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This snazzy Spinifex Pigeon made everyone’s day at Ormiston Gorge in Alice Springs. (Photo by guide Lena Senko)
Australia. What an extraordinary place! The Land Down Under boasts approximately 27,000 species of plants (894 of which are eucalypts), 850 species of birds, 386 species of mammals, more than 900 species of reptiles, and 230 species of amphibians. On this tour, we sampled a good chunk of this remarkable diversity, tallying 273 species of birds, 17 species of mammals, and several unique herps. Some birds were tricky (Hello firetails, where are you? And, uh, where did that Mallee Emuwren disappear to so quickly?). Some were spectacular even in their commonness (New Holland Honeyeater, Magpie-lark, Galah, and Rainbow Lorikeet never disappointed). We enjoyed grandiose scenery, charming local humor, and quintessentially Australian flavors -- fish 'n chips, vegemite, meat pies, Tim Tams, burgers with beetroot, fine wine, and Pavlova. Some of us even went so far as to savor some kangaroo, emu, and crocodile meat. Yep, the feast of birds, vistas, and edibles made for one delectable trip!
Our first full day was a good omen of all the adventures to come. A visit to Dandenong Ranges National Park yielded Crescent Honeyeater, Elegant Parrot, and Long-billed Corella. Afterwards, Phillip Island gifted us endangered Hooded Plovers, Cape Barren Geese, and a White-bellied Sea-Eagle, to name a few. And the Little Penguin parade was an unforgettable spectacle! Wilson's Promontory National Park the next day was not only visually pleasing but also productive: Brush Bronzewing, Striated Fieldwren, Olive Whistler, and Forest Raven were nice finds, not to mention the Wombat.
Just one visit is all it takes to make clear why Western Treatment Plant, the wastewater facility in Werribee, is so famous among birders. We delighted in the numerous waterbirds like spoonbills, Blue-billed and Pink-eared ducks, uncommon Banded Lapwings, and a Banded Stilt to boot. On our way to Grampians National Park, we stopped at a lake where we watched the unforgettable display of a male Musk Duck and bagged a cryptic Australasian Reed-Warbler, too. In spite of the cold wind and rain that greeted us in the Grampians, we picked up some nice birds such as White-winged Chough, Fuscous Honeyeater, Spotted Pardalote, Buff-rumped Thornbill, and Pied Currawong.
The scrubby mallee habitats of Little Desert National Park housed an entirely new assemblage of species for us to enjoy. On our visit to a Malleefowl incubation mound we saw Shy Heathwren and Variegated Fairywren, not to mention the Malleefowl himself, scratching in the litter only a few feet away from us. The next National Park on our list was Wyperfeld, which supplied a treasure-trove of new and memorable birds: Splendid Fairywrens, Chestnut Quail-Thrushes, and a Major Mitchell's Cockatoo.
After thoroughly exploring southeast Australia, we flew northeast to Sydney, where our visits to Lane Cove and Royal National Parks gave us goodies like Powerful Owl, Green Catbird, Rockwarbler, and the star Superb Lyrebird. We then flew west over the rugged red outback to Alice Springs. The weather proved a bit challenging in Alice, with blistering heat the first day and cold, drizzly winds the next. We endured it well enough, though, and were amply rewarded with Spinifex Pigeon, Australian Pratincoles, White-backed Swallows, and the rarely sighted Red Kangaroo. Plus, the canyon walls and ghost gums were beautiful to behold…it was stirring to be in the middle of the outback.
In Western Australia, we were in awe of the gorgeous Dryandra Forest, abundant wildflowers, huge karri trees, stunning scenery at Stirling Range National Park, and numerous breathtaking coastal stops. When it came to birds, luck was on our side, since we got excellent looks at all three difficult heathland specialists: Western Whipbird, Western Bristlebird, and Noisy Scrub-bird. Woohoo! Let's not forget, however, about those black-cockatoos, Australian Crake, Western Corellas, Crested Shrike-Tit, Rock Parrots, and the rare Western Quoll (a lifer mammal even for Chris!) on our night drive. On our last night together, Deb and Ellie gave a wonderful performance about our adventures, and with that, we certainly ended our Austral voyage in high spirits.
Thanks to all our wonderful drivers -- Alan, Jeff, Jim, and Diane -- who got us around safely to the birds we wanted to see. They often went out of their way to make our experiences memorable (who can forget Alan's tea stations and barbie lunch, as well as Diane's sharp eyes and love of botany?). Chris and I also wish to thank each one of you for making this trip so fun…we thoroughly enjoyed being out in the field with you and look forward to seeing you again soon!
Live, love, bird.
Lena
KEYS FOR THIS LIST
One of the following keys may be shown in brackets for individual species as appropriate: * = heard only, I = introduced, E = endemic, N = nesting, a = austral migrant, b = boreal migrant
BIRDS
Dromaiidae (Emu)
The peaks of Stirling Range National Park. (Photo by guide Chris Benesh)
Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl)
CAPE BARREN GOOSE (Cereopsis novaehollandiae) – Scores of them dotted the road to Shearwater Restaurant on Phillip Island, including some scraggly-looking teenagers. This is a strange-looking goose: gray with black spots, dark pink legs, and a pale lime-colored base on the bill.
Emu feeding at Wilson’s Promontory National Park. (Photo by guide Lena Senko)
AUSTRALIAN SHELDUCK (Tadorna tadornoides)
MANED DUCK (Chenonetta jubata) – Also known as Australian Wood Duck.
PACIFIC BLACK DUCK (Anas superciliosa)
AUSTRALIAN SHOVELER (Anas rhynchotis) – Not a common duck, so a pleasure to see up close on our last day, especially since we only got distant looks at Werribee’s Western Treatment Plant.
GRAY TEAL (Anas gracilis)
CHESTNUT TEAL (Anas castanea)
PINK-EARED DUCK (Malacorhynchus membranaceus) – What a weird bill and neat zebra stripe feather patterning. We even got to see their pink “ears” at PowerWater, the Alice Springs wastewater stabilization ponds, where many of them were gathered quite close.
WHITE-EYED DUCK (Aythya australis) – We usually referred to this species as “Hardhead.”
BLUE-BILLED DUCK (Oxyura australis) – This species looks similar to the Ruddy Duck, except the male has an all-black head, without a white cheek patch. Our first ones came as distant views at the Western Treatment Plant, but we got much better looks at Lake Wendouree in Bararat later in the day.
MUSK DUCK (Biziura lobata) – Who could ever forget that amazing, displaying male at Lake Wendouree?? Wow. He was flicking his feet underwater, emitting a piercingly shrill whistle, and floating about with his weird chin-wattle in the water.
Megapodiidae (Megapodes)
Black Swans are common in Australia and oh so striking. (Photo by guide Lena Senko)
Phasianidae (Pheasants, Grouse, and Allies)
STUBBLE QUAIL (Coturnix pectoralis) – One zipped across the road when we were on our way to Stirling Range National Park and landed in a wheat field. Playback is usually ineffective at coaxing these super shy quails out into the open, but we heard four individuals responding back with their short whistles while they stayed tucked away in the thick field. [*]
Podicipedidae (Grebes)
AUSTRALASIAN GREBE (Tachybaptus novaehollandiae) – Has a distinctive yellow skin patch on the bill in breeding plumage, but it is notoriously difficult to tell apart from the next species in its non-breeding garb.
HOARY-HEADED GREBE (Poliocephalus poliocephalus) – Distinguished from the above by a dark iris and a brown cap that extends below the eye, but virtually impossible to tell apart at a distance when these features are not well visible.
Spheniscidae (Penguins)
LITTLE PENGUIN (Eudyptula minor) – Their nighttime parade on Phillip Island was truly an unforgettable spectacle!
Diomedeidae (Albatrosses)
YELLOW-NOSED ALBATROSS (INDIAN) (Thalassarche chlororhynchos bassi) – Ultra distant looks at a couple soaring over the ocean at Torndirrup National Park.
WHITE-CAPPED ALBATROSS (Thalassarche cauta cauta) – There were about seven birds at Forrest Caves Beach on Phillip Island. Aussies consider this particular subspecies to be a full species and call it “Shy Albatross.”
Procellariidae (Shearwaters and Petrels)
GIANT-PETREL SP. (Macronectes sp.) – Seen by some at Hamelin Bay on our last day. It could have been either a Southern or Northern, but with such a distant bird, it was impossible to tell.
FLESH-FOOTED SHEARWATER (Puffinus carneipes) – We had about a dozen at Torndirrup National Park… most were distant, but at least a couple came in fairly close.
SHORT-TAILED SHEARWATER (Puffinus tenuirostris) – These were the hundreds of dark shearwaters in the distance at Forrest Caves Beach on our first day.
Sulidae (Boobies and Gannets)
The Western Spinebill is much harder to find and is flightier than its eastern cousin. Seeing it well enough to get a nice photo like this makes for a highlight. (Photo by guide Chris Benesh)
Phalacrocoracidae (Cormorants and Shags)
LITTLE BLACK CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax sulcirostris)
GREAT CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax carbo)
PIED CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax varius) – Not as common as the other cormorants; our first were at Western Treatment Plant and our last at Hamelin Bay.
BLACK-FACED CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax fuscescens) – There had to be at least 500 of them on the rocks at Adelaide’s Outer Harbor!
LITTLE PIED CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax melanoleucos)
Anhingidae (Anhingas)
AUSTRALASIAN DARTER (Anhinga novaehollandiae) – Here and there; our first and best looks were at a closely perched male at Outer Harbor.
Pelecanidae (Pelicans)
AUSTRALIAN PELICAN (Pelecanus conspicillatus)
Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns)
PACIFIC HERON (Ardea pacifica) – A.k.a. White-necked Heron, it was seen well at several “pondy” spots and in wet fields along the road.
GREAT EGRET (AUSTRALASIAN) (Ardea alba modesta)
WHITE-FACED HERON (Egretta novaehollandiae) – The most common heron encountered.
LITTLE EGRET (Egretta garzetta)
CATTLE EGRET (Bubulcus ibis) – Only a couple at the Wilberforce lagoons, where we were trying hard to locate a Freckled Duck, to no avail.
This secretive Western Bristlebird was an amazing find! How kind of him to perch up and sing for us. (Photo by guide Chris Benesh)
Threskiornithidae (Ibises and Spoonbills)
AUSTRALIAN IBIS (Threskiornis moluccus) – Commonly seen walking around on lawns and in gardens; they were numerous in Centennial Park, Sydney.
STRAW-NECKED IBIS (Threskiornis spinicollis) – When seen up close in the right light, this is a very handsome ibis, with iridescent red-yellow- green-blue-purple upperparts, not to mention that shaggy “beard.”
ROYAL SPOONBILL (Platalea regia) – Our first was at the Western Treatment Plant, where it was feeding almost side-by-side with the next species.
YELLOW-BILLED SPOONBILL (Platalea flavipes) – Nice comparisons to the Royal were had. The difference in the soft part colors is striking even at a distance.
Pandionidae (Osprey)
OSPREY (Pandion haliaetus) – Good looks at the Holiday Cottages picnic stop and at Cheynes Beach. The one here has a narrower black eye stripe and therefore a much whiter face than the Osprey we see in North America. This species has been split and lumped again, but I wouldn’t be surprised if there will be another split in its future.
Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)
Western Whipbird singing away… another challenging skulker that kindly showed off at Cheynes Beach. (Video by guide Chris Benesh)
LITTLE EAGLE (Hieraaetus morphnoides) – First spotted by Ellie at the entrance of Stirling Range National Park, where it was soaring overhead and being mobbed by a possible Brown Goshawk. In shape, this is the most buteo-like of all the raptors in Australia.
WEDGE-TAILED EAGLE (Aquila audax) – A very common eagle; some of our best looks were at the ones that came to scavenge road kill on the side of Tanami Road in Alice Springs. That’s when we appreciated just how huge they are.
SWAMP HARRIER (Circus approximans)
SPOTTED HARRIER (Circus assimilis) – Only a handful on this trip; the best looks were at the one Chris spotted (no pun intended) on our way to Mildura. It flew directly over the bus, showing off its striped tail, rusty upper wing, black primaries, and, of course, the myriad of pretty, white freckles on the underparts and underwing coverts.
BROWN GOSHAWK (Accipiter fasciatus) – This large accipiter was first seen at Wyperfeld National Park and again along the Highway near Albany, always just zipping by quickly.
Endangered Hooded Plovers patrol the shoreline of Forrest Caves Beach at Phillip Island. (Photo by guide Chris Benesh)
BLACK KITE (Milvus migrans) – Commonly encountered but most numerous at PowerWater, where hundreds were soaring in huge columns over the hills.
WHISTLING KITE (Haliastur sphenurus)
WHITE-BELLIED SEA-EAGLE (Haliaeetus leucogaster) – The one sitting in the mud of nearly-desiccated Lake Hattah made for nice scope views.
Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)
AUSTRALIAN CRAKE (Porzana fluminea) – One showed itself superbly as it stood still among the marsh vegetation near the St. Kilda Salt Fields. We could see its bright red eye, yellow-green legs, and barred black-and-white belly very nicely, as well as the numerous small spots on its upperparts. (This is why Australians prefer to call this species the Spotted Crake.)
PURPLE SWAMPHEN (Porphyrio porphyrio)
DUSKY MOORHEN (Gallinula tenebrosa)
BLACK-TAILED NATIVE-HEN (Tribonyx ventralis) – This species’ abundance varies from year to year, with huge concentrations encountered on some years. The largest group we saw was of 100+ birds at St. Kilda. They are neat-looking, with bight red legs and chicken-like tails that stick straight up.
A Spotted Harrier passes overhead. (Photo by guide Chris Benesh)
Charadriidae (Plovers and Lapwings)
BANDED LAPWING (Vanellus tricolor) – Our first were four very distant birds in the heat haze at the Western Treatment Plant. Fortunately, we had excellent looks at 16 more in the town of Windsor (northwest of Sydney).
MASKED LAPWING (Vanellus miles) – Quite abundant.
RED-KNEED DOTTEREL (Erythrogonys cinctus) – A sharp-looking shorebird with namesake red “knees,” which are technically the ankles of the bird (formally called the tibio-tarsal articulation).
BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER (Pluvialis squatarola) – We counted three out on the mudflats of the Coraki Holiday Cottages picnic area near Albany.
RED-CAPPED PLOVER (Charadrius ruficapillus) – A dainty, cute plover. Among other places, we saw some with tiny chicks at PowerWater.
HOODED PLOVER (Thinornis cucullatus) – We were lucky to see eight of these beautiful, endangered birds running around on the shore of Forrest Caves Beach at Phillip Island. This species is declining in eastern Australia due to its vulnerability to disturbance.
BLACK-FRONTED DOTTEREL (Elseyornis melanops) – There must have been more than 20 of them at PowerWater.
Haematopodidae (Oystercatchers)
PIED OYSTERCATCHER (Haematopus longirostris) – Several on the mudflats at Coraki Holiday Cottages.
SOOTY OYSTERCATCHER (Haematopus fuliginosus) – Not uncommon at rocky shorelines (i.e. Hamelin Bay) or even mudflats (i.e. St. Kilda).
Recurvirostridae (Stilts and Avocets)
PIED STILT (Himantopus leucocephalus) – Hundreds at the Western Treatment Plant.
BANDED STILT (Cladorhynchus leucocephalus) – There was one tucked in among all those Pied Stilts and avocets at the Western Treatment Plant but was very distant and thus tough to see. Told apart from the Pied by its rufous breast patch and lack of black on the neck.
RED-NECKED AVOCET (Recurvirostra novaehollandiae) – They were stunning in the setting sun at the Alice Springs ponds.
Scolopacidae (Sandpipers and Allies)
We encountered many a funky flower on our hikes, but this one wins first place. (Photo by guide Lena Senko)
COMMON SANDPIPER (Actitis hypoleucos) – Not common on our trip. We had one at PowerWater and one feeding near the Terek Sandpiper on Lower King Road near Albany.
COMMON GREENSHANK (Tringa nebularia)
WOOD SANDPIPER (Tringa glareola) – About a dozen at PowerWater.
WHIMBREL (Numenius phaeopus) – Only one on the mudflats of the King River crossing (near the Holiday Cottages).
RUDDY TURNSTONE (Arenaria interpres) – A few were hanging out on the rocks at Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse.
SANDERLING (Calidris alba) – Definitely a surprise at Alice Springs! An uncommon migrant from Siberia to sandy beaches anywhere along Australia’s coast, this bird is certainly a rare vagrant to the interior.
RED-NECKED STINT (Calidris ruficollis) – Great looks at the Western Treatment Plant.
SHARP-TAILED SANDPIPER (Calidris acuminata) – Fairly common at Western Treatment Plant and PowerWater.
CURLEW SANDPIPER (Calidris ferruginea) – Our nicest looks were at Western Treatment Plant.
Glareolidae (Pratincoles and Coursers)
AUSTRALIAN PRATINCOLE (Stiltia isabella) – Such beauties. We saw eight of these graceful, long-winged birds at PowerWater.
Laridae (Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers)
Golden Whistlers are common, which is nice because they are just so pretty. (Photo by guide Chris Benesh)
PACIFIC GULL (Larus pacificus) – Sports a massive yellow bill with a red tip. We regularly saw them at shore stops, but this gull is not considered common.
FAIRY TERN (Sternula nereis) – Several at Western Treatment Plant.
CASPIAN TERN (Hydroprogne caspia) – Flybys at some of our coastal stops.
WHITE-WINGED TERN (Chlidonias leucopterus)
WHISKERED TERN (Chlidonias hybrida)
GREAT CRESTED TERN (Thalasseus bergii)
Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)
ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia) [I]
SPOTTED DOVE (Streptopelia chinensis) [I]
LAUGHING DOVE (Streptopelia senegalensis) [I]
COMMON BRONZEWING (Phaps chalcoptera) – Regularly flushed from alongside the road. This species prefers open, drier habitats while Brush prefers coastal heathlands.
BRUSH BRONZEWING (Phaps elegans) – Our first good looks were of one feeding on a grassy patch at the entrance to Wilson’s Prom. Later on, at Cheynes Beach, we were spoiled with views of one perched on a wire over the road, singing away.
CRESTED PIGEON (Ocyphaps lophotes)
SPINIFEX PIGEON (Geophaps plumifera) – This one took some serious wrangling! I had to “herd” this sensational-looking bird out of the spinifex at Ormiston Gorge in Alice Springs. Voted as a trip favorite.
An Eastern Gray Kangaroo mama poses with joey in pouch. (Photo by guide Lena Senko)
PEACEFUL DOVE (Geopelia placida) – Our looks at the lovey-dovey pair at Little Desert Lodge were wonderful.
Cuculidae (Cuckoos)
FAN-TAILED CUCKOO (Cacomantis flabelliformis) – Its sad, descending trill was commonly heard. We had exceptional looks at one perched at Lane Cove National Park in Sydney, just before we saw the Powerful Owl family.
HORSFIELD'S BRONZE-CUCKOO (Chrysococcyx basalis) – One nicely sat and sang on a wire for us at the St. Kilda Salt Fields.
SHINING BRONZE-CUCKOO (Chrysococcyx lucidus) – The one at the top of a eucalypt at Royal National Park was a particularly good study.
AUSTRALIAN KOEL (Eudynamys cyanocephalus) – Heard briefly at the Bonnie Vale lagoon; it did not care to come in, though. [*]
Strigidae (Owls)
POWERFUL OWL (Ninox strenua) – Wow, what a treat! We saw two fluffy fledglings at Lane Cove National Park, and some may have glimpsed the adult, which was tucked away behind a great deal of foliage. A tour highlight indeed.
Podargidae (Frogmouths)
TAWNY FROGMOUTH (Podargus strigoides) – Our first looks came on our first night in Little Desert Lodge. It was so worth getting up from the dinner table to run outside and admire him. Then there was the amazing find by Douglas on his walk around our picnic spot at Hattah-Kulkyne NP. Great spotting! We also had a flyby on our night drive through Dryandra Woodland. Finally, we saw one sitting on a nest at the entrance to Stirling Range National Park, with its mate perched inconspicuously nearby. What a neat-looking bird… it reminds me of Oscar the Grouch from Sesame Street.
Alcedinidae (Kingfishers)
Birding under a gorgeous rainbow at Little Desert Lodge… we felt lucky alright. (Photo by guide Lena Senko)
RED-BACKED KINGFISHER (Todiramphus pyrrhopygius) – We saw a lone female perched in a tree on the side of the road on our way back to Alice Springs from Ormiston Gorge
SACRED KINGFISHER (Todiramphus sanctus) – Seen well in Royal National Park.
Meropidae (Bee-eaters)
RAINBOW BEE-EATER (Merops ornatus) – What a sleek-looking bird... those colors are mesmerizing.
Coraciidae (Rollers)
DOLLARBIRD (Eurystomus orientalis) – We had four birds soaring high about the entrance to Lady Carrington Drive at Royal National Park. Their bright red bills and striking white wing-windows really stood out.
Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras)
This Baudin’s Black-Cockatoo has a longer tip to the maxilla, and its diet consists of much larger eucalypt fruits than consumed by its Carnaby’s cousin. (Photo by guide Chris Benesh)
AUSTRALIAN HOBBY (Falco longipennis) – The best look ever was of the one perched atop a Norfolk Pine at our pit stop near
Adelaide’s Outer Harbor. It was a young bird transitioning into adult plumage, and it was being pummeled by angry honeyeaters!
BROWN FALCON (Falco berigora) – This was the common, dark falcon of the tour. Its flight style is very UN-falcon-like, since it prefers to kite, hover, and soar.
PEREGRINE FALCON (Falco peregrinus) – One cruised over Dryandra Woodland and sent the honeyeaters into a nervous chorus of alarm calls that reverberated eerily around us.
Cacatuidae (Cockatoos)
RED-TAILED BLACK-COCKATOO (Calyptorhynchus banksii) – On our way to Gleneagle we had a flock treat us to great looks as they flew into the trees by the road. Their spread, bright red tails were hard to miss!
YELLOW-TAILED BLACK-COCKATOO (Calyptorhynchus funereus) – Spotty. Some had brief, flyby glances of a flock on our way to Adelaide.
SLENDER-BILLED BLACK-COCKATOO (Calyptorhynchus latirostris) – A.k.a. Carnaby’s Black-Cockatoo. Slender-billed is a misnomer, since this species has a short, thick bill compared to the next. There were many at Dryandra Woodland… it was neat to see them grazing in the field like little black sheep.
WHITE-TAILED BLACK-COCKATOO (Calyptorhynchus baudinii) – A.k.a. Baudin’s Black-Cockatoo. Its elongated bill tip is adapted for eating larger eucalypt fruits than those preferred by other species. We admired a couple preening in a tall tree by the side of Muirs Highway and could clearly see that long, pointed maxilla through the scope.
PINK COCKATOO (Lophochroa leadbeateri) – Known to Australians as the Major Mitchell’s Cockatoo, one flew over and flashed its bright salmon pink underwings at us as we were picnicking at Wyperfeld National Park.
GALAH (Eolophus roseicapilla) – They made me think of pink cotton candy. Seen every single day of the tour.
LONG-BILLED CORELLA (Cacatua tenuirostris) – The Grampians was a good place for them. Their bright pink throat and sharp bill-hook stood out.
WESTERN CORELLA (Cacatua pastinator) – Great looks at them perched in trees and feeding in the grass at Rocky Gully.
LITTLE CORELLA (Cacatua sanguinea)
Seeing a Malleefowl up close in the captive breeding enclosure was wonderful, but finding one simply feeding on its own in the wild was even sweeter. (Photo by guide Chris Benesh)
Psittacidae (Parrots)
RAINBOW LORIKEET (Trichoglossus haematodus) – They seemed to be dripping from the trees in Adelaide, there were so many of them.
MUSK LORIKEET (Glossopsitta concinna) – The first one we saw took us by surprise. It looked just as surprised, if not more so, when it popped out of a bush in front of us. After that, we saw several more as they explored potential nest holes near our hotel in Adelaide.
PURPLE-CROWNED LORIKEET (Glossopsitta porphyrocephala) – Our first were near the town of Rainbow, but we got better looks in the Dryadra Woodland.
RED-CAPPED PARROT (Purpureicephalus spurius) – Cheynes Beach yielded an adult female and an immature tucked in some trees.
PORT LINCOLN PARROT (Barnardius zonarius) – The first we saw was at our hotel in Adelaide, where it sat leaning against a tree trunk, eyes closed, and panting from the heat. Many more great looks were had in Western Australia.
MALLEE RINGNECK (Barnardius barnardi) – A couple in Wyperfeld National Park and eight more at Lake Hattah.
CRIMSON ROSELLA (CRIMSON) (Platycercus elegans elegans) – Very common in the southeast.
CRIMSON ROSELLA (YELLOW) (Platycercus elegans flaveolus) – Nice looks at half a dozen on our morning stop at Lake Hattah (which was later our fabulous picnic spot where Alan prepared tasty onions and sausages on the “barbie”).
Here he is, the male Musk Duck, showin’ off his stuff. (Video by guide Lena Senko)
EASTERN ROSELLA (Platycercus eximius) – Common at Lake Wendouree. So pretty!
WESTERN ROSELLA (Platycercus icterotis) – The one perched up next to the bathrooms at Dryandra Woodland simply glowed in the morning sunlight.
RED-RUMPED PARROT (Psephotus haematonotus)
MULGA PARROT (Psephotus varius) – Our stop on the way to Simpson's Gap yielded two males and a female feeding on the ground, nibbling on grass seeds.
BLUEBONNET (Northiella haematogaster) – A productive road stop on the Rainbow to Hopetown road gave us fabulous scope looks at two perched in a tree. Two more flew past us later. Not bad!
ELEGANT PARROT (Neophema elegans)
ROCK PARROT (Neophema petrophila) – We worked hard for this species, and a stop at Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse on our very last day paid off. Excellent spotting by John of three that flew into the grass below us and fed at their leisure on seeds and flower buds.
AUSTRALIAN KING-PARROT (Alisterus scapularis) – Encountered both at the Dandenong Ranges and Royal National Parks.
REGENT PARROT (Polytelis anthopeplus) – First seen at Lake Hattah as flybys. Their bright golden yellow plumage is absolutely stunning.
Menuridae (Lyrebirds)
Hundreds of these Gray-headed Flying Foxes were drooping from the trees at Centennial Park in Sydney. (Photo by guide Lena Senko)
Atrichornithidae (Scrub-birds)
NOISY SCRUB-BIRD (Atrichornis clamosus) – Ditto on the “trip highlight” label. What an experience it was to get this one.
Ptilonorhynchidae (Bowerbirds)
GREEN CATBIRD (Ailuroedus crassirostris) – Its baby-like meows are so unique. A couple of these chunky, bright green birds were hanging out in a fruit tree at Royal National Park.
SATIN BOWERBIRD (Ptilonorhynchus violaceus) – Only fleeting glimpses of this dark blue beauty.
WESTERN BOWERBIRD (Chlamydera guttata) – What a wonderful bower we saw at the Olive Pink Botanical Garden in Alice Springs. Several bowerbirds were around as well, showing off their buffy spots and smoothed-down, lilac crests.
Climacteridae (Australasian Treecreepers)
WHITE-THROATED TREECREEPER (Cormobates leucophaea) – A couple in Dandenong Ranges NP and another at Little Desert Lodge. It sounds a bit like a Northern Cardinal.
BROWN TREECREEPER (Climacteris picumnus) – One on a log near the Malleefowl Block at Little Desert.
RUFOUS TREECREEPER (Climacteris rufus) – At least five were had at the Dryandra Woodland.
Maluridae (Fairywrens)
SOUTHERN EMUWREN (Stipiturus malachurus) – We fished for it all along the scenic road at Torndirrup National Park (Cable Beach) and finally got a male and female pair on our way out, right across from the parking lot. Nice spotting, Paul!
MALLEE EMUWREN (Stipiturus mallee) – What a secretive and difficult bird! We had a pair… very briefly… at Hattah-Kulkyne National Park. They swiftly disappeared like tiny ghosts into the sharp grasses, but not before a handful of us got glimpses (Chris included – congrats on your only trip lifer!).
RED-WINGED FAIRYWREN (Malurus elegans) – Our first was at Gleaneagle State Forest.
BLUE-BREASTED FAIRYWREN (Malurus pulcherrimus) – A male and four females put on a pretty good show at Dryandra Woodland.
A male Brush Bronzewing puffs up his throat and sings his heart out at Cheynes Beach. (Photo by guide Chris Benesh)
SPLENDID FAIRYWREN (Malurus splendens)
SUPERB FAIRYWREN (Malurus cyaneus)
WHITE-WINGED FAIRYWREN (Malurus leucopterus) – We chased a couple of distant birds with our scopes. Even at a distance, those white wing patches on the male really pop out.
Meliphagidae (Honeyeaters)
EASTERN SPINEBILL (Acanthorhynchus tenuirostris) – A bunch in Dandenong Ranges and Royal NP. So colorful and hyper!
WESTERN SPINEBILL (Acanthorhynchus superciliosus) – Sensational looks at a male and female after lunch at Porungorup Café. This species is scarcer and thus harder to encounter than the Eastern.
LEWIN'S HONEYEATER (Meliphaga lewinii) – Very common at Royal NP.
YELLOW-FACED HONEYEATER (Lichenostomus chrysops)
SINGING HONEYEATER (Lichenostomus virescens) – Especially common around Adelaide.
WHITE-EARED HONEYEATER (Lichenostomus leucotis) – First in the Dandenong Ranges; a couple more in the Grampians. The black throat and white ear patch are striking.
A splendid work of art, this decorated bower of a male Western Bowerbird only awaits a female’s approval. Indeed, her opinion is the sole reason why bowers are ever built. (Photo by guide Lena Senko)
GRAY-HEADED HONEYEATER (Lichenostomus keartlandi) – Great, close looks at Simpson’s Gap, where they were plentiful.
FUSCOUS HONEYEATER (Lichenostomus fuscus) – Only a couple in the Grampians.
YELLOW-PLUMED HONEYEATER (Lichenostomus ornatus) – Very common in the Dryandra Woodland.
WHITE-PLUMED HONEYEATER (Lichenostomus penicillatus)
WHITE-FRONTED HONEYEATER (Purnella albifrons) – Only at Hattah-Kulkyne National Park.
BELL MINER (Manorina melanophrys) – A brief stop at the Royal Botanical Gardens in Cranbourne got us at least six of these bright green, bell-dinging birds.
NOISY MINER (Manorina melanocephala)
YELLOW-THROATED MINER (Manorina flavigula)
SPINY-CHEEKED HONEYEATER (Acanthagenys rufogularis) – It was fun to watch them and the woodswallows going after the emerging ants in the town of Ouyes.
RED WATTLEBIRD (Anthochaera carunculata) – The most abundant honeyeater anywhere.
LITTLE WATTLEBIRD (Anthochaera chrysoptera)
WESTERN WATTLEBIRD (Anthochaera lunulata) – Great looks in the Dryandra Woodland at a couple of birds that kept being harassed by Yellow-plumed Honeyeaters. Unlike the Little, the Western has a red iris, paler cheek patch, and few to no white flecking on the head and nape. (Formerly these two birds were lumped as one species.)
WHITE-FRONTED CHAT (Epthianura albifrons) – Our closest looks were on the road to Shearwater Restaurant our first day.
TAWNY-CROWNED HONEYEATER (Gliciphila melanops) – Very distant first looks at a shrubby track near Little Desert Lodge; better views came at Cheynes Beach.
BROWN HONEYEATER (Lichmera indistincta) – Several of these slim, drab honeyeaters came to the small watering hole in Glen Helen Gorge, near our lunch stop.
CRESCENT HONEYEATER (Phylidonyris pyrrhopterus) – Nice shows on the first and second day of the tour. Striking.
NEW HOLLAND HONEYEATER (Phylidonyris novaehollandiae) – Seen nearly every day.
Stalking after Chestnut Quail-Thrushes in Wyperfeld National Park was exciting! How nice for one to take a moment to pause and pose for Chris. (Photo by guide Chris Benesh)
WHITE-NAPED HONEYEATER (Melithreptus lunatus) – The group of five at our Northern Grampians Road stop were a pleasant find in the drizzling rain.
BROWN-HEADED HONEYEATER (Melithreptus brevirostris) – Half a dozen right on the Little Desert Lodge grounds on our second day there.
NOISY FRIARBIRD (Philemon corniculatus) – An odd, vulturesque, and very vocal honeyeater at the entrance to Lady Carrington Drive at Royal National Park.
STRIPED HONEYEATER (Plectorhyncha lanceolata) – Only one at Hattah-Kulkyne NP – definitely a nice find.
Dasyornithidae (Bristlebirds)
WESTERN BRISTLEBIRD (Dasyornis longirostris) – This extremely difficult skulker cooperated awesomely at Cheynes Beach, where it perched up in a bush and sang its little heart out for us. Woohoo!
Pardalotidae (Pardalotes)
SPOTTED PARDALOTE (Pardalotus punctatus) – The word “pardalote” is derived from a Greek word meaning “spotted.” How appropriate.
SPOTTED PARDALOTE (Pardalotus punctatus xanthopyge) – This subspecies has a red and yellow rump and is found in mallee.
STRIATED PARDALOTE (Pardalotus striatus) – Our most common pardalote on the tour.
Acanthizidae (Thornbills and Allies)
ROCKWARBLER (Origma solitaria) – We had not one but two on the Lady Carrington Drive at Royal NP, characteristically hopping about on the rocks of the steep slope. What a voice!
YELLOW-THROATED SCRUBWREN (Sericornis citreogularis) – Chris found both a male and female for us to admire after we bagged our prized Superb Lyrebird on the south end of Lady Carrington Drive. These two were shy, preferring to hide among thick brush piles.
WHITE-BROWED SCRUBWREN (Sericornis frontalis)
LARGE-BILLED SCRUBWREN (Sericornis magnirostra) – One in Dandenong Ranges NP. Plain brownish with a prominent, beady black eye.
A mama Koala and her joey peer at us from behind their eucalypt safe haven. While there are close to 900 eucalypt species in Australia, koalas are known to feed on only 40-50 species, depending on locality. (Photo by guide Chris Benesh)
SHY HEATHWREN (Hylacola cauta) – “Shy” is right! This bird wouldn’t sit still, circling us over and over again in the mallee scrub of the Malleefowl Block.
BUFF-RUMPED THORNBILL (Acanthiza reguloides)
WESTERN THORNBILL (Acanthiza inornata) – We encountered one small group in the Dryandra Woodland.
SLENDER-BILLED THORNBILL (Acanthiza iredalei) – Excellent looks at a couple in the marshy samphire vegetation of the St. Kilda Salt Fields.
BROWN THORNBILL (Acanthiza pusilla)
INLAND THORNBILL (Acanthiza apicalis) – A couple in Wyperfeld National Park followed by many more in the Dryandra Woodland.
YELLOW-RUMPED THORNBILL (Acanthiza chrysorrhoa) – Our first was feeding actively on the ground at the entrance road to Shearwater Restaurant on Phillip Island.
CHESTNUT-RUMPED THORNBILL (Acanthiza uropygialis) [*]
SLATY-BACKED THORNBILL (Acanthiza robustirostris) – Brief looks at one moving quickly at our road stop (Tanami Road) in Alice Springs.
YELLOW THORNBILL (Acanthiza nana)
STRIATED THORNBILL (Acanthiza lineata) – In several places.
A hungry, colorful Port Lincoln Parrot munches on a snack. (Photo by guide Lena Senko)
BROWN GERYGONE (Gerygone mouki) – Excellent looks at a couple in Sydney’s Lane Cove National Park, near the Whale Rock.
WESTERN GERYGONE (Gerygone fusca) – Such a sweet voice… it more than makes up for its drab plumage.
SOUTHERN WHITEFACE (Aphelocephala leucopsis) – In Wyperfeld and Hattah-Kulkyne National Parks only.
Pomatostomidae (Pseudo-Babblers)
GRAY-CROWNED BABBLER (Pomatostomus temporalis) – Fun-to-watch, sociable birds that were not uncommon in Alice Springs.
WHITE-BROWED BABBLER (Pomatostomus superciliosus)
Psophodidae (Whipbirds and Wedgebills)
EASTERN WHIPBIRD (Psophodes olivaceus) – Boy, it sure played hard-to-get. Most of us had decent looks here and there, and we certainly will not forget its ear-splitting, whip-crack song.
WESTERN WHIPBIRD (Psophodes nigrogularis) – Ahh, how spoiled we were. This usually dreadfully difficult species kindly cooperated at Waychinicup National Park (near Cheynes Beach). Both a male and female came in for us, and the male proudly perched atop a bush and sang on and on…
Cinclosomatidae (Quail-thrushes and Jewel-babblers)
Little Woodswallow, Gray-headed Honeyeater, Mistletoebird, and Gray Shrike-Thrush are just a few of the species that were enjoyed inside the scenic Simpson’s Gap. (Photo by guide Chris Benesh)
Artamidae (Woodswallows)
WHITE-BREASTED WOODSWALLOW (Artamus leucorynchus) – We had several swooping about the emerging ants in the town of Ouyes. What a show!
MASKED WOODSWALLOW (Artamus personatus) – One was among the White-broweds at our road stop on the way to Mildura.
WHITE-BROWED WOODSWALLOW (Artamus superciliosus) – About 15 perching in the trees and soaring at the aforementioned road stop. (In fact, woodswallows are the only small passerines in the world that habitually soar.)
BLACK-FACED WOODSWALLOW (Artamus cinereus)
DUSKY WOODSWALLOW (Artamus cyanopterus) – Fairly common in the Dryandra Woodland.
LITTLE WOODSWALLOW (Artamus minor) – In the canyon at Simpson’s Gap.
Cracticidae (Bellmagpies and Allies)
GRAY BUTCHERBIRD (Cracticus torquatus)
PIED BUTCHERBIRD (Cracticus nigrogularis) – One was singing its ethereal tune at three in the morning at our hotel in Alice Springs.
AUSTRALASIAN MAGPIE (Gymnorhina tibicen) – Seen every day. Poor Chris… one nest-protective bird nailed him right in the head. They are famous for doing that, usually quite painfully!
PIED CURRAWONG (Strepera graculina) – The couple nesting at Lady Carrington Drive gave great looks. [N]
While out on a stroll, Douglas impressively found this well-camouflaged Tawny Frogmouth leaning against a tree trunk as gray as its own feathers. (Photo by guide Chris Benesh)
Campephagidae (Cuckooshrikes)
BLACK-FACED CUCKOOSHRIKE (Coracina novaehollandiae)
WHITE-WINGED TRILLER (Lalage tricolor) – While entering the Little Desert Lodge grounds for the first time, we saw a group of about ten birds hopping on the ground or perching low in shrubs.
COMMON CICADABIRD (Edolisoma tenuirostre) – A write-in! We did not expect this species, and while few saw it because it stayed concealed high up in the canopy, just hearing it was a treat.
Pachycephalidae (Whistlers and Allies)
CRESTED SHRIKE-TIT (WESTERN) (Falcunculus frontatus leucogaster) – Persistence paid off when we finally got this stunning species in the Dryandra Woodland.
GRAY SHRIKE-THRUSH (Colluricincla harmonica)
OLIVE WHISTLER (Pachycephala olivacea) – Only on day two in Wyperfeld National Park, after seeing the Striated Fieldwren.
GOLDEN WHISTLER (Pachycephala pectoralis) – One can’t complain when a bird as beautiful as this also happens to be common.
RUFOUS WHISTLER (Pachycephala rufiventris)
CRESTED BELLBIRD (Oreoica gutturalis) – Even though we heard it in various places around Alice Springs, it nevertheless evaded our eyes. [*]
Oriolidae (Old World Orioles)
OLIVE-BACKED ORIOLE (Oriolus sagittatus) – Up in the treetops at Royal National Park.
Rhipiduridae (Fantails)
WILLIE-WAGTAIL (Rhipidura leucophrys)
GRAY FANTAIL (Rhipidura albiscapa)
Monarchidae (Monarch Flycatchers)
BLACK-FACED MONARCH (Monarcha melanopsis) – A stunner on the Lady Carrington Trail.
MAGPIE-LARK (Grallina cyanoleuca) – We even saw fledglings at our hotel in Alice Springs.
LEADEN FLYCATCHER (Myiagra rubecula) – Its diagnostic tail “shivering” was fun to watch at the Lady Carrington Trail, where we saw two males and a female.
RESTLESS FLYCATCHER (Myiagra inquieta) – Four or so birds in the Dryandra Woodland.
Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies)
The pretty Darby Beach. (Photo by guide Chris Benesh)
LITTLE CROW (Corvus bennetti) – Also in Alice Springs; told apart from the above by voice (flat, hoarse, and lower-pitched than Torresian).
AUSTRALIAN RAVEN (Corvus coronoides) – Seen almost every day.
LITTLE RAVEN (Corvus mellori) – Only on the southeastern leg of the tour. Its voice is extremely nasal.
FOREST RAVEN (Corvus tasmanicus) – Very range-restricted and spotted only at Wilson’s Prom.
Corcoracidae (White-winged Chough and Apostlebird)
It was pleasantly bright and sunny on the day we explored Wyperfeld National Park and got great looks at Chestnut Quail-Thrushes. (Photo by guide Lena Senko)
APOSTLEBIRD (Struthidea cinerea) – Walked about boldly and triumphantly at our picnic site at Lake Hattah.
Petroicidae (Australasian Robins)
JACKY-WINTER (Microeca fascinans)
SCARLET ROBIN (Petroica boodang) – Frustrating at first, we finally got good looks in the Dryandra Woodland.
RED-CAPPED ROBIN (Petroica goodenovii) – This gorgeous little bird was easy on the eyes and ears. Though, oddly enough, the first one we admired at Little Desert Lodge inserted some Scarlet Robin song into its own.
ROSE ROBIN (Petroica rosea) – Only on the first day at the Dandenong Ranges.
HOODED ROBIN (Melanodryas cucullata) – Fairly reliable in and around the Little Desert Lodge.
EASTERN YELLOW ROBIN (Eopsaltria australis)
WESTERN YELLOW ROBIN (Eopsaltria griseogularis) – Only in the Dryandra Woodland.
WHITE-BREASTED ROBIN (Eopsaltria georgiana) – Very nice looks at Cheynes Beach… amazing how tame some of them were, allowing us to approach quite closely.
Alaudidae (Larks)
SKY LARK (Alauda arvensis) – Many flitted through the grass at the Western Treatment Plant. [I]
Hirundinidae (Swallows)
The Australian Crake seems to walk around with a perpetual expression of surprise on its face. (Photo by guide Chris Benesh)
FAIRY MARTIN (Petrochelidon ariel) – The group of thirty or so nesting birds at the Wilberforce Lagoons were fun to watch.
TREE MARTIN (Petrochelidon nigricans)
WHITE-BACKED SWALLOW (Cheramoeca leucosterna) – Chris spotted some of these rare swallows on the way to Glen Helen, but when we got out of the bus, they were nowhere to be found. Fortunately, Martin re-spotted some more and we enjoyed watching them soaring overhead.
Pycnonotidae (Bulbuls)
RED-WHISKERED BULBUL (Pycnonotus jocosus) – Native to southern Asia, this species was introduced to Australia in the early 1900s. Only one at Lane Cove National Park in Sydney. [I]
Acrocephalidae (Reed-Warblers and Allies)
AUSTRALIAN REED-WARBLER (Acrocephalus australis) – We saw it well at Lake Wendouree in Ballarat. Otherwise, this bird is all too easy to hear and impossible to see, since it chooses to stay tucked away in the thickest of reeds.
Locustellidae (Grassbirds and Allies)
LITTLE GRASSBIRD (Megalurus gramineus) – Never did come out for us. [*]
BROWN SONGLARK (Cincloramphus cruralis) – One near the town of Rainbow.
RUFOUS SONGLARK (Cincloramphus mathewsi) – Our first was near the town of Rainbow, but we saw it well again on the road to Hopetown and along the road to Stirling Range NP.
Cisticolidae (Cisticolas and Allies)
The striking Sugarloaf Rock. (Photo by guide Lena Senko)
Zosteropidae (Yuhinas, White-eyes, and Allies)
SILVER-EYE (Zosterops lateralis) – Sometimes present in swarms rather than flocks, especially at Cable Beach at Torndirrup National Park.
Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies)
OLIVE-TAILED THRUSH (Zoothera lunulata) – How John spotted this distant, camouflaged bird is beyond me. It was walking on the forest floor and rifling through the leaves close to where we had our Superb Lyrebird. Australians call this the Bassian Thrush.
EURASIAN BLACKBIRD (Turdus merula) [I]
Sturnidae (Starlings)
COMMON MYNA (Acridotheres tristis) [I]
EUROPEAN STARLING (Sturnus vulgaris) [I]
Dicaeidae (Flowerpeckers)
MISTLETOEBIRD (Dicaeum hirundinaceum) – Go Jan for first finding this guy at Simpson’s Gap!
Motacillidae (Wagtails and Pipits)
AUSTRALASIAN PIPIT (AUSTRALIAN) (Anthus novaeseelandiae australis) – Regularly seen throughout the tour.
Fringillidae (Siskins, Crossbills, and Allies)
EUROPEAN GREENFINCH (Chloris chloris) – A sizeable flock at the visitor’s center of the Western Treatment Plant. [I]
Black-footed Rock-Wallabies sit serenely on the rock walls of Simpson’s Gap, well aware of their excellent camouflage. (Photo by guide Chris Benesh)
Passeridae (Old World Sparrows)
HOUSE SPARROW (Passer domesticus) [I]
Estrildidae (Waxbills and Allies)
RED-BROWED FIRETAIL (Neochmia temporalis) – Oddly, luck was not on our side when it came to firetails. But we did get to admire this beauty at Lane Cove National Park.
ZEBRA FINCH (Taeniopygia guttata) – Numerous on the way to, and at, Simpson’s Gap in Alice Springs.
MAMMALS
SHORT-BEAKED ECHIDNA (Tachyglossus aculeatus) – What awesome spotting by Alan! We were racing down the highway back to Little Desert Lodge when Alan excitedly pulled over and showed us this unique monotreme. For protection, it quickly buried itself into the bank, spiky side up.
QUOLL SP. (Dasyurus geoffroii) – Western Quoll: wow, what a write-in! Seen in the headlights as it briskly crossed the road on our way out of Dryandra Woodland. Chris jumped out of his seat with surprise! This near-threatened species is a very secretive, solitary, and nocturnal predator. Those of us who saw it got incredibly lucky.
SOUTHERN BROWN BANDICOOT (Isoodon obesulus) – Chris spotted him on the night of the frogmouth sighting at Little Desert Lodge. What a cute critter. But he stayed for only a few seconds before bounding away across the lawn.
COMMON WOMBAT (Vombatus ursinus) – One at Wilson’s Prom.
Fortunately, venomous snakes such as this Strap-snouted Brown Snake tend to flee humans before they are even spotted. We were lucky to catch some good looks at this guy, while keeping our distance. (Photo by guide Chris Benesh)
BLACK-FOOTED ROCK-WALLABY (Petrogale lateralis) – Supremely camouflaged against the rocks at Simpson’s Gap.
TAMMAR WALLABY (Macropus eugenii) – One on our night drive through the Dryandra Woodland.
EASTERN GRAY KANGAROO (Macropus giganteus)
WESTERN GRAY KANGAROO (Macropus fuliginosus) – Everyone enjoyed the show at the Dryandra Woodland, where a joey was seen climbing into its mother’s pouch, and a couple elsewhere were observed mating.
RED KANGAROO (Macropus rufus) – We were lucky to see a couple of wild ones on Tanami Road our last morning in Alice Springs. They are Australia’s largest kangaroo and the most regal. Later, on our way to Stirling Range NP, we enjoyed close studies of more Reds at a sanctuary rest stop.
SWAMP WALLABY (Wallabia bicolor) – At least three different individuals on our first day.
GRAY-HEADED FLYING-FOX (Pteropus poliocephalus) – Hundreds dangling from the trees at the Centennial Park in Sydney.
OLD WORLD RABBIT (Oryctolagus cuniculus) [I]
CAPE HARE (Lepus capensis) [I]
HUMPBACK WHALE (Megaptera novaeangliae) – One spotted far offshore by a few at Hamelin Bay.
RED FOX (Vulpes vulpes) – At a wombat carcass on the second day. As we were driving past the road kill, Gayle exclaimed, “Wait, let me look at it. A dead wombat is better than no wombat!” [I]
CAPE (AUSTRALIAN) FUR SEAL (Arctocephalus pusillus) – On the first day, right outside Shearwater Restaurant in the turbulent ocean surf.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Some of the memorable herps seen on tour were:
Shingleback (Stump-tailed Lizard) (Tiliqua rugosa) - We counted around 40 in and along the road on our way to Adelaide.
Mallee Military Dragon (Ctenophorus fordi) - The small, pretty lizard we saw in the mallee at Hattah-Kulkyne National Park.
Central Bearded Dragon (Pagona vitticeps)
Strap-snouted Brown Snake (Pseudonaja aspidorhyncha) - The large, brown snake we saw at Hattah-Kulkyne with black flecks on the back of its neck. Brown snakes in this genus are dangerously venomous and are not to be trifled with. They are quick to flee, like the individual we saw, but they will not hesitate to inflict a potentially lethal bite if provoked.
Eastern Snake-necked Turtle (Chelodina longicollis)
Macquire Turtle (Emydura macquarii)
Sand Goanna (Varanus gouldii) - Also called Gould's Goanna or Sand Monitor; this is the species we saw at the Olive Pink Botanical Garden in Alice Springs.
Heath Monitor (Varanus rosenbergi) - A.k.a. Rosenberg's Monitor; ran across the road for us at Cheynes Beach.
King's Skink (Egernia kingie) - Also at Cheyne's Beach.
Dugite (Pseudonaja affinis) - A.k.a. Western Brown Snake; one on our last day.
Carpet Python (Morelia spilota) - Surprised Gayle in the restroom by crawling down the wall and staring at her! Kudos to her calm, collected response…many others would have shrieked.
Totals for the tour: 276 bird taxa and 17 mammal taxa