Alice Springs - Third Time Lucky

5 – 8 September 2017

We made it back into Alice Springs and checked into a different caravan park – one a bit out of town this time. We had decided on just two nights to allow us to visit another birding “hot spot” before heading home. We then headed into town to treat ourselves to lunch in a pub –  after the drive out of Palm Valley, we figured we had earned it.

The park owner told me about a Western Bowerbird bower in the park. Unfortunately it was under a pine tree that had thick low foliage all around the base. Only a glimpse of the bird tending its bower and decorations of green berries could be had. Still very special to watch though. Mick

A peek at the Western Bowerbird.

We set off for Kunoth Bore early in the morning with some snacks and lots of optimism. Kunoth Bore is on the Tanami Road about 60 kilometres from Alice Springs. We found the spot and spent a couple of hours there, but without much luck. At least now we can say we have driven the Tanami Track - even if it was only for a short distance and all on bitumen.

Kunoth Bore is supposed to be a good spot to find Grey Honeyeaters and other mulga species. We dipped on Grey Honeyeater and didn't see much else either. The bore dam was dry and this was probably a big factor. There were a few Red-capped Robins and raptors around as well as the ubiquitous Zebra Finch and Spiny-cheeked Honeyeaters. Mick

Red-capped Robin.

A Whistling Kite with prey at Kunoth Bore.

We returned to camp and pottered around for the afternoon when we spotted some familiar faces. We had met Ron and Kathy up on Cape York in July 2016, and had enjoyed a few drinks and friendly chat in a couple of campgrounds. We ran into them again in Tasmania in January 2017 when we spotted their distinctive rig outside a pub on the way from Launceston to Deloraine. We were astounded to meet them again in Alice Springs. Again we shared travellers’ tales over a few drinks. We wondered where we would meet again, but this time we did exchange contact details so we should know if ever they are close by again. Over wine and cheese we decided to stay one more night and return to the Alice Springs Desert Park. 

A Male Cerested Bellbird seen on the way in.

The flowers were even better this time.

A Caper White butterfly.

Wedge-tailed Eagle at the bird show.

Barn Owl at the bird show.

Southern Boobook at the bird show.

Long-nosed Dragon

A group of Splendid Fairywrens hang around the cafe. This is a male, molting into his stunning breeding plumage.

Making an early start, we noticed there were a number of tours and school groups there this time. There were also many more flowers in bloom. At our friends' suggestion we joined a number of the talks and displays that are staged throughout the day. The Free-Flying Bird show showcases birds of prey and others. We actually went to this one twice. We also went along to Aboriginal Survival in the Desert which focused on bush medicine as well Dine In, Takeaway or Home Delivered, which involved a tour through some of the exhibits in the nocturnal house to learn how desert animals thrive and survive. We spent the whole day at the park, and decided it was a perfect way to end our final day in Alice Springs. Drinks and chat with Ron and Kathy rounded out a great day.

A one chance in a million meeting with Ron and Kathy.

We set off in the morning on our journey that would eventually take us home.