Lake Cargelligo

Visited: Autumn

Recommendation: This is an area worthy of exploration but needs a good amount of time as the wildlife is spread across quite a range. The water level also dictates what might be seen but I would always return to the weir, just outside of town for the quiet and abundance of water birds there. 

It was a bit of a mixed bag at Lake Cargelligo. The surrounding National Parks that I wanted to visit were closed due to fire and flood damage, which ruled them out. The lake itself was huge and usually that means the birds are spread out and difficult to find. Major works around the lake also cut off access to parts of it. 

After seeking some local help, I scoped out some places and saw some great birds. However, they did advise me not to go to the weir, where I had planned to stay because access was difficult after recent rains. So I stayed in one of the free campsites in town but it was dull with no birds and a generic lake view. 

So, against my better judgement, I headed to the weir just to have a look. The track from the main road was cut up but I finally have an idea about what the van can manage and I got through without too much trouble. And boy it was worth it. The campsite was in a forested area, right next to the river and just up from the weir itself. Immediately I saw dozens and dozens of herons and cormorants swirling around above me. 

Up river from the weir, it was quiet and I sat there for a while watching the Nankeen Night Herons fishing. I have never seen so many of these gorgeous birds, it was even better than Fivebough Swamp. This is an adult bird fishing.

Most of the time, however, I sat just down from the weir. The birds were incredibly skittish and took off en masse every time I approached, even if I crawled! The good news was that they returned, slowly but I was in no rush. The herons would take position on the rocks of the weir to fish and it was wonderful to watch as they jostled for position. The little Nankeen Night Herons held their own against the larger Pacific Heron and Great Egret.

There were 3 species of cormorant here as well as the darter (who didn't stick around unfortunately) and I managed to catch the 2 smaller species.

After a long time at the weir with stiff hands from taking so many shots, I had a look around the forested area and got some really good birds. I had to chase them around a bit but eventually got some shots.