Hi Birders,
Yathong is a large reserve of over 107,000 Hectares.It's situated west of Mt.
Hope, between Hillsdon and Cobar in Central NSW. I had a 2 night visit there on
15/16th Jan 2007, arriving at the homestead late in the afternoon in 40 degree
heat. After dumping my bag I went straight out (in the air conditioned car) to
get my bearings and start my Mallee list.
A spotlighting trip was abandoned due to a wild wind storm that blew red dust
everywhere, including through the flyscreens on the verandah. By the time I
remembered the car window was open, it was too late. The interior had changed
from an oyster grey colour to Mallee red.
The next morning began at sunrise, but again the heat kept walking to a
minimum. The roads are good, and slow cruising became the way to go until
something was spotted.
Highlights included Major Mitchells Cockatoo, 6 species of parrot and shy
heathwren. New birds for me were Little button quail, Chestnut Quail-thrush,
Black falcon, Blue winged parrot, Crested bellbird and ground cuckoo-shrike.
Accommodation is available with full kitchen facilities, and bookings should be
made through the NPWS office at Cobar, Tel 02 6836 2692. Accommodation is also
available at the Mt. Hope hotel, Tel 02 68 977988. Please note the nearest
service stations are at Lake Cargelligo, Hillsdon and Cobar.
Most of the dams are dry, but the big one near the homestead is good, and also
the smaller one at the back of the quarters.
Because of the excessive heat, I only managed to cover the south and southwest
area of the reserve for a total of 53 species, so a return visit to explore the
top end is required. A full list is available on Eremaea Birds.
To be in the middle of the Mallee, with nothing around you for Kilometres, but
wild goats, Emus and chicks aplenty and great birds, is a must do birding
experience.
Cheers
Jim O'Shea
==============================www.birding-aus.org
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