Eastern Cattle Egret

Fauna and Flora at QMag's mine site with Dr John McGrath Part 2:  Eastern Cattle Egret

Yes, you’re seeing right – there are birds who hang around closely with cows on QMAG’s Yaamba mine site. And no it’s not a Far Side comic panel.

Eastern cattle egrets (Ardea ibis) are a farmer’s best friend – and a cow’s - it is common to see the egrets standing next to or on the backs of cattle eating ticks and flies. The egrets love it too, because as these large animals move through the grass they disturb other prey such as frogs, grasshoppers, and other insects and animals. It’s easy to tell when eastern cattle egrets are breeding because the neck breast and mantle plumage goes a distinct buff-orange. Small for an egret at a moderate 50cm tall, these tick and fly eating birds are arguably amongst the most successful of global species, spreading as we speak to much of the world, but arriving in Australia from Asia only relatively recently in 1948.

Eastern cattle egrets even fly to and from New Zealand from Australia each year to overwinter in farmlands. Not bad for a humble paddock bird!

New entity under the Refratechnik umbrella!

We are thrilled to announce a fantastic achievement for QMAG!

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Our Women in Mining Awards Finalist - Leticia Shields

Supporting our Women in Mining Awards finalist, Leticia Shields, at the annual Award ceremony in Brisbane.

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Welcome Belinda Housman!

Belinda joined QMAG in December 2023 as the HR Superintendent and has over 25 years experience working in the operational and strategic human resources space.

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Congratulations Bou Toloi!

Bou recently started her new role with the procurement team at Parkhurst.

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Welcome Donna Sanders!

Donna recently started with QMAG, as our Human Resources Administration Officer.

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Congratulations Hayley Butler!

Hayley has had a recent role change, moving into the Administration role at Kunwarara.

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