Galahs, Euabalong, NSW

Last month I drove from home in Murray Bridge to my son’s home in Sydney. At just over 1300 kilometres, it is a drive which can be easily done in two days. In more recent trips over there, I have chosen a variety of routes in order to see more of this wonderful land in which we live. On my most recent trip, I took four days to get there, planning to do some birding along the way.

I stayed for two nights in a cabin in the lovely Lake Cargelligo Caravan Park. This town is situated in the mid-west of New South Wales. It is, in fact, almost mid-way from anywhere in the state. The town caters for most needs of travellers but the area has suffered during the recent years of drought. By way of contrast, the area around Lake Cargelligo had received good falls of rain in the few weeks leading up to my visit. Water was lying everywhere, particularly on the sides of all roads. I hope that this good rain will help the farmers recover from their recent drought.

On the day after my arrival, I had planned to do a whole day of birding in the area. My first stop was at the small community of Euabalong which is about a half-hour drive north. The Lachlan River flows through town (see photo below) and it was certainly worth a stop to observe the local bird population.

Lachlan River at Euabalong, central NSW

I found a dirt track leading to the banks of the river and stopped for a while to make a list of the birds I could see and hear. The local Sulphur-crested Cockatoos (photo below) were making a terrible racket. They were screeching loudly and flying around erratically. I then spotted the cause of the upset. A Little Eagle and a Wedge-tailed Eagle were swooping low over the eucalypt trees where the cockatoos had been perched. They must have been looking for a mid-morning snack. I only saw the two eagles momentarily before they glided out of view. There was no opportunity to get a photo or two. Some Little Corellas (photo below) and Galahs (photo above) were also a part of the ruckus.

Sulphur-crested Cockatoo at Euabalong, NSW

After leaving the picnic area next to the Lachlan River, I drove slowly around the small town (population less than 200) to add to my list of birds seen or heard. I could easily have added to this list by stopping elsewhere in the town, but other places were calling me to keep going.

Here is a list of birds I listed:

• Australian Raven (several)
• Crested Pigeon (2)
• Magpie-lark (2)
• Red-rumped Parrot (4)
• Galah (about 30)
• Sulphur-crested Cockatoo (100+)
• Little Eagle (1)
• Wedge-tailed Eagle (1)
• Black-backed Magpie (2)
• Peaceful Dove (1 heard)
• Apostlebird (5)
• House Sparrow (30)
• Welcome Swallow (2)
• Pied Butcherbird (1)
• Little Corella (2 photographed but there would have been more in the flying flock)

My next stop was Euabalong West, just several kilometres to the west. There I added the following species:

• Superb Parrot (1)
• White-winged Choughs (15)
• Noisy Miner (5)
• Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater (1)
• White=plumed Honeyeater (5)

Happy birding,

Trevor

Little Corellas, Euabalong, NSW

Park like area near the Lachlan River at Euabalong