Hello all,
I had the opportunity to once again visit Oolambeyan last
week (Wednesday 26 to Friday 28) with a few others from NSW DEC (Dept. of
Environment and Conservation), and other organisations. Though we were focused
on conducting training in grassland identification (including Plains-wanderer
habitat) for regional implementation staff, the time also provided opportunity for
me to carry the binos around.
With good rains over the past months (about 10 inches since
June) the grasslands look very impressive, full of colour with all types of
wildflowers out.
A tour around the sandhill country
provided brilliant views of birds such as White-winged Triller, Southern Whiteface,
Cockatiel, Black-faced Woodswallow, Grey-crowned
Babbler and Apostlebird. The highlight was a flock of
an estimated 1000 Budgerigars. Feeding on the ground on grass seed, they took
flight at the coming of our vehicles, many landing on some dead standing timber,
providing excellent views, while others landed back down in the grass. Other
smaller groups and pairs were also observed in other parts of the park. Driving
out in the grasslands Crimson Chat and Little Button-Quail (with thumb-sized
young) are about.
Around the homestead Rainbow Bee-eater, Rufous Whistler and Western Gerygone provided a base for the bird song,
along with many others. Black Honeyeaters were also heard calling, though not
observed.
Behind the homestead, I flushed a Sharp-tailed Sandpiper
from a drain which circles the cricket field. Following the bird, I was able to
get good views of it once it landed. This is the first time I have observed
this species at the park, obviously taking advantage of the water about.
Around the region, Black Honeyeaters and Major Mitchell
Cockatoos have also been observed at Wanganella, and Pied Honeyeaters at
Booroorban. Brolgas are making good use of water heading into some of the
swamps, with pairs at four locations visited in the last week. A group of Plumed
Whistling-Duck are still observed on occasion at the truckwash
in Deniliquin, disappearing at times, only to return and go again.
A great place to visit if in the area, though with more rain
on the forecast it is always a good move to contact the National Parks office
in Griffith to check conditions (02 6966 5800).
Cheers
David Parker
Deniliquin, NSW
