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Visited: spring and winter
Recommendation: This is a huge site so you need to research where might be the best place to visit. There are good opportunities to see a range of birds and animals so it is definitely worth going to.
The Adelaide International Bird Sanctuary (AIBS) is a vital protected area located on the northeast coast of Gulf St Vincent, stretching 60 kilometers from Barker Inlet in the south to Parham in the north. It's a haven for resident and migratory shorebirds, waterbirds, and bush birds, making it a great spot for birdwatching. The sanctuary offers easy access for visitors to experience the wonders of the birdlife. There are two main entry points: the St Kilda foreshore at the southern gateway and Thompson Beach at the northern end. On my last visit, I visited both
Sooty Oystercatcher (Haematopus fuliginosus)
Pied Oystercatcher (Haematopus longirostris)
My first stop was at St Kilda, which is home to a boat ramp, magnificent playground and a long sea wall. It was a little windy on the wall but I could see cormorants and oystercatchers in the distance so off I went. First up were some oystercatchers flying in. There were lots of sooty birds and I was pleased to see a few pieds arrive as well. You can see clear differences between the physiology of the birds in these photos. It was very convenient that they lined up in the same pose.
On the other side of the wall were some spoonbills and egret fishing on the incoming tide. I remember once overhearing a civilian exclaiming that an egret must be the chick of the spoonbill. Always makes me laugh. It was good to see the young spoonbill with a adult to contrast the plumage.
Little Egret - Egretta garzetta
Royal Spoonbill - Platalea regia
Walking back along the sea wall yielded a solitary grebe in the channel. I am always surprised at the adaptability of these little birds.
From the sea wall, I walked along the shoreline (took a peek out from the pirate ship climbing platform). The tide was coming in fast on the shallow ground and brought with it hundreds of teal, stint and plovers. It was quite a sight and for once, too much to capture in a photograph.
Hoary-headed Grebe (Poliocephalus poliocephalus)
After St Kilda, I headed up to Thompson. It is really nice here. A quiet village but also set up for hikers and bird watchers. I walked trails to the south and north. Being winter, it was fairly quiet, no thornbills, chats or other heath birds. I did see an adult Spotted Harrier hawking the coastline and I found this rather interesting Blue Swimmer Crab skelton. As the weather was warm and calm, the walks were stimulating enough.
I didn't miss out totally though, as the incoming tide brought in several hundred Banded Stilts. These are very elegant birds and I didn't mind having to wade out to catch them.
Banded Stilt - Cladorhynchus leucocephalus
I thought the stilts would be the find of the day but on the northern track, I came across a pair of Wallaroo. An adult and youngster I think. I have only ever seen them once before so I was thrilled. You can identify them immediately by the short arms, black nose and big ears. I was not aware they could have this rufous colouring on the shoulders. Like other marsupials, once they saw me they hesitated and just watched me warily before slowly moving on their way.
Common wallaroo (Osphranter robustus)
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