Tag Archives: Hattah Kulkyne National Park

The Lookout

Posted on May 9, 2017 | Leave a comment

On the way back to the campground at Hattah Kulkyne National Park, I came across a group of Apostlebirds – so called due to their typical family group numbers being around 12. There were actually 10 that I could see of this particular group. They are very similar socially to the White-winged Chough. They are also mud nest builders. When I pulled over and parked the car I was watched by a lookout. I tried to be careful and make sure the flock did not flush. Standing still I watched and photographed the lookout. He watched me and then  flew down and walked towards me. He walked right up to the back of my legs, around me and then onto the rest of the flock. Choughs will only let you approach after a time and will easily flush. Both species place lookouts to watch for predators or neighbouring tribes. This flock of Apostlebirds had a territory close to the camp grounds and I assume had become quite used to people.

Apostlebird, Hattah Kulkyne National Park, Vic

The lookout, Apostlebird, Hattah Kulkyne National Park, Vic

Apostlebird, Hattah Kulkyne National Park, Vic

Strutted straight up to me…

Apostlebird, Hattah Kulkyne National Park, Vic

II

Apostlebird, Hattah Kulkyne National Park, Vic

Stood a few feet behind after walking right up me

Apostlebird, Hattah Kulkyne National Park, Vic

Back with the flock

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Lifer 341: Mallee Emu-wren

Posted on May 8, 2017 | Leave a comment

For a birder, one of the main targets for a visit to Hattah Kulkyne National Park is the Mallee Emu-wren. It is a close cousin to the Southern Emu-wren that I have found a few times in different areas along the southern coast of Victoria. At Hattah I was up early and looking for this elusive little bird as the sun rose. I was probably a bit too early as they seemed to need the sun to warm up a bit and become active. Once up and about they were quite noisy (high pitched squeaks and trills), and reacted well to the phishing noises I made to get their attention. I saw three family groups along the track and managed to photograph several individuals as they came out to investigate my presence.

Mallee Emu-wren, Nowingi Track, Hattah Kulkyne National Park, Vic

Female Mallee Emu-wren, Nowingi Track, Hattah Kulkyne National Park, Vic

Mallee Emu-wren, Nowingi Track, Hattah Kulkyne National Park, Vic

II

Mallee Emu-wren, Nowingi Track, Hattah Kulkyne National Park, Vic

III

Mallee Emu-wren, Nowingi Track, Hattah Kulkyne National Park, Vic

The Emu-wren can quickly dive back into the spiky grass and disappear  – there is no way you could see them unless they were perched on top of the grass clump

Mallee Emu-wren, Nowingi Track, Hattah Kulkyne National Park, Vic

The male’s blue throat can give away their presence in the grass. 

Mallee Emu-wren, Nowingi Track, Hattah Kulkyne National Park, Vic

Hunting flies for breakfast.

Mallee Emu-wren, Nowingi Track, Hattah Kulkyne National Park, Vic

A typical pose when looking out for danger or watching for intruders from neighbouring tribes.

Mallee Emu-wren, Nowingi Track, Hattah Kulkyne National Park, Vic

In this position the tails hangs down, the muscles are probably needed just to keep that pose.

Emu, Nowingi Track, Hattah Kulkyne National Park, Vic

Emu walking down the Nowingi Track, the typical vegetation of the Mallee Emu-wren, more trees and other vegetation variety compared to the needs of the Southern Emu-wren. 

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Frustrating squeaks can mark the spot…

Posted on May 2, 2017 | 4 comments

I carry a bit gear when I am bushwalking looking for birds and good photo opportunities. All sorts of bits and pieces hanging off me can occasionally squeak while I walk and has often fooled me into thinking that a small bird is near by. On this occasion I was wandering down Konardin Track (Hattah Kulkyne National Park) and had gone off-track a bit watching two bright pink Major Mitchell Cockatoos. I heard a very light squeak and dismissed it as my gear. As I moved around an area to check for emu-wrens and sometimes just standing still to see if I could hear anything else, I heard the squeak again and this time thought my nose was whistling as I was breathing. I stood still, I froze and then held my breath but soon heard three quick squeaks. That’s it! There is something here with me amongst the spinifex and mallee bushes. I stayed still and prepped my camera very carefully. From the corner of my eye a female Chestnut Quail-thrush popped into the open and started to feed along the ground. Even when scared this species seems to bolt along the ground and hide rather than fly away from an area. As I took a few photos another came into my vision and followed the first. It got a little too close to the first and there was a stand-up altercation, the pair separated a bit and continued to feed. The bird was also lifer 342, and I did my little lifer jig (accompanied by lots of squeaks and rattles).

Chestnut Quail-thrush, Konardin Track, Hattah Kulkyne National Park, Vic

Chestnut Quail-thrush, Konardin Track, Hattah Kulkyne National Park, Vic

Chestnut Quail-thrush, Konardin Track, Hattah Kulkyne National Park, Vic

One of the pair of female Chestnut Quail-thrush in a “back off” pose

Chestnut Quail-thrush, Konardin Track, Hattah Kulkyne National Park, Vic

Keeping an eye on me but not very bothered and continued to stay in the open and feed.

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Hattah Kulkyne National Park in the Mallee country

Posted on May 1, 2017 | Leave a comment

On the recent long weekend I spent a few days camping in Hattah Kulkyne National Park. It is in the Mallee region of North Western Victoria about 500kms (5.5 hrs) drive from Melbourne. I spent a few days looking for various birds that are usually only found in the area or further inland. I had a pretty successful weekend, finding 9 lifers, 2 of which are below. I thoroughly enjoyed my trip and found the area visually quite stunning. I think I chose a good time of year to go as the temperature can get into the high 40’s C during Summer.  As well as the main lakes where the two campgrounds are located, there are a few tracks where several highly sought after birds can usually be found – Nowingi and Konardin Tracks.

Nowingi Track, Hattah Kulkyne National Park, Vic

Nowingi Track, Hattah Kulkyne National Park, Vic

Mallee Dragon, Nowingi Track, Hattah Kulkyne National Park, Vic

Mallee Dragon, Nowingi Track. The mallee has the highest concentration of lizard species in Victoria. I saw quite a few of these dragons amongst the spinifex.

Crested Bellbird, Nowingi Track, Hattah Kulkyne National Park, Vic

Lifer 343: Crested Bellbird, Nowingi Track

Konardin Track, Hattah Kulkyne National Park, Vic

Konardin Track, Hattah Kulkyne National Park – my car is tucked in the bush on the left – once I found a likely spot or heard some interesting sounds I would pull over and explore into the mallee scrub and small trees and further down the track.

Mulga Parrots, Hattah Kulkyne National Park, Vic

Mulga Parrots

Spiny Cheeked Honeyeater, Konardin Track, Hattah Kulkyne National Park, Vic

Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater

Major Mitchell Cockatoo, Konardin Track, Hattah Kulkyne National Park, Vic

Lifer 340: Major Mitchell Cockatoos, Konardin Track – inspecting a potential nest hole.

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