Kinchega 2010

The Darling River at Wilcannia.

It was with some excitement that I booked the shearers quarters for our traditional stay at this wonderful national park. It was with some sadness that some people who said "yes" really meant "no". Buuuut.. refusing to be disappointed I decided to go anyway, and so, David and I set of for the 2400km round trip - keen to see just how the rains and floods had affected the region.


BBQ area at the shearers quarters

The Darling River is like the grand Mississippi River- life to a region, flowing thousands of km providing the water for cotton farms, fruit growers, sheep and cattle stations along the way. It has been abused through ignorance and neglect, as well as deliberate acts of vandalasim. Can it survive?


Emu Lake. Full after being dry for man many years!

Well, I can say the results are amazing. New growth on old river gums, bird life and general wildlife abounds and there is a feeling of luxury about it. However, it is vital for all of us not to fall into a false sense of security. The river system has been abused for over 100 years, much has changed and will never be returned to how it was. We need to be proactive, and ensure the government puts in place legislation that protects, not only the river, but our food supply and the communities that live along its banks.


Emus! Yep- at Emu lake!

Dave and I enjoyed bird watching and fishing for perch. as well as walking through the semi desert conditions. At the end of the day enjoying a BBQ and a beer ( a lemonade for Dave of course!). There were many smaller birds too but we ran out of time



Me! At the ruins of the old homestead.

Happy NEW Year to all!!!


Birds seen:-Red-kneed Dotterel, Blue-winged Parrot, Budgerigar, (huge flock!!), Major Mitchell, Great Egret, Wedge-tailed Eagle, Australian Pelican, Splendid Wren, Emu, Silver Gull, Red-backed Kingfisher, Peaceful Dove, Little Corella, Singing Honey Eater, Cockatiel, Australian Pipit, Fairy Martin, House Sparrow, Welcome Swallow, Black-tailed Gallinules, Blue Bonnet Parrot, Sacred Kingfisher, Grey Shrike-thrush, Diamond Dove, Wattle bird, (Spiny-cheeked), Yellow-throated Miner, White-winged Triller, Willy Wagtail, Masked Lapwing, White-necked Heron, Pied Butcherbird, Australian White Ibis, Yellow-billed Spoonbill, Australasian Shoveler, Australian Grey Teal, Rainbow Bee-eater, Masked Wood Swallow, Australian Raven, Crested Pigeon, Apostle Bird, Satin Bower Bird, (spotted leaving home), White-winged Chough, Galah, Eastern Rosella, Hard Head, White-faced Heron, Australian Wood Duck, Square-tailed Falcon, Black Falcon, Black Kite, Black- shouldered kite, Nankeen Kestrel, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Yellow-tailed Cockatoo, Black-faced Cuckoo Shrike, Bell Miner, Noisy Miner, Pee Wee, Australian Magpie.