Dusky Grasswren was indeed regularly found at places
mentioned in the posting. They have not regularly been seen at Simpson’s
Gap in recent years because the spinifex was burnt out and in its place buffell
grass has grown. The suitable habitat at Ellery Gorge and Ormiston Gorge was
burnt by the NT Sparks and Wildfire Commission and completely destroyed the
suitable habitat for Dusky Grasswren, Rufous-crowned Emu-wren, Spinifexbird,
Painted Finch etc
There are still a number of good sites for the Dusky
Grasswren including parts of the West MacDonnell Ranges where the
spinifex still flourishes. One such area is the turn-off to Ormiston Gorge
where I have recently heard of sightings. Last Saturday, some overseas birders
also saw some on the Ormiston Pound track.
East of Alice Springs there is also a couple of usually
reliable spots.
The various guides referred to are useful where there has
not been a substantial change of habitat, and we must bear in mind how country
can change dramatically because of an abundance of, or lack of rain. Some of
the books referred to are a number of years old, and there has been much
habitat change since their publication, but overall they are still helpful in
many instances.
Another factor is the dramatic change in bird behaviour as a
result of rain, such as the excellent falls we have had here in the last week.
Barry Bucholtz
Alice Springs NT
