sunshinecoastbirds: South-East Oz Part 2: NSW Riverina

Monday, 18 September 2017

South-East Oz Part 2: NSW Riverina

Superb Parrot

We had a Pink Cockatoo in the camping ground on our last morning at Lake Cargelligo (see following post) and two more at the treatment works, where Swamp Harrier and Spotted Harrier also showed. We headed south through the NSW Riverina to the rice town of Leeton, known as a birding hotspot, for a 2-night stay at the showgrounds.

Superb Parrot pair

It wasn't long before the first Superb Parrots flew overhead and I was soon enjoying close encounters with several birds of this aptly named species on the well-wooded golf course adjoining the showgrounds.

Fivebough Wetlands

I spent quite a bit of time at the RAMSAR-listed Fivebough Wetlands where an astonishing number of ducks were present. There were several thousand Grey Teal along with a sprinkling of Australasian Shoveler, Pink-eared Duck, Australian Wood Duck, Hardhead, Chesnut Teal, Australian Shelduck and a pair off Blue-billed Ducks.

Australian Shelduck

Blue-billed Duck

Other birds included good numbers of Red-necked Avocets, a few Yellow-billed Spoonbills and about 20 Australian Spotted Crakes. I also visited the Tuckerbil Swamp where a nice flock of Marsh Terns was present.

Australian Spotted Crake

Red-necked Avocet

Yellow-billed Spoonbill

We continued south to the town of Deniliquin for a 2-night stay in the Riverside Caravan Park on the Edward River.

Edward River at Deniliquin

At McLean Beach were several Long-billed Corellas, including this pair mating vigorously. The cockatoo was also present in the caravan park and elsewhere about town.

Long-billed Corella

Yellow (Crimson) Rosellas are common in the grand river red gums that abound in this area.
One morning I headed up the road to Conargo and took some back roads returning to Deniliquin.