I was up early this morning to do the Pound Walk at Ormiston Gorge. This 8 kilometer walk is supposed to be not only good for birds but a very scenic walk. I started up the trail shortly after sunrise and had quite a great day as Imade my way around the track. The trail starts by following the road a bit but then heads up into some of the hills and eventually works up to a ridge. From the ridge you have a beautiful view down into the pound itself.
Isat here for nearly and hour and had the place to myself. During this period Isaw two different raptor fights. The first involved a Whistling Kite attacking a Wedge-tailed Eagle that had just buzzed me as I sat on the ridgeline. I must admit, getting stared down by a very close Wedge-tailed Eagle is surprisingly intimidating. Shortly after that, a Brown Goshawk was attacked by a Nankeen Kestrel. Both fights were brief, one pass each, but it was quite exciting to see, especially only about 15 minutes apart.
From there I headed down into the pound itself. At one outcrop I found a flock of Spinifex Pigeons, my favorite pigeon, as well as a seemingly endless supply of Zebra and Painted Finches. I had hoped for a Dusky Grasswren but they were absent for the most part though I admit Iwasn't looking too terribly hard for them. Mostly, I just enjoyed the walk through the beautiful scenery.
In the evening, I went back to the gorge itself to see if the wallabies were there again but didn't stay long as it was cold and I hadn't brought my jacket. It is a beautiful area and while a bit crowded, I did enjoy exploring the gorge and the pound behind it.
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