Trips

Broome’s lake

February 26, 2012 by Clare M 5 Comments

For at least 12 years now there has been a lake in Broome. It was hidden for several years and we could easily access it from just through our back fence, but as new roads were built it became more visible. It is not there all year, as it fills up from the rain water that runs down the drains or from the sea on very high tides. Although we have heard complaints about it being a “muddy hole that should be sorted out” we would not like to see it go! It is on the corner of the Broome Highway and Gubinge road and easily visible. You can pull up close to it and there is always something to see if there is water in it. It appears to be a good feeding spot for numerous species of birds and the advantage of it being so close to our home is we often get these birds fly over en route! If we don’t get a good look as they fly over we go and see what is at the lake. Due to the fact that it is such a muddy hole there are some birds that appear to have rather odd plumage-don’t be tricked into thinking it’s a new species-it’s a muddy species!

Broome’s lake

Plumed Whistling-Ducks and Australasian Grebe

Silver Gulls, Australian White Ibis and Plumed Whistling-Ducks

Royal Spoonbill-of the muddy variety!

Royal Spoonbills and an off-white Australian White Ibis

It would be nice if more people appreciated the birdlife in this muddy spot and we hope that it will remain part of our environment for years to come. Meanwhile, we will continue to enjoy it and all the surprises that it brings!

As you read this we have just got to Sydney to help my sister and family with a house move, a new school for our two nephews and just a spot of birding…there’s a list to add to!

Written by Clare M

Clare and her husband, Grant, have lived permanently in Broome, Western Australia since 1999 after living in various outback locations around Western Australia and Darwin. She has lived in the Middle East and the United States and traveled extensively in Europe. She monitors Pied Oystercatchers breeding along a 23km stretch of Broome's coastline by bicycle and on foot. She chooses not to participate in social media, but rather wander off into the bush for peace and tranquility. Thankfully she can write posts in advance and get away from technology!

5 Comments

Roger February 26, 2012 at 11:16 pm
Cool Royal Spoonbills!
Jochen February 27, 2012 at 4:22 am
Oh come on, you paid your sister to move just so you could go to Sydney and add new birds to your year list. That’s utterly unfair, that is!! 😉
Wendy Feltham February 28, 2012 at 5:27 am
Clare, that’s an amazing photo of a huge group of Royal Spoonbills! Once, about 25 years ago, I was thrilled to see ONE Roseate Spoonbill in Mexico, and I’ve never forgotten it.
Pat Bean February 28, 2012 at 11:29 am
Thanks for taking me along on the bird-watching adventure
Clare and Grant-Broome-Western Australia March 2, 2012 at 4:12 pm
Thanks everyone….Jochen the highlight so far is 3 Eastern Whipbirds not being “elusive”, but then it poured with rain and now we have some nephew pick-up duties as they start their new school. George likes birds and his favourite is parrots…he knows a lot for a six year old!