbecue is provided and what better place to enjoy a meal and bird watch at your leisure.
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Saltworks
LOCATION - Central Queensland Salt Ltd, Bowen Lat 20.00oS Long 148.05oE
CONTACT - Permission required from the Manager to enter property.
HISTORY - The Saltworks were first developed in the 1920's and have played an important part for conservation as well as economic benefit to the community.
1984-1990 Conducted wader counts for AWSG
After 1990 Undertaken wader counts for QWSG
SPECIAL NOTES - In the summer months, temperatures on the saltworks can be quite extreme. No shade is available until entering the mangrove area, and sensible measures, plus drinking water, are required.
SITE PLAN
The area adjacent to the Bruce Highway has the evaporative ponds for salt production. Not much activity here. The next area has the storage ponds for water, the closer to the evaporative ponds the higher the salinity factor. Provides excellent habitat for Waders and other water birds. Behind the storage ponds, we enter an expanse of mangrove bordered on the western side by dry paperbark and acacia scrub with a track that leads to the sea pump. Honeyeaters and Warblers and various other bush birds.
GENERAL DETAILS
Sunscreen, aeroguard check and we are off. On entering the saltworks, the first bird to be observed are the Red-Capped Plovers scurrying mouselike over the large dikes that separate the ponds, now and again Red-necked Stints also get mixed up in the small flocks of 20 plus. Overhead Welcome Swallows give a mellow call in their search for food with a Nankeen Kestrel observing the activity while perched on a power pole that carries electricity to operate the pumps.
In my introduction I mentioned that the evaporative ponds do not have a great deal of bird activity. I recall a number of years ago that they had recently harvested the salt and some ponds were reshaped which left a fairly muddy mess. On this occasion, the mess proved beneficial, as Lesser Sandplover and Greater Sandplover had decided to rest behind the large clumps of mud that had been disturbed by the equipment. Of course, I took full advantage of the situation in comparing these closely identical species. Its amazing what you can pick up when you have each bird almost standing next to one another.
After about two hundred metres you start to enter the storage ponds area and this is where the majority of Wader activity occurs. Small dikes separate each pond and in some instances you can traverse them completely, but beware that many have had washouts and have fallen into disrepair that makes them impassable. By panning along these dikes with a telscope you can pick up many a flock of Sharpies (Shap-tailed Sandpipers), Curlew Sandpipers, Golden Plovers and to a lesser degree, Grey Plovers. The birds will be found to the roosting or feeding along the shallow edge of the pond. A scope is essential if you are trying to identify the plovers or look for leg bands. We have been successful in spotting two waders with leg bands.
As you walk towards the mangroves the ponds on the right are much larger and deeper with a sand bar present on the far edge that proves to be a good roosting area for Caspian and Gull-billed Terns plus the Pelicans. It was in these ponds that I have observed 500 Red-necked Avocets back in the early 90's. I have not witnessed them since in such great numbers but still observe flocks of up to 100 plus. Along the edges Marsh Sandpipes, Greenshank, Whimbrels and the lone Eastern Curlew.
Ahead of these ponds is another large pond but this one is dotted with dead trees that will provide roosts for Cormorants, Darters, Ibis and Herons. This pond proves important to the resident duck population also. A lone tree that exists at the end of a spit had supported a nest belonging to a White-Bellied Sea Eagle but this has fallen victim to too much attention and all that remains is the mess of fallen sticks beneath the tree that reflects on its more glorious past.
To the left the mangrove area starts and is bordered by long ponds with dead trees providing good roosting sites. In the distance, a large power pylon aims at the sky and directly on top of this metal tower sits an Osprey on its nest with a commanding view. On 1 June 1990, the North Queensland Electricity Board (NORQEB) provided a steel offset cradle structure that was fitted to the cross member. Previously the birds had built their nest on the crossmember but after countless blackouts due to the nest interfering with the power supply, NORQEB adopted a conservation attitude by allowing expenditure for the construction and fitting of the steel cradle. On 6 June, the birds were adding to the nest after NORQEB staff had lined the base with some large branches. Since that time they have nested every year, plus NORQEB got a pat on the back for showing initiative in protecting the environment.
If you haven't already applied your aeroguard as you enter the mangrove area, there will be more slapping and swearing and, of course, the birds all flee. Great views of Mangrove Warbler, Mangrove Honeyeater and Leaden Flycatchers can be had in this area. The path takes you some 400 metres along mangroves before breaking into dry scrub land and then onto a path that leads to the sea pump.
Mid-year, we had a visit from the Whitsunday volunteers who had just finished a Wader Identification Workshop. He brought them to Bowen so that they could put their newly acquired skills to the test. While the saltworks was not a hive of activity with Waders at that particular time, we did visit some areas close at hand that provided a good selection of large, medium and small Waders.
Bowen is a remarkable place for Wader with a few rarities being sighted over the years.
Back to top
Bird Watching Tips
Situated in the dry tropics, the diversity of bird life within our region offers many memorable experiences. Bowen has many short walks and birding sites in close proximity to the Central Business District. Mullers Lagoon is only a kilometre from the Post Office if that and has a species list of 163 birds.
Observations at Kings Beach have noted an Australian Bustard strutting along the beach or a flock of Budgerigars settled in a She-Oak at Dalrymple Point. To observe dry country birds at the beach on the east coast can be quite a thrill.
Bowen is often called the climate capital of Australia due to the number of sunny days we experience. When birding in the Bowen area it is important to note a few things so as to make your visit as enjoyable and memorable as possible. Before setting out make sure you are wearing suitable clothing and footwear plus a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent and a bottle of water are a necessity.
Always tell someone where you are going to visit and a time that you will return, this should be a common practice anywhere that you visit. Pick up the local Bowen tourist guide when you come to town, as it contains a list of Birds that can be spotted in the district. If you would like to know more call (07) 4786 2614 or e-mail maluras5@tpg.com.au.
Download a full list of bird species found in the Bowen area. (100 Kb)
Back to top
Locations
Bays & Beaches
Prior to entering the walk from the Horseshoe Bay side set up your scope on Cape Edgecumbe and Inaminka rocks. This is the best location to observe Brown Boobies and Pied Cormorants settled on the rocks. During times of cyclonic activity this is a favoured site for Lesser and Greater Frigatebirds to float effortlessly above the beach. Common Noddies feed amongst the waves seemingly swallowed as they dip down in the wake.
Sooty OysterCatcher and Wandering Tattlers settle amongst the rocks of Cape Edgecumbe, great to see the latter in breeding plumage.
As you drag yourself away from the beach and onto the walk to the first lookout, mind you don't trip over a Brush Turkey that busy themselves by scratching throughout the ground litter. At the base of the first lookout is the mound nest of this species, many people walk by not realising the importance of the massive mound. Excellent views of the rocky coastline and Gloucester Island, the highest island off the Australian coast and a declared National Park can be had at the first lookout.
To the right of the lookout pan across the rock ledges, over the years an osprey has been successfully nesting in this area, leaving the remains of some large nests behind looking like swept up flotsam and jetsom, but well clear of the high water mark.
If you have succeeded in reaching the lookout the remainder of the walk will not pose any problems. Mother Beddick lookout provides more breathtaking vistas with the added opportunity to watch a number of diurnal birds of prey play their games over the rocky outcrops especially during the breeding season.
A number of rest stops are provided on the walk and certainly pays dividends with close sightings of Honeyeaters, Quails and other bush birds.
On arrival at Rose Bay check the beach for Waders.
To return to Horseshoe Bay I suggest that you follow the roadway over the hill and down to the small wetland area at the junction of Horseshoe Bay Road and Rose Bay Road. This area has produced good sightings of waders with a real treat now and again of Red-necked Avocets. To the left is a portion of remnant scrub where Great Bowerbirds frequent, producing a bower and demolishing same year after year. Their comical antics at the bower when a female arrives is so entertaining.
At the road junction keep right and follow the road past picturesque Greys Bay and Horseshoe Bay. Sometimes it is worthwhile to check out the Murrays Bay turnoff. White-faced Herons nest in the paperbarks and at dusk you have the opportunity of sighting some of the nocturnal birdlife of Bowen. This is the area where Masked Owl and Large-tailed Nightjar have been observed. An excellent introduction to Bowen birds. Heavy going in some places moderately fit OK.
Back to top
Mullers Lagoon
Mullers Lagoon is the jewel in the crown for Bowen. No other coastal town can boast of a superb birding site in the centre of the township. I like to park the car under the Tamarind tree on the Soldiers Road frontage, at least you have a cool car when you return.
Again Great Bowerbirds head the entertainment list. I will not tell you of the bower locations as it is far better to discover the skill of this avian architect by yourself. A hint, scan around the base of shrubs and overhanging branches. Now and again the treasure trove actually gives the bower with a shiny object catching your eye.
Depending on the timing of your visit you will either find the lagoon packed with waterfowl or almost deserted. With the arrival of the monsoon season in North Queensland many waterfowl disperse to waterholes that become freshly replenished.
A visit to Mullers Lagoon can be as relaxing as you wish or a hectic affair. The Council has developed this parkland and is planning further development in future years but at all times observes the best practice to retain our wildlife in an urban area with the least disruption. Actually, a positive move by the Council was the re-use of treated effluent and the establishment of further wetlands that have provided good areas of aquatic plant life for reed warblers and those secretive crakes and rails.
An information board has been erected near the toilet block, the grant being provided by the Australian Bird Environment Fund.
A free barbecue is provided and what better place to enjoy a meal and bird watch at your leisure.
Back to top
Saltworks
LOCATION - Central Queensland Salt Ltd, Bowen Lat 20.00oS Long 148.05oE
CONTACT - Permission required from the Manager to enter property.
HISTORY - The Saltworks were first developed in the 1920's and have played an important part for conservation as well as economic benefit to the community.
1984-1990 Conducted wader counts for AWSG
After 1990 Undertaken wader counts for QWSG
SPECIAL NOTES - In the summer months, temperatures on the saltworks can be quite extreme. No shade is available until entering the mangrove area, and sensible measures, plus drinking water, are required.
SITE PLAN
The area adjacent to the Bruce Highway has the evaporative ponds for salt production. Not much activity here. The next area has the storage ponds for water, the closer to the evaporative ponds the higher the salinity factor. Provides excellent habitat for Waders and other water birds. Behind the storage ponds, we enter an expanse of mangrove bordered on the western side by dry paperbark and acacia scrub with a track that leads to the sea pump. Honeyeaters and Warblers and various other bush birds.
GENERAL DETAILS
Sunscreen, aeroguard check and we are off. On entering the saltworks, the first bird to be observed are the Red-Capped Plovers scurrying mouselike over the large dikes that separate the ponds, now and again Red-necked Stints also get mixed up in the small flocks of 20 plus. Overhead Welcome Swallows give a mellow call in their search for food with a Nankeen Kestrel observing the activity while perched on a power pole that carries electricity to operate the pumps.
In my introduction I mentioned that the evaporative ponds do not have a great deal of bird activity. I recall a number of years ago that they had recently harvested the salt and some ponds were reshaped which left a fairly muddy mess. On this occasion, the mess proved beneficial, as Lesser Sandplover and Greater Sandplover had decided to rest behind the large clumps of mud that had been disturbed by the equipment. Of course, I took full advantage of the situation in comparing these closely identical species. Its amazing what you can pick up when you have each bird almost standing next to one another.
After about two hundred metres you start to enter the storage ponds area and this is where the majority of Wader activity occurs. Small dikes separate each pond and in some instances you can traverse them completely, but beware that many have had washouts and have fallen into disrepair that makes them impassable. By panning along these dikes with a telscope you can pick up many a flock of Sharpies (Shap-tailed Sandpipers), Curlew Sandpipers, Golden Plovers and to a lesser degree, Grey Plovers. The birds will be found to the roosting or feeding along the shallow edge of the pond. A scope is essential if you are trying to identify the plovers or look for leg bands. We have been successful in spotting two waders with leg bands.
As you walk towards the mangroves the ponds on the right are much larger and deeper with a sand bar present on the far edge that proves to be a good roosting area for Caspian and Gull-billed Terns plus the Pelicans. It was in these ponds that I have observed 500 Red-necked Avocets back in the early 90's. I have not witnessed them since in such great numbers but still observe flocks of up to 100 plus. Along the edges Marsh Sandpipes, Greenshank, Whimbrels and the lone Eastern Curlew.
Ahead of these ponds is another large pond but this one is dotted with dead trees that will provide roosts for Cormorants, Darters, Ibis and Herons. This pond proves important to the resident duck population also. A lone tree that exists at the end of a spit had supported a nest belonging to a White-Bellied Sea Eagle but this has fallen victim to too much attention and all that remains is the mess of fallen sticks beneath the tree that reflects on its more glorious past.
To the left the mangrove area starts and is bordered by long ponds with dead trees providing good roosting sites. In the distance, a large power pylon aims at the sky and directly on top of this metal tower sits an Osprey on its nest with a commanding view. On 1 June 1990, the North Queensland Electricity Board (NORQEB) provided a steel offset cradle structure that was fitted to the cross member. Previously the birds had built their nest on the crossmember but after countless blackouts due to the nest interfering with the power supply, NORQEB adopted a conservation attitude by allowing expenditure for the construction and fitting of the steel cradle. On 6 June, the birds were adding to the nest after NORQEB staff had lined the base with some large branches. Since that time they have nested every year, plus NORQEB got a pat on the back for showing initiative in protecting the environment.
If you haven't already applied your aeroguard as you enter the mangrove area, there will be more slapping and swearing and, of course, the birds all flee. Great views of Mangrove Warbler, Mangrove Honeyeater and Leaden Flycatchers can be had in this area. The path takes you some 400 metres along mangroves before breaking into dry scrub land and then onto a path that leads to the sea pump.
Mid-year, we had a visit from the Whitsunday volunteers who had just finished a Wader Identification Workshop. He brought them to Bowen so that they could put their newly acquired skills to the test. While the saltworks was not a hive of activity with Waders at that particular time, we did visit some areas close at hand that provided a good selection of large, medium and small Waders.
Bowen is a remarkable place for Wader with a few rarities being sighted over the years.
Back to top