Gluepot is a famous reserve which is now run by Birdlife
Australia. In recent years sixteen of the eighteen dams were filled in as
scientific research suggested that many of the threatened species numbers
diminish the closer to water. Two dams are kept running in the research zone
that is fenced to keep prevent pests from interfering with the native wildlife.
Raised water troughs have been set up in front of the hides to allow the
passerines to have a local source of water.
The Adelaide area has witnessed record temperatures in its
region over the summer period. This has also impacted on the interior with a
drought. The two dams were also dry during my stay. Many regular species that
would be present during summer were going to be difficult to see.
The drive to the reserve started off well with a party of
very active Chestnut Capped Babbler performing some kind of dance in a field. I
later saw another group in the area of track 2 and 4 who appeared to be having
a dispute with other Babblers. Both parted in different
directions I stuck with the pair to get some shots which were not great.
On arriving at the superb visitor centre I was provided with
maps, reserve lists and met the reserve rangers. During which time a few
Appostlebirds came into the trough outside the centre. Major Mitchell’s
Cockatoo were also seen here a day later before dusk.
My time on the reserve was split between visiting known
areas for the more secretive species, walking trails and spending time at the
water troughs. Chestnut Rumped Thornbill were common on site. At one point I was the only visitor present. I camped at the
nearest site to the location I was going to explore the next morning.
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| (Female Mulga) |
There were many bird free hours combined with crazy goings
on particularly at the Grasswren tank with numerous Mulga and Mallee Ringneck
parrots at the troughs at first light.
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| (male Mulga) |
The Striated Grasswren was not located
in the surrounding area and I missed a Shy Heathwren and Jacky Winter that
another visitor had photographed.
Spiny Cheeked Honeyeater was more regular at the above tank.
One morning there were approximately fifty birds (mainly parrots) jostling and
pecking at each other for drinking space.
On the Whistler walk I chanced upon a Rufous Whistler with a
feeding party of Chestnut Rumped Thornbill. There were many Silvereye high in
the trees.
A Grey Butcherbird joined me in the Babbler camp for
breakfast and a Brown Goshawk flew low through the trees eying me briefly for
potential supper before casually gliding off.
Grey Currawong which I believe is a sub species was pursued
into the bush with limited success.
I departed for the long trek to Yorke Peninsula reflecting
on species missed, but what a fantastic few days it was in the bush. If you visit out of "season" then expect tough times especially if there has been a drought!
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