Kununurra - Finch Capital of Australia
Pictorella Mannikin by David Simpson |
After our Darwin to Broome trip in 2008 we all adored Kununurra so much that a full week based here was decided to be aimed for. The birdlife is extraordinary, their abundant water and waterways, and the plateaus with access by helicopter and plane all make for a uniquely wonderful small remote town. So during the perfect month of July 2010 you have the opportunity to spend a week in the Finch Capital of Australia.
The first day all flights converge on Kununurra and I recommend a Qantas flight via Perth if you are coming from Sydney. A ramble across the lawn beside Lake Kununurra before Dinner and Day 1 comes to an end with introductions to your wonderful local guide, Chris Done and the other lucky participants.
Brolgas by David Simpson |
Over the next few days we will comb the matchless majesty of country searching the finch prone spots for the elusive Pictorella Mannikin and clocking up the other little beauties such as Long-tailed, Masked, Painted, Crimson, Star, Zebra, Double-barred and Goudian Finches, and the Chestnut-breasted Mannikin. There is a day out to Parry's Lagoon with it's Kakadu like mass of water birds, and onto Wyndam where the rivers converge on the way to the hugely fluctuating tidal coast.
Spinifex Pigeon by David Simpson |
We'll fly to the Mitchell Plateau by plane and helicopter almost right to the Black Grasswren spot, which has several permanent populations, spending most of the day birdwatching there on the Mitchell Plateau. Highlights apart from the Black Grasswren are the yellow-eyed form of the Partridge Pigeon, White-lined Honeyeaters and White-quilled Rock-Pigeons.
Pumpkin Hill |
An early morning start to Lake Argyle which is the largest body of fresh water in tropical Australia and is several dammed rivers, with the main one being Ord River. The eastern and southern margins are shallow providing ideal feeding habitat for Comb-crested Jacanas, Green Pygmy-Geese, Radjah Shelducks, Magpie Geese and Wandering Whistling Ducks. Noteworthy are Wood Sandpiper and Long-toed Stint with Flock Bronzewing and Yellow Chat, plus Short-eared Rock Wallabies.
An easy birding expedition within 8 days, 7 nights at the same fabulous Lakeside Resort fanning out in all directions to cover the area thoroughly: Dreaming of Finches and the heart wrenching Kimberly.
Contact us for an itinerary.
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Pricing
$ 5490.00 per person twin share/double
(excludes airfares to and from Kununurra WA)
$ 525.00 single supplement
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For Bookings:
Please phone Follow That Bird to check if seats are available then fill in the booking form and mail with the deposit or full payment to Follow That Bird, 3/59 Central Road, Avalon, NSW 2107. Your place on the tour is not guaranteed until we receive the payment.
Follow That Bird aims to provide a high standard of interpretive guiding on each trip to make your birdwatching holiday a special one. With small groups, attention to personal service and lots of good fun, we're sure you will enjoy your time with us.
If you have any unanswered questions, please phone Follow That Bird on 02 9973 1865
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