Dave riding out for a muster.
The bird life this time of year is not as good as it is in spring, and, many of the breeds are hunkering down for the winter months and plumage is dull. However there were still quite beautiful moments. One place in particular is Red Hole.
Red Hole Lagoon.
A shallow, seasonal lagoon, the Red Hole on Kilcowera is aptly named for its unique colour. The water looks pinky crimson and reflects the changing colour of the sky. It was a delight to drive out, pull up a chair and have a glass of wine whilst seeing Australian Black Swans, Australasian Grebes and Pink-eared ducks enjoying the environment.
I noted with interest that, when we arrived, all but two birds moved to the other side of the lagoon. However 2 of the swans glided towards us and I can only assume were sentries. They only moved away after it was clear we had binoculars and not a rifle.
The Murderers Bore, as mentioned in previous posts is where a body was stuffed after being murdered. The bore does not flow properly and I wondered just why that was!
The Dowling track and the history of the region is marvellous. There is something for everyone. If you are a caravaner, or into history, or love our aboriginal past you will find something to do.
Birds seen:- Emu, Australian Magpie, Pee Wee, Whistling Kite, Black Kite, Nankeen Kestrel, Apostle Bird, Wedge-tailed eagle, Swamp Harrier, Spotted Harrier, Budgerigar, Royal Spoonbill, Yellow Spoonbill, Pink-eared Duck, Red-capped Robin, Native Hen, Pacific Black Duck, Masked Wood Swallow, Red-kneed Dotterill, Australian Pelican, Spotted Bowerbird, Pied Butcherbird, Black-faced Wood Swallow, White Browed Woodswallow, Sacred Kingfisher, Zebra Finch, Major Mitchell, Willy Wagtail, Blue Bonnet, Yellow-throated Minor, Australian Pratincol, Little Eagle, Brown Falcon, Black-winged Stilt, Australian Black Sawn, Galah, Hardhead, Australasian Shoveller, White faced Heron, white Necked Heron, Intermediate Egret, White Ibis. White-winged Chough,
Total 43.
Impressive list!
ReplyDeleteThanks carolyn.
ReplyDeleteIt was pretty quiet on the bird list front but what we did see was very impressive. Dave did see and Australian Bastard..( not and I don't mean me!)..... the Wedge-tailed Eagles were looking superb as too the flocks of budgies and Major Mitchells.. The MMs look particularly superb at sunset when the colours of the sky make the pinks of the bird glow.
So there were 2 Australian bastards! Your blog has cheered me up, tough week.
ReplyDeleteHi Simon. Hope all is well. Matt here from NoVisibleLycra just checking on your welfare. Looks like a good bike trip, especially that lagoon. Any crocs in there or could you take a dip?
ReplyDeleteCarolyn! lol in fact there were quite a few bastards there!
ReplyDeleteMatthew- Hi mate. No crocs, its a little too far south, but possibly Yabbies! I am a little crook to be fair and thanks for asking mate