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Hi all, just got back from a weeks trip to Broken
Hill - back via Mildura and managed to get some birding in...
Generally as discussed already on BA it was very
dry and birds hard to find, but picked up a few goodies, here are some of the
highlights (I can send full list +
more info if anyone is interested - saw 112 species
in total):
Muntwintji National Park:
Bourkes Parrot (only 2) seen in a
dead tree on the road side just past the hotel ruins on the Old Coach Rd,
Chestnut-Rumped Thornbill common, as well as Southern
Whiteface, Zebra Finch, Eastern Ringneck (only 4 on
Muntwintji gorge track), and a handful of Blue Bonnets heaps of
Emus, White-Browed Babbler (tried hard to turn
these into Hall's), Red-Rumped Parrot, Red-Capped
Robin, and Hooded Robin. Spiny-Cheecked HE and Apostlebirds
common.
Around Broken Hill:
At Silverton cemetary
White-Winged Fairy-Wren and Red-Capped Robin
and on the road leading to Daydream Mine Chirruping Wedgebill
very common as well as Spiny-Cheeked HE. Wedge-Tailed Eagles
common in region.
Kinchega National
Park:
Great spot and the only area I found in this region
with some water (saw about 60 species in a rushed morning) including
Chirruping Wedgebill, Chestnut-Crowned Babbler, White-backed Swallow
(common on entrance rd from Menindee), Black-Tailed Native Hen
(300+ on pools near park entrance, Yellow-Throated Miner
(common) White-Fronted, Yellow-Plumed, White-plumed and
Spiny-Checked HE, Chestnut-Rumped Thornbill (very common),
Red-Capped Robin, White-Browed Treecreeper +
many Brown Treecreepers on the River drive, Red-Rumped
Parrots, and Little Corellas.
Near Pooncarie - The only place I
saw Major-Mitchell's Cockatoo (about 46kms north of Pooncarie)
also in same area Blue Bonnet, Eastern Ringneck, Hooded and Red-Capped
Robins.
Hattah-Kylkyne National
Park:
Lake Huttah was about half to 2 thirds full so good
selection of water-birds including Red-Necked Avocet.
Also saw Regent Parrot and Yellow Rosella
at the lake. Similar birds seen here as in other areas (saw about 50
odd species) but the highlight here was Mallee Emu-Wren seen on
the the Konardi Track (800 meters from where this joins Nowingi Track and about
100 yrds into the Mallee (sth side of track). Also heard, but frustratingly did
not see Striated Grass-Wren.
My next trip will be more thorough, but still
enjoyed some excellent birding...
Cheers
Simon.
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