Bronzewing Birding Services: Murray River

Spent the morning along the Murray River west from home towards Cobram. The river has been in flood of late, and although there was much damage, it was good to see small wetlands and billabongs filled.

Stopped first at the Bourke's Bend entrance to the Murray River at Burramine, half way between Cobram and Yarrawonga. An Azure Kingfisher along a small billabong was great to see. These little birds are always an exciting find. Small groups of Weebills and thornbills, Buff-rumped and Striated also moved about in the canopy. An Olive-backed Oriole was the first one seen in a while and 3 Noisy Friarbirds were unexpected, though I suspect there is a small population along the Murray River during summer.

Next stop Quinn's Island near Cobram. The gate to the island was closed (no doubt flood damage) but I still has an enjoyable walk along the river. Dollarbirds here are quite reliable, I saw 3 and Rainbow Lorikeets were here again. An odd sighting, well north of their usual range on the other side of the Great Divide. There is a small population at Shepparton directly south, I suspect these birds come from here. 49 species seen here.

On the way home I stopped briefly at the wetland along the Barooga-Mulwala Rd. Many ducks and Black-winged Stilts here. Two Zebra Finches as well just nearby. Last stop was Boomanoomana Wetlands (below) where of late I have had some good sightings, Magpie Goose in November just to name one.

The wetlands are still quite full. Dollarbirds here put on a good show chasing a young Brown Goshawk. Another Brown Goshawk, adult this time, was nearby as well. Perhaps they bred here. Many ducks as well (Pacific Black Duck below), Little Grassbird calling from the rushes, a Cockatiel heard and vocal Sacred Kingfishers were just some of the 44 species here.