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Visited: late dry season
Recommendation: If ever you are given a tip by a local, go there. No guarantees in wildlife watching but local knowledge is always gold.
A local birder in Wyndham told me to head precisely 8 kilometres down the King River Road. It was an unsealed and bumpy track but, as instructed, I persevered. And at the 8km mark, there was a small turnout that looked like an informal camping area. It was very dry but close to a small creek running into the river. It was brutally hot and very quiet. I doubted there would be anything here.
I heard the peculiar wail of the Brown Quail. It is one of the few calls that I never forget, regardless of how infrequently I hear it. As they are always in a group, I knew there would be a number of them around. So I took cover and waited until they were comfortable enough to come out. And they did.
There were some lovely birds here, ducks, finches, honeyeaters and doves but all were shy and taking refuge from the heat in the bushes. Photography was very difficult. Just as I was about to give up and retreat to the air conditioning of my van, several Black-necked Stork flew past. That will do nicely!
Black-necked Stork (Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus)
And they were quickly followed by some Brolga. Some quick shots and then out of there. Maybe I will return when it is a little cooler!
Brolga (Grus rubicunda)
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