Dear Reader:
As I walk across the top of the cliffs from the reserve’s entrance, I notice a Rainbow Bee Eater perched on a dead tree branch. The first one I have seen in Australia.
Rainbow Bee Eater
My next stop is an observation tower which provides splendid up and downstream views of the Murray River.
The observation tower is flanked by cliffs, river and scrub
Murtho forest reserve is part of the greater Riverland Biosphere Reserve. It lies 20 kms northeast of Renmark. There are several walks through the park as well as a camping area, boat launching facilities and the observation tower.
A houseboat makes its way down the river
Honeyeaters are common throughout the forest and I am lucky enough to photograph three different species in the area around the tower; White-plumed Honeyeaters, Singing Honeyeaters and the less common Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater. The latter species is perching on a protruding, dead branch above the river and it takes several shots to identify it.
White-plumed Honeyeater
It is hard to shift your gaze from the wonderful scenery; red cliffs, a slow meandering giant of a river as well as billabongs and wetlands on the far bank.
Wetlands opposite the forest
Leaving the viewing platform, I drive to the camping and boat launch area. There are quite a few flowering shrubs and ground covers in this location including an Eremophila species and Pigface, a common coastal succulent. I notice several different types of butterflies and a Hoverfly feeding on the blossoms.
Eremophila species
As the cloud cover thickens I decide it is time to drive back to Renmark with a short stop on the way at the Paringa Hotel for a drink and lunch.
Local watering hole
Cheers
Baz
Additional notes
The camera used for this post is a Nikon Coolpix P900
This is an easy drive and walk which is quite suitable for families and seniors. 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
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