Kay Parkin Birding: Mallee Wanderings at Lake Gilles Conservation Park South Australia

Wednesday, April 16, 2014

Mallee Wanderings at Lake Gilles Conservation Park South Australia

I decided to spend a weekend at Lake Gilles Conservation Park, the lovely Mallee habitat just draws me in like a magnet, not to mention I can spend days there without seeing another person! The weather was cool, but sadly cloudy which was not helpful for photography. Everything was fresh after the large rainfalls earlier in the week and a lot of salt bush was literally under water between Port Augusta and Iron Knob.

Here are a few photos taken over the weekend.

Australian Painted Lady

Chirruping Wedgebill

Bearded Dragon

Chirruping Wedgebill

Variegated Fairy-wren

Lake Gilles

Golden Whistler

Large black Wasp, hunting on a log, I presume this is a Spider Wasp

Lesser Wanderer

Red-capped Robin

Southern Whiteface

Varied Sitella

Western Yellow Robin

White-eared Honeyeater

Do you want to start bird watching?

Birding is a great hobby and can be done easily and without much expense. You can simply go for a walk and take note of the birds you see! If you are new to birding you may not know what the birds are called so I'd suggest carrying a note book so you can make some notes on their colour, size and markings so you can then identify them when you get home.

To identify them you can use an Australian Bird Field Guide - I'd suggest Pizzey, otherwise you can use a website which has photos of Australian birds such as www.bushpea.com

You can start listing every species of bird that you see. You will be surprised at how quickly your total increases. It is so much fun and you could encourage your family and friends to join you.

You will need a pair of binoculars - 10 x 40 is a good size. I use Nikon Monarch but try them out in the shop to get a light pair that suits you.

BIRDER

Wednesday, April 16, 2014

Mallee Wanderings at Lake Gilles Conservation Park South Australia