Tuesday, 29 January 2019

ADMIRE WILDLIFE UP CLOSE FROM ARKABA’S NEW HIDE

Arkaba means land of abundance and our new wildlife viewing hide is positioned west of the confluence of Arkaba and Woolshed creeks just three metres away from all kinds of wildlife coming to drink! You’re bound to see birds, mammals and reptiles coming to you at eye level, and if you’re quiet, you’ll get to admire them gathering around this reliable water source behaving naturally in the wild.

A reliable watering point for birdlife and wildlife to retreat to and a leisurely stroll from our Arkaba Homestead through beautiful red gum trees.

The hide is a complimentary experience and an ideal place for a spot of morning or afternoon tea as you listen to sounds of the Australian bush.

The last few months have delivered a hive of exciting activity including 36 different bird species, Western Grey Kangaroos, Red Kangaroos, Common Wallaroos, an Echidna, Sand Goannas, Bearded Dragons, Shingleback Skinks and the Tawny Dragon endemic to Australia.

Macropus robustus erubescens (or Euros) are a very common sighting on Arkaba, this adult female was seen bringing her joey to drink at the hide. This little fellow would be approximately 10 months old and will be fully developed between 18 – 20 months. Even after this period of independence is reached, the youngster can maintain a very close relationship with its mother. It’s fascinating to watch the interactions with other large Macropods such as the sub-adult Red Kangaroo in the background who was chased away on several occasions as he got too close to the joey.

This Little Eagle (Hieraaetus morphnoides) might have been hunting rabbits, reptiles or even birds when field guide Charlie managed to snap this picture as it came down to land on an old fence post. This beautiful eagle, along with the larger and more commonly known Wedge-tailed eagle make up the only two “booted” eagles in Australia, their feathered legs being one of the features that set them apart from other Australian Raptors.

New evidence suggests that Little Eagles migrate from South to North during the winter months, explaining why we tend to see them more frequently in the summer. One individual was recorded to have travelled as far as 3,000km in a season!

Nesting pairs of this very attractive eagle have been recorded across Arkaba’s private wildlife conservancy in South Australia’s Flinders Ranges over the past couple of years, with birds preferring to nest in dense, tree lined watercourses with large living trees. Arkaba will continue to be an attractive breeding ground for the Little Eagle, as current and future conservation projects continually improve the health of river red gum communities across the conservancy.


Australian Wildlife Journeys is part of the Signature Experiences of Australia program. Tourism Australia has partnered with industry to develop outstanding tourism experiences within a variety of niche areas and special interest categories. Other Signature Experiences of Australia partners include Luxury Lodges of Australia, Ultimate Winery Experiences of Australia, Great Walks of Australia, Great Fishing Adventures of Australia, Discover Aboriginal Experiences, Great Golf Courses of Australia and Cultural Attractions of Australia.

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