South Australia contains a variety
of landscapes ranging from the spectacular interior outback deserts to the lush
and green Mt Lofty Ranges. Wetlands and mangroves around Adelaide and estuaries
in the Coorong, floodplains along the Murray River and vast expanses of mallee
provide habitat to many interesting bird species, some of which are only found
in this state. Over 430 species have been recorded here, and vagrants turn up
regularly. Due to the small human population (1.5 million), large size (three
times the size of Texas), and distance from the more populated centres in the
eastern states, birding is generally low-key. Over recent years however an
increasing number of Australian and international visitors have discovered the
birding secrets South Australia has to offer.
This document aims to provide
visitors to South Australia with information on where to find the key species
of interest in the State. It lists an exhaustive number of sites for good
birding. I have also added some sites for the Vic-NSW-SA border area (last
section).
For those just wanting to focus on
South Australia’s specialties, a small number of quality birding sites have
been selected. These sites, marked with √are:
Birds Australia Gluepot Reserve
Cheetham Saltfields
Goolwa area
Flinders Ranges NP
Strzelecki Track
The document is regularly updated.
Latest revision was March 2010. Taxonomy
follows Christidis & Boles (2008). Notable differences with
international authors include the split of Eastern Great Egret, Eastern Barn
Owl, Eastern Osprey, and treatment of the Australian Ringneck, Crimson Rosella and Western Whipbird complexes
as subspecies rather than full species. The full
list can be found here.
In
addition to this online version, you may wish to download the full pdf version
of the SA Birding Site Guide - a fully hyperlinked Adobe Acrobat pdf file for easy
navigating on your computer, while formatted for printing so you can bring it
along on your trip. It includes the actual maps of locations for which only
hyperlinks to maps are given in the on-line version. It includes more detailed
information for some of the key sites not found in the on-line version. Click here to download.
The international airport is only 15 mins drive from the Adelaide CBD. The
Princes Freeway provides access to and from the east (Coorong and Victoria),
the Sturt Highway to the north-east (Riverland and NSW), and Pt Wakefield Rd to
the north and west (NT and WA).
The region
is geared for tourism, with a full range of accommodation – luxury
hotels, lodges, B&B’s, caravan parks, backpacker hostels, campgrounds etc.
Tourism is spread throughout the year and tends to focus on regional food, wine
and natural attractions.
A first point of call on the web
is http://www.southaustralia.com/accommodation.asp
1.3 Climate
The climate varies significantly in space and time. Most of the southern
coastal strip up to 100 km inland has a Mediterranean climate with winters that
are characterised by high rainfall and daytime temperatures between 10-18ºC.
Even in winter night time temperatures rarely drop below freezing. In
mid-summer, daytime temperatures usually range between 30-40ºC depending on how
far away from the coast you are. The outlying semi-arid areas (eg Riverland,
Mallee) are hotter and dryer, with small, more frequent amounts of rainfall
during winter and hot summers with occasional summer storms. In winter, nights
here often drop to a few degrees below freezing and days can be gloomy yet dry,
or glorious and sunny. In mid-summer, daytime temperatures usually range
between 35-40ºC, and sometimes exceed that range. Desert conditions prevail in
the central and northern outback with freezing nights and glorious sunny and mild
days during the winter, to extreme heat (over 40ºC for weeks on end, and peaks
of over 45ºC are not unusual) in summer.
Weather information can be found
on http://www.bom.gov.au/weather/sa
The Chestnut-breasted Whiteface Aphelocephala
pectoralis is one of South Australia's few endemics. It is confined to
north-central and north-east SA and can be found on the arid plains along the
lower Strzelecki track east of Lyndhurst. They feed inconspicuously on the
ground and have a soft trilling call. Unmistakable by its broad, rusty
breastband, it hops on the ground in small flocks and mixes with other
Whiteface species. Two sites where it is regularly found are Mt Lyndhurst,
north of the Flinders Ranges, and a spot along the Stuart Highway south of
Coober Pedy. Details can be found in sections 5.3.1 and 5.3.4
The endemic Short-tailed Grasswren Amytornis merrotsyi
is a recent split from the Striated Grasswren. The best areas to look for them
are in the Flinders Ranges. Details can be found in section 5.2.1.
Until recently, the Black-eared
Miner Manorina melanotis was
another SA endemic - after it had become extinct in Victoria. However, a
successful recovery program means the species is yet again present in the
Victorian Mallee-Sunset National Park. The best place to find them however
remains Birds Australia Gluepot
Reserve, 64 km N of Waikerie, SA. Details can be found in sections 3.1.6.
Significant subspecies found in
South Australia are:
·
Red-tailed Black Cockatoo – isolated race graptogyne
in the south-east – section 9;
·
Glossy Black Cockatoo race halmatorinus on
Kangaroo Island – section 7.1.2;
·
The Crimson Rosella complex consists of the following
subspecies:
-
adelaideae (“Adelaide
Rosella”) – in the city parklands – section 2.1.1, Mount Lofty Ranges (Adelaide Hills) –
section 2.4, plains north of Adelaide – section 2.2 and the southern Flinders Ranges – section 5.2.1);
-
fleurieuensis
(“Adelaide Rosella”) – on the
Fleurieu Peninsula – sections 2.3;
-
melanoptera
(“Crimson Rosella”) – on Kangaroo Island – section 7.0;
-
flaveolus
(“Yellow Rosella”) – along the Murray River – section 3.0;
-
Some authors (notably Clements and Handbook of the
Birds of the World) consider adelaideae
and fleurieuensis as a full species
(Adelaide Rosella) and flaveolus as a
full species (Yellow Rosella).
·
Thick-billed Grasswren – race myall West of Pt Augusta, and race modestus further north-east in the
outback – sections 5.1.3 and 5.3.1;
·
Chestnut-rumped Heathwren – race
parkeri on the Fleurieu Peninsula and in the Mt Lofty Ranges – sections 2.3.3 and 2.4.3;
·
Southern Emu-wren – race intermedius on the
Fleurieu Peninsula – sections 2.3.2
and 2.3.3;
·
White-browed Scrubwren – the main races are rosina
(faintly spotted – in thick bush / woodland vegetation the Mt Lofty ranges and
Fleurieu Peninsula) – sections 2.1.1, 2.3 and 2.4 and maculatus (spotted
– coastally) – sections 2.2.5, 4.1.2 and 6.1.2. Some authors recognise other races;
·
Slender-billed Thornbill – races iradelei (West
of Spencer Gulf) – section 6.3.2, rosinae
(Gulf of St Vincent) – sections 2.2.3,
2.2.4, 2.2.5, hedleyi
(south-east) – section 3.2.2;
·
Grey Currawong – race melanoptera
(“Black-winged Currawong”) in the mallee, around Adelaide and southern/south-eastern
areas, and intermedia (“Brown Currawong”) on Yorke and Eyre Pensinsulas
and further west;
·
Spotted Quail-thrush – race anachoreta (likely
extinct);
·
Western Whipbird – race leucogaster (proposed
as split: Mallee Whipbird) – sections 3.2.2, 3.2.3, 4.1.2, 6.1.2, 7.0.
In the following account, species
that are generally sought-after in SA I have highlighted bold, for sites where observers have a good chance of finding the
highlighted species.
Adelaide is a pleasant, reasonably
quiet city well-known for its festivals, parks,
architecture and restaurants. With a population of 1.2 million it is small
enough to not have that “big-city” feel about it yet it has all the necessary
facilities. The international airport is only 15 mins drive from the city
centre. The M1 (Princes Freeway) provides access to and from the east (Coorong
and Victoria), the A20 (Sturt Highway) to the north-east (Riverland and NSW),
and the A1 (Pt Wakefield Rd) to the north and west. Adelaide has cool, wet
winters (June-August) and hot, dry summers (December-March).
Adelaide Tourism: http://adelaide.southaustralia.com/home.asp
Department of Environment & Heritage – Botanic Gardens: http://www.environment.sa.gov.au/botanicgardens/
2.1.1 Botanic Gardens and parklands
Key species: Musk
Lorikeet, Adelaide Rosella, Long-billed
Corella, White-browed Scrubwren (ssp
maculatus)
The Adelaide Botanic Garden is an
historic garden with both native and exotic plant collections including palms,
cycads, bromeliads and many spectacular mature trees and shrubs. The adjacent
Botanic Park is a glorious 34 hectare green oasis within easy walking distance
of the Adelaide CBD. It is flanked on the Botanic Garden side by a stately
avenue of Plane trees which were planted in 1874, and on the northern side by
the River Torrens and the Adelaide Zoo. Century old Moreton Bay Fig trees from
Queensland with their huge trunks and gnarled buttress roots add to the special
quality of Botanic Park. White-browed Scrubwren can be found in dense
shrubbery.
Directions: the main entrance is
at the eastern end of North Terrace in central Adelaide.
Click here
for more info and a map Google Maps link
The parklands surround the
Adelaide CBD. Small flocks of Musk Lorikeet fly around continuously, as do the
more common Rainbow Lorikeets. Long-billed Corella has established itself here, and a
flock of 100s can sometimes be seen in the Parklands. Adelaide Rosella can be
found throughout while the introduced Eastern Rosella can also be seen here in
small numbers.
Key species: Fairy Tern, Little Tern
At the Torrens River Outflow at
Henley Beach Fairy Tern and Little Tern have been seen irregularly, mainly in
winter. Google Maps link
Key species: Black-faced Cormorant
The breakwater at Glenelg Beach is
a well-known roosting site for Black-faced Cormorant.
Google Maps link
2.2 Coastal and wetlands
There are a number of good wetlands and coastal areas in the direct
vicinity of Adelaide. The entire region is outstanding for birds and some
notable rarities have turned up including Little Curlew, Redshank, Little and
Long-toed Stint, Broad-billed Sandpiper, Ruff, Red-necked Phalarope and
Hudsonian Godwit. Obviously such species are not everyday occurrences, but
wader-watchers will find thorough exploration here rewarding.
Key species: Hoary-headed Grebe, Australian Pelican, cormorants, Black-faced
Cormorant, herons, Great and Little Egret, Royal and Yellow-billed
Spoonbill, Australian Shelduck, Grey Teal, Chestnut Teal, Pacific Black Duck,
Silver and Pacific Gull, Caspian, Crested and Fairy Tern, Pied and Sooty Oystercatcher,
Red-capped Plover, Black-winged Stilt, Pacific Golden Plover, Eastern Curlew,
Whimbrel, Common, Marsh, Sharp-tailed and Curlew Sandpiper, Greenshank,
Red-necked Stint, Elegant Parrot,
Rock Parrot.
The muddy banks of the river and
adjacent area support fair numbers of waders. Black-faced Cormorants breed on
the Outer Harbour breakwater and Mutton Cove is worth checking for Rock Parrot
in summer-autumn.
Directions: Outer Harbour lies about
18 km north-west of the city centre via Port Road. From Port Adelaide take
Victoria Road, turn off at Pelican Point and follow the unsealed track
alongside Port River. NOTE: Due to ongoing roadworks and industrial
construction, access to this area is constantly changing. Google Maps link
2.2.2 Greenfields Wetlands
Key species: Australasian Bittern, Baillon's Crake, Long-toed Stint, Pectoral Sandpiper, shorebirds,
waterfowl etc.
The Greenfields Wetlands often have a surprise
waiting for the persistent birder, in summer for migratory waders, and in
winter there is always the chance to see a Bittern. In some years, Black-tailed
Native-hen are abundant here.
Directions: The wetlands are in the corner of
Pt Wakefield Road and the Salisbury Highway. There are two main access points:
Magazine road off the Salisbury Highway to the east of Pt Wakefield road
junction (Google Maps link); and the
Watershed Cafe off the Salibury Highway to the west of the same junction - Google Maps link. At
Magazine road, a walking track meanders through the complex to a birdhide. At
the Watershed Cafe there is also a walking track and bird hides, and the key
needs to be obtained from the cafe during working hours (including weekends).
There are other sites from where to view these wetlands nearby along the
Salisbury Highway and Port Wakefield Road; they are very worthy of a thorough
scan.
2.2.3
Cheetham Saltfields √
Key species: shorebirds and
rarities. White-bellied Sea-eagle, Banded Stilt, Sharp-tailed Sandpiper,
Pectoral Sandpiper, Marsh Sandpiper, Wood Sandpiper, Pacific Golden and
Grey Plover, Red and Great Knot, Rock Parrot, White-winged
Fairy-wren, Slender-billed Thornbill. (Broad-billed
Sandpiper, Long-toed Stint, Red-Necked Phalarope, Hudsonian Godwit have
been recorded).
The Cheetham Saltfields are
excellent for waders and rarities often turn up here. Access is restricted and
is only possible by contacting Birds SA
and joining one of their regular outings. The samphire marshes and associated low
shrubby vegetation are worth checking for Rock Parrot, White-winged Fairy-wren
and Slender-billed Thornbill. The full pdf
version of the SA Birding Site Guide contains detailed
information about the access arrangements for the saltfields not found in the on-line
version. Click here to download.
Directions: Leave Adelaide heading
north on Pt Wakefield Road. At the sign to St Kilda turn left. Follow the road
for a few kilometres. There will be a curve to the left, followed by a curve to
the right. Immediately after this last curve turn right onto a dirt track. This
has recently been blocked with a white locked boomgate. White-winged Fairy
wrens are in the surrounding fields and can be seen by walking along the track.
A few 100 meters past this boomgate at a T-junction turn left. This leads
to the saltfields entrance gate. Google Maps link
2.2.4 St Kilda tidal flats and mangroves
Key species: Sharp-tailed
Sandpiper, Banded Stilt, Sooty
Oystercatcher, Greenshank, Elegant
Parrot, Rock Parrot, Golden Whistler, White-browed Scrubwren (ssp maculatus), Slender-billed Thornbill.
Close to the Cheetham Saltfields
is the St Kilda Mangrove area with boardwalk. The 1.7 km boardwalk meanders through
the mysterious tidal world of mangrove forest and offers excellent views of
this remnant mangrove all the way to the seaboard. More than 200 species have
been recorded in the coastal wetlands of the larger Barker Inlet area. Mangrove
crabs can be seen at low tide, and Golden Whistler and White-browed Scrubwren
are common here.
The tidal flats at St Kilda are
good for waders, especially the area directly behind the kids adventure
playground. A re-constructed “pirate ship” can act as a convenient birdhide.
Directions: Leave Adelaide heading
north on Pt Wakefield Road. At the sign to the St Kilda Mangroves turn left.
Follow the signs to the mangrove boardwalk and the adventure park. Google Maps link
2.2.5 Port Gawler, Port Prime and Thompson’s
Beach
Key species: Greater and Lesser Sand-plover, Grey Plover, Curlew
Sandpiper, Blue-winged Parrot, Elegant Parrot, Rock Parrot, Slender-billed
Thornbill, Fairy Tern, Blue Bonnet, White-winged Fairy-wren.
All three areas are coastal
reserves where waders roost at high tide, and low tide reveals vast mudflats.
All three are bound by dunes with low shrubby vegetation, well-protected at
Thompson Beach, but fairly degraded due to rubbish dumping and off-road trail
bike and 4WD driving at the other two sites. All areas are relatively small and
worth checking. Port Gawler also contains mangroves and samphire flats where
Slender-billed Thornbill occurs. Elegant, Blue-winged and Rock Parrots are
frequently seen at Port Gawler and Port Prime (although less so in recent
years; check the dunes). Blue Bonnet occurs in the dunes of Thompson Beach.
Take care to properly identify the Neophema parrots - check the ID section of SAbirding.com. There are
often Elegant Parrots around while Rock & Blue-winged Parrots are a lot
rarer. Slender-billed Thornbills are found at Port Gawler in the samphire on
both sides of the track to the mangroves past the dunes. Thompson Beach often has
good wader roosts in summer with both Sand-plovers and Fairy Tern. White-winged
Fairy-wren can be found perched atop low bushes mainly in samphire-type
habitat.
Directions:
Port Gawler: Head North from Adelaide on Port Wakefield Road
towards Port Wakefield. Port Gawler is a left turn 5 km north of Virginia.
Drive down the road making sure to explore the samphire flats before reaching
the mangroves and coast. Of particular interest is the area in between the two
tracks at the Y -junction (where right goes to a dedicated off-road trailbike
track, and ahead ends up in the mangroves), and the embankments and waterbodies
on the left (partly within off-limits Penrice). The mentioned birds can be
found here although the Parrots are mainly around in summer - autumn. Google Maps link
Port Prime: Head North from Adelaide on Port Wakefield Road then
turn left between Lower Light and Dublin. Drive right down to the coast and
explore the samphire flats and coastal dunes. Look for Stubble Quail and Blue Bonnet
on the approach road and you may encounter Fairy Tern. Google Maps link
Thompson’s Beach: Head North from Adelaide on Port Wakefield
Road. Approach Thompson's Beach along Ruskin Road either from Schutt Road out
of Dublin or via Thompson Road (off Port Wakefield Road approx 3 km south of
Dublin), turn right into Thompson's Beach Road then left into Ruskin Road.
Shorebird viewing is best on an early morning high tide at various locations
along the beach. Suitable spots include the area opposite each car park at
either end of Ruskin Road, and for those with a 4WD vehicle, the narrow track
through the dunes heading north. Google Maps link
Key species: Nankeen Night-heron, waterfowl including Freckled Duck,
shorebirds, Baillon's Crake, Buff-banded Rail, Latham’s
Snipe (Australian
Painted Snipe has been recorded), Long-billed
Corella.
The Onkaparinga River near Old
Noarlunga has an interesting wetland complex. There are walking trails and a
boardwalk. From the carpark follow the walking trail to the left along the
river. After a few 100 metres a small wooden bridge allows you to cross the
creek. Continue on towards the wetland, turn left, then right onto the
boardwalk. The snipe are often in the wet grassy areas (although this area is
often dry late summer – early autumn). At the end if you walk even further
another, bigger and more open wetland appears. Check exposed mud near
vegetation for rails and crakes. The entire wetland complex can be dry in late
summer though. In the pines at Old Market Square in Old Noarlunga is a small
colony of Nankeen Night-herons. Check the flocks of Little Corellas here for
Long-billeds.
Directions: Follow the Southern Expressway
or Main South Road out of Adelaide heading south. Access to the wetland is by
turning off to Old Noarlunga, then taking River Road to the north. After less
than 2 km there is a carpark on the left on the bank of the river. Google Maps link
2.3 Fleurieu Peninsula
The Fleurieu Peninsula is
generally regarded as the area south of Noarlunga, east towards Strathalbyn-Goolwa. Within a relatively
small area there is a high number of good birding sites including wetlands,
swamps, coastal reserves, native bushland and a sea-watching spot thrown in to
top it off.
Accommodation: There is plenty of
accommodation ranging from backpacker hostels and caravan parks, national park
campgrounds to upmarket resorts, hotels and boutique B&B’s. The websites
under Contacts provide a starting point.
Contacts:
South
Australian Tourism Commission – Fleurieu Peninsula pages: http://www.southaustralia.com/McLarenVale_FluerieuPeninsula.aspx/
Department of Environment &
Heritage – Fleurieu Parks : http://www.environment.sa.gov.au/parks/visitor/adelaide.html
The Fleurieu Peninsula
Birdwatchers have a useful website with a map showing birding sites in the
region, accompanied by directions and information about these sites. Check it
out on http://www.fleurieubirdwatchers.org/birdsites.html
On the Fleurieu peninsula, yet
another subspecies of Crimson Rosella occurs: Platycercus elegans fleurieuensis. It replaces the Adelaide Rosella
here. It is more crimson than the Adelaide Rosella, but not quite as deeply
coloured as the Crimson Rosella.
Key Species: Painted Button-quail,
Elegant Parrot, Rainbow Bee-eater, White-throated Scrubwren, White-browed
Babbler, Rufous Songlark, Yellow Thornbill, Weebill,
Tawny-crowned Honeyeater, Mistletoebird, Red-browed Finch
Aldinga Scrub contains sections of
coastal scrub and bushland, which means a good variety of species can be seen
here. It is one of the last remaining areas of mallee near the Adelaide
coastline. It contains Painted Button-quail – look for the circular depressions
in the leaf litter.
Directions:
Take Main South Road or the
Southern Expressway out of Adelaide, take the Aldinga Beach exit, follow the
signs to Aldinga Beach Road. Turn left along Dover Street (a few roads
back from the foreshore), continuing along to the end where you will find a
small carpark. A walking track starts here. At times the park has a
large variety of birds while at other times there appears to be very little
birdlife.
Google Maps link
Key species: Southern Emu-wren,
Mt Lofty Ranges ssp. (Stipiturus malachurus
intermedius)
The wetland at Mount Compass is
home to the rare Mount Lofty Ranges (MLR) subspecies of the Southern Emu-wren.
The dense swamp / heath habitat provides plenty of cover for this shy bird. It
is estimated that approximately 500 MLR Southern Emu-wrens remain in about 20
local populations. The birds are poor fliers and movement is generally by
hopping and scrambling through dense vegetation. Listen for their high-pitched
call, which is even higher than that of the Superb Fairy-wren. There is a
boardwalk and small interpretive centre here. Google Maps link
Cox Scrub is another good area for
MLR Southern Emu-wrens, particularly the patches of dry heath. Follow the
walking trail from the car park and listen out for them in suitable habitat.
More about the MLR Southern Emu-wren
Directions:
Mount Compass wetland: Mount
Compass is located along the Willunga – Victor Harbor Road. Take Main South
Road or the Southern Expressway out of Adelaide heading south, and follow the
signs to Victor Harbour. Just south of the township turn right onto Arthur
road. There’s a pedestrian gate on your left, if this one is locked, proceed a
further 200m and drive through the farm gate which has a sign about the wetland
on it. Google Maps link
Cox Scrub: The park is situated on
the Ashbourne to Goolwa road, about 6km south of Ashbourne. Use the northern
end car park. Google Maps link
2.3.3 Deep Creek CP
Key Species: Australasian Gannet,
Wedge-tailed Eagle, Adelaide Rosella ssp. fleurieuensis, White-throated
Treecreeper, Yellow-faced Honeyeater, Chestnut-rumped
Heathwren, Southern Emu-wren, Tawny-crowned
Honeyeater, Golden Whistler, Scarlet Robin, Flame Robin, Beautiful Firetail.
Deep Creek is the largest
conservation park on the Fleurieu Peninsula, and protects a variety of
landscapes, from stunted coastal heathland to Red Stringybark forests. There
are many bird species to be found in this park, along with plenty of other
fauna such as kangaroos, echidnas and large goannas. The population of Southern
Emu-wrens in dry heath in Deep Creek Conservation Park is estimated at 300+.
Heathwrens and emu-wrens are confined to dense, heath-like vegetation and
dense, low shrubby vegetation covering parts of the park.
Directions:
The park is reached via the small
town of Delamere on the southern tip of the Fleurieu. Follow Main South Road
all the way down through Yankalilla and Normanville. Continue towards
Rapid Bay and Cape Jervis, turning left at Delamere, along Cole Road.
Follow the signs from here. A small entry fee is payable. Google Maps link
Accommodation:
There are good camp sites situated
around the park, some even with hot showers. A number of cottages are
available for hire at different locations within the Park, ranging from rustic
to very modern. Phone (08) 8598 0263 or click here.
Key Species: Australasian Gannet, Shy Albatross, Black-browed Albatross, Yellow-nosed Albatross, Great
Skua, Northern Giant Petrel, Southern Giant
Petrel, Fluttering Shearwater, White-bellied Sea-eagle, Red-capped Plover, Hooded Plover, Brush Bronzewing, Elegant Parrot, Rock Parrot, White-throated
Treecreeper, Yellow-faced Honeyeater, Tawny-crowned Honeyeater,
White-browed Babbler, Red-browed Finch, Beautiful
Firetail.
Situated 7 km west of Victor
Harbor on the southern coast of the Fleurieu Peninsula, Newland Head
Conservation protects two long beaches, the rocky headland which the park takes
its name from and surrounding coastal vegetation. Rolling hills and rugged
cliffs provide panoramic views of the Waitpinga Creek, Encounter Bay, The Pages
in Backstairs Passage and Kangaroo Island. It is one of the few good spots in
SA for sea watching, particularly after rough weather. The walk to
Newland Head is steep and takes at least thirty minutes.
Directions:
Take Main South Road or the
Southern Expressway out of Adelaide heading south, and follow the signs to
Victor Harbor. In Victor Harbor cross the Newland Bridge over the Inman River
and take the Waitpinga Road to the left of the roundabout. Veer left at the
junction 5.2 km out. A further 6.6 km on there is a signed turnoff to
Waitpinga Beach/Newland Head Conservation Park. On the left at 2.7 km is
the campground. Look here for White-browed Babbler, Golden Whistler, Beautiful
Firetail and Red-browed Finch. Google Maps link
A walk along the Heysen Trail to
the cliff top, about 30 minutes, may bring sightings of the White-bellied
Sea-eagle and Australasian Gannet. The road continues to Waitpinga Beach Car
Park. Walk along the beach to the creek estuary. Hooded Plover breeds on this
beach. Google Maps link
Key species: White-throated
Treecreeper, Chestnut-rumped Heathwren, Yellow-faced Honeyeater, Eastern
Spinebill, Bassian
Thrush
Mt Billy CP is reputed to have
Chestnut-rumped Heathwren and Bassian Thrush. Nearby, the
falls viewing area is a 300m walk from the carpark. This is open forest of
Stringybark with closed shrubland understorey in the upper reaches of the
Hindmarsh River. A few species to look for are Bassian Thrush (rarely seen in
recent years), White-browed Scrubwren, Eastern Spinebill, Yellow-faced
Honeyeater and White-throated Treecreeper.
Directions:
8 km north of Victor Harbor on the
Adelaide Road take the Myponga turnoff and travel 9 km through the
Hindmarsh Valley. This road passes Mt Billy CP where there are walking trails.
Past the CP there is a signed turnoff to the falls. 1 km of gravel road
will bring you to a car park and picnic area.
Google Maps link for Mt Billy
CP Google Maps link for Hindmarsh Falls
Key Species: Fairy Penguin, Australasian Gannet Hooded
Plover, Rock Parrot
Granite Island near Victor Harbour
offers fine whalewatching between June - September.
The island contains a resident colony of Fairy Penguins. Look in their burrows
during the day, or join an evening penguin tour (for bookings phone 08
85527555) departing from the Cafe each evening. Google Maps link. At the
Bluff, a prominent feature at the coastline south-west of Victor Harbour, Rock Parrot
can sometimes be found in amongst the grass and the granite rocks. In winter,
especially during and directly after gales, the island is a good place from
which to seawatch. Google Maps link
Key species: Hooded Plover, Red-browed Finch.
The Hindmarsh River enters the sea
1 km north-east of the Post Office.
To explore the western side, parking is available close to the mouth, on
the esplanade (Bridge Terrace). On the eastern side there is a parking bay on
Hindmarsh Road adjacent to a boardwalk which passes through the backwaters to
the beach. Migratory waders, egret, cormorants and duck species may be seen
here. Where the walking track meets the beach, Hooded Plovers can often be
found. On the upstream side of Hindmarsh Road a walk follows the river passing
through tea-tree and melaleuca to an area of larger eucalypts. The path leads
to the Greenhills Adventure Park. Along the walk, Black-chinned Honeyeater
Crested Shrike-tit have been recorded. Google Maps link
Key species: Hooded Plover
Visit Kent Reserve on the western
side of the Inman River. A stroll along the beach or inland along the river bank could be rewarding. Hooded Plover breed on
the beach here. Black-fronted Dotterel and many bush and water birds frequent
the area. Google Maps link
Key species: Lewin’s Rail, Buff-banded Rail, Baillon’s,
Australian Spotted and Spotless Crake, Crested Shrike-tit, Black-chinned
Honeyeater
The main ponds are fenced off but can be seen quite easily, and it is possible to walk
around their perimeter. At times they hold quite a selection of waterfowl.
Common Sandpiper is often present in summer, and to one side of the works there
is a swamp that is good for rails and crakes. Lewin’s Rail, Buff-banded Rail,
Baillon’s, Australian Spotted and Spotless Crake have all been seen here. The
extensive reeds at the rear of the ponds are worth searching for Australian
Bittern. In nearby trees interesting species such Black-chinned Honeyeater
Crested Shrike-tit have been recorded.
Directions: Leave Victor Harbor on
Seaview and Greenhills Rd, turn left onto Pages Rd, then left onto Cemetery Rd,
and right onto Henderson Rd: the ponds can be seen along here. Google Maps link
2.3.10 Goolwa barrage √
Key
species: All cormorant species including Black-faced Cormorant, Lewin’s
Rail, Buff-banded Rail, Baillon’s,
Australian Spotted and Spotless Crake, Latham’s Snipe, waders,
waterfowl, Little Tern, Fairy Tern
Like other sites along the shores
of the Lower Lakes, water levels will determine the amount of birdlife present
here. This can vary between years and even between months.
Directions: From the Port Elliot
Road turn south into Oliver Street at the Mobil Service Station. Cross over the
train line and turn left at the T-junction into Barrage Road. Follow around the
water's edge to the bird hide on the left. Great and sometimes Intermediate
Egret, and various rails, crakes and other watefowl (including Latham’s Snipe)
are often seen here. Good species such as Lewin’s Rail, Long-toed Stint,
Pectoral Sandpiper and Freckled Duck have been seen from here. Continue along
Barrage Road to the Goolwa Barrage car park. Take a short walk on to the
barrage walkway. Scan the flocks of cormorant for Black-faced Cormorant, while
amongst the terns, Little and Fairy Tern are not out of the question.
Google Maps link – the barrage is the thin dotted
line across the water
Just before the Barrage car park is
a signed turn to No 19 Beacon boat ramp which is 2.3 km on the saltwater side
of the barrage. Along this stretch during the summer months, many migratory
birds such as Sharp-tailed and Curlew Sandpiper, Greenshank and Red-necked
Stint feed on the mud flats at low tide. Resident water birds include
Black-winged Stilt, Little and Fairy Tern and Red-necked Avocet. Singing
Honeyeater are prevalent in the coastal vegetation and watch for Swamp Harrier
overhead. Out in the main river channel you may see Great-crested Grebe and
Musk Duck. An extended walk to the Murray Mouth and the ocean beach begins at
the Beacon 19 car park where you will find a map and details on an information
board. Google Maps link (A is the site)
Key
species: Baillon’s, Australian
Spotted Crake, Black-tailed
Native-hen, Musk Duck, Blue-billed Duck, Freckled Duck, Australasian
Shoveler, Pink-eared Duck, other waterfowl, Goldfinch, Red-browed Finch
At the northern end of Goolwa’s
main street, turn into into Kessel Road (near a plant nursery). Drive 1 km
along Kessel Road and turn right into the ponds at the ETSA sub-station. A
variety of water birds visit here including Musk, Freckled, Pink-eared and
Blue-billed Ducks, Australasian Shoveler, Black-tailed Native-hen and Red-kneed
Dotterel. Look for crake and rail in the surrounding swampy areas, and Superb
Fairy-wren, Red-browed Finch, White-fronted Chat, honeyeaters and birds of prey
in surrounding bush and flying overhead. These ponds do not always have water
in them. Google Maps link
Key species: migratory waders,
Sooty Oystercatcher, Sanderling, Hooded
Plover, Rock Parrot, (Orange-bellied
Parrot has been recorded), Brush Bronzewing
The Murray Mouth can be accessed
via Hindmarsh Island or via the beach at Goolwa. On the beach between Goolwa
and the mouth, where driving is permitted (4WD only), Hooded Plover can often
be seen particularly in winter. At the Murray Mouth proper varying numbers of
migratory waders, egrets, ducks, terns etc are often found, depending on the
season. In winter keep an eye open for Rock Parrot in the dunes.
Directions:
Via Hindmarsh Island: Cross the bridge
and after a few km you will find an old stone hall on the left side of the
road, turn right here. Follow the signs to the Murray Mouth carpark. Check the
dunes near both carparks for Neophema
parrots.
Via the beach (4WD only): In Goolwa,
turn onto Beach Rd (heading south) from the Victor Harbor-Goolwa road. Turn
left at the carpark and head down and turn left onto the beach (beach on your
right, dunes on the left). Lately the last bit of the beach has been blocked
off due to sand dredging operations. When you do reach the mouth you can return
via the beach, or a rough track which follows the river. Although this track
can be hard to follow and is overgrown with vegetation at times, you will see
plenty of bird life along the way. In winter keep an eye open for Neophema parrots in these dunes. Google Maps link
2.4 Adelaide Hills
A string of Conservation Parks are
found in the Adelaide hills, each with its own character. Different species of
Robin and Musk, Rainbow and Purple-Crowned Lorikeet are
easily located here, as well as Adelaide Rosella. A rich variety of Honeyeaters
including Eastern Spinebill, New-Holland, Tawny Crowned, Fuscous, Black-chinned
etc. together with White-throated Treecreeper, Chestnut-rumped Heathwren,
Crested Shrike-tit inhabit the area.
Contacts:
Adelaide Hills Tourism: http://www.visitadelaidehills.com.au/index1.htm
South Australian Tourism
Commission – Adelaide Hills pages: http://www.southaustralia.com/AdelaideHillsNature.aspx
Department of Environment &
Heritage – Adelaide Hills Parks: http://www.environment.sa.gov.au/parks/visitor/adelaide.html
Department of Environment &
Heritage – Botanic Gardens: http://www.environment.sa.gov.au/botanicgardens/gardens/mtlofty.html
Accommodation: There is plenty of
accommodation ranging from backpacker hostels, caravan parks and national park campgrounds
to upmarket resorts, hotels and boutique B&B’s. See the websites under
Contacts.
Key species: Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo, Eastern
Rosella, Adelaide Rosella, Musk Lorikeet, Fan-tailed Cuckoo, Scarlet
Robin, Golden Whistler, Chestnut-rumped Heathwren (parkeri),
White-throated Treecreeper, Eastern Spinebill, Yellow-faced, White-naped and Crescent Honeyeater.
Just 12 kilometres from the
Adelaide city centre, Cleland Conservation Park conserves a vital area of
natural bushland on the Adelaide Hills face and includes the internationally
popular Cleland Wildlife Park, the viewing platform of Mt Lofty Summit and
scenic Waterfall Gully. Within its 1,000 hectares, Cleland Conservation Park
offers visitors a variety of walking trails that provide fascinating insights
into the diverse wildlife and cultural heritage of the area. Vegetation on the
higher slopes is predominantly stringybark forest with a complex understorey of
small trees and shrubs. The lower woodlands on the northern side of the Park
contain significant stands of Blue Gum and Manna Gum which give way to open
grasslands.
Along the Waterfall Gully trail,
Chestnut-rumped Heathwren has been recorded.
Directions:
Driving from the city, take Glen
Osmond Road to the South Eastern Freeway. Exit at Crafers and turn left at the
roundabout. Follow Summit Road (Mt Lofty Scenic Route) to the Cleland turn-off.
A small entry fee applies. Click here for info and a map. Google Maps link
Key Species: Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo, Eastern
Rosella, Adelaide Rosella, Musk Lorikeet, Purple-crowned Lorikeet,
Fan-tailed Cuckoo, Crested Shrike-tit, Varied Sittella, Brown Treecreeper,
White-throated Treecreeper, Eastern Spinebill, Yellow-faced, White-naped and Crescent Honeyeater.
One of Adelaide's most popular
parks, Belair is situated east of Adelaide in the foothills. There are ovals,
tennis courts and large picnic areas. The habitat is mostly open woodland with
some majestic gum trees, while on the higher slopes the dry sclerophyll forest
is dominated by messmate stringybark. There are creeks and lakes to explore as
well. Look out for Koalas and Southern Brown Bandicoots.
A walk along Jubilee Drive, east
of the native plant nursery should produce Common and occasionally Brush
Bronzewing, Fan-tailed Cuckoo, Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike, Crested Shrike-tit,
Rufous Whistler, White-browed Scrubwren, Striated Thornbill, Varied Sittella,
White-throated Treecreeper, Yellow-faced, White-naped and Crescent Honeyeater.
This is one of the last remaining sites near Adelaide for Brown Treecreeper but
it may be extinct by now. Generally most birds are more numerous during spring and
summer when the wildflowers and eucalypts are in flower. Eastern Rosella has been
introduced to SA and can also be seen here.
Directions:
Take Unley Road and follow the signs through Belair to the Park, just off Upper
Sturt Road. Google Maps link
2.4.3 Morialta and Black Hill CPs
Key species: Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo, Eastern Rosella, Adelaide Rosella, Musk Lorikeet, Fan-tailed Cuckoo, Scarlet
Robin, Crested Shrike-tit, Chestnut-rumped
Heathwren
(parkeri), White-browed Scrubwren, White-throated
Treecreeper, Eastern Spinebill, Yellow-faced, White-naped and Crescent
Honeyeater.
Similar in character and birdlife
to Belair, but without the recreational facilities, Morialta Conservation Park
is located 10 km northeast of the Adelaide GPO. The park covers an area of 533
hectares and is joined to Black Hill Conservation Park to the north by Fifth
Creek and Montacute Road. The suburb of Rostrevor adjoins the western
boundary of the Park while agricultural and quarrying activity occurs along the
eastern boundary. The southern boundary is partly defined by the ridge which
carries the Norton Summit Road.
Morialta Conservation Park
conserves spectacular rugged ridges and gully including the Morialta Gorge, and
3 waterfalls. Chestnut-rumped Heathwren occur in the dense shrubby vegetation
behind the 2nd and 3rd waterfall.
Directions: The main car entrance
and parking area is at Stradbroke Road. The park is open from 8:15 am to 15
mins before sunset (closed Christmas Day). A small entrance fee applies for
vehicles. Google Maps link
Black Hill Conservation Park:
Enter from the top end of Addison Rd. Athelstone, go straight ahead for about
100 metres and then take the climbing track which goes up steps to the right.
The track follows hill contours for a few hundred metres to where a small track
branches off to your right. Chestnut-rumped Heathwren can often be seen around
this area. Google Maps link
More info on Morialta and Black Hill Conservation Parks
Key species: Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo, Adelaide
Rosella, Musk Lorikeet, Fan-tailed
Cuckoo, Bassian Thrush, Chestnut-rumped
Heathwren (parkeri), White-browed
Scrubwren, White-throated Treecreeper, Yellow-faced,
White-naped and Crescent Honeyeater, Red-browed Finch.
The walking tracks around the summit
of Mt Lofty ( Google Maps link ) are
worth visiting in the early hours of the morning, before the tourists arrive.
It is a very scenic area and provides an easy introduction to some of the
better Mt Lofty ranges bush birds. There is a track from here down to Waterfall
Gully where Chestnut-rumped
Heathwren (parkeri) has been recorded. The nearby
botanical gardens are home to one of the last few Bassian Thrushes as well as
many of the already mentioned species. There is a top entrance (Mawson Dr) and
a bottom entrance (Lambert Rd). Google Maps link
Key species: Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo, Adelaide Rosella, Musk Lorikeet, Sacred Kingfisher, Fan-tailed Cuckoo, White-browed
Scrubwren, White-throated Treecreeper, Yellow-faced,
White-naped and Crescent Honeyeater, Red-browed Finch.
With a higher annual rainfall than
its surrounding areas and cool winter conditions due
to its altitude, Mt George Conservation Park supports a great variety of
vegetation and spectacular spring flowers. Here you will find peaflowers,
ground-hugging correas and various native orchids. Sacred Kingfisher may be
seen near the creek or the pool, while White-throated Treecreeper, Superb
Fairy-wren, White-browed Scrubwren, Crescent Honeyeater, Scarlet Robin and
Red-browed Finch are often observed around the trees and shrubs. The creek and
pool are home to waterbirds.
Directions:
The park is located on the
northern side of the South-Eastern Freeway (M1), near the township of
Bridgewater. Take the Bridgewater exit, then go over the bridge over the M1 and
take the first road left. Follow the signs. Google Maps link
Key species: Emu, Brush
Bronzewing, Purple-crowned Lorikeet, Adelaide Rosella, Horsfield’s
Bronze-cuckoo, Rainbow Bee-eater, Australian Owlet-nightjar, Scarlet Robin, Hooded Robin, Jacky Winter,
Restless Flycatcher, White-browed Babbler, Southern Whiteface,
Brown Treecreeper, White-naped Honeyeater, Black-chinned Honeyeater,
Crescent, Brown-headed and
Tawny-crowned Honeyeater, Diamond
Firetail, White-winged Chough
Most of this 1,409 hectare park is
covered with eucalypts of drier semi-open woodland, predominantly Long-leafed
Box, Pink gum, and Blue Gum together with scattered native pines. Beneath the
trees lies a mosaic of plants such as yaccas and heaths. Golden wattles mark
the arrival of spring when the bush comes alive with a profusion of colourful
wildflowers. The park supports more than 100 species of birds, some of which
are not found readily elsewhere in the Adelaide Hills due to the drier nature
of the of the park. These include Horsfield’s Bronze-cuckoo, Australian
Owlet-nightjar, Rainbow Bee-eater, Hooded Robin, Jacky Winter, Restless
Flycatcher, White-browed Babbler, Southern Whiteface (South Oval), Brown
Treecreeper, Brown-headed and Tawny-crowned Honeyeater, Diamond Firetail (open
woodland) and White-winged Chough. The Black-chinned Honeyeater, once
widespread in the Mt Lofty Ranges but now rather rare, still occurs in the
park, particularly along the South Para River. Look for its blue eye-crescent
(the White-naped has a red crescent) and listen for its high-pitched, grating
call.
The most visible mammal is the
Western Grey Kangaroo, frequently seen grazing at dawn and dusk. As evening
falls, the quiet observer may occasionally see the Short-beaked Echidna. Forest
litter, rocks and trees provide homes for the park’s reptiles which include
Bearded Dragon, Sleepy Lizards and Striped Skink-lizard.
Directions: Take Main North Road
towards Gawler, turning right along Black Top Road. Follow the signs to
the park. A small entry fee applies. Google Maps link
Accommodation at Mack Creek Hut
can be arranged though the NP&WS Para Wirra Office on (08) 8280 7048, or there is
a caravan park nearby at Williamstown - phone (08) 85246363.
Key species: Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo, Buff-rumped Thornbill, Striated
Thornbill, Yellow-rumped Thornbill, Fuscous Honeyeater.
A mix of pine plantations and
native bushland, Mount Crawford is one of the
largest afforested areas in the Adelaide Hills. There are plenty of walking
tracks as well as unsealed roads suitable for most vehicles (except for after
heavy rain). It is worth checking the gully near the communications tower for
Fuscous Honeyeater.
Mount Crawford is signposted in
Williamstown. Williamstown is accessed by heading north along Main North Road
towards Gawler. In the main street of Gawler turn right onto Lyndoch Rd and
after about 4 kms turn right towards Williamstown/Kersbrook (Balmoral Rd,
becomes Williamstown Rd). Follow the signs to Williamstown. (Alternatively you
can take North East Road to Gumeracha, then turn off towards Williamstown.
Driving from Gumeracha to Williamstown you will pass through the Mt Crawford
Forest). You will soon see the pine plantations and native forests. There is a
forestry office on the northern side of the road which is open for information
(maps etc) 9-11 am daily. The best site for the above-mentioned species is the
walk to the communications tower. Just past the forestry office there is a
turnoff to Tower Rd on the southern side of the road. Follow this to the end
and park here. It is about a half-hour walk to the top of the hill, and the
honeyeaters are usually calling in the gully.
More info and a
map Google Maps link
Key species: Yellow-billed and
Royal Spoonbill, ducks including Pink-eared,
Blue-billed, Musk Duck and Freckled Duck,
Australian Spotted Crake, Spotless
Crake, Baillon's Crake, Buff-banded Rail, Latham’s Snipe, Long-billed Corella, Adelaide Rosella, Musk
Lorikeet and Puple-crowned Lorikeet, Crested
Shrike-tit, White-plumed Honeyeater.
Located on the edge of Mt Barker,
these well-landscaped stormwater recycling wetlands are excellent to observe
crakes and rails at close range. As the newly planted trees grow, more bush
birds become attracted to the area, with species such as Crested Shrike-tit and
various honeyeaters regularly observed. From the car park you can walk around
all of the ponds – there is a map at the entrance. If you continue NE along
Bald Hills road (ie. past the carpark) and take the first road left, after a
little while you will see the effluent treatment lagoons on your left from a
rise. Here Freckled Duck is sometimes observed.
Directions: Take the Mt Barker
exit off of the M1. Turn left onto Alexandrina Road. Left again onto Bald Hills
road. After a few km’s there is a carpark on the left on the edge of the
wetland complex.
Click here for a map and other
info. Google Maps link
Key species: Malleefowl, Common
Bronzewing, Adelaide Rosella, Red-rumped Parrot, Purple-crowned
Lorikeet, Grey Shrike Thrush, Red-capped Robin, Hooded Robin, Southern
Scrub-robin, Golden Whistler, Restless Flycatcher, Grey
Fantail, White-browed Babbler, Shy
Heathwren, Southern Whiteface, Yellow-rumped Thornbill, Brown-headed
Honeyeater, New Holland Honeyeater, Singing Honeyeater, Purple-gaped Honeyeater, Tawny-crowned
Honeyeater, Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater, Red Wattlebird, Spotted and Striated
Pardalote, Diamond Firetail, White-winged Chough.
Monarto consists of a c. 30
year old revegetation area, which is the subject of much research by Adelaide
University on the use of such areas by birds. There is also a conservation
park. If you don’t have time to head to one of the mallee reserves, this is
probably as good as it gets not far from Adelaide.
Access: Just off the freeway (M1)
between Adelaide and Murray Bridge, take the Monarto exit, turn left towards
Callington and after a few km’s right onto Brown's Road. Check for flowering
eucalypts. The patches with more under undergrowth are generally better, but
birds can occur anywhere in the area. The actual Conservation Park is on the
other side of the freeway, from the same exit turn right and proceed south for
a few km’s until you come to a small car park on your right. From the walking
trail through the scrubby, heathy vegetation look for Southern Scrub-robinm Shy
Heathwren, Purple-gaped and Tawny-crowned Honeyeater.
A bit further south along the same
unsealed road is Ferries-McDonald CP with much the same species. In both parks,
a small population of Malleefowl tethers on the brink of extinction.
Google Maps link for Monarto
Revegetation area Google Maps link for Monarto
CP Google Maps link for Ferries-McDonald
CP
The Barossa Valley is famous
for its wine and food. There are no bird species that cannot be found
elsewhere, but birders that happen to be in the area might like to check out the
following two places.
Contacts:
South Australian Tourism Commission – Barossa Valley
pages:
http://www.southaustralia.com/Barossa.aspx
Accommodation: There is plenty of accommodation with a
focus on B&B’s, hotels, resorts with a couple of caravan parks and a
backpacker hostel. See the website under Contacts.
Key Species: Freckled Duck,
Blue-billed Duck, Pink-eared Duck
Directions: Go through the main
street of Tanunda heading south. At the end of the village, just over a bridge, the road makes a sharp curve to the left (in front of
some pine trees). Turn off to the right here (Gomersal Rd). Follow this along
until it becomes a dirt road and after a short while turn left onto Archery Rd
from where you can see the ponds on your left.
Google Maps link
Key Species: Scarlet Robin,
White-naped Honeyeater and other interesting species.
Directions: From Tanunda take the
main Tanunda-Angaston road (Mengler’s Hill Road) for 8 kms to the
right turn-off onto Tanunda Creek Road. The park gate is on the right, 4 kms
from the turn-off. The park is quite pretty and with a circular walk that will
take at least an hour to complete.
Google Maps link
Key Species: Rainbow Bee-eater,
White-browed Babbler, Crested Shrike-tit, White-winged Chough, Rufous
Whistler, Eastern Spinebill, Golden Whistler, Diamond Firetail, Zebra Finch, Scarlet Robin, Peaceful Dove, Fan-tailed
Cuckoo, Hooded Robin, Red-browed Finch, Grey Butcherbird, Red-capped Robin.
Sandy Creek conserves some of the
last remaining vegetation of the sandy soil lowlands of the Barossa Valley, and
has a rich diversity of the birdlife. Unfortunately, bird populations have been
affected by changes to habitat due to weed infestations. There are a number of
walking tracks through the park, which consists mainly of open woodland.
Directions: Travelling from
Adelaide, Sandy Creek Conservation Park is about an hour’s drive via Gawler and
the Barossa Valley Highway. The turn-off to the park is about 10.5 kms north of
Gawler and 2.5 kms past the small Sandy Creek township. Turn right off the
highway into Conservation Park Road and follow the dirt track to the car park
at the end. Google Maps link
3.0 RIVERLAND AND MALLEE
The Riverland presents some
excellent opportunities for birdwatching. The area stretches from Blanchetown,
about an hour and a half drive from Adelaide, to Renmark close to the Vic/NSW
border. The River Murray traverses the area and is lined with
wetlands and floodplains and on the higher grounds you find extensive areas of
Mallee as well as orchards and vineyards. The Mallee eucalypt scrubland of
Australia is one of the most endangered vegetation types in the world, with
approximately 80% cleared for agriculture in the past 150 years. The mallee,
like many parts of Australia, has not responded well to imposed European style
land use. The fragile soils and vegetation continue to be overexposed to
grazing and inappropriate land use. Still, some large tracts of mallee remain
and contain populations of endangered species such as Malleefowl, Red-lored
Whistler and Black-eared Miner. The flora and fauna of the region are highly
adaptable to tolerate low erratic rainfall and extremes of temperature ranging
from minus 4°C overnight to 16°C daytime during winter, while during the long
summers temperatures range from warm to hot. Temperatures in excess of 40°C are
common. From Adelaide, take the A20 (Main North Road and Sturt Highway) to
reach the district. When walking off into the bush, be sure to take a GPS or
compass to avoid getting lost.
The main
attraction here is Birds Australia’s Gluepot Reserve. It really pays to make
the effort to go there. Alternatively take a guided birding tour: click here. There are
also a number of good birding sites to be found in the direct vicinity of
the Sturt Highway on the way to the Riverland.
Accommodation:
mainly motels, caravan parks, country pubs, and a few backpacker hostels and
national park campgrounds. Boutique B&B’s and other more upmarket types of
accommodation are scarce. The websites under Contacts provide a
starting point.
Contacts:
South Australian Tourism Commission – Riverland pages: http://www.southaustralia.com/Riverland.aspx
Department of Environment & Heritage – Riverland & Mallee parks:
http://www.environment.sa.gov.au/parks/visitor/murraylands.html
Key Species: Emu, Red-Backed
Kingfisher, Australian (Mallee) Ringneck,
Mulga Parrot, Blue Bonnet, Cockatiel,
Budgerigar, Splendid Fairy-Wren, Redthroat, White-Browed
Babbler, Chestnut-crowned Babbler, White-fronted Honeyeater, Crimson Chat,
White-fronted Chat Gilbert’s Whistler, Crested Bellbird, Red-Capped
Robin, Hooded Robin, Jacky Winter, Southern Scrub-Robin, Chestnut Quail-Thrush, Restless Flycatcher,
White-Winged Triller, Grey Butcherbird, White-winged Chough
Brookfield was set aside for the
preservation of the Southern Hairy-nosed Wombat. There are a great many
wombat burrows dotted throughout the park. If you are there at dusk, you
might spot one just as it is emerging for the night's feeding. The
ecology is fragile here, so please take care not to trample the ground. This
used to be a site for Bush Stone-curlews but they are now likely extinct due to
fox predation.
Directions: The entrance is along
the Sturt Highway, and is signposted 34 km east of Truro and 11 km west of
Blanchetown. Google Maps link
Key Species: as for Brookfield.
Swan Reach Park is situated 10 km
West of Swan Reach on the sealed Swan Reach to Sedan road. The Park adjoins the
road and hence access to the boundary is available to
conventional vehicles. The main purpose of the Park is to protect the habitat
of the Hairy-nosed Wombat. Some areas have been cleared and now exist as
grassland. The landscape is typical of the country east of the River Murray and
has extensive areas of mallee over an understorey of Spear Grass and ephemeral
herbs. Some 59 species of birds have been recorded, including Cockatiel,
Australian Ringneck White-winged Choughs.
For further information please
contact NPWS Mallee District Office (08) 8576 3690. Google Maps link
Key Species: As for Brookfield,
with the addition of Malleefowl. Mallee Whipbird used to occur
here and occasionally, and every once in a while birders still claim to hear
one here.
Bakara Conservation Park is
located 32 km East of Swan Reach on the Swan Reach
to Loxton Road. It was established to conserve the Malleefowl habitat. It is a
gently undulating calcrete plain with low easterly trending
sand dunes and shallow depressions in the east dominated by Mallee vegetation.
In the west a parabolic dune system covers the majority of the Park. A unique
feature is that the Park is on the boundary between 2 types of dunes and this
contributes to the high diversity in the numbers of plants growing here.
For further
information please contact the NPWS Mallee District Office (08) 8576 3690. Google
Maps link
Key
species: Raptors, including Black Falcon
Along the
Sturt Highway, about 2 kilometres or so east of
the bridge (near Blanchetown) over the river Murray is a turnoff to Morgan.
This road leads over the top of the cliffs following the
River Murray, with one proper and a few makeshift lookouts on the left-hand
side.
Key species: Musk Duck, Freckled Duck, Blue-winged Duck, Regent Parrot,
Horsfield’s Bronze-cuckoo
This small conservation park is
located on the southern side of the River Murray just near the ferry at Morgan. Dirt tracks lead off to the
well-vegetated lagoons. The vegetation on the river sand dunes and flats is
quite unique, and can harbour interesting species. The main shrub is Prickly
Bottlebrush, a local endemic. There is one main dirt road through the Park with
many interesting opportunities to stop.
Freckled Duck are nomadic species
that breed in Outback waterways and spend their non-breeding period in wetlands
near the Murray River. Google Maps link
Key species: Redthroat,
Black-eared Cuckoo, Horsfield’s Bronze-cuckoo, Chestnut-crowned Babbler,
honeyeaters, chats
Just past the start of unsealed
Promnitz Rd, along the sealed road from Morgan to Eudunda, is a reliable site
for Redthroat. Heading out of Morgan towards Eudunda, approx 1.5 km past the
110 km speed limit sign is a turnoff to the left, where an old railway reserve
on the left-hand side (without the railway) is overgrown with Eremophila
shrubs. A pair of Redthroats has a territory here. In good rainfall years,
between September – November, when the Eremophilas are flowering, you often
find Pied and Black Honeyeater, and Crimson Chat here. Near this site,
Promnitz road veers off to the right. After 10 or so kms, it veers sharply
right. A few 100 m’s before this corner, on both sides of the road, is shrubby
vegetation that holds Redthroat and babblers. In the taller trees, cuckoos can
be heard in season (Aug – Dec). Past the corner, closer to the point where
Promnitz road joins the Morgan-Burra road, Crimson and Orange chats can be
found in the grassy plains, if the conditions are right. Google Maps link
3.1.7 Birds Australia Gluepot Reserve √
Key species: Malleefowl,
Brown Goshawk, Collared Sparrowhawk, Brown Falcon, Black Falcon,
Peregrine Falcon, Australian Hobby, Little Button-quail, Red-chested
Button-quail, Painted Button-quail, Australian Pratincole, Major Mitchell’s Cockatoo,
Cockatiel, Musk Lorikeet, Purple-crowned Lorikeet, Regent Parrot,
Australian (Mallee) Ringneck, Blue Bonnet, Mulga Parrot, Budgerigar, Elegant
Parrot, Scarlet-chested Parrot, Pallid Cuckoo, Black-eared Cuckoo,
Horsfield’s Bronze-cuckoo, Tawny Frogmouth, Australian Owlet-Nightjar, Spotted
Nightjar, Red-backed Kingfisher, White-browed Treecreeper,
Splendid Fairy-wren, Variegated Fairy-wren,
Striated Grasswren, Shy Heathwren, Redthroat, Inland,
Chestnut-rumped and Yellow-rumped Thornbill, Striped, White-eared, Yellow-plumed,
Brown-headed, White-fronted, Black and Pied Honeyeater, Black-eared
Miner, White-fronted, Crimson and Orange Chat, Jacky Winter,
Red-capped and Hooded Robin, Southern Scrub-robin, White-browed and
Chestnut-crowned Babbler, Chestnut Quail-thrush, Varied Sittella,
Crested Bellbird, Red-lored, Gilbert’s, Golden and Rufous Whistler,
Grey Shrike-thrush, Restless Flycatcher, Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike, White-breasted, Masked, White-browed, Black-faced
and Dusky Woodswallow, Grey and Pied Butcherbird, White-winged Chough,
Apostlebird and more.
Birds Australia's Gluepot Reserve
is arguably the best area for mallee birding in Australia, and warrants a few
days exploring. During the Birds Australia Atlas Project, Gluepot had the
highest density of atlas forms submitted for the country. The combination of
high visitation by birdwatchers and scientific research means an extensive (and
still growing) birdlist exists with a number of rarities. Most of the species
listed above can be expected to be found if you are prepared to spend a few
full-on days birding, particularly during spring – early summer. The rarities
listed have been recorded more than once and could with a bit of luck turn up
again. There is a whiteboard in the visitor’s centre that lists recent sightings.
Maps of tracks, campsites and locations of bird hides and other sites of
interest listed in this section are available from the visitor’s centre or from
the website. A CD with
Gluepot bird calls is for sale from the visitor’s centre or from the website. The full pdf version of
the SA Birding Site Guide provides more detailed information for Gluepot.
Click here to download.
Guided birding tours are
offered: click here.
As a result of genetic dispersion
due to interbreeding with Yellow-throated Miners, the Black-eared Miner
is critically endangered on a national scale but stable in the Mallee complex
that includes Gluepot. Carefully check any group of Miners you come across. There
are a number of Black-eared Miner colonies, and although many contain
hybrids, over a third of colonies contain mainly phenotypically pure Black-
eared Miners. The Black-eared Miner closely resembles the Yellow-throated
Miner, and care needs to be taken to properly identify potential Black-eareds.
A comprehensive Identification Sheet has been developed by Rohan Clarke and the
Black-eared Miner Recovery Team. More
info on the Black-eared Miner.
The full pdf version of the SA Birding Site Guide contains more
species-specific information as well as visitor and site information not found
in the on-line version. Click here to download.
Directions: Gluepot is 64 km or
about an hour's drive north of Waikerie, of which the last 50 km over
well-maintained dirt tracks. Cross the Murray River by ferry. At the T-junction
turn left towards Morgan. After a few km’s turn right onto an unsealed road.
There is an inconspicuous brown sign here pointing to Gluepot. From here it’s
signposted for some 50 km over unsealed roads. Once arrived at Gluepot you need
to register in the visitor centre and a small entry fee is payable to non-Birds
Australia members. There are campsites, an information centre with information
on latest sightings, and (volunteer) rangers. Check out the Gluepot website
for the latest information, maps and a birdlist.
The full pdf version of
the SA Birding Site Guide provides visitor information and more detail
on birding sites within Gluepot Reserve. Click here to download.
Alternatively take a guided birding tour: click here. Google Maps link
Key species: Malleefowl, Purple-crowned Lorikeet, Regent
Parrot, Australian (Mallee) Ringneck, Blue Bonnet, Mulga Parrot, Tawny
Frogmouth, Spotted Nightjar, Striated Grasswren, Inland, Chestnut-rumped
and Yellow-rumped Thornbill,
Striped, White-eared, Yellow-plumed, Brown-headed, White-fronted, Black-eared Miner, Jacky Winter,
Red-capped and Hooded Robin, White-browed and Chestnut-crowned Babbler, Chestnut
Quail-thrush, Varied Sittella, Crested Bellbird, Red-lored, Gilbert’s and Rufous Whistler, Grey
Shrike-thrush, Restless Flycatcher, Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike, Grey and Pied
Butcherbird, White-winged Chough.
This is a ‘poor man’s Gluepot’. If
you don’t have time to visit Gluepot, Pooginook makes for a good alternative,
although it lacks some of the better species. Large parts of the reserve were
burnt in 2006. Malleefowl have all but disappeared from the area and while
Black-eared Miners used to be seen occasionally here, most miners in Pooginook
nowadays are hybrids and not many pure Black-eared Miners have been found.
Chestnut Quail-thrush and Striated Grasswren can be found in dense areas of
unburnt mallee. There used to be an interesting walking track that crosses
Pooginook West-East from 34˚ 04’ 25S 140˚ 07’ 16E to 34˚
04’ 27S 140˚ 06’ 08E, but the fire has damaged parts of this area.
This is where you would find the honeyeaters, thornbills and some of the other
mallee specialists including Crested Bellbird, Chestnut Quail-thrush and
Striated Grasswren. Also interesting are a few burrows of Southern Hairy-nosed
Wombat near the eastern entrance (on the left of the track). The park will take
up to 10 years to recover.
Directions:
Pooginook CP is about 25km NW of
Waikerie. Cross the River Murray by ferry at Waikerie and continue until a
T-junction. Turn right; follow the road to Renmark for about 20 km.
Keep an eye on the small kilometer
markers on the edge of the road. The entrance is near the marker “R 65”.
Turn left here and a dirt track
(4-wheel drive may be necessary depending on conditions) follows the edge of
the Reserve. Continue on this track until you reach an electricity line, at the
far end of the reserve, which is the best area for birding. You could continue
the track along the fence all the way back to the entrance, this is about 20
km. Google Maps link
Key species: Freckled, Blue-billed and
Musk Duck, Chestnut Teal, Pink-eared Duck, Australian Shoveler,
Australian Shelduck, Royal Spoonbill, Yellow-billed Spoonbill, Banded Stilt, Caspian Tern, Black-tailed Native Hen, Australian
Spotted Crake, Baillon’s Crake, Lewin’s Rail, Regent Parrot, Elegant Parrot, Red-backed Kingfisher,
White-fronted Chat, Southern Whiteface, Orange Chat.
Both lagoons are often teeming
with waterfowl, waders, herons, egrets and terns, although they can be dry at
the end of summer.
Directions:
Hart Lagoon: From the
Shell station in Waikerie head down the hill towards the caravan park. Just
after this on the right is a parking bay for the Hart Lagoon birdhide
(signposted, Google Maps link ). Good
numbers of ducks and waders can be seen, and rails and crakes along the reedy
edges. A walking trail starts here that takes you along the edge of the lagoon
(approx 40 mins one-way, watch out for snakes). The lagoon is often dry during
late summer – early autumn.
Return to the road and continue
on. After 2 km the road curves to the left after a yellow 55 km/h sign. Here a
dirt track leads off to the right, winding down the hill back towards the
lagoon. It leads through a typical lower River Murray floodplain habitat of
open woodland with dense lignum and native grasslands. After 2-3 km the open
sections of floodplain enable good views of a mud peninsula in the lagoon,
which is usually covered in ducks, waders, and terns while egrets and
spoonbills roost in the dead trees.
Ramco Lagoon: Return to
the road and continue on. Drive through the settlement of Ramco. Past the
school is a turnoff to the right with a brown sign “Ramco Point”. It is worth
driving all the way to the end (c. 2 km) along the river (check flowering gum trees),
then working your way back along the lagoon’s edge. Google Maps link
Ramco lagoon is a salty lagoon
along the Murray is very good for ducks and waders. Banded Stilt and Freckled
Duck are sometimes recorded here, as are White-fronted Chat, Black-tailed
Native-hen and several waders. It is often dry during late summer – early
autumn.
Return to the main road and turn
right. A short way along good views over the lagoon can be obtained from a
pullout bay. The vegetated banks on this side provide roosting spots for
waterfowl.
Key species: Yellow-billed
Spoonbill, Caspian Tern, Regent Parrot.
Hogwash Bend is a breeding colony
for Regent Parrots. During the breeding season (July – Nov) there are plenty
here. At other times of the year there are usually always a few birds around,
particularly towards the end of the day. They’re mostly found in the big old
redgums on the banks of the river. During public
holidays it is a very popular camping ground.
Directions: Google Maps link. Hogwash
is along the road from Waikerie to Cadell. The turnoff to Hogwash is 14 km from
Ramco Lagoon; drive down to the edge of the river.
The
full pdf version of the SA Birding Site Guide provides more detail
on these and other birding sites in the wider Waikerie area. Click here to download.
Key species: Malleefowl, Emu, Musk, Blue-billed,
Freckled and Pink-eared Duck,
Wedge-tailed Eagle, Marsh Sandpiper, Greenshank, Banded Stilt,
Red-necked Avocet, Regent Parrot, Horsfield’s Bronze-cuckoo,
Pallid Cuckoo, White-fronted, Orange and Crimson Chat, Southern Whiteface, Gilbert’s Whistler, White-winged Fairy-wren, Black, Pied,
Grey-fronted and White-eared Honeyeater,
White-winged Chough.
Stockyard Plains is a 1870 ha reserve containing a 500 ha large man-made
wetland, into which saline groundwater extracted from beneath a 50 km long
section of Murray River banks is pumped and left evaporate. Surrounding the
water are open saltbush plains and mallee bushland. Some cropping land has been
returned to nature using a range of revegetation techniques. Interpretive
signage is present at the pipeline outfall. Basic camping facilities exist at
Crook’s Ruin. A key to Stockyard Plains can to be obtained (for a refundable
deposit) prior to visiting from the Tourist Information (Orange Tree Kiosk) on
the Sturt Highway just east of Waikerie (08 8541 2332) (daily,
business hours only).
Directions: All tracks are
accessible for normal cars although it might be too slippery after heavy rain.
Follow the Sturt Highway from Waikerie to Adelaide for about 16 km or so. The
turn-off from the highway is at 34˚ 15’ 39S 139˚ 49’ 06E. Google Maps link
Go through the first gate, then
it’s still a few km’s to the reserve. Once inside the second gate go straight
ahead until a track junction. If you go left here this leads through an
interesting area of mallee and more open shrubland. Check this area for
whistlers and honeyeaters. Eventually you’ll see the water on your right. This
track is a dead end and just before the end you can turn right onto a more
basic track. This leads past a bird watering trough to a more open area from
where the lake can be viewed. If you continue along, over a sand dune, past the
fence and then turn right and follow the northern boundary fence (on your
left), keep an ear open for Grey-fronted Honeyeater which occurs in the scrub
to your right. At the end, turn right again, over a sand dune until you can see
the water; turn right here and this leads to the outfall. This latter part of
the track requires a 4WD.
If you turn right at the first
track junction after entering the reserve, this follows the boundary fence for
a while until you can turn sharply left. After 100 or200 m turn right and
follow this to a more open area. Check this for chats and Pied and Black
Honeyeater in the right time of year (spring-early summer, particularly after a
wet winter) and White-winged Fairy-wren. At the outfall, turn right and right
at the end to access the open area with low shrubby vegetation. Check this for
White-winged Fairy-wren.
Key species: Malleefowl
This is a private sanctuary especially attractive for its resident few Malleefowl.
Permission needs to be obtained to access the sanctuary. Phone the owner, Joe Mack, on 0418 806
804. There is a small shack that is available for overnight stays. Near the
basic accommodation are a few birdbaths, which produce
very well in early morning. It is here where David Attenborough filmed
the Malleefowl that featured in “The Life of Birds”.
Directions: From Waikerie take the Sturt Highway inland, and after about 17
kilometres turn right onto West Boundary Road - a well-maintained dirt road.
After about 5 km on your right is the entry into the sanctuary.
Key species: Nankeen Night-heron,
Ducks, Buff-banded Rail, Australian Spotted Crake, Baillon’s Crake, Regent
Parrot, Yellow Rosella,
Cockatiel
Directions: Another 15 km or so
along the Sturt Highway, Banrock is well signposted. In order to get to
the good birding spots, you will need to do their 8 km long walk which
includes a boardwalk, at a fee. Bookings are essential on (08) 8583 0299. Also
check out their website, which
includes an interesting user-controllable webcam.
Key species: Ducks including Freckled, Yellow Rosella, Superb
Fairy-wren, Redthroat
Directions: Just before the
township of Berri on the right-hand side is the Berri Basin (turn off past the
big winery), which is worth checking for ducks. The road continues on to
Katarapko National Park (signposted), with floodplains and wetlands. Maps and
information can be obtained from http://www.environment.sa.gov.au/parks/sanpr/murrayrivernpk/index.html. A site
where Redthroat and Freckled Duck have been recorded is Lyrup Flats. Redthroat
can be found in the low salt/bluebush fields, and the wetland (with lots of
dead trees due to salt) is good for ducks. To get there, continue on through
Berri towards Renmark. Once on the highway on the other side of Berri, partway towards
Renmark there is an overtaking lane leading up a rise. Over the top you’ll see
the saltbush flats on your right. Lyrup Flats is signposted on the right.
Key species: Malleefowl, Striated Grasswren, Shy Heathwren, Chestnut
Quail-thrush, Gilbert’s Whistler,
Red-lored Whistler
This park is covered in mallee
with good patches of spinifex and is a good site for the species listed above.
At times, Red-lored Whistler has been recorded, but not reliably
Directions: Leave Berri taking the
road to Renmark. Once on the highway on the other side of Berri, partway
towards Renmark there is a cement factory on the right-hand side. Opposite
this, on the left-hand side is the turnoff to the park, marked by an
inconspicuous sign. Once you’re past the semi-open areas and into the mallee
scrub proper, bird along the main track and explore paths that lead off of it.
Google Maps link
This fairly remote area substantially
relies on agriculture and has not much to offer to anyone not interested in
farming or birdwatching. The principal reason for venturing this far out would
be to visit two large conservation parks, Billiatt and Ngarkat.
Accommodation:
this area is among the poorest in Australia and townships are basic and far
apart. Accommodation is sparse and consists of the odd motel, caravan park, and
country pubs.
Contacts:
Department
of Environment & Heritage – Mallee parks: http://www.environment.sa.gov.au/parks/visitor/murraylands.html
The Bordertown Cemetery is perhaps
the easiest place to see Bush Stone-Curlew in SA. Another place they have been
recorded here is on the track around the "white kangaroo park".
3.2.2 Ngarkat Conservation Park
Key species: Emu, Malleefowl, Mulga Parrot, Splendid
Fairy-wren, Mallee Emu-wren, Striated
Grasswren, Rufous Fieldwren, Shy Heathwren, Western (Mallee)
Whipbird, Red-lored Whistler, Gilbert’s Whistler, Crested Bellbird, Slender-billed Thornbill, Tawny-crowned Honeyeater, White-fronted Honeyeater, Striped
Honeyeater, Chestnut Quail-thrush,
Varied Sittella, Southern Scrub-robin.
The Ngarkat group of Conservation
Parks is a complex of 4 adjoining parks, individually referred to as Ngarkat,
Scorpion Springs, Mt Rescue, Mt Shaugh and Ngarkat, covering 270,000 hectares
of native vegetation. When combined with the neighbouring Big Desert Park in
Victoria more than 800,000 hectares is conserved. The Park comprises a complex
of sand dunes stabilised by a unique mosaic of Heath and Mallee. Early attempts
to farm this country failed as can be seen in the ruins at Box Flat.
Access to the Park in conventional
vehicles is via the sealed Pinnaroo Bordertown road that takes you through the
middle of the Park. The main Park entrance is via the Snozwells Road near
Tintinara. At this point you can take the Tym's lookout walking trail which
takes 2-3 hours to complete.
Four wheel drive gives greater
access though you are reminded that vehicles must remain on marked tracks at
all times and that there is no vehicle rescue service in the area. The vast
area of the Park allows some spectacular vistas of native vegetation to the
horizon. Wildlife is commonly seen including the Western Grey Kangaroo and Emu.
There are a number of walking trails as well as 9 campsites throughout the
park. Camping permits per night per vehicle are available from the BP Service
Station at Pinnaroo and the Bordertown visitor centre.
Unfortunately most of the park was
burnt during 2006, 2007 and 2008. The Mallee Emu-wren population is now very
small and birders are unlikely to see any. Whipbirds have also almost
completely gone from the park, but the odd one continues to be heard from the
southern area. The directions provided below are from before the fires.
“You can find the Mallee Emu-wren
in the southern part of the park, at the southern entrance - the track runs
parallel to the main track for a few hundred metres then veers east (right),
search the open plains with heath dominated by low desert banksia, slaty
she-oak and scattered Spinifex, also in this habitat Rufous Fieldwren and
Slender-billed Thornbill. From the entrance up to 10 km the birds are
scattered. Not easy with a conventional car as the wheel ruts can be deep. At
the limestone rise at Bucks Camp you can find Mallee Whipbird, an other spot is
the more open habitat on the first limestone rise on the main north/south track
after the turn-off to Bucks Camp. And Red-lored Whistler occurs at the first
clay limestone along Bucks Camp track after leaving the north/south track, in
the thicker mallee on both sides of the track”.
3.2.3 Billiatt Conservation Park
Key species: Malleefowl Western, (Mallee) Whipbird, Red-lored Whistler
Billiatt Conservation Park is
situated 18 km south of Alawoona on the main Alowoona Lameroo road that meets
the park's southern boundary 37 km from Lameroo.
The Park is only sign-posted on the north-eastern corner. Ample water and fuel
should be carried when travelling in this area. The country is characterised by
sand dunes with a mosaic of open Mallee scrub. Various species of Mallee add
colour to the dunes while Broom Brush grows in the mottled shade. Pygmy Possums
have been observed and many birds including Mallee Whipbird and Red-lored
Whistler inhabit the area as does the Malleefowl. The rare small marsupial
Ningaui was collected here for the first time in 1973. Most of the rare species
occur in very low densities and Whipbird has not been recorded in recent years.
For further information please
contact the NP&WS Mallee District Office (08) 8576 3690.
There is really only one reason to
visit the Yorke Peninsula and that is to find the elusive Western (Mallee)
Whipbird at Innes National Park. Being rich agricultural country, most of Yorke
Peninsula has been cleared for farming making Innes
an important and valuable national park for biodiversity. The climate of the
region is quite similar to that of the other coastal areas, and Innes NP can be
very windy.
Contacts:
South Australian Tourism
Commission – Yorke Peninsula pages:
http://www.southaustralia.com/YorkePeninsula.aspx
Department of Environment & Heritage – Innes NP:
http://www.environment.sa.gov.au/parks/sanpr/innes/index.html
Key species: shorebirds and
rarities. Banded Stilt, Red and Great Knot, Sharp-tailed Sandpiper,
Pectoral Sandpiper, Marsh Sandpiper, Wood Sandpiper, Pacific Golden and Grey
Plover, Rock Parrot, White-winged Fairy-wren,
Slender-billed Thornbill (Short-billed Dowitcher, Oriental Plover and Little Curlew has been recorded).
Access: Price is a saltfield some
130 km north of Adelaide by road on the Yorke Peninsula. Access has recently
been restricted to permit holders or through BirdsSA outings. You can find Rock parrot,
Elegant Parrot and Slender-billed Thornbill here. Google Maps link
4.1.2 Innes NP
Key species: Malleefowl, Osprey,
White-bellied Sea-eagle, Rock Parrot, Shy Heathwren, Western (Mallee)
Whipbird, Purple-gaped and Tawny-crowned Honeyeater, Brush Bronzewing, Southern
Scrub-robin.
Innes National Park comprises
9,141 ha of natural coastal mallee, representing one of only a few pockets of significant vegetation on the Yorke
Peninsula. Innes National Park was dedicated in 1970 to conserve the habitat of
the rare and elusive Western (Mallee) Whipbird. Previously thought to be
extinct in the region, the bird was re-discovered in the mid-1960s. Southern
Scrub-robins are common along the main tracks wherever you come across dense
shrubland. Mallee Whipbirds can be heard singing at dawn throughout the year,
and at sunset during the breeding season. They prefer very dense shrubland. A
stronghold for them is from the point where the road becomes unpaved road, onwards.
They can be extremely difficult to get views of. Rock Parrot can be seen
anywhere after the breeding season. Both raptors breed on offshore rock columns
visible from various lookout points. Malleefowl can be seen wandering around
the ruins of Inneston.
Access: Innes National Park is
located on the south-west tip of Yorke Peninsula. The Park is 300 km from
Adelaide via Main North Road through to Port Wakefield and the towns of
Ardrossan, Minlaton and Warooka.
There are many camp sites amongst
coastal mallee and for those who prefer a little more comfort, there are
heritage lodges available at the old Inneston township (NP&WS Yorke
District Office, Stenhouse Bay, Yorke Peninsula SA 5575, Phone: (08) 8854 3200,
Email: DEHInnesNationalPark@sa.gov.au
) Google Maps link
For the remote outback areas,
where conditions can become unbearable for the ill-prepared birdwatcher,
up-to-date information on both where to find key species as well as on the
condition of tracks is of vital importance. A way to find out is through the national bird email newsgroup Birding-Aus.
Port Augusta, Leigh Creek and
Coober Pedy are the main towns in the area, with all necessary facilities. In
the Flinders Ranges there is a wide choice of accommodation, and outside of
there, basic accommodation can be found at roadhouses but for an extended trip
you will need to be mostly self-supportive.
Desert conditions prevail in the
most of the area with freezing nights and glorious sunny
and mild days during the winter, to extreme heat (over 40ºC for weeks on end,
and peaks of over 45ºC are not unusual) in summer. At times, tropical
depressions can dump large amounts of rain during late spring and summer,
leaving roads impassable.
Road information
can be found on http://www.transport.sa.gov.au/quicklinks/northern_roads/northern.asp
Weather
information can be found on http://www.bom.gov.au/weather/sa
Birding in the Outback can be
difficult. Consider hiring an expert bird guide.
Contacts:
South Australian Tourism
Commission – Flinders Ranges and Outback pages:
http://www.southaustralia.com/FlindersRangesOutback.aspx
Department of Environment &
Heritage – Flinders Ranges and Outback:
http://www.environment.sa.gov.au/parks/visitor/outback.html
The ‘Iron Triangle’ (because of
the metal smelters) contains the uninspiring towns of Port Augusta, Port Pirie and
Whyalla . They are mainly stopover points for people en-route to more exciting
areas, but it’s worth checking out the few sites listed below, especially the
Arid Lands Botanical Gardens..
Contacts:
Port Augusta Tourism Information: http://www.wadlata.sa.gov.au/VisitorInfoCentre.phtml
Accommodation: There is plenty of
motel and caravan park accommodation also some and backpacker hostels. See the
website under Contacts.
There’s not much reason to stop in
Port Pirie but if you do find yourself here it's worth checking out the Port
Pirie wetlands next to the town oval and opposite the shopping centre for
Australian Spotted Crake, Buff-banded Rail, Black tailed Native Hens and other
species. Access is off The Terrace. Google Maps link
Key species: Elegant Parrot, Blue-winged Parrot, Pallid and
Black-eared Cuckoo, Redthroat,
Rufous Fieldwren, Variegated and White-winged
Fairy Wren, Singing, White-plumed, Spiny-cheeked, Pied and Black Honeyeater,
Chirruping Wedgebill, Black-faced Woodswallow, White-backed Swallow,
Brown Songlark.
Close to Port Augusta, a good site
is the Arid Lands Botanic Garden just north of Port Augusta at the start of the
Stuart Highway. Redthroat, Elegant Parrot, Blue-winged Parrot,
Pallid and Black-eared Cuckoo, Rufous Fieldwren,
Variegated and White-winged Fairy Wren, Yellow-throated Miner, Singing-,
White-plumed and Spiny-cheeked Honeyeaters, White-fronted Chat, Red-capped
Robin, White-Browed Babbler, Chirruping
Wedgebill, Black-faced Woodswallow, White-backed Swallow, Brown
Songlark, Pied and Black Honeyeater and other species have been reported. Google Maps link
Just opposite the BP is a salt
lagoon named ‘Bird Lake’ where Banded
Stilt and Red-necked Avocet are often found. This is in the southern
part of Port Augusta along the road to Pt Wakefield, turn off to the power
station. Google Maps link
A population of feral Ostriches
exists on Mt Arden Station, just north of Pt Augusta. This property is
currently not accessible.
5.1.3 Port Augusta - Whyalla- Iron
Knob area
Key species: Thick-billed Grasswren (western subsp myall)
This subspecies species may be
subject to a future split ‘Western Grasswren’ and occurs in many places within
this triangle, particularly in areas of good Bluebush habitat and dry,
vegetated creekbeds. Spots to look for them are the Whyalla – Iron Knob road;
the Myall creek crossing on the Pt Augusta – Whyalla road and the Myall creek
crossing on the Pt Augusta – Ceduna road.
5.2 Flinders Ranges
The Flinders Ranges are about a 6 hour drive
north of Adelaide. The area would have to be one of Australia's most
spectacular outback locations. There are gum lined creek beds, stunning
rock formations, an interesting geology, prolific wildlife, and of course the
majestic ranges themselves. The best
time to visit is spring when there are wildflowers in bloom everywhere.
From south to north, the southern Flinders
Ranges, the Flinders Ranges National Park and the Gammon Ranges present a
change from relatively wet to very dry habitat.
Key species: Stubble Quail, Adelaide Rosella, Chestnut-rumped
Heathwren, Grey-fronted Honeyeater, Brown Songlark, Diamond Firetail
In the south, Mt Remarkable National Park
offers spectacular scenery. It is the northernmost limit of the range of
Adelaide Rosella. Here, around Alligator Gorge you can expect to find
Chestnut-rumped Heathwren (parkeri), Yellow-rumped and Brown (pusilla)
Thornbill and Southern Boobook. It is not far to Beeteloo Reservoir where
Diamond Firetail is regularly seen; nearby at Melrose the woodland behind the oval
is worth checking out. Grey-fronted Honeyeater is easier found in gorges that
cut into the western side of these ranges, such as Telowie Gorge and at
Nelshaby. Quail and Brown Songlark inhabit the the large-scale
wheatfields during spring and early summer.
Google Maps link
5.2.2 Flinders Ranges National Park √
Key species: Emu, Wedge-tailed Eagle, Brown Goshawk,
Black Falcon, Elegant Parrot,
Budgerigar, Australian (Port Lincoln) Ringneck, White-winged Fairy-wren, Short-tailed Grasswren, Grey-fronted
Honeyeater, Redthroat, Inland Thornbill, Chirruping
Wedgebill, White-winged Triller.
The proper Flinders Ranges, from
Wilpena Pound northwards, are home to a host of species including some
sought-after ones. In addition, the endangered Yellow-footed Rock-wallaby can
be found here.
The best area to look for the Short-tailed Grasswren are the
spinifex-covered slopes on the eastern side of the Flinders Ranges NP. The full pdf version
of the SA Birding Site Guide provides more detailed site information
for this species.
Other good birds you can expect to
see in these areas are Wedge-tailed Eagle, Elegant Parrot, Inland Thornbill (at
Wilpena Pound Resort), Grey-fronted Honeyeater (eg. at Arkaroo rock just below Wilpena
pound, and in the Geological Trail), Chirruping Wedgebill. The best
strategy is to slowly drive around through the park and go for walks in
suitable-looking habitat. Creek crossings and tree-lined creeks (even if dry)
are good sites to check.
Grasswrens can be extremely
difficult to find. Consider hiring an expert bird guide.
Key species: Grey Falcon, Black Falcon, Elegant
Parrot, Inland Dotterel, Australian (Port Lincoln) Ringneck, Budgerigar,
White-winged Fairy Wren, Rufous
Fieldwren, Redthroat, Inland Thornbill, Red-browed Pardalote,
Pied Honeyeater, Grey-fronted Honeyeater, Crimson Chat, Orange Chat, Cinnamon
Quail-thrush, Chirruping Wedgebill, White-backed Swallow, Painted
Finch
In the Gammon Ranges, especially
in and around Arkaroola Station, expect to find Striated and Red-browed
Pardalote, White-winged Fairy Wren, Chirruping Wedgebill, Pied Honeyeater and
Cinnamon Quail-thrush. On the open plains to the east of the ranges, look for
Inland Dotterel. Painted Finch can sometimes be found at Weetootla Gorge in the
Gammon Ranges, and has also been recorded at a the Terrapina waterhole further north. Also check
the water retention basin near the Leigh Creek Coalmine (just south of
Lyndhurst). Grey Falcon has been recorded here.
5.3.1 Strzelecki Track √
Key species: Black breasted Buzzard, Letter-winged Kite, Inland Dotterel,
Thick-billed Grasswren (eastern subsp. modestus), Eyrean Grasswren, Rufous
Fieldwren, Chestnut-breasted Whiteface, Banded
Whiteface, Gibber Chat, Cinnamon Quail-thrush, Chirruping Wedgebill, Ground Cuckoo-shrike,
Black-faced Woodswallow.
The
Strzelecki Track is where both whitefaces, Letter-winged Kite, Gibber Chat and
Cinnamon Quail-thrush are regularly found (depending on seasonal conditions).
In the Lyndhurst-Marree area there are reliable sites for Chestnut-breasted
Whiteface and Thick-billed Grasswren.
Mount Lyndhurst Station, on the
Strzelecki track about 10 km east of Lyndhurst, is the place to search for
Thick-billed Grasswren and Chestnut-breasted Whiteface. Be prepared to spend
considerable time (up to a day or two) searching. The owners of Mt Lyndhurst Station
welcome birders who contact them before arriving and pay for entry on to their
property. They do not want people camping on the property. The owners’ phone
no. is 0417 824879. You can also find Black-faced Woodswallow, Chirruping
Wedgebill, Rufous
Fieldwren and Cinnamon Quail-thrush here.
Along the way to Innamincka, check
the stony desert for Gibber Chat and Inland Dotterel. Montecollina Bore is a
good site to stop and the bore overflow usually has plenty of waterbirds, an unusual
sight so far into the desert. Sometimes, Crimson and Orange Chat, Zebra Finch
and other birds come in to drink. Keep an eye open for raptors here too, as
well as along the Strzelecki Track for Ground Cuckoo-shrike flying. Check trees
in creek crossings for Red-browed Pardalote. The white sand dunes of the
Strzelecki regional reserve, and the red sand dunes of Merty Merty station, are
home to Eyrean Grasswren. Larger trees may hold Letter-winged Kite, depending
on seasonal conditions. Check the inter-dunal flats on Merty Merty station for
Banded Whiteface.
The Lyndhurst pub (ph. 08 86757781) is a good
base to explore the region from. Google Maps link
Key species: waterbirds, Black-breasted
Buzzard, Square-tailed Kite, Brolga, Australian Pratincole, Cockatiel,
Budgerigar, Red-backed Kingfisher,
Blue bonnet, Crimson Chat, Orange Chat, Gibber
Chat, Red-browed Pardalote, Cinnamon Quail-thrush
Innamincka
Regional Reserve is located in far north east South Australia, around
the township of Innamincka and the oasis of the Cooper Creek. The
Strzelecki Track starts in Lyndhurst and takes you through some true outback
country. It is a well maintained gravel road and can be travelled easily
by any vehicle (subject to seasonal conditions).
The birdwatching is very
rewarding. Waterbirds abound in the creek, and the surrounding dry
country can provide some surprise sightings.
Once in Innamincka, a visit to the pub for a cold beer is a must, and the
visitor centre is also interesting. There are cabins available in town,
but most travellers camp along the banks of the Cooper Creek. You will
need to obtain a Desert Parks Pass from Adelaide or the Innamincka store in
order to camp here. Google Maps link
Key species: Grey Falcon, Letter-winged
Kite, Inland Dotterel, Flock Bronzewing, Thick-billed, Eyrean- and Grey
Grasswren, Gibber-, Orange- and Yellow Chat, Banded
Whiteface, Cinnamon Quail-thrush.
Along the Birdsville Track from
Marree to Birdsville and west to Kooncherie Waterhole and Pandie Burra bore,
bird for Eyrean- and Grey Grasswren, Gibber-, Orange- and Yellow Chat, Flock
Bronzewing, Grey Falcon, Letter-winged Kite, Inland Dotterel and Cinnamon
Quail-thrush. If open, it is worth taking the Inner Track
rather than the main track. When vast Lake Eyre irregularly fills, which
may only be once per decade, it becomes an oasis in the desert with enormous
numbers of breeding Banded Stilts and Australian Pelicans. From SA, access is
through Marree. Mungerrannie Roadhouse, halfway along the track, is a good base
to explore the region from. Google Maps link
I once saw two Inland Dotterels
running on the Stuart Highway between Coober Pedy and Glendambo.
Chestnut-breasted Whiteface site:
Access: 12 km south of Coober Pedy
on the Sturt Highway is a conspicuous signpost to a monument. The memorial is
set back from the road and parking is easy. Looking east from
the monument, one sees a flat and reasonably well vegetated gibber plain with
two conical hills about 2 km away, the Pyramid on the left and the Crater to
the right. The plain is bounded on the left by three unnamed low hills at about
1 to 1.5 km. The plain immediately in front of the memorial is obviously well
frequented by people and vehicles. Directions to the area where they were
seen are given for someone starting at the monument. In the line of sight from
the monument to the gap between the rightmost low hill and the Pyramid, there
is a low, largely bare gibbery ridge with very little vegetation, just a few
stunted trees. The closest point of the ridge to the monument is half a
kilometre away. Between the three hills and the low ridge is an area, maybe two
to four sq. km in extent, of suitable Chestnut-breasted Whiteface habitat. From
Adelaide to Coober Pedy is 845 km (from Port Augusta 535 km).
While the birding is rewarding
here, the difficulty of birding these remote areas should not be
underestimated. Knowledge of habitats is important to help you find these
highly sought-after species. Consider hiring an expert bird guide.
The Eyre Peninsula stretches 1,000
kilometres from Whyalla in the east to the Western Australian border, and 400
kilometres from the Gawler Ranges in the north to Port Lincoln in the south.
The region is known for its 2,000 kilometres of ruggedly beautiful coastline
however, vast desert plains, the Gawler Ranges and a
hinterland of golden grain are a fascinating contrast to towering cliffs and
sandy bays.
The region contains some species generally only found in Western Australia
(such as Rufous Treecreeper, Western Yellow Robin and Blue-breasted Fairy-wren)
and is also well known for its excellent whale-watching opportunities. Southern
Right Whales play with their young at the Head of the Bight between June –
September. There are some good reserves for birders who are not afraid to traverse
the huge distances in between them.
The climate ranges from arid in
the far west and north to temperate in the south. The surrounding ocean waters
have a moderating effect on temperature extremes in both summer and winter.
Away from the coast, the region can get very hot during summer and in Ceduna
temperatures of 48ºC have been recorded.
Contacts:
South Australian Tourism
Commission – Eyre Peninsula pages:
http://www.southaustralia.com/AboutEyrePeninsula.aspx
Department of Environment &
Heritage – western region:
http://www.environment.sa.gov.au/parks/visitor/west.html
Lake Gilles CP is the closest spot
to Adelaide where Western Australian species can be found. If you’re looking
for Mallee Whipbird or Rock Parrot, the two national parks at the bottom of the
peninsula are worth visiting, although Innes NP at the tip of Yorke Peninsula
is a lot closer.
Ceduna and
Port Lincoln are serviced by regular flights from Adelaide. Ceduna is about 775
km and Port Lincoln 650 km by road from Adelaide.
Most of the
accommodation is found in Ceduna (mainly motels, caravan parks, and a hotel or
two). The townships on the peninsula generally have a motel or hotel, and
campgrounds can be found in national parks. Boutique B&B’s and
other more upmarket types of accommodation are scarce. The websites under
Contacts provide a starting point.
Key species: Purple-crowned
Lorikeet, Australian (Port Lincoln) Ringneck, Rufous Treecreeper, Splendid Fairy-wren, Blue-breasted Fairy-wren, Purple-gaped
Honeyeater, White-fronted Honeyeater, Western
Yellow Robin, Crested Bellbird
Lake Gilles Conservation Park is situated about 120km west of Port Augusta on the Eyre
Highway. Park at the parking bay on the highway for birding in the mallee bush.
There is a 10 km track here that leads off into the bush. Most species can be
seen along this track. Variegated Fairy-Wrens occur in the open mallee, while
Blue-breasted Fairy-wrens are found near the campsite on the shores of Lake
Gilles. National Parks information
6.1.2 Port Lincoln NP
Key species: Wedge-tailed Eagle,
Brown Goshawk, Fan-tailed and Shining Bronze Cuckoo, Blue-breasted
Fairy-wren, White-browed Scrubwren,
Shy Heathwren, Western (Mallee)
Whipbird, Western Yellow Robin, Southern Scrub-robin,
Diamond Firetail.
Port Lincoln National Park, south
of Port Lincoln on Eyre
Peninsula, includes vast expanses of coastal mallee, a spectacular ocean
coastline, wilderness and wildlife. There is camping and cottage accommodation
on Cape Donington. Contact the local NP&WS Office, 75 Liverpool St, Port
Lincoln SA 5606, Phone: (08) 8688 3111. Entry fees apply. National Parks information
Key species: Rock Parrot, Shy Heathwren, Purple-gaped and
Tawny-crowned Honeyeater
Comprising all of the Coffin Bay
Peninsula, Coffin Bay National Park is 50 km west of Port Lincoln and 2 km west
of the township of Coffin Bay. The park features diverse coastal landscape and inland swamps. The park needs 4wd for deep
access, but the eastern part is accessible for 2wd's. There are a few camp
sites. Contact the local NP&WS Office, 75 Liverpool St, Port Lincoln SA
5606, Phone: (08) 8688 3111. Entry fees apply. National Parks information
The great plain from Ceduna to
Western Australia is called Nullarbor because of its treeless nature: Null
(no), arbor (tree). Nullarbor National Park and Regional Reserve, at the head
of the Great Australian Bight, protects the world's largest semi-arid karst
(cave) landscapes. The Nullarbor National Park and
Regional Reserve, unique in scenery and geological features, is well known for
its Aboriginal culture and provides habitat for many wildlife species including
the southern hairy-nosed wombat. The Nullarbor cliffs command spectacular views
of a unique Southern Ocean coastline where the gathering of southern right
whales occur during winter.
North of Ceduna Scarlet-chested
Parrots can be found. Because of the risk of poaching, exact locations are
not revealed here.
On the Nullarbor plain, the
Nullarbor roadhouse is a reliable spot for Cinnamon
(Nullarbor) Quail-thrush (alisteri). Google Maps link
North of the Eyre Highway
a few large reserves can be found. Care needs to be taken when heading out this
far off the beaten track.
This very
underexplored park’s main attraction is Corrobinnie Hill,
consisting of unusual-shaped, weathered, granite rocks. This site is located within Corrobinnie Hill Conservation Park and can be
accessed by 4WD from Kyancutta. Varying eucalypts, Sand Pine sp. and Porcupine
Grass sp. cover white sandhills, which are the
predominant landform of the park. A wide variety of shrubs including hakeas,
grevilleas and melaleucas are also found in the park. The northern section of
the park is dominanted by myoporums, santalums, casuarinas and western myalls,
along with numerous seasonal wildflowers.
Access: The park can be accessed
via three tracks, but only one of these, Stringer Road, is suitable for 2WD
vehicles. This road begins from the Eyre Highway, 55 km west of Kimba at the
Buckleboo signpost. There are several gravel pits in the park, which are
suitable for camping. On the north side of the park, Stringer Road meets
Pinkawillinie Road. This road links Stringer Road with the sealed Buckleboo
Road approximately 12 km north-west of Kimba. National Parks information
Key species: Little and Painted
Button-Quail, Major Mitchell’s Cockatoo, Budgerigar, Cockatiel, Bourke's,
Elegant and Scarlet-chested Parrot,
Slender-billed Thornbill, Black Honeyeater, Crimson and Orange
Chat, Southern Scrub-robin, Chestnut
and Cinnamon Quail-Thrush and Ground Cuckoo-shrike.
The Gawler
Ranges to the north extend to the start of the Nullarbor Plain. It is located
in the spectacular southern Gawler Ranges and is a popular destination for
tourists visiting Eyre Peninsula or travelling to Perth. Vast hill and gully
complexes, with rocky gorges and seasonal water flows, create a stunning
landscape of natural beauty. The park is home to a diverse range of plants and
animals including 21 rare and threatened species.
This is true outback country and
conditions can become unbearable for the ill-prepared birdwatcher. Most species
are not easily found unless you put in considerable effort.
Access: Gawler Ranges National
Park is 550 km north-west of Adelaide by road. Fees apply. Before heading out
contact the NP&WS region West, Phone (08) 8688 3111 National Parks information
7.0. KANGAROO ISLAND
Key species: Bush Turkey, Musk
Duck, Cape Barren Goose, Australasian Gannet, Black-faced Cormorant, Little Penguin, Wedge-tailed Eagle, White-bellied Sea-eagle, Osprey, Bush Stone-Curlew, Sooty Oystercatcher,
Banded Stilt, Hooded Plover, Pacific
Gull, Kelp Gull, Fairy Tern, Antarctic Tern,
Yellow-tailed Black-cockatoo, Gang-gang Cockatoo, Glossy Black Cockatoo (halmatorinus),
Crimson Rosella (melanoptera), Superb Fairy-wren,
Southern Emu-wren, Rufous Fieldwren, White-eared Honeyeater, Eastern Spinebill,
Crescent Honeyeater, Purple-gaped
Honeyeater, Tawny-crowned Honeyeater, Western (Mallee) Whipbird, Flame
Robin, Restless Flycatcher, Diamond Firetail, Beautiful Firetail, Bassian
Thrush
Kangaroo Island is situated 15 km
off the mainland coast of South Australia, and is the third largest of
Australia's islands at 4,500 sq kms. The island is relatively small, has
beautiful secluded beaches, an impressive rocky coastline. It features 27
protected areas covering over 116,000ha (or 25%) of the island. One of South
Australia's premier holiday locations, Kangaroo Island also offers some
excellent bird watching.
Private property comprises
significant areas of remnant native vegetation combined with cleared and
semi-cleared improved pastures. The local economy is based upon nature-based
tourism and primary production centered on grazing, crops, fishing,
aquaculture, viticulture and forestry.
Kangaroo Island experiences warm,
dry summers and mild, wet winters with summer temperatures averaging between
20-25 degrees Celsius and winter temperatures between 13-15 degrees Celsius.
Annual rainfall varies markedly across the Island ranging from 450-1,000 mm
with two thirds of annual rainfall occurring between May and September.
The island is serviced by regular
short flights from Adelaide and there are two vehicular ferries with frequent
departures from Cape Jervis and Sunset Cove. There is a wide range of
accommodation with excellent resort, hotel, motel and camping available
throughout the island.
The Kangaroo island race of the
Glossy Black Cockatoo (halmatorinus)
has been the subject of an extensive recovery program. The island is also a
stronghold for the Hooded Plover – check sandy beaches. Many of the coastal
areas are good spots for waterbirds. White-bellied Sea-eagle and Osprey
breed on steep, inaccessible cliffs but can often be observed flying around the
coastline. Antarctic Tern turned up during two consecutive winters in the
mid-2000’s and may be irregular winter visitors. Bush Stone-curlews can be
found all over the island, especially calling during mild summer nights.
Purple-gaped and Crescent Honeyeater are also common across the island.
Contacts:
South Australian Tourism
Commission – Kangaroo Island pages:
http://www.southaustralia.com/KangarooIsland.aspx
Department of Environment &
Heritage – Kangaroo Island:
http://www.environment.sa.gov.au/parks/visitor/kisland.html
Sealink (ferry and package deals)
website: http://www.sealink.com.au/
Murray Lagoon is a salty backwater
surrounded by melaleuca trees. Check the Sharp-tailed Sandpipers for possible
Pectoral Sandpipers. Here you could also find Eastern Curlew, Banded Stilt and
Rufous Fieldwren. Introduced Indian Peafowl occur here. The lagoon can often be
dry during summer. Access is from the road from Kingscote to
Vivonne Bay.
Access: Murray Lagoon is
signposted on the main road from Kingscote to Flinders Chase.
Key species: Glossy Black
Cockatoo ssp. halmatorinus, Hooded Plover
In both Lathami Conservation Park
and Western River Conservation Park near Stokes' Bay on the island’s north
coast you will have a reasonable chance of seeing Glossy Black Cockatoo ssp. halmatorinus. They can often be located
in the large gum trees that have metal possum
guards on them, or take the walk down to the waterfall late in the afternoon.
Hooded Plovers can often be seen on the sandy beach at Stokes' Bay.
Access: Stokes Bay is signposted
on the main road from Kingscote to Cape Borda.
Google Maps link
Key species: Brush Turkey, Cape
Barren Goose, Gang-gang Cockatoo, Southern Emu-wren, Crescent Honeyeater,
Eastern Spinebill, Purple-gaped
Honeyeater, Western (Mallee) Whipbird, Red-browed
Finch, Beautiful Firetail
Flinders Chase National Park
encompasses stunning coastal landscapes, vast areas of wilderness and diversity
of wildlife. Flinders Chase covers 3 protected areas on
the western end of Kangaroo Island, totalling 32,600 ha: Cape du Couedic and
Rocky River area to the south west, the Gosse Lands to the north east and Cape
Borda Lightstation on the north western tip of the island. The park directly
adjoins the 41,320ha Ravine des Casoars Wilderness Protection Area. Flinders
Chase is approximately 110 km west of Kingscote and can be accessed via the
Playford Highway or South Coast Road. Koalas and Platypus can be found at
Flinders Chase, too. Brush Turkey and Gang-gang Cockatoo are introduced.
Western (Mallee) Whipbird can be
heard calling around Cape Borda, but to see them might prove frustratingly
impossible. Cape Barren Geese, which were introduced earlier this century,
occur in the field beside the National Parks HQ at Rocky River.
There is an upmarket resort (Kangaroo Island Wilderness Resort) here as
well as a camping ground. National Parks information (including
maps, contact, camping etc).
Key species: Fairy Penguin
Fairy Penguins live along the
rocky coastline of the island. At the colony in Penneshaw, daily regular guided
spotlighting tours are conducted in the evenings.
Key species: Southern Emu-wren, Shy Heathwren,
Purple-gaped Honeyeater,
Western (Mallee) Whipbird
Cape Gantheaume
Conservation Park, on the D’Estrees Bay side, is a well-known spot for Western
(Mallee) Whipbird. Hearing them might not prove too difficult, but to see them
might appear frustratingly impossible. Shy Heathwren, Southern Emu-Wren and Purple-gaped Honeyeater can also be
found at Cape Gantheaume. Google Maps link
Key species: Purple-gaped
Honeyeater, Western (Mallee) Whipbird
A very touristy site, yet another
place worth checking for Western (Mallee) Whipbird. Purple-gaped honeyeaters
can be found along the track leading away from the sea at the back of the
carpark.
The Lower Lakes and Coorong
together form the estuary of the River Murray. Previously a tidal wetland, a
series of barrages prevents seawater entering the Lower Lakes. The Coorong has
retained its natural tidal fluctuations and saline character, although reduced
River Murray flows mean that the river’s mouth is effectively blocked were it
not for ongoing dredging. In recent years, drought and over-allocation of water
has led to the entire Lower Lakes system to shrink considerably in size.
Contacts:
South Australian Tourism Commission – Coorong pages: http://www.southaustralia.com/entity.asp?entity_id=1587
Department of Environment & Heritage – Coorong National Parks:
http://www.environment.sa.gov.au/parks/sanpr/coorong/index.html
Downloadable map of Lower Lakes and Coorong, depicting various points of
interest:
http://www.environment.sa.gov.au/parks/pdfs/COOR_PDFS_TATTLER_MAP.PDF
Lakes Alexandrina and Albert
together form the Lower Lakes. These huge, shallow lakes are interconnected and
fed by the River Murray. It is possible to drive around most of their perimeter
(although you can’t cross from Goolwa to the Coorong) and there are a few
places of interest for birders. Conditions are forever
changing, and an area that’s good for birds one year, can be dry the next.
Key species: Swamp Harrier, Cape Barren Goose, Glossy Ibis, Australian Bittern, Buff-banded and
Lewin’s Rail, Baillon’s, Australian Spotted and Spotless Crake.
North-east of Goolwa, the entire
area bounded by Currency Creek and Finniss to the west, and Clayton and Milang
to the east, is excellent for birds. The Clayton to Milang
road runs along the edge of the lake, and this is generally the best place for
birding. Masses of waterbirds are normally present, as well as terns,
waders, Swamp Harrier etc. Cattle Egrets and Cape Barren Geese frequently visit
nearby pastures, and Glossy Ibis can sometimes be found along shallow lagoons.
The extensive reedbeds (damaged in the 2006-2010 drought) hold (held?)
Australian Bittern, while Clamorous Reed-warbler and Little Grassbird are quite
common. Buff-banded and Lewin’s Rail, as well as Baillon’s, Australian Spotted
and Spotless Crake occur in suitable habitat beside the road.
Directions: The turnoff is along
the Goolwa-Strathalbyn road. Google Maps link
Interpretive brochures are
available from the winery's cellar door for this easy 3km walk. Sights along the
way include the remains of an historic cottage and a railway bridge. The walk
begins by passing through the Currency Creek vineyards, then circles around the
Black Swamp. The swamp is home to many bird species,
including the Mount Lofty Ranges Southern
Emu-wren.
Directions: The turnoff is
signposted along the Goolwa-Strathalbyn road.
Tolderol used to be one of SA’s
best birding sites. Unfortunately, due to unwillingness of the National Parks
and Wildlife Service, who did not direct available environmental water to the
site during years of drought, it has now become a wasteland. Here is a
description of its former glory – hopefully one day it will return to this.
“Key species: Ducks including
Hardhead, Blue-billed and Musk Duck, Australian Bittern, Cape Barren Goose,
Black Falcon, Marsh Harrier, Glossy
Ibis, Oriental and Double-banded Plover, Red-necked and Long-toed Stint,
Sharp-tailed, Curlew and Pectoral
Sandpiper, Golden Plover, Greenshank, Marsh
Sandpiper, Banded Stilt, Latham’s Snipe, Australian Pratincole,
Whiskered, White-winged, Caspian and Gull-billed Tern, Blue-winged and Elegant Parrot, Little Grassbird,
Golden-headed Cisticola. Rarities such as Little
Curlew, Lesser Yellowlegs, Yellow Wagtail and Yellow
Chat have been found here.
Near Murray Bridge, on the shores
of Lake Alexandrina, is Tolderol Reserve, an excellent collection of shallow
ponds managed for waterfowl and waders. There is a birdhide overlooking the
main ponds, and apart from the almost resident numerous species of Tern and
waders in the season, rarities are regularly seen here. Cape Barren Geese can
be found anywhere in the adjoining fields.
Directions: Leave Adelaide and
head south east through Strathalbyn. Take the road from Langhorne Creek
to Wellington for 5 km, turn right into Dog Lake road, and continue over a
crossroad, past a farm on the left, through a gate turning left on reaching a
T-junction (leave gates as found).” Google Maps link
Key species: Australian Little Bittern, Australian
Painted Snipe, Australian Spotted
Crake, Spotless Crake, Baillon’s
Crake, Buff-banded Rail, Lewin’s Rail, Ducks including Hardhead, Blue-billed, Freckled and Musk Duck,
Black Falcon, Marsh Harrier, Spotted Harrier, Little Eagle, Glossy Ibis, Red-necked and Long-toed Stint, Pacific Golden Plover, Black-fronted and
Red-kneed Dotterel, Greenshank, Marsh Sandpiper, Banded Stilt, Latham’s
Snipe, Whiskered, White-winged, Caspian and Gull-billed Tern, Crested
Shrike-tit, Little Grassbird, Golden-headed Cisticola.
Also near Murray Bridge, on the
eastern side of the river and a little way upstream, this is one of the best
birding sites in the area. It is on private property but worth arranging a
visit. There is a series of ponds and reed-beds and a bird hide.
Directions: In the town of
Murray Bridge drive across the old bridge at Murray Bridge and continue east
until a turnoff (left) to Mannum and Loxton. Continue following the signs
towards Mannum. You will pass a road named Sunnyside Road, and next Sunnyside
Lookout. Turn left at an unsealed road called Lagoon Road and drive to the end.
At the end of the road, if you walk onto the clifftop you can see the wetland
below you. From the clifftop it’s good raptor wachting. To enter go through the
rusty gate and follow the steep track down. You need to obtain permission to
access the site and don’t expect to get your vehicule down the track unless you
have a 4WD. Entry details Google Maps link
Key species: Cape Barren Goose, waders, herons, egrets, Glossy Ibis, Australian
Bittern, Marsh Harrier, Black
Falcon, Buff-banded and Lewin’s Rail, Baillon’s, Australian Spotted and
Spotless Crake, White-fronted Chat, Golden-headed
Cisticola, Brown Songlark.
You can drive all the way around
the Lake Albert shoreline (the smaller of the two lakes). There are many good
birding spots – swampy meadows, partly inundated
samphire flats, mudflats, reedbeds etc - that differ
depending on the season, water level, and presence of cattle. From Narrung it
is possible to drive to Pelican Point at the northern end of the Coorong,
from where the barrages stretch northwards and you can walk across them to
Tauwitchere Island and beyond. The islands in Salt Lagoon Conservation Park,
just to the east, support breeding colonies of Great, Pied, Little Black and
Little Pied Cormorant, Great and possibly Little and Cattle Egret, all three
species of ibis, both spoonbills and Nankeen Night-heron. A permit to land on
the islands may be obtained from National Parks & Wildlife SA, Coorong and
Lakes District Office, 32-34 Princes Highway Meningie, PO Box 105 Meningie SA
5264, Phone (08) 8575 1200, email Coorong3@sa.gov.au
Directions: Turn off of the SE Freeway
(M1) at Tailem Bend towards Meningie. At Meningie turn right towards Narrung.
At the tip of the peninsula is a ferry allowing you to head back to the
Meningie-Tailem Bend road.
The Coorong National Park measures
50,000 ha and conserves coastal dune system, lagoons, wetlands and coastal
vegetation. It provides habitat for numerous species of migratory birds and
acts as a refuge for birds in times of drought, and is has been given
international status through RAMSAR, JAMBA and CAMBA listing. The Coorong
lagoons rarely exceed 3 km in width and are shallow,
with an average winter depth of only 2.5 m. The salinity varies from season to
season and from north to south. The entire area stretches for over 130 km.
Pelicans and terns breed here and waterfowl flock here in their thousands. The
Coorong is the most important wader area in the state and one of the most
significant sites in the country.
Key species: Malleefowl,
ducks including Freckled, Pink-eared
and Blue-billed Duck, waders including Banded Stilt, Red and Great Knot, Long-toed Stint, Sanderling,
Sharp-tailed, Curlew and Pectoral
Sandpiper, Double-banded and Hooded
Plover, Grey, Golden, and Red-capped Plover, Ruddy Turnstone, Red-necked
Avocet, Pied and Sooty Oystercatcher, Swamp Harrier, Fairy Tern and other terns, Fork-tailed Swift, Elegant, Rock, Blue-winged and Orange-bellied Parrot, Brush Bronzewing, Southern Emu-wren, Rufous Bristlebird, Western
(Mallee) Whipbird, Beautiful
Firetail
Thousands of waders and migrating
birds flock to the waters of the Coorong along the south coast. However
unlike estuaries where waders are normally forced into a compact group at high
tide, it should be noted that due to the minimal tidal action, in the Coorong
waders are usually spread thinly over the entire area. There are no mudflats
teeming with birds or high-water roosts. Nevertheless the patient and thorough
observer will find many of the species listed above.
Banded Stilts now roost (and
sometimes breed) in the area with up to 100,000 counted in some years.
There are also woodland birds and
coastal species to look out for. Close by, Messent and Mt Boothby Conservation
Parks are worth a visit for some woodland bird species. The whole of the
Coorong offers spectacular wild beaches, and opportunities for observing an
enormous variety of wading and woodland birds. Hooded Plover is found on many
of the beaches. Malleefowl, Brush Bronzewing and Mallee Whipbird are found in
the scrub on the sand dunes. Rufous Bristlebird frequents low shrubby
vegetation and is frequently heard (and seen) near Salt Creek and Tea Tree
Crossing, as is Malleefowl. There is a good short walk with chances of both
species at Salt Creek (Lakes Nature Trail). Keep an eye open for rails and
crakes.
There is a pelican colony
observatory at Jack’s Point.
Downloadable map of Lower Lakes
and Coorong, depicting various points of interest:
http://www.environment.sa.gov.au/parks/pdfs/COOR_PDFS_TATTLER_MAP.PDF
Please note that for all beach
access a 4WD is needed. For up-to date information on conditions and permit
requirements please contact National Parks & Wildlife SA, Coorong and Lakes
District Office, 32-34 Princes Highway Meningie, PO Box 105 Meningie SA 5264,
Phone (08) 8575 1200, email Coorong3@sa.gov.au
9.0
SOUTH-EAST
Despite the fact that the
South-East has a rich variety of different habitats in a relatively wet area,
few birders visit. Most, if not all, species that occur here are more easily found in
Victoria, therefore limited information is provided here.
Together with adjacent western
Victoria this is the area where the isolated race of the Red-tailed Black
Cockatoo graptogyne can be found (eg.
near
Bangham).
Pelagic trips leave from Robe or
near Mount Gambier, for information contact BirdsSA
Key species: Rufous Bristlebird
Just south of the the pretty
coastal township of Robe is Little Dip. In the dense scrub Rufous Bristlebird
is reasonably common. An off-road vehicle track traverses the length of the
park, following the coast, with frequent tracks branching off to the beach. An
much better but still unsealed road follows the eastern boundary, from which
tracks branch off to the beach. A map and information on track conditions can
be obtained from the National Park office in Robe St. (phone 08 8768 2543). Google Maps link
Canunda is situated along the
coast between Beachport and Carpenters Rocks in the south-east of the
state. There are limited camping facilities, and many tracks
are best travelled using a 4WD
vehicle. It is worth a visit if you are
interested in birds of coastal heathlands and beaches. It is a remote and
peaceful place to spend a few days. It is home to species such as Pacific Gull,
Pied Oystercatcher, Black-faced
Cormorant, Southern Emu-wren and Rufous
Bristlebird. Google Maps link
In the Naracoorte-Mt
Gambier-Victorian Border area dense eucalypt forests, clear freshwater creeks
and coastal dunes form very interesting habitat. Beautiful Firetail, Red-browed
Finch, White-throated Gerygone, Golden Whistler, Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo,
Eastern Yellow Robin and eastern race of Little Wattlebird can be found here. Swift Parrots are sometimes seen in
late winter. Bool Lagoon (when wet) is a waterfowl paradise with almost
all species of duck present, breeding ibises and occasionally good numbers of
Magpie Goose.
Key species: Stubble Quail,
Blue-billed Duck, Magpie Goose, Australian Bittern, Peregine Falcon,
Brolga, Swamp Harrier, Latham’s Snipe, Blue-winged Parrot, Little
Grassbird, Golden-headed Cisticola, Australian Reed-warbler.
South-east of Naracoorte, Bool Lagoon
is one of the best wetland reserves in South Australia. During the summer
months, there are large flocks of migrating waders. At any time of the
year there are birds to watch out for here, including almost all species of
duck, breeding ibises and occasionally good numbers of Magpie
Goose. There is a camping area, so that you can fully appreciate the
dawn and dusk chorus. Watch closely at night for bats, which stream
across the sky from their roosts in the Naracoorte limestone caves. A
full species list is available from the information office in the
reserve. In recent times Bool Lagoon has often been dry. Check if there
is actually water in the lagoon before planning a visit: http://www.environment.sa.gov.au/parks/sanpr/boollagoon/index.html or phone
the Naracoorte NP&WS Office on (08) 8762 3412.
Google Maps link
If you are travelling in this area
other spots worth spending time in are Naracoorte Caves Conservation Park, Big
Heath Conservation Park and Gum Lagoon Conservation Park.
Mt Gambier is a good place to stop
over for a night. I won’t describe the natural features here as you will be
bombarded with information about the Blue Lake and other ex-craters upon your
arrival. If you have time for a walk, in the various craters and associated
parks I have seen White-throated Gerygone and Olive Whistler. Google Maps link
Heading east from Mount Gambier,
there are many good birding sites of which a summary follows below. Similarly,
the country around the Vic/NSW/SA border offers excellent birding opportunities.
Just in Victoria, Discovery Bay NP harbours Olive Whistler, Fuscous Honeyeater and Rufous Bristlebird (the latter at Cape Nelson Lighthouse and in SA in the Coorong). There
is an Australian Gannet colony at
Portland where a Cape Gannet is sometimes present.
Along the River Murray between
Renmark and Mildura species such as White-breasted Sea-eagle, Peregrine Falcon,
and Striped Honeyeaters can be found. One of the sites worth checking is
located near Customs House where there is a 5 km or so walking trail which is
within the Chowilla game reserve. Ned's Corner, a bit further up the river,
owned by the Victorian Trust for Nature, is also worthwhile - good for Striped, Blue-faced,
Spiny-cheeked and White-plumed Honeyeater are all common in the River Red Gum
and Black Box woodland along the banks of the Murray, White-winged Fairy-wren
in the saltbush and lignum of the low-lying floodplains; Banded Lapwing,
Chestnut-crowned Babbler and Blue Bonnet
can also readily be found, and Inland
Dotterel breeds there occasionally (check with the rangers) – it has
recently been seen on the road into Ned's. For contact & access details,
visit their website. Lock 9 (signposed from the Sturt Highway just
before Lake Culluleraine) is good for Striped Honeyeater and check the saltbush
country leading into it for Crimson
Chat, Pied and Black Honeyeater and Redthroat.
John Hobbs
Memorial reserve: when the eremophila is flowering there are often Crimson Chats, Black and Pied Honeyeaters, White-fronted
Honeyeaters and White-winged Trillers.
Hattah area: Get a map from the Mildura Information Centre (corner
Deakin Ave and Twelfth St). Take a very slow drive and occasionally get
out for a wander along the Nowingi Track and the Old Calder Highway (also named
old Murray Valley Highway) to the walking track just near the intersection with
the Robinvale Rd. Google Maps link
This entire area is good for
Malleefowl, Mallee Emuwren,
Chestnut-crowned Babbler, Inland
Thornbill, Major Mitchell Cockatoo,Striped
Honeyeater, Regent Parrot, Mulga Parrot,
Blue Bonnet, Splendid Fairy-wrens
etc. The Nowingi track is worth checking for Mallee Emu-Wren, Striated Grasswren, Chestnut Quail-thrush and
other mallee specialists, while the lakes near the visitor centre are
frequented by Regent Parrot and Major Mitchell’s Cockatoo.
Murray-Sunset
NP:
Bird along South Settlement Road and Pheenys Track. Birds recorded here include
Brown Falcon, Blue Bonnet, Ringneck, Regent and Mulga Parrot, Spotted Nightjar,
Owlet Nightjar, Peaceful Dove, Splendid and Variegated Fairy-wren, Spotted and
Striated Pardalote, Shy Heathwren, Inland, Chestnut-rumped, Yellow,
Yellow-rumped and Buff-rumped Thornbill, Southern Whiteface, Yellow-throated
Miner, Striped, Spiny-cheeked, Singing, Yellow-plumed, Purple-gaped,
White-eared, White-fronted and Brown-eaded Honeyeater, Red-capped and Hooded
Robin, White-browed Babbler, Chestnut Quail Thrush, Varied Sittella, Crested
Bellbird, Gilbert's and Red-lored Whistler, Masked, White-browed and
Black-faced Woodswollow, Little Crow, Grey Currawong, Apostlebird, Zebra Finch,
White-backed Swallow. Another good site here is site about 2km east past the
intersection of Pheeny's and South Bore tracks: Purple-Gaped Honeyeater,
Striated Grasswren, Shy Heathwren, Variegated Fairy Wren, Splendid Fairy Wren,
Mallee Emuwren, Crested Bellbird. A good 4WD vehicle is needed here.
Pink Lakes: Mallee Emu-wren has
been found in the spinifex around the back of the lakes where the track leads
off into the Mallee.
In
addition to this online version, you may wish to download the full pdf version of
the SA Birding Site Guide - a fully hyperlinked Adobe Acrobat pdf file for easy navigating
on your computer, while formatted for printing so you can bring it along on
your trip. It includes the actual maps of locations for which only hyperlinks
to maps are given in the on-line version. It includes more detailed information
for some of the key sites not found in the on-line version. Click here to download.
While this booklet puts you on the
right track for birding in South Australia is rewarding, there are definite
advantages of being accompanied by an expert guide. Things change on an almost
daily basis and the weather plays an important role in where birds are and are
not present, today, tomorrow and in months to come. Australia’s weather
patterns are quite unlike those that northern hemisphere visitors would be used
to Knowledge of habitats is also important to help you find many highly
sought-after species. Consider hiring an expert bird guide.
The information provided in this
document is a general guide only. While I have undertaken to ensure that all
details are correct at the time of posting (see Last Updated on the index
page), I will not accept any responsibility for any errors in this information
or any event arising from (anything related to) the use of the material
published in this document.
Birding South Australia: http://www.sabirding.com
Birdpedia Australia: http://www.birdpedia.com
BirdsSA: http://www.birdssa.asn.au
Bransbury, John. Where to find
birds in Australia. Waymark, 1997.
Christidis, Les & Boles,
Walter. Systematics and Taxonomy of
Australian Birds. CSIRO Publishing, 2008.
Conservation Council of South Australia: http://www.ccsa.asn.au/index.php?option=com_content&task=blogcategory&id=153&Itemid=454
Department of Environment & Heritage, National Parks & Wildlife
SA: http://www.environment.sa.gov.au/parks/index.html and pages
therein
Fleurieu Peninsula birdwatching: http://www.fleurieubirdwatchers.org/
Google Maps: http://maps.google.com
Nielsen, Lloyd. Birding Australia,
Australian Edition. Lloyd Nielsen, 2004.
Royal Automobile Club of
Australia: http://www.raa.net and pages
therein
Thomas, Richard & Thomas, Sarah.
The Complete Guide to Finding the Birds ofAustralia. Frogmouth Publications,
1996.
