WA has a long-running biosecurity program to prevent the starling becoming established in the state. One of many monitoring stations operates at the observatory (
Surveillance efforts ramp up for starlings in State’s south).
Three lure starlings are confined in a cage within a larger trap cage that had a one-way entry at the top. The lure birds were very nervous and hid in the roosting box when I approached the trap.
Then to the beach.
Not quite enough momentum coming out to clear the very fine, light sand of the first dune. Quickly bottomed out.
A shovel job – but where is PJM when she is needed?!
Correction. Make that a shovel and MaxTrax job.
Dig out from under the axles and behind each wheel, MaxTrax behind the rear wheels, back up the length of the MaxTrax, place them in front and then power straight out.
The first time using the sand shovel and MaxTrax in anger. Too easy.
I then made my way out, aired up and started heading W on Eyre Highway.
There are two Main Roads 24h camp stops on the long straight and I reached the westerly one around sunset, for a convenient stop. Some friendly pied butcher birds and magpies came visiting.
Emergency airstrip on the highway not far E of Balladonia Roadhouse.