If you are driving to Lake Coolmunda, a worthwhile stop for birding can be in the small town of Karara and the back roads nearby. On the map below you can see the town of Karara on the left and the Back Creek Road is the blue line in the middle where we saw a lot of parrot species.  Further to the right is the Durikai National Forest which also has excellent birding.

Although the Striated Pardalote and Tawny Frogmouth pictured below were on a private property (I was with a Birds Queensland group) the species are local to the general area.

Can you see the Tawny Frogmouth?  He blends in very well!  If you ever see one resting like this, please don’t disturb him as making him fly in the daytime could cause predators to spot this bird.

This gorgeous little Striated Pardalote was a real supermodel, turning every which way so I would get his best side, even giving me an open wings shot!

Sulphur-crested Cockatoo hiding in a tree.

Karara Sports Ground – camping available although mine was organized by Birds Queensland.  I recommend going to Lake Coolmunda Caravan Park and making an excursion to this area.

Back Creek Road, about 4km down the road from Karara proved to be a treasure trove for parrots!  We saw Sulphur-crested Cockatoos, Little Corellas, Galahs, Scaly-breasted Lorikeets, Pale-headed Rosellas, Eastern Roselllas and Red-rumped Parrots all within 1 hour early in the morning.  Coming back to Karara to rejoin the BQ group, there was also a Red-winged Parrot flying overhead near the roadhouse.

Sorry, the editor isn’t working so please tilt your head left to see the Cockatoo Tree!