Thursday, December 30, 2010

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.

13 comments:

  1. Fantastic post mate! Great to see GREEN GRASS there! can't wait to see it again! BBQ and all. Can I leave my beer out in the sunshine?

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  2. Hi Jim- yes its such a contrast 100%. Its easy to see how the settlers made the mistake of putting 6 million sheep across it over 80 years...

    Looking forward to April

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  3. Beautiful pics...
    Loved the place!!
    Wish you a very happy new year:)

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  4. Thanks Arti. its a beautiful place for sure

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  5. Emus. I would love to see emus out & about like that (though I know that you & Julie had unfortunate run-in w/one).

    Yes, it is easy to see how settlers would make that mistake. But you're right to be concerned...people don't take the long view quite often. They'll see something & say, "oh well it's all better now."

    Cheers Simon. See you in the new year.

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  6. Hi Susan- Wild emus are not the same as cranky ones in captivity, so there is nothing to fear. It was quite special to see them relaxed. Yep! See you in the new year :o)

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  7. I enlarged your pics by clicking on them and could see a lot more detail! Quite a big-fella-mob of emus in that herd. And glad to note that you have left the VB out to warm up in the sunshine ;-)

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  8. Wishing you and your family lots of happiness and fun adventures for 2011.

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  9. so if the roundtrip is 2400 km, one way is 1200? how long did it take to drive?
    it looks beautiful there. nice cabins
    cheers for a great year ahead
    ~laura

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  10. Jim- I have heaps more photos too. Its such a contrast to the desert conditions of a few years ago. Yes the vb was "warming" mate.

    Ellee- thank yo and the same to you and yours!

    Laura- it takes about 13 hours. the Cruiser has long range tanks and you can do it just about non-stop. Not an easy drive as 400km is across dirt roads that are in poor condition. But a lot of fun.

    It dies look beautiful but these photos are in contrast t how it usually is- desert and very hot. :o)

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  11. I think it might take a little longer with a birdwatcher in the passenger seat wanting to stop and check things every few miles ;-)

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  12. Hi Simon

    Happy New Year to you too. Hope 2011's good for you.

    Matt (No Visible Lycra).

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  13. Hi mate!- and to you. hope the cold gets better!

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