Check my birding map for specific location.
The Tabilk Wetlands are on the other side of the river to the Major Creek campsite and they are managed by the local winery. They do an incredible job with impeccable grounds and a wonderful natural resource that they allow anyone to access for a gold coin donation. I loved it there when I visited in 2019 and I did this time too.
There was lots of activity with more fairywren than I think I have seen anywhere. Scrubwren and honeyeaters flitted about the scrub and trees respectively and ducks swam in the river with their young. The track winds through these areas, along the river, across wetlands and skirting the vines. There were Sacred Kingfisher everywhere but they were too busy to stop for me. I did get an Azure Kingfisher near the entrance which was a real thrill. They are so tiny and so vibrant. I hung around the main bridge for a while and the bird became quite unconcerned by me.
Azure Kingfisher (Ceyx azureus)
Close to one of the hides, I heard an odd call. I couldn't place it so I looked for its owner. Several Little Friarbirds were responsible, chasing each other around. I guess it is a sign that I am getting further north as I see these different birds.
Little Friarbird (Philemon citreogularis)
Towards the end of the track, I watched an anhinga taking off and circling the water. A female (pale body) and they are much shyer than the males so she didn't entertain me and disappeared down the river.
Australasian Darter (Anhinga melanogaster)
On my way back, I heard Laughing Kookaburra with their characteristic cackle. I think this is a juvenile because of its very short bill. Still made plenty of noise though.
Laughing Kookaburra (Dacelo novaeguineae)
My find of the day, however, was coming out of a hide and movement caught my attention. I looked up to see a ball of fir sitting in the fork of a tree. Unusual to see a possum sitting out in the daylight I thought. Only it wasn't.
It was a Koala Bear.
My first.
To my shame, a long time ago I paid to have a 'Koala Experience' and I held a captive animal. I can't fathom why we thought it was ok, even then. It was impossibly cute but nothing compares to seeing one in the wild.
It noticed me and peered down curiously at me. It was absolutely magical. I watched it for a while as it shuffled its position, looked around, scratched its nose and then decided that I wasn't all that and went to sleep. I will never forget that!
Some other highlights were a family of Welcome Swallow zooming around me on the bridge. This young bird took a breather but still kept an eye on me.
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