Bearded Dragon taking a look around, probably sussing out his territory (Credit Sandra Gray)Springton Hotel one of the state’s earliest pubs
As I drive into Springton my passenger shouts, “Stop and back up.” To my surprise, she points out a lovely Bearded Dragon perched on an old fence post. We pull into the old pub for a refreshing drink before motoring on.
Classic hills backroadLocal dam with Eurasian Coots and Maned Ducks around the edges
In the northern region of the Mount Lofty Ranges, the area around Springton is a spider’s web of unsealed roads. They pass by small properties and cut through open pasture, forest and scrub. A wonderful place to explore by car with frequent stops to take in the rural scenery and search for wildlife.
One curious sheepRose-breasted Cockatoo or Galah near vinesMoving stock
Driving along the well graded unsealed road I stop to photograph a flock of sheep sheltering in the shade of massive Red Gum while a flatbed truck passes with sheep in the back and a dog in the passengers seat. To my left a pair of Galahs are feeding nextto a vineyard. The scene is quintessential rural SA ……to be continued.
Cheers
Baz
Additional notes
Other significant animals seen, heard but not photographed Kestrel, Brown Snake, Adelaide Rosellas
The camera used for this post is a Nikon Coolpix P900
This is an easy drive which is quite suitable for families and seniors with public toilets, barbecues, parking and other facilities in Springton. It is dog friendly unless a national or conservation park is signposted.
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
Coming off a bend at around 100 KPH, in a predominantly rural area, the last thing I expect to see is a Koala casually strolling down the road. Brakes on. I leave the vehicle and usher it off the road.
Vine, pine and bush
I am driving between Williamstown and Springton in the northern part of the Mount Lofty Ranges. This lovely stretch of road passes through open pasture for grazing, vineyards, native scrub as well as olive and pine plantations.
Curious cowsGalahs taking off
A little further along the road I sop to watch a herd of beef cattle in a paddock where Rose Breasted Cockatoos are pulling up roots and tubers from the well irrigated pasture.
Portuguese BridgeView from the bridge of River GumsEarly cottage near Williamstown turnoff
Early farmers and rural pioneers have left their mark in many ways. The Portuguese Bridge spans the South Para River and an old, abandoned cottage marks the passing of families and dreams long gone.
Heath TeatreeMatted Bush Pea
There are significant patches of native scrub alongside the road and I briefly stop to explore them. Grasstrees, Teatree bushes, stunted eucalypts (possibly Mallee) and a variety of flowering groundcovers make for a diverse short walk.
Australian Monarch
There are numerous birds and insects in the scrub alongside the road. The birds are small and hard to photograph as they flit around in the dense bushes and trees. At a glance, there are Silvereyes, Grey Fantails and an unknown honeyeater species.
A reminder of days gone by
After numerous stops, I reach Springton and stop at the old-fashioned General store where I grab a bite to eat, a drink and fill up the car with petrol. Suitably refreshed and with the rest of the day ahead I decide to head back to the city by way of the many unsealed roads indicated on my navigation system……..to be continued.
Cheers
BAZ
Additional notes
Other animals seen, heard but not photographed: Ravens, Grey Kangaroos, Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoos
The camera used for this post is a Nikon Coolpix P900
This is an easy drive which is quite suitable for families and seniors .
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
A lone Hooded Plover chick ventures close to the water
Dear Reader:
The small shore bird leads its chicks across the sand towards the water. They peck at the sand mimicking the parent as she forages for food. Rare and lovely birds, Hooded Plovers nest in a protected zone on the beach.
Adult Hooded Plover with quite mature chicks
I am walking from the Bert Puxley Reserve near the boat ramp back along the foreshore towards Muwerang-Kent Reserve at the mouth of the Inman River. The tide is out and a variety of waterbirds are feeding in the shallow rock pools that characterise this stretch of water.
Whalers Inn and the boat ramp with the Bluff in the backgroundCormorant, Silver Gull and Australian Pelican resting on granite boulders near the boating channelSooty Oystercatcher (foreground) Australian White Ibis (background) foraging in rock pools for different prey which suits their beak types
Tall Norfolk Island Pines line the pathway and a group of Rose-breasted Cockatoos (Galahs) are squawking and squabbling in the topmost branches while others feed on the grassy verge.
Galahs getting ready to roostGalahs feeding
Much to my surprise, I catch sight of an unusual bird pushing its way through the shallows, beak forward and seaweed strewn across its ornately crowned head. A Great-crested Grebe. A bird I have rarely encountered. Using the full extension of the Nikon P900 telephoto, I take a series of shots to capture this feeding behaviour.
Great-crested GrebeGreat-crested Grebe hunting
Leaving the path, I walk along the sandy beach scanning the water for other seabirds, dolphins, or fish caught in the shallow rock pools. I don’t have to walk very far before I spot a small group of waterfowl, Grey Teal and Pacific Black Ducks, in the shallows. They are birds I usually associate with fresh water.
Grey Teal and Pacific Black Ducks
I have been walking and observing for over an hour and decide to break for lunch. Approximately halfway between the two parks there is a small group of shops catering for Victor’s summer influx of visitors. Fresh sandwiches, pies, pizzas, yiros and many other Aussie lunch staples are available.
Plenty to choose from
Although my walk has primarily focussed on the birdlife, the variety of coastal vegetation is notable. As well as the wiry grasses that hold sandy areas together there are numerous flowering bushes such as Cushion Fan-flower and Coastal Wattles and Myoporum.
Cushion Fan-flower blossoms
My final destination is Muwerang-Kent Reserve where a range of information plaques provide First Nations and more recent historical and cultural information about the area.
Multi purpose reserve with: shelter, play and exercise equipment and informationFirst Nations information
Cheers
Baz
Additional notes
Other animals seen, heard but not photographed: Caspian Tern, Silver Gulls,
The camera used for this post is a Nikon Coolpix P900
This is an easy walk and drive which is quite suitable for families and seniors with public toilets, barbecues, parking and other facilities nearby. It is dog friendly but areas of the beach are cordoned off for the plovers meaning dogs should be on leads around these zones.
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
Having explored the backroads around the Williamstown in my previous post ; I am now driving along the main street where I am enchanted by the many colonial buildings that have been repurposed to suit a modern township.
Williamstown Hotel was established just 18 years after the settlement of South AustraliaView from the bridgeManed Ducks
A bridge crosses the Victoria Creek at the T junction where the road from Adelaide intersects the B31/B34. From the bridge, I can see a small lake created by a weir. There are Eurasian Coots and a pair of Maned Duckspaddling near the bank.
New Holland Honeyeater
New Holland Honeyeaters and Silvereyes are feeding in the foliage of several large gums adjacent to the river.
Part of the muralThe weir looking back towards the bridge
The wall alongside the path by the lake is decorated with a mural depicting Williamstown’s unique features such as: buildings, landscape and historical events.
Australian Reed Warbler
As I walk along the path, the characteristic call of an Australian Reed Warbler rings out from the plants bordering the lake. Unusually, the call is coming from the wall of the weir not the reeds. And, as luck would have it, I spot the little bird foraging on the dam wall.
Too much choice at the local bakery
Williamstown has proved to be an interesting place from both an historical and natural perspective. All that remains is to enjoy a croissant and vanilla slice for lunch.
Cheers
Baz
Additional notes
Other animals seen, heard but not photographed: Adelaide Rosellas, Pottybonk Frogs, Masked Lapwings, corellas and Galahs
The camera used for this post is a Nikon Coolpix P900
This is an easy walk and drive which is quite suitable for families and seniors with public toilets, playgroun, 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
A Koala suddenly appears on the edge of the road then runs across both lanes. I check my mirrors and pull off into a small recess. Walking back along the edge of the road, I scan the trees until I spot the Koala high in the branches looking down on me.
Classic grazing area with remnant eucalyptsGoat herd feeding near the reservoir
Further along the road, I stop again to photograph classic open pasture dotted with sizeable eucalypts. A nearby fenced off paddock is home to a small herd of Angora Goats. As I stop to photograph them a lone Emu pops its head up from a ditch by the side of the road.
Surprise
I am driving to Williamstown to explore this historic little town and document the wildlife around the area. However, I am more than a little surprised to have encountered so many interesting photo-subjects before I even reach my destination.
Bridge over the reservoir
Crossing the bridge over the South Para Reservoir, I notice the water level is quite high, a good sign for the approaching summer. Nearby, the extensive vines, which are a more recent feature of this landscape, contrast starkly with the adjacent scrub-draped hillsides. Clearing bushland for vines is always a contentious issue in South Australia.
Vines, pasture and bushland
I am on the outskirts of Williamstown and decide it is time for a break at the local bakery before traversing some of the backroads and exploring other features of this historic township………..to be continued.
Too much choice
Cheers
Baz
Additional notes
Other animals seen/heard but not photographed: Western grey Kangarooos, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Australian Magpie, Blackbirds, House Sparrows, Rabbits
The camera used for this post is a Nikon P900
This is an easy drive which is quite suitable for families and seniors with public toilets, barbecues, parking and other facilities in Williamstown. 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
For once, my first interesting sighting is not an animal but a delicate orchid known as a Parson’s Bands because the two delicate petals resemble a clergyman’s white collar.
Parson’s Bands Orchid
I am walking along Wottons Track from the gate 3 entrance to the Kenneth Stirling series of Conservation Parks near Carey Gully and Uraidla. The drive up Greenhill Road towards the park has taken me through some beautiful hill country adorned by vines, native forest and orchards.
Autumn vines near Uraidla
It is early winter and I am not expecting much wildlife and it is quite a surprise to see an ornate Common Brown Butterfly amongst the leaf litter. With wings folded it is remarkably well camouflaged.
Effective camouflageFemale Common Brown (same animals as above image)
Late blooming flowers seem to be the order of the day and far easier to photograph. Hills Daisies and Common or Pink Heaths dot the lush green undergrowth.
Hills DaisyCommon Heath
There are the twittering calls of wrens in the bushes alongside the path but they are wary and hard to spot. Eventually a pair appear on the trail some fifty metres ahead of me. I steady myself and fire off a couple of frames trying to catch both male and female together. They are a perfect example of sexual dimorphism in birds.
Male and female Superb Fairy WrenSuperb Fairy Wren, Image shot at similar location by author
I have walked around three kilometres and spotted a few Grey Fantails, Adelaide Rosellas and Rainbow Lorikeets, all too far away to photograph.
BGrey Fantail. Image shot at similar location by author
Near a fork in the trail leading to Fern Gully I can hear the rasping calls of Spotted Grass Frogs and assume there must be a creek or wetland area there. However, as this trail appears to have more steep sections my ‘not so young knees’ suggest it is time to turn back and head for home.
Spotted Marsh (or Grass) frog, Image from my collection
My drive home takes me back through Uraidla where I stop off the local caffe which incorporates a fine bakery and micro-brewery. Always a good way to round off any trip to this part of the Adelaide Hills
A bite to eat and a refreshing brew
Cheers
Baz
Additional notes
The camera used for this post is a Sony RX10 M3
This is a moderate walk with some steep sections
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
The Western Grey Kangaroo stops feeding and looks at me, twitches its ears then hops deeper into the bushes where it is joined by a second roo.
Western Grey KangarooThen there were two
I am driving along the access road to Wirrina Cove marina, where I will walk along the Wirrina Foreshore Reserve. It is a rather overcast day which adds a few extra photographic challenges.
Beginning of the walk
Like other parts of the Fleurieu the story told by the rock formations is fascinating. The areas geoheritage includes: deep sedimentary basins, massive plate tectonic collisions, glaciation and mountain formation.
Rock formations along the shoreline
At low tide the rocky foreshore is a maze of rockpools. Within each of these ecological niches lives a wonderful variety of marine organisms such as anemones, sponges, seasnails and crustaceans; to mention just a few.
Shore crab species on the edge of a rockpoolTurban Shell
Banks of seaweed cover some parts of the shoreline and I am amazed to see an Australian Magpie probing the weed. Closer observation suggests it might be gathering nesting material.
Australian Magpie in seaweed pile
After spending some time exploring the edges of the pools, I move back to the trail to capture a few images of the typical birdlife. There are White-faced herons stalking the shallows, Pied Cormorants and Masked Lapwings resting on the rocks and a pair of grebes further out to sea.
White-faced Heron
Having captured images of molluscs, birds, crustaceans and marsupials, I turn my attention to plants, insects and other life forms. Butterflies and native bees are feeding on flowering Scabia blooms, lichens coat the rock formations and Cushion Bushes colonise niches in the rock formations.
The weather closes in and it is time to leave the walking trail. However, I am determined to return on a warmer, sunnier day with some snorkeling gear to further explore this fascinating area.
Cheers
Baz
Additional notes
The camera used for this post is a Nikon Coolpix P900
This is an easy walk and drive 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
A Short-billed Corella perches in the fork of a gum tree. Its raucous call resonating through the still morning air.
Short-billed Corella
I am driving the largely unsealed road between Myponga and the conservation park of the same name. For a summer’s day, it is refreshingly cool but the dryness of the surrounding countryside tells a different story.
James Track
A few minutes after seeing the corella, I catch a glimpse of a group of Straw-necked Ibises strutting through the pale, yellow grass. They turn to watch me then fly off towards the coast.
Straw-necked Ibises
Further down the road there are dozens of Rose-breasted Cockatoos (Galahs) in a stand of trees. All but one takes to the air as I leave the car to take a shot of them. The plucky little bird drops out of the gum tree and hops onto an old, circular concrete well and starts to drink.
Just taking a little drink
The road takes a sweeping bend and starts to climb. I find a good vantage point and scan the broad expanse of dry pasture with my telephoto lens. What I missed from the vehicle soon becomes apparent. There are Western Grey Kangaroos scattered across the landscape in small groups of two to six animals.
Roos in the landscapeWestern Grey Kangaroo (through the telephoto lens)
The terrain changes from lightly wooded pasture to scrub with an overstory of smaller eucalypts. Several kilometres on, I reach a gated entrance to the Myponga Conservation Park alongside a local property.
Change if terrain near the park
Taking care to close the gate behind me I drive through a combination of rolling hills, farmland, and dense scrub. The track is about two kilometres long and ends in an open space wide enough to turn around.
Inside the park
Two trails; The Echidna and Wren, branch off from the end of the road into the park and alongside some farmland. As a bonus, there is a spectacular view across the hills towards the ocean.
Trails at the end of the park
My goal for today achieved, I drive back along the trail. At the gate I meet a local property owners and chat to him about the area. He tells me that the park is best explored in spring when the plants are in flower providing food for a range of animals.
Myponga Conservation Park gate
I return to Myponga back along The James Track where I enjoy the delights of the local bakery before heading home to review my images and make a note in the diary to return in the spring.
Bakery delights
Cheers
Baz
Additional notes
The camera used for this post is a SONY RX10 Mark 3
This is an easy drive which is quite suitable for families and seniors.
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
I can hear small birds in the undergrowth and scan the leaf litter and low bushes with my telephoto. Nothing at first then just a glimpse of a wren but it is a beautiful Milkmaid Lily that Catches my eye.
Milkmaid Lily
The Giles Conservation Park is a twenty-five minute drive up Magill Road from Adelaide’s CBD to Norton Summit; then a further five minutes along Lobethal and Woods Hill Road. I park opposite the park entrance and enjoy the view of green undulating farmland. There are Australian Magpies and a few Ravens in the fields.
Farmland opposite Giles CP
After leaving the wrens and Lilies my next surprise is a rather unusually marked Koala in a tree just a few metres along the clearly marked Ridge Trail.
Koala
Being late Spring, there is a proliferation of blooms along the trail including: eucalypts, wattles, lilies, peaflowers and native primroses. And, there are also an introduced weeds, one of which is quite intriguing the aptly named Rattlesnake Grass.
Red Parrot Peaflower
Forester Moth on Native Primrose
Rattlesnake Grass
Some animals give away their location with a subtle shuffle in the grass, not so the Kookaburra. Midway up a tall Stringybark a Laughing Kookaburra perches and calls to its mate deeper in the scrub.
Laughing Kookaburra
Koalas and kookaburras are relatively easy to spot but there is a myriad of smaller animals that live amongst the foliage, flowers and leaf litter which are much harder to detect. Insects, spiders, skinks and beetles are just a few examples of this lower but critical part of the food chain. Unfortunately the number of these creatures is becoming dangerously low because of pesticides, habitat loss and other human induced threats.
Common Garden Skink
Plague Locust
Having walked several kilometres and taken many photographs, it is time to head back to the city. However, I would never consider leaving the Norton Summit area without enjoying lunch with a view at the Scenic Hotel.
Scenic Hotel Norton Summit
Cheers
Baz
Additional notes
The camera used for this post is a Nikon Coolpix P900
This is an easy walk and drive which is quite suitable for families and seniors with limited parking.
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
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
Naturally South Australia 