Budgies in full flight at Vulkathunha-Gammon Ranges National Park

A chatter of budgies was spotted at the entrance to the park, located in the northern Flinders Ranges recently.

National Parks and Wildlife Service Conservation Ecologist Rob Brandle said that large flocks of budgies were a sign that Vulkathunha had good spring rains.

“Last summer was the second year in a row that budgies have formed large flocks and 2022 built on the previous year's success,” he said.

“This meant that almost every tree with budgie sized hollows had a nest in them during March. Then by April and May, massive flocks of 100s to 1000s of birds were flying from the woodlands in the ranges out to the Mitchell grass plains to feed during the day.

“Some of them are captured in the photo. The birds then started moving out in May and by July only small occasional flocks could be seen.

“Most of these birds will have moved across the arid interior to take advantage of the good season.”

As part of the good season, Sturt desert peas have been in full bloom on-park in early spring, with a number of unusual colours on display.

Ranger Sian Johnson said the very unusual colours did not often appear. While they have now finished flowering Sian said that one of the best places to spot them was on the track out to Munda/Lake Frome.

To find out more visit: www.parks.sa.gov.au/parks/vulkathunha-gammon-ranges-national-park