Charlotte Plains, outback Queensland

Charlotte Plains, Outback Queensland Birdlife.

Charlotte Plains is an approx. 283 square kms in overall area, half the size of Singapore. Charlotte Plains Station was established in in the 1860s. By 1914 there were more than 67,000 head of sheep on the property. It is still a working sheep and cattle station situated 50 kms from Cunnamulla. Due to its artesian bore water, they welcome for a fee, bird enthusiasts and tourist. The latter come and sit for lengthy periods in the hot flowing bore water bathing tubs which also run down narrow drains/streams for many kms providing water to the cattle, sheep, birdlife, wild animals etc.

It is a massive area, I drove the 20 kms advertised on rough dirt roads to reach our primitive camp site near the very old but still operative, shearing shed. (But I think it was closer to 30kms)

The property is home to over 130 species of birdlife. Sunrise and sunset provide optimal viewing times when the birdlife visit the watering holes.

I took over 10,000 images (overall) on this visit to the Queensland Outback, the following are a few chosen of the different species taken at Charlotte Plains.

Click on pics to enlarge.

Charlotte Plains, camping

Charlotte Plains sunrise, with the old shearing shed on the left and some sheep on the right.

Australian Bustard

The Australian Bustard is one of Australia’s largest birds. Their average size is 1m tall and their weight ranges from 4.5kg – 10kg. It is mainly a grey and brown bird, speckled with dark markings, with a pale neck and black crown, with a slight crest and a white eye-brow. There are bold black and white markings on the wing. The female is slightly smaller than the male. Newly hatched chicks are striped dark and light. Australian Bustards are found on dry plains, grasslands and open woodland. They are primarily a ground-dwelling bird. Once widespread in open habitats across much of mainland Australia they are still widespread in the north but are increasingly rare or extinct in the south.