The phones around the Numurkah area have been hot with the news that a pair of brolgas have been seen nearby .Yesterday they were on our property for about 40 mins before heading SW .We have extensive wetlands around us due to the unseasonal flooding earlier this year and late last year .I observed then feeding on drier higher ground ,in a stubble paddock .Photos were poor but I was chuffed to watch them so near to my home.
Hi Huxter,
That would have been awesome to have them on your property! How exciting. Sounds like you live in a good area for birds.
I'm not familiar with Numurkah - where is that?
Andy.
Hi Andy
Numurkah is on the banks of the Broken Creek ,about 30 kms north of Shepparton in the Goulburn Valley of Victoria .We are about 30 kms south of the Murray River and the large redgum forests found there.Extensive flooding late last year has left us with large wetland areas nearby ,and the seasonal swamps and creeks are full and running --perfect for all sorts of waterbirds .Our own wetland area ,a swamp filled by the Box Creek ,hasn't had water for 12 years !Now I have resident Spoonbills ,breeding group of Little Pied Cormorants , Azure Kingfishers ,countless ducks ,several Egret sp.,Herons ,dozens of Welcome Swallows and dozens of species that pass through .I can watch most of this as I type as the water is only 40 mts away from the house .If the water recedes next summer ,our dams are still full so I could release some water back into the swamp for the birds .Lets hope for more regular rain to keep the surrounding wetlands working the way they should .
Hux
Morning Hux, that sounds so exciting,now would be the right time to come up that way to see birds??? Have you been to the Tahbilk Wetlands? Do we have to go during the week? There might be lots of tourists on weekends? The only way to get my husband to drive that far, would be the prospect of visiting the Tahbilk Winery.LOL. When we went there some years ago, they were just constructing the walks. I don't think people on busses would go on the walk, that would frighten the birds,(and me)!! But, if you know any other good spots, could you give me the map-ref. please? Have fun watching your birds,I'm so envious.
M-L
Yes , ---Tahbilk is fantastic !! ---the boat cruise is vey informative and they will drop you off for a walk to some hides ,then pick you up at another designated point some time later .We even had our end-of -year field naturalist trip there last November ,rained all day so the birding wasn't brilliant but the plants and forest is beautiful --and the lunch and wine in the Wetland Cafe was superb .You sit on the decking out over the wetland with a glass of marsanne in hand -- perfick !! Food is sensational too .Not that busy even on weekends but you need to book both the cafe and a boat trip .Or you can just walk into the wetlands for I think no cost .Boat is about $5 .
My sister and har family bring my Dad up 2 or 3 times a year and we meet there with my family for lunch and a walk --Tahbilk is about halfway for both of us -and Dad gets some wine for the next 3 months !!!
Hux
Thanks Hux, now we're talking! How did you know, that "Tahbilk Marsanne" is my favorite wine? We used to drive up to buy wine every year, but since we became members of their wine club, we have the wine delivered. But now we will only wait for some good weather to drive up to the wetlands.Can't wait!!
M-L