I don't know very much about Karratha in the Pilbara of WA. I have only
passed through there once overnight in October 1995.
I came from Millstream Chichester NP. This was excellent for
Rufous-crowned Emu-wren, Spinifexbird, Crimson Chat, Spinifex Pigeon
(Pilbara race). I saw a Western Bowerbird at a spring about half way in.
I looked for Striated Grasswren just north of the creek crossing on the
western part of the loop road. There must have other good birds along the
river water holes, but I can't remember them. The RCEWs were in a number
of places, but a good site was at the start of the loop road where there
was an information sign. This is also where I saw Crimson Chat. I also
saw them plus Spinifexbird within walking distance of the camp site on the
southern side of the waterhole (just east of the homestead). These
directions won't mean much to you now, but they should when you get there,
or get a local map of the park. This park is probably just over 200km from
Karratha, mostly on gravel roads but I could do 100kph on the gravel in
4WD. I think from memory that I saw Star Finch at the homestead (the park
HQ), but don't quote me.
I have heard a lot about Harding Dam which is somewhere in the region. I
haven't been there, and I don't know the directions, but any of the locals
will. Very good for waterbirds I am told.
There are some mangroves along the coast at Karratha and Dampier. These
would be a chance for Dusky Gerygone, Collared Kingfisher, Mangrove Robin,
White-breasted Whistler, Mangrove Grey Fantail, Yellow White-eye, Striated
Heron (green morph), etc. Again ask the locals for the best site.
The Dampier saltworks might have some good areas in their intake ponds.
However, I didn't find out if access is permitted, or where the intake
ponds are. The ponds that I saw along the road from Karratha to Dampier
had few if any birds. The saltworks in Port Hedland are one of the best
birding sites in Australia, so there is no reason why Dampier wouldn't be
similar. Port Hedland has Asian Dowitcher, Broad-billed Sandpiper, Banded
Stilt, Orange Chat, Painted Finch, etc.
There are sewage ponds at Karratha. I had a town map which showed the
location. However, I found very few birds there (no waterbirds).
Grey-headed Honeyeater should occur in the area somewhere. Black-tailed
Treecreeper (Pilbara race) is another.
I hope that this is of some help. Let me know what you see, as I will be
leaving from Karratha for a trip through the Monte Bello Islands in
October, so I might get there a day or two early.
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