On 8 March I joined a bunch of other folk on a trip by Dale Winward on the Gipsy Princess from Gipsy Point up the Wallagaraugh River. A birdlist is on eBird (with some of the photos below). I have ended with 33 species.
Here s our route, courtesy of the track recorder in eBird.
The gathering at Gipsy Point wharf was greatly enhanced by the presence of a pair of Azure Kingfishers (sorry about the odd colour of the background - my camera was still set up for evening fruit bat photography). The birds are arrowed.
A small backwater near Dale's farm which we briefly explored.
One of several Gippsland Water Dragons (Intellagama leseurii) seen hauled out on logs.
Adult White-bellied Sea-Eagle.
A photograph of an Australian Hobby: technically poor, but good enough to support the identification.
This shows the width of the River - probably just beyond The Bullring - and the regrowth of vegetation after the Black Summer fire.
Creepers covering trees in a rainforest patch.
The only member of the Heron family seen on the trip.
A magnificent Wedge-tailed Eagle seen on the way home. This was one of two adults: a juvenile was also present, first detected by constant whining calls, and then seen flying.
Adult, ready to launch.
The Johnson Bridge, carrying the Fairhaven Freeway over the River. Although water was a little high there was enough clearance for the boat. The driftwood in the middle pier suggests recent spate height: Dale commented that in a big flood the whole bridge has gone under.
Heading for lunch at the farm. The water level was a bit higher than expected!
A rather more helpful image of one of the Kingfishers.
Looks like a great adventure.
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