Birding around Balranald, New South Wales

2007 New South Wales trip report #5

Balranald

We stayed the night in a small but comfortable cabin in the Balranald Caravan Park. We thought we wouldn’t get much sleep because a transport truck seemed to pass the park every minute or two. Surprisingly we both slept well but woke early because we were cold. If it wasn’t a frost it was very close to it. After breakfast a bitterly cold wind started blowing, but the sunny, cloudless morning promised a good day.

Murrumbidgee River, Balranald, NSW

Murrumbidgee River, Balranald, NSW

The small town of Balranald is situated on the banks of the Murrumbidgee River. It flows into the Murray River nearby. I didn’t have much of a chance to seek out birds around the town and along the river. A small flock of Galahs cavorted around the park and along the river. Some Sulphur-crested Cockatoos made their raucous calls echo through the tall River Red Gums along the banks of the river.

Sulphur Crested Cockatoo

Sulphur Crested Cockatoo

Near our cabin I heard a call that sounded like a rosella parrot. I only caught a glimpse as it flew off; I am guessing that it was probably a Yellow Rosella. They are quite common along these river systems. A few Red Wattlebirds and a small flock of Noisy Miners (honeyeaters) were feeding in the trees in the caravan park. I checked out the river for water birds; a single Little Pied Cormorant was resting on a log on the river bank.

In and around the town I saw some Welcome Swallows, Australian Magpies, Rock Doves and House Sparrows.After buying a few supplies from the local store we headed off towards Hay.

 

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