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Description
The following details are from the Birdlife WA location guide for the Wyndham area:
"This site is a must for all birders. You can expect to see 60 to 80 species in this vicinity, provided that there is water remaining in the billabongs. Note that the black soil plains may be impassable during the wet season. At most times, 2WD access should be no problem, but 4WD is recommended for the track along Parry Creek.
Look for finches, Brown Quail and button-quails, Australian Pratincole, Australian Bustard, Horsfield's Bushlark, Golden-headed Cisticola, chance of Zitting Cisticola and Tawny Grassbird as you cross the grass plains. Binoculars are adequate, but a spotting scope is recommended for the main billabongs so that you can keep your distance without putting the large flocks into the air.
The lagoons can sometimes have thousands of Wandering or Plumed Whistling-Duck and Magpie Geese. There are usually also good numbers of spoonbill, ibis, egret, heron, Radjah Shelduck and other ducks, Red-kneed Dotterel, Brolga and Masked Lapwing. Also Comb-crested Jacana, Green Pygmy-Goose, Black-necked Stork and Nankeen Night-Heron can usually be found.
From September to April there are often good numbers of migratory waders, plus occasionally rare migrants such as Garganey and Ruff. Keep a frequent look out for raptors with more than ten possible species.
Apart from the abundant waterbirds, also be alert for the many species of bush birds such as finches (including the elusive Pictorella Mannikin), honeyeaters, Rainbow Bee-eater and flycatchers, especially near the pools along Parry Creek. Eastern Yellow Wagtail and Barn Swallow are occasional wet season migrants, and Yellow Chat is a good chance along the edge of the wetlands. Be very alert for saltwater crocodiles!
Check some of the tracks across the wide grass plain for Brown Quail, Little Button-quail, Golden-headed and Zitting Cisticola, Horsfield’s Bushlark and Yellow Chat.
There are a number of additional waterholes that can be checked by continuing on the main road to Parry Creek Farm. These form drinking sites for many species of bush birds, particularly Pictorella Mannikin and Star, Crimson and Zebra Finches and Brolga. Eastern Yellow Wagtail and Barn Swallow are occasional wet season migrants, and Yellow Chat is a possibility along the edge of the wetlands. Buff-sided Robin can be found in the large trees around Parry Creek Farm".
Details
Access
This site is accessed from the Great Northern Highway via Parry Creek and Bird Sanctuary Roads. Press P on the map to enter Google mapping.
Terrain and Habitat
Wetland , Plain , River , Mud flatsConditions
FlatCircular trail
NoIs a telescope useful?
Can be usefulGood birding season
Spring , WinterBest time to visit
WinterRoute
Wide pathDifficulty walking trail
EasyAccessible by
FootBirdwatching hide / platform
YesExtra info
Marlgu Billabong is part of the Parry Creek Nature Reserve which is listed as a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention and is listed on the Register of the National Estate.