Tas is one of my favourite wildlife destinations in the world. If I weren't
enjoying the Red Centre so much I'd probably be back down there right now. The
mammals obviously are a key part of that but for me the birds and the
invertebrates are just as important. I'd also recommend getting offshore for
some seabirds if you can- Tasman Peninsula out of Eaglehawk Neck is best and
even the tourist boats down to Tasman island should get you a couple of
albatross species.
Swift Parrot- In the past I always found the 'Captain Cook' campsite at
Adventure Bay on Bruny Island a reasonably dependable site for this
undependable bird- they were nesting in tall gums last time I stayed there (3
years back- anyone been there more recently?). The creek and bush behind the
site is pretty good for LBJs. The Robin is pretty easy to pick up in the wetter
bush on the main road down to the south end of the island.
40 Spot Pardalote- The most consistent site I found for this wee bird is Maria
Island on the Bishop and Clerk walk. There is a good stand of E.viminalis by a
dam on the route but I've stumbled on them at various spots along the walk.
Learn the call- they are really hard to find otherwise!
On the subject of finding birds on Tassie trekking routes I did the overland
track again last January and seemed to find Ground Parrot and Southern Emu-wren
in any large stand of healthy buttongrass I inspected. I've previously heard
them around Ronnie Creek along the first km of the track- an easy site to
access at dawn and dusk if you don't fancy the full trek but be aware that you
are not allowed off the boardwalks- the peat is delicate.
The flight into the south west might seem expensive but the Orange Bellied
Parrots are worth every penny. Get in and see them, while you still can...
CheersMark Carterhttp://www.desertlife.com.au
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