MUSGRAVE AREA

male Golden shouldered Parrot

Musgrave is on any northern birding itinerary as one must basically go past on any trip going north or south [it is one of the original Telegraph stations and this history is there for any who look]. But also for another important ornithological reason; its proximity to Artemis Station -  the centrepoint of the universe for one endangered Parrot species, The Golden shouldered.

young pair of GS Parrots

The Golden Shouldered Parrot is one of three 'termite' parrots; nesting as they do in the huge termite mounds which dominate the landscape of these northern savannas. The Golden shouldered is the Cape York inhabitant of this trifecta while the similar Hooded occupies territory in the Northern Territory in similar latitudes. The final species is sadly a fallen one, not seen since the 1920's the Paradise Parrot inhabited open woodland in southern central Queensland.

Artemis Station

beautiful young male

Determined not to let the Golden shouldered go the way of the Paradise its supporters have advocated its protection and conservation.

young galah plus supporting cast...

There is no greater supporter of the Golden shouldered Parrot then Sue Shepherd, owner of the Artemis Station and we were lucky enough to arrange a brief visit to her property thus ensuring we saw these fantastic birds.

White throated Gerygone

Black backed Butcherbird

After breakfast we drove east towards Lakefield NP and were soon rewarded with a good view of a Wedgetailed Eagle.

Wedgie!

poor picture of a Yellow tinted Honeyeater

pair of Brolga on a road side dam

panorama of Lotus Bird Lodge Lagoon

Yellow tinted Honeyeater