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
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.
Lifer 343: Crested Bellbird, Nowingi Track
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
Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater
Lifer 340: Major Mitchell Cockatoos, Konardin Track – inspecting a potential nest hole.
The Gap Year and Beyond 