My trip away took me to a property called Bustard Downs in far north Queensland (info@bustarddowns.com.au) and I must say the owners Will and Joe were fantastic in helping me get the shots I was after.
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This is a magnificent bird at the best of times, but in display mode it is something to behold.
Before I go any further I should point out that the hospitality I was shown was fantastic – good food, too – and all in all it was just a great place to be.
The male bustards were displaying all right, too, which only added to the occasion.
This usually takes place from September to the start of the wet season.
The best way to record this is by using your car as a hide, and showing patience. If you step out of the car the males will turn and walk away.
Fortunately they are used to cars and settle very quickly.
It is a spectacular event to see when the male birds display.
Let me say, though, if all this sounds too good to be true, then it wasn’t all clear sailing. Unfortunately the wet season had arrived six weeks early and we had no less than 200ml fall overnight – what’s that … eight inches in the old measurements?
It was unbelievable. Loss of power too to add to the fun. Whenever the rain stopped (which wasn’t for long) and only for a short time, I rushed out to get my shots.
It was lucky I did as I didn’t get another opportunity. It just pelted down.
Bustards are large birds of grasslands and woodlands and are found in northern Australia and I believe in parts of western Australia.
When they are disturbed they will stop and adopt a stiff posture with neck erect.
The female lays only the one egg. Bustards feed on seeds, insects, lizards and small animals.
Overall there were a great variety of birds in the area and one could spend weeks just bird watching. If it stops raining, of course.
At least you’ll have the great company of Will and Joe to keep you entertained.
I had to leave a day early due to the wet weather which meant there was a chance of the road getting cut off.
So I decided to head back to the Atherton Tablelands, but the rain followed me.