Hasties Swamp

Visited: all year round

Recommendation: Even if the water birds are absent there are still lots of birds to be found - in the surrounding fields, trees and the air. When the water birds are present, take some ear plugs! Either way this wetland is a must if you are on the Atherton Tablelands.

Whenever I visit Hasties Swamp there is something different to see. At times there are large numbers of Magpie Geese and Whistling Ducks. At other times, the cormorants rule, or the raptors, or the bush birds. There is a huge amount of birds packed into this small space, all centered around the bird hide. On the top deck of the hide, I got over 40 species on one visit, with no more than 10 from on the water. You can often forget that Hasties is not only great for water birds but also bush birds in the surrounding vegetation. 

Here are some of my highlights from the bush around the hide.

Generally, Hasties is better in the winter (well I think so anyway). Visiting in June one year saw at least 500 Sulphur-crested Cockatoo circling and screaming. Seeking sanctuary in the bird hide, I was hit by at least 500 Plumed Whistling Ducks - all whistling. It was a cacophony of the best kind! Also on or around the water were Pacific Black Ducks, Hardhead, Australian Grebes, various egrets, raptors and Comb-crested Jacana. I spent a lot of time trying to distinguish species from the whistling ducks.