We left Port Augusta early and set out for a long day of
driving, to Coober Pedy. Saw lots of Australian Ravens along the way, as well
as a group of emus near Pimba. Our first proper stop was at Lake Hart, where
other birders have spotted several species I have yet to tick off. There I saw
a pair of blue bonnets, plenty of white-backed swallows, and an Australian
Pipit – all lifers for me, although pipits I am sure I’ve seen before, but have
never been able to tick off for certain in case it’s something else! Also saw
plenty of singing honeyeaters and a pair of white-browed babblers.
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| Bluebonnets, Lake Hart, SA |
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| White-backed Swallow, Lake Hart, SA |
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| Australian Pipit, Lake Hart, SA |
We stopped in Glendambo briefly for lunch, and I spotted a
pair of yellow-throated miners in a tree at the roadhouse. On our way to Coober
Pedy we spotted some roadkill ahead with a couple of enormous raptors feeding
on it – wedge-tailed eagles! One of them flew away as we pulled over, but the
other continued feeding, not bothered by me clicking away! Eventually it flew
when a truck came past in the opposite direction.
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| Wedge-tailed Eagle, Stuart Highway, SA |
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| Wedge-tailed Eagle, Stuart Highway, SA |
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| Wedge-tailed Eagle, Stuart Highway, SA |
Another favourite spot for birders along the Stuart Highway
is the Hutchison Memorial, about 10km south of Coober Pedy. The monument itself
is quite small, but there is a large camping area behind it, and birders have
recorded quite a lot of birds there. I was hoping to find chestnut-breasted
whiteface there, but missed out on those - might have another look on the way home. I did see my first Crimson Chats, a
male and two females. Also spotted a brown falcon chasing some prey, a kestrel
flying over, and a few willie wag-tails and singing honeyeaters.
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