But beware of shooters at Binya - it is legal to shoot there, and last time
I was there a bloke standing on bank of Wattle Dam shooting . Not sure at
what -couldn't see any pigs or goats (although they are certainly around)
so I just made myself scarce
Sandra henderson
On Wednesday, January 30, 2013, Graeme Stevens wrote:
>
> Michael.
>
> I was there fairly recently (Christmas / New Year) and I visited several
> times.
>
> Water levels have been very high following the wet years but they were
> falling fast under very hot and dry conditions and the birding was
> excellent with exposed mud providing great conditions for Marsh Sandpipers
> and Sharpies, B-w Stilts and Avocets for example plus the largest
> concentrations of Red-kneed Dotterels I have ever seen.
>
> There were very large numbers of Pink-eared Ducks and Grey Teal, Glossy
> Ibis and Black-tailed Native Hens. A few Freckled Duck and Shelduck, Black
> and Wood Duck, Shoveler, Chestnut Teal. Musk Duck were on the settlement
> ponds but I dipped on Blue-billed this time. Plenty of Crakes (Spotted and
> Spotless) at the settlement ponds and large numbers of Whiskered Terns.
> Nesting Swamp Harriers plus all the regular wetland species - in short a
> magic spot as always.
>
> While it is easy to get around the edges - even if the tracks aren't all
> open - one minus is that much of the extensive reed beds have been killed
> off, by the high water I expect, and will take time to recover (not great
> at oresent for Bitterns). With less cover, that makes the birds a little
> nervous and a scope almost essential (the "scare guns" over the crops were
> going off in the background fairly consistently and that may not help
> either).
>
> With the native plantings starting to mature there are usually a good
> variety pf "bush" birds as well and I had Striped Honeyeater, Superb
> Parrots fpr example this time.
>
> I should add that there will always be water at some level as the swamp
> receives treated output from the Leeton "poo ponds" which just adds to the
> variety of habitats. So it is ultra reliable for a visit. it is also
> excellent snake habitat - usually I get Red-bellied Blacks but this time
> several "Browns", Western I assume - quicker and a little more of a worry,
> though eager to get out of my way fortunately. But it pays to watch the
> ground ahead as well as the birds!
>
> BTW Canpbell's Swamp in Griffith was also excellent (all three Crakes,
> Freckled Duck) and if in the area, Binya State Forest has to be on the
> agenda. Wattle Dam produced Mulga and Turquoise Parrots, Black-eared Cuckoo
> and Diamond Firetail plus lots more. Pull up a chair first or last in the
> day and watch them come in to drink! Red-backed Kingfisher at Tuckerbill
> Swamp was also a first for me there.
>
> Just a great area and I am sure it will be a joy to visit - good birding.
>
> Best
> Graeme Stevens
>
>
> > From: <javascript:;>
> > To: <javascript:;>
> > Date: Tue, 29 Jan 2013 20:42:45 +1100
> > Subject: [Birding-Aus] RFI Fivebough Swamp
> >
> > Hi there,
> >
> > Can anyone give me information on Fivebough Swamp at present.
> > I am thinking of visiting in the next couple of weeks.
> > Does it have water in it at present and are there many birds around?
> >
> > Thanks, Michael Ramsey
> >
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