Hi all,
I've had quite a few questions about birding in Central Australia. I will
reply to everyone individually, so please give me a couple of days - as I've
got a couple of bush trips on. In the meantime, here is some general info:
We had 98mm of rain in the last month in Alice Springs. Some places out east
(East MacDonnells & nth-east Simpson Desert) had up 300mm.
Yes, there are lots of breeding birds up here right now - there are birds
everywhere!
Yes, there are wildflowers out east, but not as many in the West Macs (West
MacDonnells). I will take a trip out east on the weekend and report back to
the list.
I have just come back from a fauna survey on Owen Springs Reserve. I can
tell you that there are some good waterbirds down along the Hugh River
(Rufous Night Heron, some Egrets which are rare.). This is easily accessible
on the public access drive thru the Reserve. However, you need a 4WD and
some experience driving in sandy conditions. People get bogged here all the
time, mainly tourists! Calll the rangers at Owen Springs (08 8956 7300) for
more details. Owen Springs is one of the best and most little-known spots
for birding in Central Australia.
Tomorrow, I am off to Watarrka (Kings Canyon), so I will report on
wildflowers and birding there. Watarrka is an amazing spot for birding due
to the reliability of water. I usually drive on the Giles Road rather than
on the bitumen as it's quicker from Alice Springs. The sign on this road
says "4WD recommended" and I recommend it. Do not take a 2WD vehicle on this
road no matter what anyone says and *always* carry 20 litres of water in
case you break down. Tourists seem to love breaking down on this road!!
Other underrated but excellent places for birding are Rainbow Valley
Conservation Reserve (contact the senior park ranger at the Alice Springs
Telegraph Station (08 8952 1013) for info and tell him you're a birder. The
other place which is hard to get into but chokkers with birds is Anna's
Reservoir, about 100km north of town, and accessible thru Aileron Pastoral
property. Again, call the Senior Park Ranger at the Telegraph Stn for
details. He told me he'd seen firetails up there only two weeks ago and
there's heaps of water, too.
Finally, the Davenport Range National Park, about 300km north of town is
always great for birding. Again, you need a 4WD, and you should prepare for
bush camping.
Re: the Alice Springs Sewer Ponds. Before you come to Alice Springs, contact
Power and Water Corporation (1800 24 5092 & tell them you want to speak to
the Alice Springs office) to get an indemnity form. This can be done by fax.
A key can be collected for a $30 deposit.
Hope this is helpful,
Amanda Markham
Anthropologist
Parks & Wildlife Service
Department of Natural Resources, Environment and the Arts
PO Box 1120
Alice Springs NT 0871
ph. 08 8951 8207
fax 08 8951 8290
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