And They Racing...................!

The town of Birdsville is currently welcoming many visitors who are arriving for the annual Birdsville Race meeting. These visitors come from all over Australia, as well as from overseas, and include a large field of horses. The many horse yards build down on the Diamantina River will not only be filled with horses, however also will be surrounded by the trainers, owners, strappers and jockeys who camp in this picturesque spot.

Something Fishy?

As the waters gradually recede in our Western Queensland catchments, there are many changes in the abundance of acquatic and bird species, their behaviour, breeding success and health. All these things are influenced by changes in water flow - or lack of.

It is simply part of the natural cycle of our ecosystems. When water levels are low, and flow is non existent, oxygen levels can become depleted. It need not always be something sinister, fishy and influenced by man.

Opportunism Outback!

For many years, it was thought that the numerous fish species in the Lake Eyre Basin rivers would breed in summer. However, recent research (undertaken by Wendy Pyper) has shown that a number of species breed right through winter as the floods come through. If the fish have a chance, they will breed and produce good offspring rather than wait for another ten years for a summer flood.

This abundance of fish provides for the many species of birds that gather in good seasons in Western Queensland. Truly, this is a prime example of opportunism on behalf of mother nature............and every fisherman who throws a rod in this winter.

Crisp, Clear and Cold

Imagine a 360 degree space with an abundance of fresh, crisp, clear, cold air. Ah - the beauty of mother nature in Winter in Western Queensland.

Eyre Creek Birdlife

Check out the busy life of birds at this permanent waterhole in Eyre Creek.

Even the Galahs Look Great!

The birds in Western Queensland are looking fabulous - sleek, healthy and almost plump. In periods of prolonged dryness, one forgets that the bird life suffers. The everyday birdlife that abounds just looks so much healthier at the moment.

Why not check it out?

Winter Storms - What a Surprise!

There are unusually unstable weather patterns over Western Queensland at the moment, as we are experiencing thunderstorms and even hail............in the middle of winter. There has even been reasonable although patchy rainfall. This is great for soil moisture levels, however the anticipated cold snap and frosts that will follow in the next few weeks will be sure to zap some of the nutritional value from the pastures.

The thunder rumbles - a most amazing winter surprise!