Looking around Pine Creek.......

This morning we gathered again under the awning for coffee before heading out to Pine Creek.  Each time we have been through here our mission has been to find a Hooded Parrot.  I have begun to think of them in the same category as 'The Lochness Monster' and am sure they are just a myth.  Of course each time Nolan goes there he gets another photo and of course sends it too me - Grrr!  Perhaps this time I'll find one myself!

After a little over an hour on the road we had arrived so started to check out all the spots Nolan had found them before.  Of course being the middle of a very hot day was probably not helping but hey,I was here, I had to look!  I did find this Boot Tree though.  Who knows what or why but I have the picture anyway.

We tried the park by the caravan park, the Central Park and the park by the toilets and all came up a big fat zilch!  We drove out to the treatment plant where we found ducks and herons.  We tried the Cemetery where we found nothing at all but some very interesting grave sites and huge Termite mounds.

Back in town we had lunch in the shade of a big tree and were kept amused by many other little birds, Honeyeaters, Magpie Larks and lorikeets but still no parrots!

We walked through the lovely water gardens, found birds on nests but no parrots.  It's a myth I'm sure!  

We drove up to the lookout and saw The Enterprise Pit once a huge Gold mine, now a lovely lake, still no parrots.  Back in town we had a famous 'Mayse's Mango Smoothie and then drove on a few kms to Copperfield Lake.

This lake is OK for swimming but there were only ducks, geese and Lapwings there today.  It was another lovely tranquil place and I can't believe there was no one taking advantage of this on such a hot day.

We turned around and headed for home having one last look along the parks as we left town.  The lady who made our smoothies told us they do come down when the sprinklers are on but that wouldn't be for another few hours.  We decided not to wait and I know one day I will find this elusive little parrot but until then I do have Nolan's beautiful picture to keep me happy!

Back at home it was unload the car and reload the drinks because tonight we were off to watch the sunset from Mount  Bundy Rd.   This time we could see the sun setting behind the hill we had been on the last two nights and it was truly beautiful tonight. 

We sat with our drinks and nibbles until well after dark and then it was home for another yummy dinner under the awning.  It was four very weary bodies that called it a night a little earlier this time but we had had a fantastic day even though we had not found the Hooded Parrots. Tomorrow we have to pack up and head back to Darwin for our last two days.

so until then........