Hi Liz (and cc'ing the list for info),
It is a lot simpler, but you still need to follow the instructions pretty
carefully, as it is easy to miss key turn offs (it is much simpler in the way
that there are no longer any escorts for vehicles). Mid last year the Hunter
Bird Observers Club (HBOC) published a detailed description of access,
accompanied by a map. See:
http://www.hboc.org.au/wp-content/uploads/Hexham-Swamp-access-June-2015.pdf
It was also included in the recent HBOC Newcastle Wetlands Birding Route, which
will also give you some alternative places to visit:
http://www.hboc.org.au/wp-content/uploads/NewcastleWetlands_BirdRoute_web.pdf
Note that there is now no "Construction Gate Access" and that you simply drive
along the access road as far as you can, until you come to the rail facility
gate (it is obvious). Turn right there over the cattle grid and follow the
track, taking the right hand turn as described in the above. If you miss this
turn you will come to a small water treatment plant (in which case you know
you've gone too far). Just make sure you also turn left onto the main pipeline
track and do not go straight ahead to the private property as is marked as
green on the map.
I was out there yesterday and there aren't many birds. It's been raining here
for a few years now(!) and there is water everywhere (we also had our second
east coast low in 8 months recently). Of interest there were sharpies,
greenshanks, stilts etc in the paddocks just before you turn left to take the
pipeline track. I was mostly looking for Yellow Wagtails but saw none (there is
perhaps too much growth on the tracks after all the rain?).
But if there's any place that can change literally overnight it's Hexham Swamp!
So enjoy your visit. There has been a Brolga reported in the broader area, so
keep your eyes out for that.
Mick
From: Liz Temple <>
To:
Sent: Monday, 18 January 2016, 10:17
Subject: [Birding-Aus] Hexham swamp
Hello
I read the item dated 16 January 2014 on your website regarding access to
Hexham Swamp. I found this very useful some time ago when my birder cousin
was visiting, from Adelaide. I have heard that the access is much simpler
now and all one needs to know is the entry point, as the rail construction
is more or less complete. I was wondering if you could give an update to me
or on your website, as I would love to go back to the swamp. I imagine that
it is best if everyone doesn't know how to access the swamp, for fear of
degrading the site.
Thanks,
Regards
Liz Temple
<HR>
<BR> Birding-Aus mailing list
<BR>
<BR> To change settings or unsubscribe visit:
<BR> http://birding-aus.org/mailman/listinfo/birding-aus_birding-aus.org
</HR>
<HR>
<BR> Birding-Aus mailing list
<BR>
<BR> To change settings or unsubscribe visit:
<BR> http://birding-aus.org/mailman/listinfo/birding-aus_birding-aus.org
</HR>
|
