Author: OzHorine

Big Zigzag Birding

week 018 | Adelaide vicinity | trip list 362 – 376

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'Cause the desert had turned to sea...** (and elegant lifers, and mighty Murray River)

In an Eggshell:

  • Big Zigzag bird species count: 376 (+14 this week)
  • Big Zigzag bird families count: 81 (+1 this week: Finches, Euphonias, and Allies) 
  • Big Zigzag Lifers: 70 (+3 this week: Slender-billed Thornbill, Elegant Parrot, Brush Bronzewing)
  • Campsite Lifers 19 (+0 this week)
  • Big Zigzag New for Australia list: 99 (+3 this week)
  • eBird days of checklist streak: 124
  • Week’s special milestones: cleanup genus Phaps (Bronzewing), passed 525 in my Australian list

Bird(s) of the Week​

Lovely lifer and cleanup genus Phaps! Brush Bronzewing (Phaps elegans) was a dream bird and one of the two elegant lifers (with Elegant Parrot) this week. Belair National Park

Week’s first lifer: Slender-billed Thornbill (Acanthiza iredalei), Port Gawler, SA

Musk Duck from Barossa Reservoir, Whispering Wall

Master of nest camouflage, Varied Sittela  

Non-bird image(s)

Port Gawler, Slender-billed Thornbill habitat.

Belair National Park

Lenger Reserve

Murray River at Mannum.

Week's Key location(s)

2 lifers location near Port Gawler: Elegant Parrot & Slender-billed Thornbill

Barossa Reservoir–Whispering Wall was the surprising site of the week. I stopped there after failing to find Brush Bronzewing at Para Wirra Conservation Park, just due curiosity – and found a lovely place to pass the day with interesting attraction (the whispering wall), some birding at the reservoir, and nice picnic area.

Belair National Park, Brush Bronzewing site.

Big Zigzag Travelled so far: 14740 km (this week 900 km)

eBird Checklists this week

1498. 16 Nov 2024 7:32 AM Lenger Reserve
1497. 15 Nov 2024 9:19 AM Reedy Creek Swamp, Mid Murray

1496. 14 Nov 2024 7:53 AM Belair National Park

1495. 13 Nov 2024 5:01 PM Barossa Reservoir–Whispering Wall
1494. 13 Nov 2024 9:30 AM Rocky Creek Road, Mount Crawford, South Australia, AU (-34.757, 138.948)

1493. 12 Nov 2024 1:57 PM Barossa Reservoir–Whispering Wall

1492. 12 Nov 2024 10:24 AM Para Wirra Lake
1491. 12 Nov 2024 7:02 AM Sandy Creek Conservation Park
1490. 11 Nov 2024 7:34 AM Port Gawler Road, Port Gawler, South Australia, AU (-34.662, 138.447)
1489. 10 Nov 2024 9:55 AM Australian Arid Lands Botanic Gardens. Port Augusta
1488. 10 Nov 2024 8:23 AM Port Augusta, South Australia, AU (-32.488, 137.764)

** “Cause the desert had turned to sea” from  A Horse With No Name (America)

Big Zigzag Index
Big Zigzag Birding

week 017 | The Outback Hwy – Flinders Ranges Way | trip list 345 – 362

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Completing the desert crossing

In an Eggshell:

  • Big Zigzag bird species count: 362 (+17 this week)
  • Big Zigzag bird families count: 80 (+0 this week) 
  • Big Zigzag Lifers: 67 (+3 this week: Chestnut-breasted Whiteface, Chestnut-rumped Thornbill, Western Grasswren)
  • Campsite Lifers 19 (+2 this week: Chestnut-breasted Whiteface, Chestnut-rumped Thornbill)
  • Big Zigzag New for Australia list: 96 (+3 this week)
  • eBird days of checklist streak: 117
  • Week’s special milestones: 6th Grasswren (Western), trip list over 350

Bird(s) of the Week​

Tawny Frogmouth (Podargus strigoides) master of camouflage, Farina.

Campsite Lifer – Chestnut-rumped Thornbill (Acanthiza uropygialis)
A new category has been added to the weekly post’s “In an Eggshell:” – Campsite Lifer.
It is great fun to start your morning with a lifer, before starting your engine. As far as possible, I am trying to find campsite in nature environment, preferably free of charge, and start my day with birding as I wake up. Sometimes it is a few hours walk, but if I did not drive from the night camp – I’ll consider a new bird seen on that round as a Campsite Lifer.

Who comes to drink?
One of the benefits of RV birding, is the ability in certain condition, to position your motorhome in a great birding spot, such as this unexpected drinking point, just at the camping site in Parina, SA.
You can watch from your bed window or from your kitchen, make your meals and even work on your laptop, and still see what’s going on. In such hot day in the desert, this is a very busy spot. Hundreds of Zebra finches, dozens of Honeyeaters (Spiny-cheeked, Singing, White-plumed, White-fronted, Pied, Crimson & Orange chats) Woodswallows (White-breasted and Black-faced), Crested Pigeons, Diamond Doves, Budgerigars, Galah s, Little Corellas, Willie-wagtails, House Sparrows, Brown Quail, Chirruping Wedgebill, Rufous Songlark and.. Emu!

Not a lifer, but first Redthroat (Pyrrholaemus brunneus)
for the Big Zigzag at Flinders Rangers.

Pied & Great Cormorants, Australian Pelican, Yellow-billed Spoonbill, Australian Darter at Leigh Creek Coal Retention Dam.

Non-bird image(s)

Sundown creek free campsite south of Leigh Creek

View from Sundown creek 

Flinders Ranges Way

Whyalla consevation park – Western Grasswren (Amytornis textilis myall) habitat. 

Week's Key location(s)

Farina, an abandoned town established in 1878, serves now as historical site and a great birding place. A lot of walking options, on a birding trail and many other trails. Although I failed to find here the Thick-billed Grasswren, I was able to tick  Chestnut-breasted Whiteface, and had a great find with the drinking spot.

Leigh Creek Coal Retention Dam was also a nice site and it’s great to get coffee and light food on near by Copley Bush Bakery & Cafe (closing usually around noon).

Sundown Creek free camp -Old Beltana Road, Puttapa  – Campsite Lifer location – Chestnut-rumped Thornbill

Whyalla consevation park – Western Grasswren (Amytornis textilis myall) site

Big Zigzag Travelled so far: 13840 km (this week 730 km)

eBird Checklists this week

1487. 09 Nov 2024 7:45 AM Whyalla Conservation Park
1486. 09 Nov 2024 6:52 AM Black Point, Port Bonython, South Australia, AU (-32.979, 137.714)

1485. 08 Nov 2024 10:39 AM Australian Arid Lands Botanic Gardens, Port Augusta

1484. 07 Nov 2024 2:05 PM Kanyaka Station Ruins, Flinders Ranges
1483. 07 Nov 2024 7:52 AM Flinders Ranges Way, Gum Creek Station, South Australia, AU (-31.189, 138.672)
1482. 06 Nov 2024 5:54 PM Blinman
1481. 06 Nov 2024 10:42 AM Blinman Pools Walk
1480. 06 Nov 20246:17 AM Old Beltana Road, Puttapa, South Australia, AU (-30.675, 138.404)
1479. 05 Nov 2024 6:11 PM Old Beltana Road, Puttapa, South Australia, AU (-30.675, 138.404)
1478. 05 Nov 2024 7:04 AM Leigh Creek Coal Retention Dam
1477. 04 Nov 2024 6:38 AM Farina
1476. 03 Nov 2024 6:49 AM Farina
Big Zigzag Index
Big Zigzag Birding

week 016 | from Birdsville to Birdsville Track | trip list 331 – 345

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Crossing South Australia's Desert

In an Eggshell:

  • Big Zigzag bird species count: 345 (+14 this week)
  • Big Zigzag bird families count: 80 (+0 this week: Larks) 
  • Big Zigzag Lifers: 64 (+5 this week: Eyrean Grasswren, Cinnamon Quail-thrush, Chirruping Wedgebill, Chestnut-crowned Babbler, Rufous Fieldwren)
  • Campsite Lifers: 17 (+2 this week: Chirruping Wedgebill,  Rufous Fieldwren)
  • Big Zigzag New for Australia list: 93 (+5 this week)
  • eBird days of checklist streak: 110
  • Week’s special milestones: 5th Grasswren, Clean-up Pseudo-Babblers, Leave Queensland after 15 weeks to South Australia

Bird(s) of the Week

Eyrean Grasswren from the dune east to Birdsville

Cinnamon Quail-thrush from the dune east to Birdsville. Seen again later this week at SA, Kalamurina Road.

First lifer for South Australia – Chirruping Wedgebill

Rufous Fieldwren, near my free camp at Marree.

Non-bird image(s)

About 25 km south of Birdsville starts Birdsville Track and the border to South Australia

Little Corellas

Sunset at Marree free campsite

Week's Key location(s)

The Simpson Desert edge dunes, east to Birdsville, supplied 2 lifers: Eyrean Grasswren & Cinnamon Quail-thrush, Just before leaving Queensland.

Mungerannie hotel – essential stop on Birdsville Track – nice birding (early morning before it’s too hot).

Unofficial free camp near Marree, where I’ve got a morning lifer (Rufous Fieldwren) just birding around the camp

Big Zigzag Travelled so far: 13110 km (this week 850 km)

eBird Checklists this week

1475. 02 Nov 2024 5:43 PM Old Beltana Road, Puttapa, South Australia, AU (-30.675, 138.404)
1474. 02 Nov 2024 6:36 AM Farina
1473.01 Nov 2024 6:44 AM Birdsville Track, Marree Station, South Australia, AU (-29.63, 138.09)
1472. 31 Oct 2024 1:26 PM Dulkaninna Station – Homestead and Wetland, Unincorporated SA
1471. 31 Oct 2024 12:26 PM Birdsville Track, Etadunna, South Australia, AU (-28.871, 138.494)
1470. 31 Oct 2024 10:38 AM Birdsville Track at -28.32670, 138.67021
1469. 31 Oct 2024 6:16 AM Mungerannie
1468. 30 Oct 2024 6:45 AM Kalamurina Road, Muloorina, South Australia, AU (-27.969, 138.608)
1467. 29 Oct 2024 6:30 AM Mungerannie Hotel
1466. 28 Oct 2024 2:40 PM Birdsville Track Wetland at -27.20862, 138.77202, South Australia
1465. 28 Oct 2024 6:23 AM Diamantina River Old Crossing (Birdsville)
1464. 27 Oct 2024 6:13 AM Birdsville Developmental Road, Birdsville, Queensland, AU (-25.87, 139.464)
Big Zigzag Index
Big Zigzag Birding

week 015 | Heading to Birdsville’s Birds! | trip list 316 – 331

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Great to hit the road again! Heading south via the three B's (Boulia - Bedourie - Birdsville)

In an Eggshell:

  • Big Zigzag bird species count: 331 (+15 this week)
  • Big Zigzag bird families count: 80 (+1 this week: Larks) 
  • Big Zigzag Lifers: 59 (+4 this week: Yellow Chat, Crimson Chat, Gray Grasswren, Gibberbird)
  • Campsite Lifers: 15 (+1 this week: Gray Grasswren)
  • Big Zigzag New for Australia list: 88 (+4 this week)
  • eBird days of checklist streak: 103
  • Week’s special milestones: over 100 days of checklist strike, Grasswren 4th, Canon EF 400 f4 DO IS USM out – RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM in!

Bird(s) of the Week

Yellow Chat at Lake Machatti, which can be called Lake Chatties 🙂

Crimson Chat at Lake Machatti

Orange Chat at Lake Machatti

Wedge-tailed Eagles are always stars while roadside birding 

Australian Pratincole (Stiltia isabella), monotype species in its genus, with its long legs, seems to be the linking chain between Coursers and Pratincoles. Obviously member of Pratincoles and Coursers (Glareolidae)
Photographed on Boulia – Bedourie road, QLD.

Non-bird image(s)

First sunrise after hitting the road again. I did not notice the billabong next to free camp as I arrived after dusk. There is even a White-necked Heron on this photo…

Lignum habitat of Gray Grasswren, near Cuttaburra Water Hole Camping Area

Week's Key location(s)

Tow new “chatties” at Lake Machttie

Cuttaburra Water Hole Camping Area

Big Zigzag Travelled so far: 12260 km (this week 740 km)

eBird Checklists this week

1463. 26 Oct 2024 12:34 PM Waddy Acacia, Eyre Developmental Rd, Qld
1462. 26 Oct 2024 11:48 AM Eyre Developmental Road, Birdsville, Queensland, AU (-25.408, 139.472)
1461. 26 Oct 2024 10:43 AM Eyre Developmental Road, Birdsville, Queensland, AU (-25.237, 139.563)
1460. 26 Oct 2024 6:11 AM Cuttaburra Crossing, Eyre Developmental Rd
1459. 25 Oct 2024 5:40 PM Cuttaburra Crossing, Eyre Developmental Rd
1458.25 Oct 2024 6:49 AM Lake Machattie, Diamantina
1457. 24 Oct 2024 5:40 PM Eyre Developmental Road, Bedourie, Queensland, AU (-24.572, 139.56)
1456. 24 Oct 2024 9:21 AM Boulia Bedourie Road, Bedourie, Queensland, AU (-23.759, 139.613)
1455. 24 Oct 2024 7:35 AM Boulia Bedourie Road, Boulia, Queensland, AU (-22.989, 139.84)
1454. 24 Oct 2024 7:12 AM Boulia Bedourie Road, Amaroo, Queensland, AU (-23.226, 139.716)
1453. 24 Oct 2024 6:34 AM Boulia Bedourie Road, Boulia, Queensland, AU (-22.989, 139.84)
1452. 23 Oct 2024 6:19 PM Racecourse Road, Boulia, Queensland, AU (-22.89, 139.938)
1451. 23 Oct 2024 6:25 AM Boulia Mount Isa Highway, Waverley, Queensland, AU (-20.943, 139.425)
1450. 22 Oct 2024 6:29 AM Lake Moondarra–south of Clearwater Lagoon, Mount Isa
1449. 22 Oct 2024 6:15 AM 20 Lanskey Road, Lanskey, Queensland, AU (-20.69, 139.5), Mount Isa
1448. 21 Oct 2024 6:08 AM George McCoy Park, Mount Isa
1447. 20 Oct 2024 6:06 AM Pamela Street Water Tanks, Mt Isa
Big Zigzag Index
Big Zigzag Birding

week 014 | Ditto at Mt. Isa | trip list 308 – 316

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Still waiting for the RV to be fixed - George McCoy Park has never been birded so much. Cuckoos' week litraly

In an Eggshell:

  • Big Zigzag bird species count: 316 (+8 this week)
  • Big Zigzag bird families count: 79 (+1 this week: Owlet-nightjars) 
  • Big Zigzag Lifers: 55 (+2 this week: Spotted Nightjar, Latham’s Snipe)
  • Campsite Lifers: 14 (+0 this week)
  • Big Zigzag New for Australia list: 84 (+3 this week)
  • eBird days of checklist streak: 96
  • Week’s special milestones: lifer 4545 counts? 

Bird(s) of the Week

Dripping water from the first tank at the famous Pamela Street site, attracts among many other birds also dozens of painted firetails.

Pheasant Coucal was one of the surprises at George McCoy Park, Mount Isa, and one of the 4 Cuckoos’ week sepcies.

Non-bird image(s)

View east from Mount Isa Outlook. The first water tank at town’s edge seen among the spinifex hills, the Kalkadoon Grasswren habitat.

Leichhardt River, George McCoy Park section ,Mount Isa. Birding under the is ideal on rainy days.

Week's Key location(s)

Ditto for George McCoy Park, Mt. Isa. Numbers climbed a bit:  Mt. Isa Lookout on the map as well. And about the cuckoos: Not lifers, but 4 species seen this week, and 2 of then been added to Big Zigzag list: Horsfield’s Bronze-Cuckoo, Channel-billed Cuckoo, Pacific Koel and Pheasant Coucal.

One more ditto here for Pamela street water tanks.

Moondarra Lake is just 15 km from Mt. Isa, and quite birdy area.

Big Zigzag Travelled so far: 11420 km (this week 0 km)

eBird Checklists this week

1446. 19 Oct 2024 6:14 PM Mount Isa Lookout
1445. 19 Oct 2024 6:16 AM George McCoy Park, Mount Isa
1444. 18 Oct 2024 6:07 PM Pamela Street Water Tanks, Mt Isa
1443. 18 Oct 2024 1:34 PM Barramundi Way, Mount Isa AU-QLD -20.58749, 139.57056
1442. 18 Oct 2024 1:08 PM Barramundi Way, Mount Isa AU-QLD -20.59251, 139.55879
1441. 18 Oct 2024 12:28 PM Barramundi Way, Mount Isa AU-QLD -20.59594, 139.55325
1440. 18 Oct 2024 11:47 AM Barramundi Way, Mount Isa AU-QLD -20.60096, 139.55290
1439. 18 Oct 2024 11:10 AM 4825, Mount Isa AU-QLD -20.61249, 139.54599
1438. 18 Oct 2024 6:11 AM Pamela Street Water Tanks, Mt Isa
1437. 17 Oct 2024 6:40 PM Mount Isa Lookout
1436. 17 Oct 2024 6:01 AM George McCoy Park, Mount Isa
1435. 16 Oct 2024 6:11 PM Mount Isa Lookout
1434. 16 Oct 2024 6:07 AM Pamela Street Water Tanks, Mt Isa
1433. 15 Oct 2024 5:43 PM Pamela Street Water Tanks, Mt Isa
1432. 15 Oct 2024 6:07 AM George McCoy Park, Mount Isa
1431. 14 Oct 2024 6:25 AM George McCoy Park, Mount Isa
1430. 13 Oct 2024 6:56 AM George McCoy Park, Mount Isa
Big Zigzag Index
Big Zigzag Birding

week 013 | Towed back to Kalkadoon from Broken Wheel site | trip list 307 – 308

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Sometimes plans change .. Unfortunately the whole week I'm waiting for the car to be fixed. Luckily I'm in Mount Isa - Kalkadoon!

In an Eggshell:

  • Big Zigzag bird species count: 308 (+1 this week)
  • Big Zigzag bird families count: 78 (+0 this week) 
  • Big Zigzag Lifers: 53 (+0 this week)
  • Campsite Lifers: 14 (+0 this week)
  • Big Zigzag New for Australia list: 81 (+0 this week)
  • eBird days of checklist streak: 89
  • Week’s special milestones: non. 

Bird(s) of the Week

Kalkadoon Grasswren (Amytornis ballarae) was hardly seen during my visits here two weeks ago. This week, to ease the long car repair waiting time, it gave me better experience, especially for Global Big Day! Pamela street water tanks, Mount Isa.

pan – pan – panella… this melodious call of the Crested Bellbird was my wakeup call after a night in the desert with a broken car, actually a broken wheel.  One day earlier, for unclear reason, one rear tire blew-up, and the other rear just fall apart from its base, and here I am stוck in the desert 500 km from Mount Isa.  Luckily with Starlink connection I was able to arrange help, and the rest of this week is just waiting for all the arrangements to be done, and I’ll be up on the roads again. 

Buff-banded Rail is mostly common on the east coast of Australia. I was surprised to find it in George McCoy Park, Mt Isa City, on the almost arid Leichhardt River. This eBird hotspot, conveniently located 50 meters from my hotel,  has become my daily birding site as I am stuck here until my car is repaired. (photo from 2013),

Non-bird image(s)

100 km north of Lark Quarry, 500 south of Mount Isa, Broken Wheel site. During the 24 hours I was waiting for towing, just 2 cars passed. 

The water dripping next to the first Pamela street water tank attracts many thirsty birds. 

Week's Key location(s)

Broken Wheel Point -Cork Macunda Road, Middleton, Queensland

At least by eBird checklists, George McCoy Park, Mt. Isa was never birded as hard as this week. The 49 species I recorded there boost this site list from 50 species to 68. Just 50 meters walk from my hotel.

The spinifex around Pamela street water tanks, Mount Isa are great habitat for the skulky Kalkadoon Grasswren, and probably the best birding destination in town.

Big Zigzag Travelled so far: 11420 km (this week 0 km)

eBird Checklists this week

1428. 12 Oct 2024 5:04 PM George McCoy Park, Mount Isa
1427. 12 Oct 2024 10:02 AM Camooweal St at Isa St, Mt Isa
1426. 12 Oct 2024 6:08 AM Pamela Street Water Tanks, Mt Isa
1425. 11 Oct 2024 6:35 AM George McCoy Park, Mount Isa
1424. 10 Oct 2024 6:25 AM George McCoy Park, Mount Isa
1423. 09 Oct 2024 6:08 AM George McCoy Park, Mount Isa
1422. 08 Oct 2024 7:09 AM West St Mt Isa
1421. 07 Oct 2024 6:30 AM  George McCoy Park, Mount Isa
1420. 06 Oct 2024 6:50 AM Broken Wheel Point -Cork Macunda Road, Middleton, Queensland, AU (-22.854, 141.606)
Big Zigzag Index
Big Zigzag Birding

week 012 | Little Zigzag Bird, and the Not Exists one | trip list 293 – 307

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From the grasslands around Boulia to the Dainasor district

In an Eggshell:

  • Big Zigzag bird species count: 307 (+14 this week)
  • Big Zigzag bird families count: 78 (+1 this week: Pratincoles and Coursers) 
  • Big Zigzag Lifers: 53 (+8 this week: Red-backed Kingfisher, Letter-winged Kite, Flock Bronzewing, Red-browed Pardalote, Rufous-crowned Emuwren, Grey Falcon, Opalton Grasswren, Hall’s Babbler)
  • Campsite Lifers: 14 (+2 this week: Red-browed Pardalote, Opalton Grasswren)
  • Big Zigzag New for Australia list: 81 (+8 this week)
  • eBird days of checklist streak: 82
  • Week’s special milestones: Reached 300 on my Big Zigzag list. Cleanup Elanus genus with Letter-winged Kite, Over 50 trip’s lifers, 3rd Grasswren. 

Bird(s) of the Week

The LITTLE ZIGZAG BIRD in the BIG ZIGZAG TRIP
Coorabulka road stretches on dry grasslands for about 150 km from Boulia to Esterbla Down National Park (Queensland). Most of it is well maintained dirt road, which allows you to drive safely at 100 km/h, but for me this road took the whole morning, as I stopped every 10-20km or so, to scan each line of trees which appeared here and there on dry creeks. 4-5 eBird reports gave me some hints where they were seen lately, and after 4 hours of search, I found a tree loaded with19 of one of my most desired birds in Australia – Letter-winged Kite (Elanus scriptus), what an amazing bird! And to make it even sweeter, as I was try to find a good view position, I flushed a small group of another lifer – Flock Bronzewing (Phaps histrionica).

Flock Bronzewing (photographed later on Cuttaburra Crossing, Eyre Developmental Rd).

Hall’s Babbler at Lark Quarry Conservation Park

Rufous-crowned Emuwren at Lark Quarry Conservation Park

Red-backed Kingfisher (photographed laster near Birdsville)

4 week later, Gray Falcon photographed at South Austrlia

Non-bird image(s)

Gray Falcon’s nest on the telecommunication antenna among the spinifex of Lark Quarry area. 

In Sean Dooley’s book, The Big Twitch, he describes his 2002 “big year”, as he was trying to break the record with 700 species in Australia. One bird, the elusive Grey Falcon, described by him as “doesn’t actually exist”. But this week, I was evidenced the it is a reality, even two! 2 Grey Falcons (Falco hypoleucos) flew rapidly on this very windy day, above me and the spinifex near Lark Quarry. Another dream bird on me list.

Week's Key location(s)

Coorabulka road. My Letter-winged Kites site.

Huge telecommunication antenna served as a well known Grey Falcon nest base, at Lark Quarry T/O, Winton Jundah Rd. The nest is not occupied for about 2 weeks, but luckily while I was exploring 2 adults flew by and gave me a chance to see them.  Also the site for Rufous-crowned Emuwren, Opalton Grasswren, Hall’s Babbler.

Big Zigzag Travelled so far: 11420 km (this week 1160 km)

eBird Checklists this week

1419. 05 Oct 2024 9:16 AM Lark Quarry Dinosaur Trackways., Winton
1418. 04 Oct 2024 6:39 PM Lark Quarry Road, 400 metres north, Winton
1417. 04 Oct 20241 0:07 AM Lark Quarry Conservation Park–Spinifex circuit walking track, Winton
1416. 04 Oct 2024 6:40 AM Lark Quarry Road, 400 metres north
1415. 03 Oct 2024 6:30 AM Lark Quarry T/O, Winton Jundah Rd, Winton
1414. 02 Oct 2024 4:53 PM Lark Quarry T/O, Winton Jundah Rd, Winton
1413. 02 Oct 2024 1:25 PM Lark Quarry Conservation Park, Winton
1412. 01 Oct 2024 4:00 PM Burke River at Racecourse, Boulia
1411. 01 Oct 2024 6:52 AM Burke River at Racecourse, Boulia
1410. 30 Sep 2024 11:04 AM Coorabulka Rd, Whitewood Creek Crossing, Diamantina
1409. 29 Sep 2024 4:56 PM Burke River at Racecourse, Boulia
1408. 29 Sep 2024 12:27 PM Dajarra
Big Zigzag Index
Big Zigzag Birding

week 011 | Welcome to the Spinifex & Kalkadoon! | trip list 257 – 293

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Fantastic birding week starting on the Great Inland Way into the Spinifex around Mount Isa, Kalkadoon county

In an Eggshell:

  • Big Zigzag bird species count: 293 (+36 this week)
  • Big Zigzag bird families count: 77 (+3 this week: Buttonquail, Australo-Papuan Bellbirds, Reed Warblers) 
  • Big Zigzag Lifers: 45 (+13 this week: Plum-headed Finch, Spinifex Pigeon, Gray-headed Honeyeater, Spinifexbird, Red-chested Buttonquail, Budgerigar, Spotted Bowerbird, Pictorella Munia, Black-tailed Treecreeper, Carpentarian Grasswren, Gray-fronted Honeyeater, Painted Firetail, Kalkadoon Grasswren)
  • Campsite Lifers: 12 (+4 this week: Red-chested Buttonquail, Budgerigar, Spotted Bowerbird, Pictorella Munia)
  • Big Zigzag New for Australia list: 72 (+13 this week)
  • eBird days of checklist streak: 75
  • Week’s special milestones: Reached 500 on my Australian list, Travelled so far milage passed the 10000 km, my first Grasswren! (the second as well)

Bird(s) of the Week

Spinifex Pigeon (Geophaps plumifera) common on naturally spinifex habitat. 

Spinifexbird (Poodytes punctatus), The Locustellidae (Grassbirds and Allies) member of this habitat.

Budgerigar (Melopsittacus undulatus) is probably the first Australian bird I have seen as a kid, as a common cage bird. Only now, in my 4th trip to Australia I was able to see one in wild. One is the wrong description, folks of dozens and hundreds welcomed me early morning at Lake Corella, and later on in other outback site. Still waiting for the thousands’ flock.  My other childhood memory related to Budgies was the pepper seeds they were feeding with.  And last nigh, as I was cutting pepper for my dinner’s salad, I was thinking whether that’s a sing for tomorrow’s first budgie.

Waxbills and Allies (Estrildidae) are defiantly the family of this week. with 3 lifers:  Plum-headed Finch (above, from Hughenden Recreational Lake), Pictorella Munia and my 500th Australian – bird Painted Firetail.

Painted Firetail (Emblema pictum) monotype genus

Non-bird image(s)

Spinifex habitat, near Mount Isa City

My gateway to the spinifex – Chinaman Creek Dam Road, Cloncurry

Week's Key location(s)

The Flinders. Great free camping near Hughenden Recreational Lake, gave me the opportunity to tick Plum-headed Finch just next to my Motorhome’s night camp. 

Chinaman Creek Dam Road, Cloncurry was my gate way to the spinifex,  where I had my firsr Spinifex Pigeon, Spinifexbird and Gray-headed Honeyeater.

Lake Corella is also a great combination of amazing birding site and free camping, where I had no less than 4 lifers: Red-chested Buttonquail, Budgerigar, Spotted Bowerbird and Pictorella Munia.

Gunpowder Road, about 45 km north to Mount Isa City, is also a great site which provided 3 lifers: Black-tailed Treecreeper, Carpentarian Grasswren, Gray-fronted Honeyeater. Amazing birdy area!

Pamela Street Water Tanks, Mt. Isa, includes a birding trail where I’ve got my Kolkadon Grasswren and Painted Finch. 

Big Zigzag Travelled so far: 10240 km (this week 1220 km)

eBird Checklists this week

1407. 28 Sep 2024 7:30 PM Mount Isa Airport
1406. 28 Sep 2024 4:22 PM Pamela Street Water Tanks, Mt Isa
1405. 28 Sep 2024 6:27 AM Pamela Street Water Tanks, Mt Isa
1404. 27 Sep 20245:17 PM Pamela Street Water Tanks, Mt Isa
1403. 27 Sep 2024 6:39 AM Pamela Street Water Tanks, Mt Isa
1402. 26 Sep 2024 6:30 AM Gunpowder Road, Gunpowder, Queensland, AU (-20.363, 139.337)
1401. 25 Sep 2024 12:37 PM Leichhardt River Rd, Mount Isa
1400. 25 Sep 2024 6:22 AM Unnamed Road, Cloncurry, Queensland, AU (-20.744, 140.011)
1399. 24 Sep 2024 5:19 PM Unnamed Road, Cloncurry, Queensland, AU (-20.744, 140.011)
1398. 24 Sep 202410:39 AM Mary Kathleen, Cloncurry
1397. 24 Sep 2024 6:24 AM Lake Corella, Cloncurry
1396. 23 Sep 2024 4:21 PM Chinaman Creek Dam Road, Cloncurry, Queensland, AU (-20.711, 140.474)
1395. 23 Sep 20246:24 AM Hughenden Recreational Lake, Flinders
1394. 22 Sep 2024 4:50 PM Hughenden Recreational Lake
Big Zigzag Index
Big Zigzag Birding

week 010 | Cairns, Daintree, Tablelands | trip list 250 – 257

Posted on

Cleanup loop from Cairns via Daintree to the Tablelands heading to the outback

In an Eggshell:

  • Big Zigzag bird species count: 257 (+7 this week)
  • Big Zigzag bird families count: 74 (+1 this week: Pittas) 
  • Big Zigzag Lifers: 32 (+2 this week: Spotted Whistling-Duck, Superb Fruit-Dove)
  • Campsite Lifers: 8 (+0 this week)
  • Big Zigzag New for Australia list: 59 (+3 this week)
  • eBird days of checklist streak: 68
  • Week’s special milestone: Tick the 8th and  last Dendrocygna (Whistling-Duck) species

Bird(s) of the Week

Rose-crowned Fruit-Dove was a nice surprise on a fruiting tree at Cairns’ Esplanade 

Wompoo Fruit-Dove often heard with its unique “wom-poo!” call  in many north east Queensland sites. No as easy to be photographed.  Photo taken in Crystal Cascades.

But the most “bird of the week” Fruit-Dove is Superb, which heard already many times in a few north-east Queensland sites, but seen only this week.

Azure Kingfisher, Daintree Village Boat Cruise.  The star of the cruise, Spotted Whistling-Duck was not photographed. 3 individuals arrived after dusk not too far from the jetty. 

Great-billed Heron, Daintree Village Boat Cruise. A couple was in a courtship. Although seen on PNG, photographed for the first time.

Non-bird image

Creek near Daintree Village

Week's Key location(s)

Big Zigzag Travelled so far: 9010 km (this week 640 km)

eBird Checklists this week

1393. 21 Sep 2024 1:56 PM Springvale Road, Wondecla at -17.4301, 145.4112 Tablelands
1392. 21 Sep 2024 10:30 AM Churchill Creek Rd at -16.57250, 145.32361 Tablelands
1391. 21 Sep 2024 8:31 AM Kingfisher Park Birdwatchers Lodge
1390. 20 Sep 2024 4:37 PM Daintree Village Boat Cruise
1389. 20 Sep 2024 9:59 AM Stewart Creek Rd, Daintree Village
1388. 19 Sep 2024 2:09 PM Cairns Esplanade
1387. 19 Sep 2024 10:46 AM Cairns Crystal Cascades Holiday Park
1386. 18 Sep 2024 8:42 AM 107 Mill Street, Gordonvale, Queensland, AU (-17.099, 145.787)
1385. 17 Sep 2024 8:40 AM Gallet Road, Little Mulgrave, Queensland, AU (-17.119, 145.705)
1384. 16 Sep 2024 1:30 PM North Cairns
1383. 15 Sep 2024 11:50 AM Lamb Range, Queensland, AU (-16.964, 145.677)
1382. 15 Sep 2024 11:20 AM Botanica Environs
Big Zigzag Index
Big Zigzag Birding

week 009 | Arrangements around Cairns | trip list 248 – 250

Posted on

Easy week mainly around Cairns with some personal arrangments

In an Eggshell:

  • Big Zigzag bird species count: 250 (+2 this week)
  • Big Zigzag bird families count: 73 
  • Big Zigzag Lifers: 30 (+0 this week)
  • Campsite Lifers: 8 (+0 this week)
  • Big Zigzag New for Australia list: 56 (+1 this week)
  • eBird days of checklist streak: 61
  • Week’s special milestones: Trip list 250 bird

Bird(s) of the Week

Barred Cuckooshrike, not a lifer (seen in PNG) but first for my Australian list. Photographed in Babinda.

Metallic Starling nesting colony 

Non-bird image

Balancing Rock, Chillagoe

Week's Key location(s)

Not rare but easy to access – Metallic Starling nesting colony at Crystal Cascades

Rotary Park Rest Area, Babinda. My first Aussie Barred Cuckooshrike

Big Zigzag Travelled so far: 8370 km (this week 440 km)

eBird Checklists this week

1381. 14 Sep 2024 2:02 PM Cairns Crystal Cascades Holiday Park, Cairns
1380. 13 Sep 2024 5:12 PM Babinda
1379. 12 Sep 2024 4:01 PM Babinda
1378. 12 Sep 2024 11:31 AM Babinda Boulders Scenic Reserve
1377. 11 Sep 2024 1:24 PM Glenoma Park (Brinsmead)
1376. 10 Sep 2024 1:33 PM Saltwater Lake (Centenary Lakes), Cairns
1375. 10 Sep 2024 11:18 AM 54 Yarrum Street, Earlville, Queensland, AU (-16.943, 145.735)
1374. 09 Sep 2024 4:31 PM 107 Mill Street, Gordonvale
1373. 08 Sep 2024 12:51 PM Mareeba Rodeo Grounds
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