OUR TOUR OPTIONS
A secretive Malleefowl tending to its mound. Mulga Parrots and Blue Bonnets taking turns drinking from a puddle. A Red-lored Whistler singing from atop a shrub in the early morning light. Your first glimpse of a Grasswren – then it pops up in plain view! Black-eared Miners foraging in eucalypt foliage. A flock of Banded Stilts in a salt lagoon.
Being a local birder and photographer I have extensive knowledge of South Australia’s regions and habitats.
I can help you find and photograph the birds you’ve always dreamed of seeing.
Join me for an unforgettable day or longer in the wilds of South Australia!
Adelaide and surrounds - 1 day birding or photography tour
Overview: We will visit a variety of habitats in search of the unique birdlife of this region. These could include the Adelaide Hills, Murray plains, the river and its wetlands, coastal dunes and wader roosts. The day will be tailored to your wishes, and can be about maximising the species list, or pursuing bird photography, or a combination of both. During our late spring and summer, between 100-130 species can be recorded in a day. We have access to some unique sites that provide outstanding photographic opportunities.
Target species: These can be many but typically include local specialties such as Banded Stilt, rails and crakes, Blue-billled and Freckled Duck, Cape Barren Goose, Fairy Tern, migratory waders, Slender-billed Thornbill, Chestnut-rumped and Shy Heathwren, Adelaide Rosella, Elegant and Rock Parrot, Purple-gaped and Tawny-crowned Honeyeater, Southern Scrubrobin, Diamond Firetail.
Adelaide and surrounds - 2 day birding or photography tour
Overview: As above, but the length of this tour allows us to venture further afield, to target specific species or habitats. From Adelaide we will bird our way to the Murray river and associated wetlands to reach the coastal lagoons and dunes of the Coorong National Park and nearby “mallee” (eucalypt scrub) and back through the Adelaide Hills. Alternatively we bird the coast north of the city, then head inland to mallee reserves, and bird our way back along the Murray. A night spotlighting session is included if desired.
Target species: As above, plus depending on the route (which will be chosen in consultation with you): Malleefowl, Hooded Plover, Black Falcon, Rufous Bristlebird, Chestnut Quail-thrush, Regent Parrot, Mallee Ringneck, Mulga Parrot, Blue Bonnet, Gilbert’s Whistler, White-winged Fairy-wren and others.
Mallee wilderness & Murray wetlands 1 day birding or photography tour
Overview: The unique “mallee” habitats of South Australia are protected in many large reserves including Gluepot, Bookmark and Murray-Sunset. Many specialised bird species are found here and a unique flora and fauna is adapted to the harsh conditions. Located 3-4 hours from Adelaide, the area’s relative accessibility means it is one of the few areas in Australia where birders can observe otherwise hard-to-find species. Our tours depart from the Riverland region including towns such as Berri, Barmera, Waikerie, Loxton and nearby. The Murray river meanders through this area and local wetlands harbour rails and crakes, Regent Parrot, and a plethora of waterbirds including the rare Freckled Duck.
It’s a true wilderness in which the unsuspecting visitor can easily get lost, and which we’ll explore in our fully equipped 4WD vehicle. In this semi-arid environment, birds are always on the move, and where they were last year, or even last month, may not be where they are today…Within this large wilderness, we will determine the best destination for your day tour after consulting your wish list. We know where the birds are: we can confidently say that we spend more time out there chasing birds than anyone else!
Target species: Malleefowl, Scarlet-chested Parrot, Mulga Parrot, Regent Parrot, Blue Bonnet, Major Mitchell’s Cockatoo, Red-lored, Gilberts & Rufous Whistler, Chestnut Quail-thrush, Southern Scrubrobin, Black-eared Miner, Striated Grasswren, Splendid Fairy-wren, Redthroat, Shy Heathwren, rails & crakes, Freckled Duck and more.
Mallee wilderness 2 days birding or photography tour
Overview: As above, but the length of this tour allows for extra time to chase your target species, or for prolonged photographic opportunities. A night spotlighting session is included if desired.
Target species: Malleefowl, Scarlet-chested Parrot, Mulga Parrot, Regent Parrot, Blue Bonnet, Major Mitchell’s Cockatoo, Red-lored, Gilberts & Rufous Whistler, Chestnut Quail-thrush, Southern Scrubrobin, Black-eared Miner, Striated Grasswren, Splendid Fairy-wren, Redthroat, Shy Heathwren, rails & crakes, Freckled Duck and more.
Custom tour - any duration, any destination!
Your birding or photography needs may not lend themselves to the above set options. We can offer you a tailor-made solution targeting the birds or photo opportunities you’re after. Please contact my business Bellbird Birding Tours or Bellbird Photo Tours and we’ll be glad to help you! At Bellbird, you’ll be in good hands: we have 15 years experience guiding birders in Australia.
TOUR PRICES & INCLUSIONS
Day Tours
Dawn till dusk or max. 12 hrs. Price AU$710, private charter for 2 people. Extra persons add AU$50 each, maximum 4.
Inclusions:
- hotel pick-up/drop-off
- transport in modern, airconditioned vehicle
- sunscreen, insect repellent
- first aid kit on hand at all times
- unlimited drinking water refills (please bring your own bottle), tea, coffee, some snacks
- use of esky (cool box) for your supplies
- professional guide
- all entry fees
- the latest local field guides (digital and printed)
- printed bird checklist
- shared e-bird list
- use of portable bird-hides
Exclusions:
- lunch (please bring your own)
- personal expenses
- activities not specifically included
2-Day Tours
From dawn on day 1 till early evening day 2. Price AU$2,795*, private charter for 2 people. Please enquire for 1, 3 or 4 participants.
Inclusions:
- hotel pick-up/drop-off
- 1 night in double or twin-share motel room*
- transport in modern, airconditioned vehicle
- sunscreen, insect repellent
- first aid kit on hand at all times
- 2x lunch, 1x breakfast, 1x dinner
- unlimited drinking water refills (please bring your own bottle), tea, coffee, some snacks
- professional guide
- all entry fees
- the latest local field guides (digital and printed)
- printed bird checklist
- shared e-bird list
- use of portable bird-hides
Exclusions:
- breakfast on day 1, dinner on day 2
- drinks (including alcoholic) not specifically included
- personal expenses
- any activities not specifically included
* PLEASE ENQUIRE ABOUT BUDGET OPTIONS (CAMPING OR FARM STAY)
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