Dear Reader:
There is an Adelaide Rosella perched amongst the bare branches of a fruit tree in the garden of the old ‘Mine Manager’s House’.
Adelaide Rosella
I am taking a walk around the Kapunda Mine site situated on the southern edge of the mid north town of the same name. It is an easy, short walk. Despite the rather overcast conditions, I am hoping to get a few good shots of the site and local wildlife.
Black-faced Cuckoo Shrike (credit Debbie Simmonds)
Before my walk I spoke to several people at the Visitor Information Centre and the local hotel. They mentioned a mob of Western Grey Kangaroos in the area and the occasional Echidna encounter. Fingers Crossed!
Classic Aussie pub
From the parking bay by the old house, the marked trail leads up to a lookout and tall Chimney which was connected to the boiler house and steam engine. This system ran different pieces of mining equipment.
Start of the trail
Leaving the chimney site I make my way down to a playground area with fascinating metal sculptures. As I read the information plaque I notice some movement in the bushes to my right. Kangaroo? No! A bunny which skips away into the bushes.
European Rabbit
Rounding one of the bends at the top of the walk I encounter more information plaques which detail a range of stories about mining processes, the life of miners as well as some anecdotes from the mine’s historic past.
One of many stories
I read some information about ‘Wheal Charles’ an early part of the complex catch a glimpse of some tiny birds feeding on nearby saltbush plants. Focus is tricky in the poor light and with such speedy little birds I have to take a dozen shots before getting one right. They are Silvereyes, one of our smallest local species.
Silvereye
The views across the ‘minescape’ from here are quite fascinating with the streaks of different coloured minerals standing out from the browner soil and background rock strata.
View across part of the open cut section of the mine
There are sheep in a paddock alongside the mine and some dark coloured birds on the ground near them. Initially, I think they are Ravens but after a closer look through the telephoto lens I spot their red eyes and realise the birds are White-winged Choughs.
Nearby pasture
White-winged Choughs
The Choughs are my final wildlife encounter. However, as I make my way back to the beginning of the looped trail I notice a series of placards telling a story about Sir Sydney Kidman a famous Australian outback figure. A great way to finish my tour of this charming town’s historic mine site.
A story to end the walk
Cheers
Baz
Additional notes
This is an easy walk and drive which is quite suitable for families and seniors with public toilets, barbecues, parking and other facilities nearby. At the time of writing this post, the trail and facilities were undergoing a major upgrade. 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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