A few more highlights from my recent trip to western NSW and SW Qld:
Peery Lake (c.60km east of White Cliffs in western NSW) is currently
full for the first time in 8 years. On 4th July it was certainly not
teeming with birdlife but there was good diversity. I did see a few
dozen Pink-eared Ducks, some Shovelers, Hardheads, Grey Teal, Darter,
Pelican, Great Egret, Yellow-billed Spoonbill, Red-capped Plover,
etc. In the bush around the lake I found Pied and Black Honeyeaters
in the flowering Eremophilas, Chirruping Wedgebill, Red-capped Robin,
White-fronted Honeyeater, Bourke's Parrots, White-winged and
Variegated Fairy-wrens, Zebra Finch, Crested Bellbird, etc. A
beautiful spot which is part of the Paroo-Darling NP; note there are
no facilities yet but a day use and camping area are planned.
Many Major Mitchell Cockatoos seen throughout the trip, often feeding
on paddy melons by the roadside.
Brolgas seen just north of Hungerford (2) and on the Bulloo River
floodplain south of Quilpie (7 seen and more heard).
Good views of Chestnut-breasted Quail-thrush at Baldy Top near
Quilpie, Qld. (8th July)
40 species seen during a short morning walk in the mulga at the
Evening Star Caravan Park near Charleville - including a party of 20
Hall's Babblers preening each other while thawing out in the morning
sun after a very cold night; a mixed flock containing 4 thornbill
species plus Weebill and Western Gerygone (I looked carefully for
Slaty-backed but to no avail). Interesting for here was a single Pied
Currawong calling forlornly from the top of the tallest tree (sorry
about the anthropomorphism), and Eastern Yellow Robins, near their
western limit.
Very good conditions in the area around Dirranbandi (south of St
George in southern Qld). Driving the road from Dirranbandi to Hebel
in the late afternoon was like driving an obstacle course, with big
flocks of birds on the road every hundred metres or so. I have never
seen so many Crested Pigeons (thousands!), Peaceful Doves and
Cockatiels. Crimson Chats, Budgerigars and Diamond Doves were also
seen along the roadside. (10th July)
Cheers,
Carol
Carol Probets
Katoomba NSW
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