Gouldian Count 2013

[BrettB]

As this is the last gouldian count I am keen to get up to the Kimberley to participate.
Due to time constraints I will need to fly from Perth to Kununurra rather than drive up.
I would appreciate any help, from those who have been before or live in the area, on accommodation( near Wyndham and in Kununurra), type of vehicle required and "must see" places.
The last time I was in the Kimberley was 1970, so I suspect things have changed a little
My partner has work commitments and I can not convince her to come with me. So I will be traveling alone.

If anyone is interested in sharing accommodation/vehicle costs I would be happy to consider this as well.

Cheers
Brett

[kimberley breeder]

Wow! Sounds like a few are coming up! I live here and in terms of accomodation it depends on your budget. It is starting to get warm around that time so best to stay in hotel. If you are doing the count every day I owuld suggest staying out at Parrys Lagoon im not sure about the accomodation in Wyndham itself though. Plenty of options here in Kununurra.

There are a few fellas coming round to view my aviaries too so your more than welcome to tag along with them Im sure they will pipe oin on this thread.

If you can let me know the dates and how much time you have outside the count I can advise what you can/should go do around the area. 4WD is generally a must up here if u plan on going offroad but we do have a lot of wandering cattle...

[gomer]

If you want to stay at Parrys get in Quick as there are only 4 rooms.And about 4 self contained huts. The rest is like a caravan park.I didnt see any safari tents last time there but they may also have them.There is a caravan park in Wyndam and I think a hotel or some other type of accommodation only.

[casehulsebosch]

Lake Argyle twitchers trip n Saturday, 31 August 2013 - 05.30 start

As you (should) know this is the last opportunity for volunteers to take part in the annual Gouldian Count around Wyndham.
The count starts with the briefing on Sunday, 1 September.

Some of us have arranged a birding trip on Lake Argyle the Saturday morning before the count.
Trip starts at 05.30 in the morning so people would be required to stay at the Lake Argyle caravan park for the night.

The tour operator, Greg Smith, is experienced in taking birders out on the lake.
We are particular interested in the Yellow Chat.

People come from all over the world to see this species, so if you are coming to the count why not incorporate this birding boat trip.
Normally this trip is $180.00 per person but Greg has agreed to do it for$120.

So if you are coming up or across for the count give it some thought.

If you are interested please let me know by reply e mail. I am currently in the Darwin area for another two weeks.After this date I will be on the Victoria Highway travelling West and will not have phone or email coverage prior to the 31 August.

We have enough interest to kick this off. Just want to incorporate any other keen birders.

Cheers

[email protected]

case

[BrettB]

Sounds a good event, unfortunately will not be flying in to Kununurra till Saturday afternoon.

See you at the Count

Cheers
Brett

[E Orix]

It looks like this count will be the biggest, I suppose being the last it has forced some into actually going, me included.
Until you start doing some research you don't really comprehend just how far away it is from the southern states.
There could be as many as 10 Forum members going so it will be good meeting and or catching up with them.
If you are going it would be interesting to see your post here.
E Orix.

[Craig52]

Yes Eorix,i'm going again,especially because it's the last count and probably because at my age i will never have the opportunity to go again. Cheers Craig

[gomer]

The boss and I are going and bringing a junior member.All three of us are going on Cases boat trip aswell.We are staying at Parrys during the count.Will be a great week.Dereks water hole is only 500 metres from Parrys.atleast 4 to 5 different finches were sighted there last year.

[kimberley breeder]

Will be nice to hopefully meet you all- the Lake ARgyle cruise is well worth it! Greg has been doing the Rio Tinto annual birdwatch which I organised for the last 7 years with Birdlife Australia and he knows his stuff- the Yellow chats are amazing!

[casehulsebosch]

Yellow Chats.

I saw them a few years back at Roebuck Bay in WA. They wee so far away, only looked like small yellow specks.
One of my birding friends was a groundsman at Lake Argyle caravan park for 5 years and knows Greg well. The photo's I have been shown were amazing.

Hope we get lucky, as luck is important with twitching. Last year, before the count, I sat at a waterhole in Keep River NP and it was finch heaven.
Last week a friend of mine sat at the same hole on two occassions and nada, just a few doublebars.

Fingers crossed.
Send me an e mail if interested in the boat trip. Might be your last chance for a while. Not all of you can call WA home (I do 6 months of the year)
lol, Case