Hello all,
I spent a great weekend around the Mulwala area last weekend
(23-25/6/06) in southern NSW. I camped at a great spot along the
Murray River in the Mulwala State Forest, which was about a 10 minute
drive from Mulwala itself. Spent time observing in the state forest,
on country roads up to Savernake and across to Boomanoomana, at
Wahgunyah State Forest and around Mount Boomanoomana itself. The area
was still relatively dry though there had been recent rain however the
Murray River was very low and shallow in parts. Much of the country
away from the river is White Cypress-Pine woodland which provides
oppurtunities for interesting birding. Some of the highlights from the
weekend were:
Mulwala State Forest: 38 58s 145 57e 23-25/6/06
Nocturnal birds were very active with 5 species recored (all heard).
Barking Owls (at least 2) were heard calling on both nights as well as
Boobook Owls. An Australian Owlet-nightjar was also heard along with a
screeching Barn Owl and an "ooooming" Tawny Frogmouth. A pair of Azure
Kingfishers were seen along the river. Most small bush birds were seen
in mixed feeding flocks in the River Red Gum woodland adjacent to the
river, many winter migrants. Spotted and Striated Pardalotes were in
large numbers. Yellow-rumped, Buff-rumped, Brown, Striated and Yellow
Thornbills were all recored. Noisy and Little Friarbirds were present
in small numbers as well. A male Scarlet Robin was also seen along
with a couple of Golden and Rufous (in winter) Whistlers. A few pairs
of Australian Shelducks were seen and Wood Ducks seemed to be
prospecting hollows for preospective nest sites. A Western Gerygone
was also seen and heard.
Mulwala: 35 59s 146 00e 24/06/06
A Pied Butcherbird was observed on the edge of town. Large numbers of
Silver Gull were also present on Lake Mulwala.
Sloane (Mulwala-Savernake Rd) 35 53s 146 01s 24/06/06
This road goes through farming country to the north of Mulwala to
Savernake. The best sighting was of two Brolga in a shallow grassy
wetland. Grey and Pied Butcherbirds were also seen in patches of White
Cypress-Pine along with a group each of Apostlebird and Grey-crowned
Babblers.
Warragoon (Mulwala-Savernake Rd) 35 49s 146 02e 24/06/06
Approximately 40 Cockatiel were observed roosting on powerlines near
a silo complex. A Pied Butcherbird was here as well.
Boat Rock Road Savernake 35 48s 145 38e 24/06/06
Grey and Pied Butcherbird were seen here along with another group of
Grey-crowed Babblers and Apostlebirds (often together). Excitement
rose when a pair of Blue Bonnets flew into some Cypress Pines and then
increased even further when a male Superb Parrot flew out of a Grey
Box. More Blue Bonnets ((12) were seen further along the road. In
patches of Cypress-pine along the road Jacky Winter, Flame Robin,
Scarlet Robin and a large flock of 29 Common Bronzewings were seen.
Wahgunyah State Forest 35 51s 145 59e 24/06/06
This block of White Cypress-Pine and Grey Box woodland always is great
for birding. At the entrance to the forest 8 (4 pair) Superb Parrots
were spotted along with some Grey-crowned Babblers, Apostlebirds and
White-winged Choughs. In the forest itself Chestnut-rumped Thornbills
were calling and 3 hooded Robins were observed. A Stubble Quail was
flushed from a paddock adjacent to the forest. Little Friarbird,
Red-capped Robin, Peaceful Dove, Pied Currawong, Scarlet Robin,
White-throated and Brown Treecreeper were here as well.
Warmatta Road Mulwala 35 55s 145 57e 24/6/06
Another group of Grey-crowned Babblers were in Grey Box alon the
roadside. Flame Robins were also along fencelines along the road.
Mount Boomanooman Crown Land 35 55s 145 53e 24/6/06
Although I did not actually make it to the summit of the mountain I
explored some of the crown land around the base, mainly Grey Box and
White Cypress-Pine woodland. A male Red-capped Robin was a good start.
Most small birds were in one mixed feeding flock which included Grey
Fantail, Southern Whiteface, Yellow-rumped. Chestnut-rumped, Yellow,
Buff-rumped Thornbills, Weebill and Superb Fairy-wren. A pair of
Perefgrine Falcon were circling overhead and chased away a
Wedge-tailed Eagle. Yellow Rosella and Pied Butcherbird were also
here.
The Coach Raod Boomanoomana 35 54s 145 51e 25/6/06
On the last morning did some more driving around the Boomanoomana
area. A flock of 35 Zebra Finch were observed by the Mulwala channel.
In a small wetland large numbers of Australian Shelduck were seen
along with the common duck species (Black,Grey Teal) and two
White-necked Herons. A Pied Butcherbird was also here.
A very successful weekend of winter birding. Looking forward to
visiting the area in spring time and seeing what is about then.
Michael Ramsey,
Broadford Victoria.
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