Wonderful Barcoo Wetlands

Wonderful Barcoo Wetlands


Did you know that wetlands are often called the kidneys of freshwater river systems? This is because they filter and purify the dirt and toxins from the water ..........before the water reaches the main rivers and lakes. The wetland
areas also assist in reducing the impact of floods, and provide critical habitats
for our plant and animal species. This image depicts a wetland area between Jundah and Windorah, which forms part of the Lake Eyre Basin.

Wedge Tail Eagle

Wedge Tail Eagle

Check out this welded metal sculpture of a wedge tailed eagle, which can be seen on the banks of the Barcoo River in Blackall, Western Queensland. Isn’t it a majestic piece of artwork? As one examines this, one is tempted to think that the nest is a little too large. Think again. Wedge Tail Eagles build the most amazingly huge and messy nests of loosely configured sticks. These nests can be up to 1.5 metres wide, and 3 metres deep, and are found precariously perched high above the landscape on the top of trees or escarpments.

These magnificent birds of prey are quite common in mainland Australia, and can frequently be seen soaring high above the plains, or standing guard over their prey, which often is remnant road kill carcasses. They also eat small mammals (e.g. possums, lambs, foxes, cats) or reptiles (e.g. snakes and lizards). The birds are a sandy brown – black colour, and have quite a regal presence, just as this sculpture does. If you are passing through Blackall, detour from the main road West to the Barcoo River Bridge to view this magnificent art work.

Storm Rain is Great Rain

Storm Rain is Great Rain

In recent weeks, there have been isolated thunderstorms in the Western Queensland region. These storms may range from a few disappointing drops that speckle the dust with mini craters, through to deluges with serious amounts of water which falls to the ground. It is not often that the storm rains which precede the wet season are widespread, or provide any long term steady rain. However, these storms may contain damaging hail, loud thunder, brillant lightning shows and strong, gusting winds.

The photos above are of the Barcoo River at Retreat, near Jundah and show the River in June 2009, and last week after recent storms had deposited water in the area.