Easter with the Birds 2011
| Accmdated: | TBC |
|---|---|
| No.of days: | 5 |
| Ex: | Sydney - Sydney |
| Departure: | 21st - 25th April 2011 |
| Price: | TBC TBC |
| Deposit: | $100pp |
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Join us on a four day camping tour for Easter to Darlington Point in the Riverina of NSW.
Our base camp will be on a private property “The Homestead” on the banks of Murrumbidgee River. The river is lined with huge River Red Gums. Beyond the cultivated fields, the property extends out onto the vast open Hay Plains country.
We will spend several hours at Fivebough Wetlands. Fivebough is an internationally recognised site of importance by RAMSAR. With walking trails, viewing mounds and bird hides, the wetland is popular with bird-watchers from across Australia. It contains a habitat of exceptional quality for water birds, particularly waders. Around 174 different species of bird have been observed at Fivebough to date.
Griffith is in the centre of a great area for birdwatching with wetlands, open plains and state forests. The green grass of the golf-course attract many birds particularly parrots. Local birdwatchers will be consulted regarding which wetlands to visit depending on the water levels at the time. Binya State Forest is a mixed Cypress pine woodland to the east of Griffith and supports many species typical of the forests of the inland.
The tour will cover habitats ranging from wetlands to the vast open plains so we should so a great variety of birds.
Inexperienced birdwatchers and those who have not camped before are particularly welcome. This tour is ideal to try before booking on a longer tour. The leader, Charlie Andrews, is an experienced birdwatcher and will be able provide assistance with identification.
Photo of Red Capped Robin by Ji Qiu, taken at Lake Cargelligo Easter Tour 2009.
Trip Overview
WHAT TO BRING:
- Sleeping bag
- Torch
- Water bottle, lunch box and eating utensils (dishes & cutlery)
- Binoculars
BIRDS THAT WE HOPE TO SEE:
At our campsite, darters, cormorants, pelicans and other waterfowl can found along the river. Yellow Rosellas and Superb Parrots feed amongst the trees along the banks. Boobooks, Barking and Barn Owls are often seen along the river.
Further out on the plains away from the river we will be looking for the birds of the inland such Blue Bonnet and Mulga Parrots, Cockatiels, Common Bronzewings, Banded Lapwing, Pallid Cuckoo, Red-capped and Hooded Robins and maybe White-browed, Masked or Black-faced Woodswallows. Possible honeyeaters include Spiny-checked, Striped, Blue-faced and, hopefully, Painted.
Five Bough Swamp is a haven for waterbirds including the threatened Blue-billed and Freckled Ducks. Other species included Australian Shelduck, Glossy Ibis, Spotted and Spotless Crakes and Red-necked Avocet. The resident Swamp Harriers patrol over the wetlands. Sometimes Australasian Bittern is flushed or an Australian Hobby or a Peregrine can be seen overhead. Brown Quail are often seen along the tracks.
At the golf-links at Griffith, Major Mitchell Cockatoos, Bluebonnets, Red-rumped Parrots and Apostlebirds are usually present. When there has been water at nearby Nericon and Campbells Wetlands, Crimson Chats, crakes, Black-tailed Native-hens, Red-kneed and Black-fronted Dotterells, Red-necked Avocets have been recorded in the past.
In the afternoon, we will move on the Binya State Forest where will be searching for Red-capped and Hooded Robins, Gilberts Whistler, Striped and Painted Honeyeaters and White-browed Treecreeper.
Details of Trip
THIS TOUR IS ORGANISED BY BIRDING NSW IN CONJUNCTION WITH OUTBACK TRACK TOURS. BOOKINGS can only be confirmed with the payment of $100 deposit. Final payment falls due 45 days before departure. Cheques are to be made payable to 'Outback Track Tours Pty Ltd'. TRAVEL INSURANCE We strongly recommend travel insurance against loss of possessions accident and cancellation through unforeseen circumstances. Insurance is inexpensive and readily available from the office. PLEASE NOTE If weather road conditions or other circumstances make a change in itinerary necessary the decision to change the route is solely that of the Tour Guide.
Included
INCLUDED IN FARE:
Travel by airconditioned OTT vehicle. All meals unless specified. Guided walks, accommodation for first night is twin share - single supplement TBC. All Camping Gear including two person tents, foam sleep mats, tables and chairs. Meals as identified in itinerary as B - Breakfast L - Lunch and D - Dinner. All Camping and entrance fees.
Minimum Passengers
12
Itinerary
DAY 1 (THUR 21 APR) SYDNEY – WEST WYALONG
Meet your crew at Central Railway Station (coach Bay 5) at 2.45 pm for a 3.00 pm departure. We travel south along the Hume Highway. We will stop for dinner along the way (at own expense). We reach our overnight stop in motel rooms at West Wyalong.
ACCOM: WEST WYALONG
DAY 2 (FRI 22 APR) DARLINGTON POINT
After breakfast we make our way though Narrandera to Leeton where will stop at Fivebough Wetlands for a couple of hours for birdwatching. We will then move on to “The Homestead” our campsite for the weekend.
CAMP: DARLINGTON POINT (BLD)
DAY 3 (SAT 23 APR) DARLINGTON POINT
We will travel to Griffith for a day’s birding at various sites including the airport and to wetlands such as Lake Wyangan. We will also visit Binya State Forest to the east of Griffith.
CAMP: DARLINGTON POINT (BLD)
DAY 4 (SUN 24 APR) DARLINGTON POINT
Today we will explore around “The Homestead” looking for the birds amongst the huge river red gums along the river and out onto the plains.
CAMP: DARLINGTON POINT (BLD)
DAY 5 (MON 25 APR) SYDNEY
Departing after breakfast, we will travel through Wagga Wagga and Goulburn to Sydney. We hope to arrive back at Coach Bay 5 at approximately 5.30 - 6.00PM. (BL)
