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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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