Hi Everyone,
Meloni Muir wrote asking for information about good
birding spots at Yamba, located in Northern Rivers Region of NSW on the southern
entrance to the Clarence River. Tony Russell suggested a few good birding spoys
but I would like to suggest a few more.
1. Woody Point, in Bunjalung National Park at
Iluka, you can cross the Clarencxe River by ferry and walk there ( a bit long
5KM?) but rather, drive back to maclean, and cross the Harwood Island Bridge.
Woody Point has interesting migratory waders, seabirds and terns, more
particularly in summer. Woody point Caravna Park is a good place to see Regent
and Satin Bowerbirds & Drongos at this time of the year. Walk northwards
along the beach from Woody Point to Shark Point, and on the rocks, there are
more interesting birds. Brahminy Kites & Ospreys abound.
Koalas occur around Iluka village. In the littoral
rainforest between Iluka & Woody Point winter visitors like Noisy Pittas
& Emerald Doves occur, as well as Pale Yellow Robins. Spectacled Monarchs
& White-eared Monarchs are present in summer, maybe some over-winter!
White-throated Honeyeaters are present in the gum trees around the town. Beach
Stone-Curlews are also reported around Dart Island in the Clarence
Estuary.
2. Between Palmers Island & Yamba a road leads
off through the former fish farm ponds to Michaelo Island and Lake Woloweyah.
This place is good for migratory waders, Black-necked Storks, Avocets in season
and a variety of interesting birds. Worth a drive every day!
3. Drive down southwards to the village of Sandon
River and at low tide look for the resident Beach Stone-Curlews as it is not a
big estuary! On the road between Maclean & Brooms Head look out for Emus,
while between Brooms Head and Sandon look for the occasional Spotted Harrier on
the heaths. Ground Parrots occur but these are not easy to find.
4. Around Palmers Island (a village) , between
Maclean & Yamba, the Mangrove Honeyeater occurs . It is very local and you
do need some local advice to find them ( it comes into certain parks and
gardens). Greg Clancy and Dick Branch live locally (Greg at Coutts Crossing and
Dick in Yamba) and I am sure would be willing to advise you. If Melloni contacts
me direct, I may have had time to find their telephone numbers.
Alan Morris
NSWFOC Records Officer
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