Monday 29th July – Alice Springs

When we were out at the “poo ponds” yesterday we were told about the sighting of an Asian bird that had never been seen in Australia until the last few weeks, an Asian Forest Wagtail.  It had been sighted in Will’s backyard and he invited us around to see if we could see it.  Consequently, this morning at 8:15 we were off to Will’s for bird watching.  We were not there long before the bird appeared and put on quite a performance for us strutting up and down across the yard.  Apparently we were the 103^rd, 104^th, 105^th and 106^th person to see it.

Asian Forest Wagtail

We then went shopping, first to Todd Mall to see if we could get some t shirts for Nate and Christopher.  Weren’t 100% happy with what we saw but will go back tomorrow if we don’t see anything better.  While there we had a look at Mbantua Gallery – some beautiful works.  Also purchased a few bits and pieces for the camper and called into ARB to see if they could reset the Tyredogs which stopped working some time ago.  No luck, will have to send the unit back to them.

Went to Maccas for lunch hoping to use their free wifi to get a few things done.  No luck there either.  It was very difficult to get on and very slow once on.  Looks like will be using the phone connection instead.

Back to Denise’s via Bunning’s where we picked up a new catch for her back screen door.  Fixed that in the afternoon and basically lazed around until after dinner when we went to the Desert Park for their nocturnal tour.

The tour is through a large secure enclosure (to keep out the feral animals) and the guide had a red spotlight to spot the animals while they were out and about.  It was a great experience.  Saw lots of Stick Nest Rats a number of Mala (Rufous Hare-Wallaby) and also Brush-tailed and Burrowing Bettong, one Southern Brown Bandicoot (much smaller than ours) and three Short-Beaked Echidna.  It would have been nice to see a Bilby but no luck on this occasion.  The guides were excellent and it was a thrill to see these animals doing what they do in their natural environment.

Mala

Short-Beaked Echidna

Brush-tailed Bettong