: News Article

Up close and personal with Ross Dam

28/01/2003

Residents of Townsville and Thuringowa have the chance to get up close and personal with the greatest diversity of wildlife the region has to offer at the upcoming celebrations of World Wetlands Day this Sunday (2 February).

NQ Water is hosting both a guided bird watching tour and a canoeing expedition on the dam as part of the three-day North Queensland Wetlands Festival.
The Townsville District Bird Observers Club will be lending its experience to the activities.

The club has identified 190 species of bird on the dam and new species are spotted each week as the drought forces them eastwards. The latest was the ‘Yellow Wagtail’, a rare visitor to north east Queensland.

The general public is not normally allowed on to the dam, said NQ Water Environment Manager, Rob Hunt.

"This is a rare opportunity to see Ross Dam from the ground level," said Mr Hunt. "The group will be going to some of the better birding spots with expert bird watchers."

"The bird watchers will concentrate in ‘Big Bay’ on the southern side of the dam. I will be surprised if they didn’t see between 80 and one hundred species.

"Canoeists will visit the northern side where there is sheltered water and the chance to see lotus birds and thousands of black swans."

Both tours will go close to nests of white bellied sea eagles and will get the chance to see Osprey, Black Tailed Native Hens as well as flocks of budgerigars and cockatiels, Mr Hunt said.

"Both activities leave Ross Dam Park at seven a.m., sharp. Participants are encouraged to be sunsmart; with sunscreen, hats and appropriate clothing. Binoculars are also recommended.

Canoeists are expected to provide their own craft and safety gear, including life jackets. Activities will finish at around 10 a.m., in time for further World Wetlands Day celebrations at Ross Park.

© 2003 NQ Water