Lorn wildlife photographer Jim Thomson is in the Northern Territory on his great photographic journey across Australia. Here's his latest report.
Over the last few weeks I have moved further north - up and across from central Queensland and deep into the Northern Territory.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The change in temperature and environment has been obvious - which has resulted in more bird life and insects.
You start to notice the change when you reach Mataranka, which is about an hour or so south of the southern end of Kakadu.
Here, the nights are warmer and the days perfect.
There seemed to be plenty of bird life but they were difficult to pinpoint, and it took me two days to eventually find a location where I could photograph them.
Pine Creek is a popular spot with bird watchers and is where you find the Hooded Parrot.
Umbrawarra Gorge, which is about 20km from the highway, also has loads of bird life including Crimson Finches, however be prepared as the gravel road can be rough in places, but it's certainly worth a visit.
Back to Pine Creek, on the second day there and despondent at not finding parrots, I approached a local gardeners, easy he told me, just follow my mower.
He was right too.
It was two metre high water spray, where they come into drink.
Thirty minutes later I made a few amendments and bingo - I got a great number of shots including a fight between two males.
Moving along, my next stop and where I am stopping to explore the area, is Litchfield.
Bird life here is wonderful and the environment is fantastic.
Yesterday it was Gouldian Finches, and numerous other birds.
Next up I will move in to Kakadu, at Jabiru and Yellow Waters.
Who knows what I'll find.
A word of warning for those who may be thinking of coming up this way ... book early, especially in the school holidays as it can be very difficult to organise accommodation.
