Tuesday, November 8, 2022

Cape Leeuwin and Augusta


Check my birding map for specific location.

Augusta is a lovely little town with incredible views of the Southern Ocean and some million dollar homes right on the shore. On the north western coast is the Indian Ocean and they meet at the tip of the most south western point of Australia - Cape Leeuwin. The meeting of these oceans makes for a changeable weather system and the area is considerably cooler than notoriously sticky Perth.  

My first stop was Cape Leeuwin. I knew that it was my best chance to see the Rock Parrot. These tiny parrots have eluded me so far on the south coast and indeed I had looked for them here when I visited in 2016 and didn't see them then either. I was hopeful and amazingly, I saw one before I even entered the tourist attraction. I guess getting there 2 minutes after they opened helped! Inside I found several groups and counted a wonderful 17 birds altogether. 


Rock Parrot (Neophema petrophila)

Very similar to the Elegant Parrot, these birds were so cute as they chattered away while feeding on the grass and flowers. 


Also on the grass were Australasian Pipit. Usually shy, they seemed quite happy in the company of the parrots as they also fed on the grass.

Australasian Pipit (Anthus australis)

Back in Augusta, I walked along the river and the peppermint gums were in flower and smelled incredible. There has been a lot of restoration work here and it is a haven for lots of waterbirds. Unphotographable, but I did get glimpses of cormorants and pelicans as I walked. I sat on a bench next to a small pond and watched the ducks for a while until my attention was caught by a White-breasted Robin. What a lovely environment.

Pacific Black Duck (Anas superciliosa)

White-breasted Robin (Eopsaltria georgiana)

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