Gerard Satherley Photography

We were heading back to the Central Coast from Bowra when it was suggested that it might be worth checking out one of the station stays on the Darling River. Idalia Station was recommended, so we made the detour and were pleasantly surprised at the standard of the facilities and the birds present on the property.
As soon as we had set up camp on the grassy river bank we headed out to check what birds were about. Almost immediately we encountered a small flock of Red-tailed Black- cockatoos. We managed a few record shots and resolved to get some decent images of these spectacular birds. On returning to the camp Jane the owner pointed out that the Cockatoos and other birds often come into a water trough in the sheep yards in the late afternoon. Both Rod and I immediately got about setting up our hides and some suitable perches. Sure enough the Red-tailed Black-cockatoos did come in briefly for a drink along with some other species:

This was a one night stop over, which included approximately 2 hours of photography from the hide. I did not venture more than 1 km from the camp to find the birds.

If you are traveling in the West of NSW and want a birding experience in a beautiful and friendly setting I would recommend a stop over at Idalia. Note: depending where you come from at least 100kms of dirt road will need to be covered