It’s possible on a day at the Western Treatment Plant to clock up over 100 kilometres of driving. The entire plant is over 10,000 hectares — a little smaller than Philip Island.
Some recent changes to the access areas means that those who formely had limited access may now, from the 31st of July 2023, enter what was previously the “Special Access” area and required a different key. Now, One Key, (as they say in Tolkien) rules them all.
I think it’s fair to say that these days there are three sorts of people who visit the plant.
1. The true birdo. Dedicated to seeing as many species as possible in the shortest time, and of course to find that elusive ‘visitor’ to add to the total. These folk have been the mainstay if not the major visitors for many years. Travelling every road and side road is part and parcel of the visit.
2. Now it seems that photographers are becoming the dominant “species”. Again, desiring to see and photograph as many birds in the day and be able to have them all posted to Instadump or Spacebook before anyone else. Speed of travel is their essential hallmark, and sometimes it seems to me, to resemble a Rally-cross event (I used to photograph such events a long time ago so understand the techniques)
3. The art photographer. Not yet a huge group, but growing I feel. They have a need to find a bird and provide the ‘best possible’ image of said bird that shows not only the best of the bird, but their ’empathy’ for the species. Also prepared to stand around and pontificate about the latest mirrrorless kit and lens that is a ‘game changer’.
Clambering over grass, through salt-bush, crawling along the beach and the mudflats, is de rigueur for that expressive moment. Often I’ve noted of late, dressed in camo and ghillie-suits, looking more like an SAS Sniper. Willing to stop in the middle of a bund road to walk, crawl, or sneak to a spot to get that shot. Meanwhile the roadway is blocked to all other passersby.
( I know, I think I used to do this!- sans the ghillie)
A fourth visitor group, just to show I can count beyond three: is more the traveller about the plant, seeing birds and generally enjoying an outing.
These days, I have to admit to fitting somewhere between 3 and 4.
We no longer do the ‘full tour’ We have a few ponds and areas that we’ll go to, sit for awhile, and then move on. Most days, it’s an early morning start, and by lunch time, it’s time to go on up the road to The Highway Lounge, and one of Gerry’s well made hot brews.
With the sun streaming in through the window at breakfast time, the other morning, it didn’t take long to abandon other projects for the day, and head on down to the WTP.
Here are a few from the day. Click on an image to move to a Gallery experience
Enjoy
Birds as Poetry —— Just because I WANDER doesn't mean I'm LOST 
A beautiful series of images. We definitely live on the wrong side of town!
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When the weather is good its a delight. When its windy, I stay home
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Amusing analysis of the WTP visitors, David. I’d put myself also somewhere in the middle of 3and 4, leaning towards 3, if not for the sad reality that I haven’t been there for more than a year now. The gallery of images is impressive and I love the brolgas so much! I’ll have to wait at least till spring to be able to arrive around the sunrise and avoid the worst traffic before the bridge. Until then I’ll enjoy your photos.
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Hi Adam, sometime the passing parade at the plant just amuses me as much as the chance to photograph and watch birds. 🙂
Pick fine weather is my current cry.
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Looks like a great day at the farm, David! I must try and make some time to get down there again!
I love your description of the various groups. I would probably fit comfortably with group four but, when opportunity arises – as it often does, then group three it is!
A fine series of images on a sunny day!
I love the Kestrel landing in front of you!
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thanks David, the plant has been quiet the past few months, but seems to be improving at the moment
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Amazing shots David of so many beautiful birds, especially the dancing Brolga so close up. We are looking forward to going to the plant on a visit possibly next year, as all our attempts to get down there failed for one reason or another over the last three years, covid, fires, health and rain (floods) being a few. I guess we are classified as birders who like to photograph to confirm our findings.
We always are enchanted with your brilliant photography my friend. Stay warm and safe.
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Hello Ashley, The Brolga are really getting to be a sizeable crowd now, and I think there is a new season young one starting to show up.
i just smile mostly at the passersby. We all go there to enjoy the space.
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That’s wonderful David that the Brolga a resettling. So many were killed and driven out of the Riverina area years ago, and they are trying to regenerate the birds again, though they do destroy crops. It is great to these and hopefully other birds and animals that have been pushed into the least inhabited areas up north and out west. The Magpie Geese replenishment of our coastal wetlands is a slow process being undertaken by Hunter Wetlands Centre for some years. Enjoy your week and keep warm and safe my friend.
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What a beautiful series of photos accompanied by brief but informative descriptions or explanations! A delight to view thanks David…!
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Hello Lance, thanks for dropping by, we are fortunate to have access to such an important area.
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