Peter and all
I made the drive from Perth-Whim Creek return between 17-21 June. The good news
is the Black-tailed Gull was still present at the Fisherman's co-op on the
morning of the 18th. It was in very heavy moult, so is likely still to be there.
However, the crake appeared to be long gone and had not been seen by any staff
since the 15th when I arrived on the morning of the 19th. Another Queensland
couple had searched all day on the 16th, I believe. This was probably not
necessary - there is hardly any area to be searched! It appears most likely
that the bird has fallen victim to some predator. Cats have been observed
around the mining camp and the bird was very tame. The dongas and garden
vegetation would have offered little protection.
On the way back along the Great Northern Highway, I found good numbers of Pied
and Black Honeyeaters in the mulga country between Newman and Meekatharra. As
others have observed, Painted Finches and Spinifex Pigeons are easy at Whim
Creek. It's a question of whether you want to drive that far for them with no
crake as an additional payoff!
Cheers, Andrew
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