Wyndham is about as far away from Melbourne as it is possible to get. The caravan park is just about the biggest commercial enterprise in town, apart from the port, and is very well run and because it has been here a long time and has, fortunately, lots of shade trees. 35 deg today. Also has modern amenities blocks. Surprisingly large number of people here. Our main purpose in coming here was the reputation for having Gouldian Finches in and near the park and in the township. However, because of the unusually dry wet season all the waterholes have dried up and the finches have disappeared. The lovely proprietess gave us as much information as she could and we followed her instructions to no avail. But, I happened to be speaking to a young woman (not a bird watcher!!!) who informed that she had seen some that morning when with a friend (birdwatcher). Got the details and next morning we were up before sunrise and driving down to Parry Farm. Waited for an hour after sunrise, in company with others who had heard the news, beside the end of the almost dry lagoon and eventually a large flock of Gouldians suddenly appeared. Hooray!!! Mostly juveniles, which is a good omen for the future, and enough well coloured adults, black and red headed. 100/150 birds at a guess. So, a tick on the bucket list after years of searching.
Today we drove a long way down a dirt track (wheel tracks) to find a dam in the middle of an arid grassland. Located it and it was a real hot spot for thirsty birds (but no Gouldians while we were there).Lots of long tailed, masked, double barred and zebra finches and many other species. On our return to Wyndham had a really nice lunch at the Rusty Shed Cafe. Barra burgers, mango smoothies, and carrot cake. All goods made on the premises. Really hot for the first time on the trip today. We also did a trip along the King River to see the prison tree, which is an ancient Boab with a hollow centre. Vast in size. The police in the early days kept prisoner in it overnight. Wouldn't have been too bad as it was quite cool inside the tree.
Dream time statues in Wyndham townsship
Don't know what this is but it is a large and lovely insect outside the van
Information re the Boab tree in the Wyndham caravan park
The Boab in the van park. Several hundred years old
The prison tree, even larger and older.
Bill sitting in "doorway" to the hollow interior of the prison tree. Police kept prisoners in here over night. Nice and cool inside.
Rock wallaby sitting on the edge of a sheer cliff at the 5 River's Lookout high above Wyndham where we went to watch the sunset.
Dream time statues in Wyndham townsship
Don't know what this is but it is a large and lovely insect outside the van
Information re the Boab tree in the Wyndham caravan park
The Boab in the van park. Several hundred years old
The prison tree, even larger and older.
Bill sitting in "doorway" to the hollow interior of the prison tree. Police kept prisoners in here over night. Nice and cool inside.
Rock wallaby sitting on the edge of a sheer cliff at the 5 River's Lookout high above Wyndham where we went to watch the sunset.
