Serenaded By Chats

There are a number of landmarks for the BBO through the year. Accessing Kidney Bean Claypan is one of them. Affectionately known as Kidney Bean, it’s a magic place of wetlands and Saltmarsh. It has a reputation of attracting interesting birds and is a strong hold for the Yellow Chat. When wet, it’s a difficult area to visit. In the last 2 years, it has been early July before we could access Kidney Bean and this year has shaped up to be the same.

Recently, a Yellow Chat Twitch Tour tested out the conditions, and birds could be heard from the car on arrival. Elusive to start, we found ourselves surrounded by Chats, serenaded by their enchanting calls. Over the following 90 minutes, we encountered flocks exceeding 50 Yellow Chats! Majority of those we encountered were this seasons young. Following the birds took us through Salt-bush, mud and water as deep as our shins. Just as well the BBO supplied mud boots. The exciting journey out was worth it with, with fabulous views seen and some great photos. Of course there was more … great views of an Australian Hobby, Brolga, Black-necked Stork, both White-faced and White-necked Herons, Australian Pratincole and in the distant, fascinated by the murmuration of 1000’s of Pied Stilts.

Red Capped Plover

The Clay-pan has been revisited since including Private Chat Twitch Tour. The Chats haven’t disappointed and been privileged in have some great views. We found a pair of Chats collecting spiders to feed young. A result of rains late May.

The Kidney Bean area is still waterlogged, limiting access to our regular areas. Soon we will be able to visit the area for the Bush and Plains Tour were there a chance of seeing the Yellow Chat. The Private Chat Twitch Tours allows time to absorb these wonderful birds. Meanwhile, some guests have been rewarded with Chats out along Chat Track. This area is also effected by water-logging which restricts vehicle access however keen observers were happy to get their boots muddy.

For more information check out our website and tours.

Dave

Assistant Warden

BBO

Australian Pratincole out on the Clay-pan