Tag Archives: Australianwildlife

Normanville’s Big Gorge Walk Part 2

24 Jul

Dear Reader:

(30/6/25,12.05, Clear sky and around 18, light wind)

Numerous aged River Red Gums line the watercourse. I remove a few strips of bark to investigate the different animals that shelter there. A Marbled Gecko scuttles out and freezes relying on its camouflage to escape detection.

Marbled Gecko and Pie Dish Beetles

In part 1 of this story (June 7th Post) I had just passed the ruins and was nearing the end of this short but fascinating trail. I will pick up from there and relate the walk to the end of the trail and back by referring to my field notes. Conditions were recorded on my Apple watch.

End of the walk with information about Colonel Light’s exploration of the area

(30/6/25,12.13, Clear sky and around 18, light wind)

Amongst a tangle of branches I can just make out the shape of a large dark bird. I zoom in and pick up the white fringes to its tail and prominent yellow eye…A Grey Currawong.

Grey Currawong

(30/6/25,12.14, Clear sky and around 19, light wind)

Scanning further into the trees, I pick up the distinctive red breast and blue wings of an Adelaide Rosella. The rosella is not the only parrot in the area. There are small groups of Short-beaked Corellas in the canopy and an occasional Galah flying past.

Adelaide Rosella
Short-beaked Corellas

(30/6/25,12.25 Clear sky and around 18, light wind)

I leave the trail and walk closer to the creek and try to capture essence of this beautiful Gorge with a couple of scenic images.

Yankallila River
Surrounding hillsides with sheep grazing

(30/6/25,12.42 Clear sky and around 18, light wind)

I am almost back at the trailhead when I notice a small group of Silvereyes in a bush. They are probably the same birds I photographed earlier (7th June post). To my surprise, considering the season, I notice a Monarch Butterfly perched on a small branch near the track.

Late season Monarch Butterfly

(30/6/25,12.55 Clear sky and around 20℃, light wind)

I reach the Norm Garnet Park, pack up my gear and head back to the city. I have been surprised by the lack of Western grey Kangaroos, as I know they are prolific in this area. However, the gods of wildlife photography decide to rectify the problem and I come across a dozen or so ‘roos’ grazing in a fenced paddock, just a few kilometres shy of Normanville.  

Western Grey Kangaroos grazing on farmland

Cheers

Baz

Additional notes

Other animals see, heard but not photographed

The camera used for this post is a

This is an easy walk/drive which is quite suitable for families and seniors with public toilets, barbecues, parking and other facilities nearby. It is dog friendly.

Please pass on this blog title and or contact information (URL) to any person or organisation with an interest in taking walks and enjoying wildlife in SA.

Click on these links and see more South Australian stories and pictures in my Weekend Notes articles as well as locating similar blogs on Feedspot’s top 20 Australian wildlife blogs

https://www.weekendnotes.com/adelaide/writer/452/

https://blog.feedspot.com/australian_wildlife_blogs/

Just Cruising 2 King’s Billabong to Mildura

6 Jul

Dear Reader:

As we back the houseboat into the current and point it downstream a Snakebird or Anhinga perches gracefully on an overhanging branch, the perfect farewell to King’s Billabong.

Snake-bird or Anhinga

In the next hour, I photograph numerous scenes and animals from my vantage point on the upper deck. None of the images are quite as clear as the initial shot as the boat is moving, the engines vibrating, and the riverbanks are a between 50-100 metres away.

Classic red earth riverbank scenery

Because birds fly, it is a challenging task to capture images of them in flight. Dainty swallows hunt insects in the boat’s wake and Whistling Kites circle high in the air using their extraordinary vision to locate prey.

Welcome Swallows resting on the river bank
Welcome Swallows hunting in the houseboat wake
Whistling Kite hunting above the river

Because of their size, shape and slow flight pattern, Australian Pelicans are one of my favourite waterbirds to photograph. Whether hunting, flying, landing or taking off, they are both endearing and elegant.

Australian Pelican in flight
Ancient tree and Pelican composition

The river is used by numerous types of craft which tell a variety of stories. There are old barges from the time when the river was a major transport route. Paddle-teamers, both new and old, rekindle the more romantic days of river travel. Tour boats, houseboats , ski and fishing boats are the most common vessels of the modern era.  

Classic paddle-steamer still in use
Derelict barge

It is a relatively short trip back. As we bring the houseboat into the wharf at Mildura, I notice a Great Cormorant watching us from the bank as a flotilla of Maned Ducks slide past on the port side. Settled snuggly into our mooring I watch a Rakali or Australian Water Rat foraging amongst lily pads: a nice way to finish the week.

Rakali foraging amongst lily pads

Cheers

Baz

Additional notes

The camera used for this post is a Nikon P900

This is an easy excursion which is quite suitable for families and seniors with public toilets, barbecues, parking and other facilities nearby. River bank areas that are not part of national park are dog friendly.

Please pass on this blog title and or contact information (URL) to any person or organisation with an interest in taking walks and enjoying wildlife in SA.

Click on these links and see more South Australian stories and pictures in my Weekend Notes articles as well as locating similar blogs on Feedspot’s top 20 Australian wildlife blogs

https://www.weekendnotes.com/adelaide/writer/452/

https://blog.feedspot.com/australian_wildlife_blogs/