This was our last full day in the Hay area and we visited Oolambeyan National Park to the south east of Hay. Like Kalyarr National Park, Oolambeyan was a former grazing property that was purchased to form a national park – this time specifically to protect suitable habitat for a rare bird – the Plains Wanderer.
We did not see any Plains Wanderers on our visit, but we did see a lot of other nice birds and it was certainly an interesting place to visit.
On our drive from Hay to the Oolambeyan National Park, we saw a remarkable spectacle. Not far from where we turned off from the Sturt Highway we saw hundreds of raptors circling overhead. They were all Black Kites.
It was incredible! We later found out they often congregate in that spot because it is close to a worm farm associated with an area where cotton waste is composted.
We then continued to Oolambeyan National Park. It was once a stud ram property, and a lot of the farm building remain. Some are used by the National Parks and Wildlife Service.
As soon as we parked we noticed some more raptors. I was looking at a Whistling Kite perched in a tree, when a Black Kite flew overhead.
Here is the Whistling Kite –
Back to the Black Kite –
And more of the Whistling Kite –
Some other birds nearby. A Peaceful Dove –
Southern Whiteface
Fan-tailed Cuckoo
Southern Whiteface
We were able to visit the old homestead. The were the only Plains Wanderers that we saw – picture on the wall –
Back outside, a Galah –
There were a lot of weeds on the property. Here is a Paddy Melon –
And Paterson’s curse –
A Barn Owl had been disturbed from a barn –
And more Black Kites were flying overhead –
Here a Wedge-tailed Eagle is being harassed by a Magpie –
And two Black Kites – courtship or skirmish?
Rufous Whistler
Yellow-rumped Thornbill
We were fortunate to meet Glen from NPWS who showed us some of the historic buildings. And Valerie was pleased to see another Furphy.
Yellow-throated Miner
Yellow Rosella?
Black Kite
Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater
Mallee Ringneck
Brown Falcon
Wedge-tailed Eagle
Rainbow Bee-Eater
Southern Whiteface
Crested Pigeons
Black-faced Woodswallow
And a few more birdseed on the way out –
Australian Hobby
Black-shouldered Kite
And the Black Kites were still there in large numbers.
That evening, back in Hay was the last time the whole group was together. Many thanks to Valerie for suggesting the trip (and for a lift down and back) and to Brian for organising it.