CAPERTEE REDUX

The last time I published a post about the Capertee Valley, I concentrated on our sighting of the critically endangered Regent Honeyeater:  http://qldbirder.blogspot.com.au/2012/11/capertee-revisited.html
This time I've included a varied selection of other images from our visit.

The cliffs of Wollemi National Park

Being Spring there was a fair bit of activity around the place, which made for some nice birding and great photo opportunities. The Bellbirds were in full "tinking" mode, and though usually fairly high up in the gums this one came down for a better look at the intruder.

Bell Miner

This male fairy-wren was in fully breeding regalia, and although the photo doesn't do it justice, the bright blue head shone out like a flourescent beacon in the dull evening light.

Variegated Fairy-wren

Beside the Capertee River, in Wollemi National Park, from the concealment of my car I was able to film a Superb Lyrebird foraging along the bank, casual as you please. Later he took some time out to do a spot of bathing, and I felt privileged to get a glimpse into his daily routine. 

Superb Lyre-bird - male 

This raptor was eyeing off  potential prey from a convenient fence post beside the road.

Brown Falcon

A couple of masurpials were out and about too.

Swamp Wallaby or Stinker

Eastern Grey Kangaroo - male

And a monotreme that became camera shy. It's very difficult to sneak up on these unique little creatures. 

Echidna

While exploring the rocky escarpment behind the camping area at Glen Davis I was able to observe a pair of Rock Warblers going about their daily routine. 

Rock Warbler

The ubiquitous Eastern Yellow Robins were as usual photogenic. One of my favourite bush birds.

Eastern Yellow Robin

I couldn't quite capture the rufous coloured rump on the Songlark.

Rufous Songlark

The Babblers were active at their communal nest near our campsite, just on dusk. 

White-browed Babbler

Capertee River

Cheers & Happy Birding

WAIKIERIE & PORT AUGUSTA

Following on from our Gluepot visit in late March of this year, we crossed the Murray on the free ferry service into Waikerie, still in South Australia, a pretty little town which would make a great base for further exploration of the area.

Waikerie Ferry

Ferry name with un-identified picture (not an Australian species) - any ideas?

I heard the plaintive calls of this bird before I saw it perched conspicuously in the open.

Fan-Tailed Cuckoo

The Murray River at Waikerie

This critter was making itself as inconspicuous as possible after I spotted it out in the open, from a fair distance. It must have felt my footsteps through the ground as I approached to take a photo. This was the best I could do.

Echidna

Our next port of call was Port Augusta from where we planned to explore some of the iconic Flinders Ranges.

View from caravan park at Port Augusta - Spencer Gulf and Flinders Ranges

While we were there we visited the Australian Arid Land Botanic Gardens, a must do for anyone planning to stay more than a day or two.  

Grey Butcherbird

Sturt's Desert Pea - the quintessential outback flower

I was able to pick up a lifer, Redthroat, a great little vocaliser but difficult to pinpoint in the vegetation. A record shot was all I could manage.  

Redthroat - male

This low growing tree was an ideal place for a break in the warm conditions we were experiencing in the Botanic Gardens.  

Outside

Inside

Mesas north of Port Augusta

Red cliffs on the Spencer Gulf

White-Backed Swallows

I got pretty excited when I thought I'd spotted a Blue-Winged Parrot (on my wants list). After a good look through the bins and field guide, Elegant Parrot was the verdict, albeit a species I haven't seen in years and a lovely bird. Another record shot below.    

Elegant Parrot