The Warbuton River on its'journey to Lake Eyre is a bird watcher's
paradise.More importantly, it is a paradise for birds and a safe haven
from humans with ill intent! Last week, a small group of us, travelled
down the River. Lake Eyre was our goal. This we achieved under the
expert leadership and guidance of Rex Ellis. It took 3 days down and 4
days back due to the strong current. There was never a moment when birds
were not evident. The Coolabahs, bordering the banks, were crammed with
nests. The Black Falcon, ever vigilant, alerted us to his presence by
his speedy exit from the nest. A pair of Black-breasted Buzzards pointed
us to their house building, by their majestic flight and persistence in
hanging around the area. The Spoonbills rested lightly in the nest and
often paraded the sky. The White-necked Herons assumed the sentinel
posture atop the dead trees. The Great Egret took the lower position on
the muddy banks.At times the sky was blackened by hordes of Fairy
Martins exploding from their bottle nests into the air like a swarm of
bees. The acting skills of the Grey Teal luring us away from the nests,
positioned under the lignum, was always cause for amusement. And, how
could I not mention the lumbering Pelicans on land, but so graceful in
flight. One morning when waking us in the dim light of dawn, the "boss"
said: this in not a holiday, it is an experience! You were right Rex,
but an experience I would not have missed for anything. The birds seen
totalled 63 species.
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