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Two of us spent all day yesterday (Saturday) at
Hattah Kulkyne National Park in North West Victoria's Mallee country.
Weather was perfect and the birding was great. Lakes Hattah and
Bulla are virtually full of water and Lakes Mournpall and Lockie are partly
full with lots of mudflats and shallow areas. Disappointed to see two
foxes in Lake Mournpall in the middle of the day.
We saw 66 species for the day. Interesting
sightings included Mulga Parrot (in Northern area of the park),
Crested Bellbird and Major Mitchell
Cockatoo. I believe all close to the Southern edge of their range
- is this so?? (Lawrie??). Mulga Parrots were a pair with what looked
like the male feeding the female - mating behaviour?? They were relatively
approachable - I got within about 20 metres while they were almost at ground
level. Two sightings of Regent Parrot, a first for
us. Also saw Gilbert's Whistler (a very shy pair calling
to each other) and Mallee Ringneck. Emus
in several places.
About 200 Red-necked Avocet on
Lake Mournpall with about 30 Black-winged Stilt. A single
Australian Shelduck among about 50 Grey Teal.
Apart from a single Yellow-billed Spoonbill, a couple of
Black-fronted Dotterels and the ubiquitous Masked Lapwings,
there seemed to be a real lack of species working the shallow/muddy areas.
Groups of up to 20 Black-tailed Native Hen in several
areas.
In one dry, sandy, Spinifex area, there were a
number of Yellow-plumed and Spiny-cheeked Honeyeaters
and one Striped Honeyeater.
Bob & Sadhana Cook
Now based in Mildura, Vic
34.10.S 142.10.E
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