One-day Gluepot guided birding trip

The township of Waikerie, located 175 km from Adelaide, is the 'gateway' to Birds Australia's Gluepot Reserve. Located in the semi-arid South Australian mallee-eucalypt belt, Gluepot is considered to be one of the crown jewels in Australia's reserve system. This 50,000 ha large area of virgin mallee eucalypt scrub contains no less than 6 nationally endangered bird species and a unique flora and fauna adapted to the harsh conditions. Gluepot's relative accessibility means it is one of the few areas in Australia where birdwatchers can observe otherwise hard-to-find species.

Impressions of Gluepot birding: hover mouse over photos for description



We leave Waikerie very early in the morning for the drive of less than an hour to Gluepot. We arrive at Gluepot just before sunrise. The next three or four hours is when Gluepot's critical species are most active. While the sun rises over centuries-old mallee eucalypts and sand dunes covered in spinifex we look for Malleefowl, Red-lored Whistler, Gilbert's Whistler, Hooded Robin, Southern Scrubrobin, Black-eared Miner, Striated Grasswren, Shy Heathwren, White-browed Treecreeper and Major Mitchell Cockatoo. We may even be extremely lucky and come across a Scarlet-chested Parrot!

As the bird activity slows down, so do we, and focus on the easier species such as Chestnut Quail-thrush, Crested Bellbird, Splendid Fairy-wren, and Striped Honeyeater. Depending on the season we may also look for Pied and Black Honeyeater and Crimson and Orange Chat.

We spend a relaxing hour having lunch in one of the bird hides, overlooking a watering through, with chances of Regent Parrot and many of Gluepot's 10 species of Honeyeater. This is the quietest time of the day and we call in at the impressive Visitor's Centre for you to check out the displays and browse the information on offer.

As the afternoon progresses bird activity returns to an extent, and we can spend time looking for any species you still require. We leave the reserve late in the afternoon to be back at your accommodation in Waikerie around dusk. Alternatively, we can leave the reserve earlier and can spend some time birding the wetlands around Waikerie in search of Regent Parrot nesting sites or Freckled Duck, or visit a local active Malleefowl mound.

Gluepot Trips Success Rates