Wild Wielangta

A casual visitor to Fortescue Bay might be mistaken to think our beautiful swift parrots are in abundance.

Any camper staying in the Mill Creek Campsite will be lucky enough to be greeted early each morning by a cacophony of happy and excitable swift parrots with the characteristic high pitched clinks and budgerigar-like chirruping. In fact they go on all day as they flitter from tree to tree in small groups

The blue gums are laden with blossom and the parrots are making the most of it. Last week there were at least 20-30 birds resident at Fortescue Bay. The large trees on the shore adjacent to the boat ramp have canopies spreading to eye level. These trees, and one in particular with an unusual pink hue to the blossom, affords wonderful opportunities for close up viewing.

The blue gums are however confined to a narrow band around Fortescue Bay with few other stands within the National Park. Consequently the extensive habitats to be found through Wielangta really are important for providing the sustained nectar resource necessary for successful breeding.

Andrew North