Curlews are an interesting subject. Over the years I’ve come across many Bush Curlews in my travels, mostly in north Queensland, but far fewer Beach Curlews.
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Most of the Beach Curlews I’ve spotted have been around the Cardwell area in north Queensland, but I’ve also taken some nice shots of them around the Nelson Bay area (go online to see these images – they were taken with a long lens so as not to disturb the birds).
About two years ago I came upon two pairs of nesting Bush Curlews – Bush Stone Curlews to give them their full name – at Ingham, close to the entrance to the wildlife and nature reserve. The behaviour of the birds was most interesting. When I moved closer the one that was sitting on eggs immediately stretched out then made no movement. It became quite hard to see, in fact.
The birds with chicks – as opposed to eggs – had a very different approach. Even though I was a distance away the female immediately stood up with wings outstretched covering the chicks. That is the shot with this article. It was one I took from some distance, again to protect the birds from any stress.
Another interesting point: a well known bird watcher in this area told me the chicks were only a day old when I photographed them. The following day I passed the same spot, and while the the parents were there, there was no sign of the chicks. I would guess they were well hidden.
The wailing calls of Bush Curlews are common at night, when several birds will call at once. The chorus is startling.
Bush Curlews are usually seen in pairs, but after the breeding season small flocks frequently gather. If approached too closely, Bush Curlews will move away stealthily in a crouched attitude.
Beach Curlews are mostly found on beaches of north Australia, and less likely to be found in southern areas of NSW.
Their nests are found in hollows scratched in a beach just above high water mark, in shingle or sand.
During the day they become more inactive, often roosting in trees. Sometimes during the day they may forage for crabs and other marine invertebrates , catching them in their stout bills.
Both types of curlews are stunning birds to photograph, and makes this an enjoyable experience .
