Partridge Creek - Near Port Macquarie, NSW

Partridge Creek is a birding spot near Port Macquarie. I had heard about it after talking to some locals along the Sea Acres Rainforest Walk. Following instructions I headed out along the Hastings River Road toward Kempsey and turned left up Fernbank Creek Road taking the first left again onto a dirt track. This leads into an area of swamp on the right, mangroves on the left and a border of grasses and Casaurinas. 

View of old fence line leading through the swamp

At the end of the road there is a locked gate but I am told that some birders will head left along the fence line and move around the fence into the area further walking as far as the airport. Being by myself I was not going anywhere out of bounds into council land - call me chicken but the sphincters close just a little tighter at the thought of being caught somewhere I am not supposed to be. (My life is exciting and thrilling enough without added complications).

I am told you can find the Southern Emu Wren here. But it was not to be for me although I have been very happy with the collection of birds I managed to photograph.

Family of Red-Backed Fairy-Wrens

Red-Backed Fairy-Wren calling his alarm at my presence

Red-Browed Finch

Chestnut-Breasted Mannikin

Golden-Headed Cisticola

Tawny Grassbird surveying the intruder

There were also the ones spied from a distance but too far away for photos to do justice. A lone black-headed stork flew in and a large group of the Australian white Ibis. I also disturbed two quail but they were too quick for an identification let alone a photograph. I am told that there are grass owls here also - but too chicken to wait for dark alone.

Today the grasses are very long following much needed rain and the seed heads abound. It is so good to see that the road side has not been immediately slashed which allows these little ones a chance to breed and raise their young in a safe environment with plenty of food. Their speed as they forage creates an opportunity to hone camera skills practising panning and manual focusing to see past the foreground.

Just to prove that it is not just all about the birds, today was a butterfly day as well it seems, however my knowledge of these is almost non-existent at this time.