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With all the recent postings about Spring birding activity
in the eastern states, I thought that a brief account from the west might be of
interest.
Last weekend, Louise and I took a 4-day trip to
Nallan Station which is just over 700km north/north east of Perth (12km north of
Cue) in the Murchison Goldfields. At such a distance, the 4 days comprised a day
driving each way and 2 days on the station.Full details of the 250,000acre sheep
station are available on Frank O'Connor's website - it is owned by April
Kiffin-Petersen (08 9963 1054) and you can stay in the old cottage (with evening
meals provided by April) or you can camp/caravan.
The weather was gloriously sunny and spring-like and the
wildflowers were nothing short of mind-blowing - I've read of 'carpets' of them
and it's totally true. It was great to be out in unbroken mulga country for a
couple of days and hear nothing but birds. We dipped on a couple of species that
we would have liked to renew acquaintance with - notably White-browed
Treecreeper and Slaty-backed Thornbill, but we had some great experiences to
compensate.
Highlights included:
- five pairs of Chestnut-breasted Quail-thrush, a
superb bird and a lifer for me
- a Grey Honeyeater, not a stunning bird but a lifer
again after several unsuccessful forays
to Kunoth Bore over the years
- groups of Bourke's Parrots quietly feeding on the
ground beside the track
- several sightings of Orange Chat, one feeding
young at Lake Austin
- a young Black-eared Cuckoo being fed by a pair of
Splendid Fairy-wrens
- flocks of Budgerigars and Crimson Chats
everywhere. At one point, there was a mixed group
of both in a bare tree - what a
sight!!
- a Spotted Harrier perched on a fence post 25m away
- my favourite raptor!
If anyone would like a full trip list, let me
know.
Incidentally, April's husband David died tragically from
cancer two years ago and, after trying to operate Nallan single-handedly, she is
being forced to put the property up for sale. After the great success of Gluepot
in the South, perhaps Birds Australia should contemplate another venture where
scarce species such as Grey Honeyeater, White-browed Treecreeper, Slaty-backed
Thornbill, Chestnut-breasted Quail-thrush, Bourke's Parrot, etc. could be both
the subject of scientific study and a great attraction to all birders visiting
Western Australia. Any comments on the idea?
Cheers
Roger McGovern
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