BIRDWATCHING IN A HARSH LANDSCAPE

No-one would believe , at first glance, plants surviving at all
Saltbush, Bluebush, bunched low amongst Mallee, itself not tall
constantly buffeted by hot, dry, north winds of a treeless plain
knife-sharp cold south winds from Antarctica, bringing icy-cold rain

Breeze, caresssing Mallee, causing delicate melodies, when passing by
dusky silhouettes of dunes outlined against early morning sky
of the many bird songs heard , one stands out, the Currawong
quickly followed by other early risers with an equally beautifull song

Truly a bird watcher's paradise, isolated, well of the beaten track
once you've been there, the urge remains forever with you to go back
near seashore, colony of Penguins, in equal harsh conditions thrive
it is the only known mainland site where Australian Sea Lions survive

Old Telegraph Station lovingly restored, with museum out the back
elderly couple tending weather station, also of bird life keeping track
travel in these parts is far from easy, often with utter havoc wrought
bush tracks with razor sharp limestone rocks, driving requires thought

Sand drifts, claypans that turn into greasy quagmires after little rain
driving on ocean shore with seaweed everywhere, dangerous terrain
quietness, solitude, tranquility in landscape so harsh and yet pristine
it's a place where you can easily loose yourself and forget real time.