Check my birding map for specific location.
I am starting my journey back towards Queensland and have stopped for a couple of nights at Wagga Wagga. The caravan park was probably the worst I have ever stayed at and I felt very sorry for the residents and staff alike. Never have I been so grateful to be in my van and able to move on.
My first stop was some local wetlands, which looked like some great birds were there from the eBird records. It was on the northern edge of town next to the river. Unfortunately, as I left the car park and began the walk I got a case of the heebie geebies and felt very uncomfortable. I tried to rationalise my fears but too late, the walk was spoiled.
As I always listen to my gut (except when I am getting bogged in Chiltern!) so I headed towards the Botanical Gardens as they are always promising. It was a wide open space around the car park and while I didn't really see many exotic plants, there were plenty of birds and it was very pleasant.
At the far end of the gardens, I saw a cafe next to a playground and then just behind them some dingo running about. After a swift double take, I saw that there was a mini zoo within the gardens. I had a look and saw there was a free flying aviary in there. I don't really like birds in captivity but I couldn't help having a look. I guess it is a tricky situation with rescued and injured birds and this is a compromise for all.
The aviary was large and very tall, probably the best I have seen and despite my misgivings, I loved it. The Galah, Cockatiel and Regent Parrots sat on my shoulders and head (glad I wore the hat). Some of my shots were taken with a parrot sitting on the lens! All in all, it was a good way to educate people about the local birdlife. Here are some of the highlights.
Bourke's Parrot (Neopsephotus bourkii)
Budgerigar (Melopsittacus undulatus)
Cockatiel (Nymphicus hollandicus)
Regent Parrot (Polytelis anthopeplus)
Out of the aviary, I went to look at the Dingo. They were in a big enclosure and had lots of stimulation. They looked very fit and happy. Despite a wire fence, I was pretty happy with this shot.
Dingo (Canis lupus dingo)
Outside the zoo I heard some rosella and went in search of them. I saw the brightly colored Eastern Rosella but I knew I had heard the Crimson as well. To my delight, it was a yellow morph Crimson Rosella. Try explaining that to the non-birder who thought all the parrots were budgies in the aviary!
Eastern Rosella (Platycercus eximius)
Yellow Crimson Rosella (Platycercus elegans flaveolus)
eBird List
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