Trips

Point Samson birding

February 24, 2013 by Clare M 1 Comment

Point Samson is a small coastal town near Karratha that has a long history as a port for the north-west and the deep water jetty was built in 1902. Nowadays it is a small and quiet tourist town which is very popular in the winter months when people head north in search of relaxation and sunshine. The township has recently established a native garden and park with structures to emphasise the great fishing in the area……

Point Samson park-fishes

Fish in the Point Samson park

Maybe they want us all to know about the great bird life as well…….

Point Samson park-bird

Bird statue in Point Samson park

It was an overcast day when we were able to visit and we noticed a Striated Heron walking on the path along the breakwater near Honeymoon Cove.

Striated Heron (3)

Striated Heron on the path

We suddenly realised that it was not the only Striated Heron, but that we had one right below us on the water’s edge. There were so many small fish to eat that it really was completely unconcerned about our presence.

Striated Heron (2)

Striated Heron

Striated heron (4)

Striated Heron

We continued on along the path and the absolute highlight of our birding trip was a rarely seen White-breasted Whistler. It was doing just what the field guide says “forages on mud at low tide”! It was only on the mud briefly in the dull light and no doubt that had been in our favour. I only had a few seconds to attempt any photographs as fishermen approached and of course I would have liked a complete reflection if possible, but sometimes it is not possible and so there’s not a complete reflection!

White-breasted Whistler

White-breasted Whistler (2)

White-breasted Whistler

The Striated Herons continued to fish completely at ease as we passed by once again as we returned to the car park and we then had the pleasure of watching a Blue-spotted Ray feeding along the edge of the breakwater.

Blue-spotted ray

Blue-spotted Ray

This area is suited to those only wanting a short, but rewarding walk. Of course you could fish as well as bird if you have the time!

We are currently birding somewhere on the east coast of Australia as we attempt to get the year list topped up, so I may not be able to respond to any comments!

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!