Sean,
After all these responses I trust you have some criteria for some kind of a
ranking system? High on my criteria would be numbers of birds, diversity of
species and unusual species. Accessibility is also relevant. Perhaps the
smell-factor could rate a mention?
But on these criteria (and keeping in mind I've never been to any of the
Victorian 'hotponds') I would have to vote for the two Darwin STW's - Leanyer
and Palmerston. Leanyer has each of the three birding criteria sewn up, with
1000's of waterbirds, a good mixture of species including things like
Yellow-rumped Mannikin and Bush Hen available near the front the gate and seems
to be a regular place for dozens of Yellow Wags as well as Little Ringed
Plovers, Garganey, also Red-rumped Swallow has been seen there along with good
waders. It's accessible enough (i.e. not impossible) and rates on stink-list.
In my experience Palmerston was a great place to go see White-browed Crakes
foraging like Jacanas on the very odourful sludgy film (charming) and the
fringing mangroves were a great spot for things like Little Kingfisher,
Mangrove Robin etc. Access is easy on a dodgy dirt track.
I think both have salty crocs, I saw quite a few in Leanyer at least.
Mick
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