NORTH TO NARRANDERA

Narrandera is north of Deniliquin and we went via Jerilderie, keen to see some of the bushranger heritage connected with Ned Kelly.

One of our lunchtime companions at the Rocky Waterholes

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There are several birding hot spots near Narrandera, or more broadly within the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area (MIA). We saw some interesting birds at the Five Mile Reserve (about 10 kms to the west: heron, corella, galah) and the Rocky Waterholes (about 5 kms to the west: wren and magpie). This is part of the Narrandera Flora and Fauna Reserve which is also a koala sanctuary. We walked deep into the forest at the waterholes, but we saw very little by way of birdlife there, and no koalas. Of course, that doesn't mean they're not there! 

Just on the cusp of the southern entry to the town (literally walking distance) are the Narrandera wetlands (situated between the Murrumbidgee River and the irrigation channel).  The wetlands have been nicely provisioned with a walking track, and hides. We saw yellow-billed spoonbills fishing in the shallow water, and an assortment of ducks (we're still learning their various names).

On the outskirts of town we spied apostlebirds - a new one for us, and got a basic photo - but we would like to see more of these.

An apostlebird on the outskirts of town

We also made the drive 10kms south to the Gillenbah State Forest.  From the carpark, we walked about four kilometres into the forest. It was pretty quiet in the birding department, but we did manage to get some great shots of the red-capped robin, the male resplendent in red and black, and the female more muted. The male sitting on a lichen infested tree looks just like a Christmas card from the northern hemisphere, yet there we were in the Australian bush. ​

We walked to a substantial waterhole where a variety of interesting birds were gathered - however, we surprised them, including at least six crimson rosellas, so we didn't manage any photos there. Note to self: approach waterholes very surreptitiously in future. All was not lost: on the return journey, a grey fantail skylarked before our eyes, just begging to have his photo taken! 

We quite liked Narrandera, but in future we are thinking of trying Leeton where the Fivebough Reserve sounds promising - as well as a "chic French restaurant" (girls gotta eat!)