Bronzewing Birding Services: Tungamah District

Tungamah is not far from home so it is often worthwhile to check out some of the local swamps and creeks, especially now as they are full with so much all the rain we have had this year.

First stop was Tungamah Swamp which is looking great (below). Many Grey Teal are breeding (below) and have lots of ducklings, or should I say tealings of various ages. A very dark teal seen was probabaly a young male Chestnut Teal as it had a hint of that colour in its plumage. Sacred Kingfishers have had a great year and they are quite vocal here at the swamp.

Next stop was just west of Tungamah at the Broken Creek. Four Plumed Whistling-Ducks (below) were a great sighting. They have been having a great year locally, probably because it has been so wet. I have also seen them near home in Wilby, at Dowlde Swamp, near Rutherglen and Lake Mokoan. A Brown Quail was also surprised on the edge of a wheat paddock. I assumed it was a Stubble Quail at first which are often heard calling, but it didn't have any obvious streaking as Stubble Quail do, and yellow legs.

I also had quick look at the Boosey Creek along the Tungamah Main Rd again, nothing exceptional here bird wise but there quite a lot of flood damage along the fencelines and creeks (below).

Last stop was in Tungamah itself along the Boosey Creek which is often a good stop. Today turned up a Purple-crowned Lorikeet feeding in a River Red Gum. These trees as flowering well after recent floods. Although common, it was nice to see some Red-rumped Parrots (below) up so close having a late afternoon drink by the creek.