Birds, Birds, Birds!

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Fogg Dam Conservation Reserve is located 70 km east of Darwin. Unfortunately, we were not able to hike the trails of this reserve due to a large crocodile in the area. (First time I've ever seen a crocodile trap!) We were, however, able to drive and stop at some designated areas with viewing platforms. Over 200 types of birds have been identified in this wetland. In fact, you would be hard pressed to take a photo and not capture a bird!

There were the most beautiful pink lily flowers (I know there must be proper name, but that's what I'm calling them). I could have spent days in this park! It was hard to know where to look there was so many birds; it was truly incredible!!



Australia has many types of wildlife and plant species that were introduced since it was first discovered by the British. The land and climate have allowed many of these species to thrive at great cost to the existing ecosystem. Some of these introduced species include the common house cat, cane toads, rabbits, wild pigs, camels, feral goats, European Carp, mosquito fish, water buffalo, Indian Miner (Mal says he has a bad attitude), and feral foxes. Plants include: Black berries, lantana, alligator weed, Parthenon weed, water lettuce, water hyacinth, salvation jane, Turkish rubarb, morning glory, balloon vine, cat’s claw creeper, paypas grass, prickly pear cactus, scotch brew, weeping willow trees and African Olives. This is just a short list provided by our resident horticulturist – Mal, who I believe talks to the trees.

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