feather and flora

Carnaby cockatoos at Cheynes Beach

We headed south through WA’s tall timbers to visit a much admired but seldom seen (by us) spot on the south coast: Cheyennes Beach, well known to enthusiastic birders.

A scenic road winding through a dense forest of tall trees, with sunlight filtering through the foliage.

A spot of lunch in Manjimup and we were soon on our way again – and along the way – in the town of Denmark – we happened upon a female red-capped parrot. Always a delight!

A colorful parrot perched on a branch amidst sparse leaves and twigs.

Along we went, round the city of Albany, and then, as if by magic – there we were reading the information sign as you come down the hill with a view of that magic ocean: Cheynes!

A welcome sign for Cheynes, featuring a map and information about local attractions, camping, and off-road driving options, with scenic imagery of the coastline.

We were just studying the sign when we heard a familiar squealing cry as a huge flock of Carnaby’s black cockatoos screamed overhead, coming down from over the coastal dunes and over towards the caravan park. I was so taken by surprise, I forgot to point the camera in their direction.

We went to inspect the cove that wraps itself the town: what a glorious spot. A little overcast at first, and then sunshine highlighting the turquoise water!

A scenic beach with a sandy shore, calm turquoise waters, and a cloudy blue sky. People are walking along the beach, some with a dog, amidst a natural landscape with distant hills.
A rocky coastline with clear blue waters stretching into the distance under a bright sky with scattered clouds.
A person standing on a gravel road looking out at a scenic beach with turquoise water and a clear blue sky, surrounded by coastal vegetation.
A white off-road vehicle parked on a gravel area with a scenic view of the ocean in the background, featuring clear blue water and a blue sky with scattered clouds.

We set up camp at the caravan park (it was excellent) while Ruby rested in the shade

A brown, fluffy dog resting under a leafy tree, looking towards the camera.
THE FUN CONTINUES: BIRDING AND BOTANICALS

The Carnies had taken up residence in the tall trees at the back of the caravan park – they were really at home chewing the nuts and preening themselves – a screaming while they did it. It wasn’t hard to find them!

One of the must do activities for nature enthusiasts is a walk along the dirt track in from of the park seeking out birds and critters. The gold prize would be awarded to anyone who saw a noisy scrub bird, or a honey possum. No prizes of that nature for us on that day – we just enjoyed the gazillion New Holland honeyeaters darting about the local flora.

A bird perched on a flowering plant against a clear blue sky.

The flora put on a particularly spectacular display – we just revelled in the joy of the local bush area at our back door.

Close-up of a green plant with thin, needle-like leaves and bright red clusters of flowers against a soft-focus background.
Close-up of a pink fluffy flower surrounded by green foliage, with a blurred background.
Close-up of green pine-like foliage with bright red flowers peeking through, showcasing a vibrant natural scene.
Close-up of yellow flowering plant with green foliage in the background.
Close-up of a leafy plant with small red-tipped leaves, surrounded by blurred green foliage.
Close-up of small purple flowers surrounded by green grass and foliage.
Close-up of a yellow flower head with spiky petals and green leaves against a blue sky.
Close-up of vibrant green and yellow flowering plants surrounded by lush green foliage against a clear blue sky.
Close-up of green foliage with golden and orange flowers among lush leaves.

The dirt track hadn’t been graded and to be honest it was really heavy duty walking – good for the calf muscles, and it certainly slowed us down.

A person standing on a sandy path in a lush, green landscape, wearing a wide-brimmed hat and holding a camera, surrounded by tall shrubs and flowering plants under a clear blue sky.
Smiling woman wearing a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, dressed in a plaid shirt, enjoying nature.

We spent the afternoon lazing about the camp and Ruby helped with some photo editing.

A person sitting in a blue camping chair holding a small dog, with a laptop and tools on a table beside them, outdoors near a vehicle.

We were very comfortable with the Troopy all set up with its tent walls – here’s a look! Note that with the tent walls up, we can see the outside, but those outside cannot see in (unless we had a bright light on at night).

One of the great features of the Cheyennes Beach Caravan Park is dinner on site on Fridays and Saturdays – we three went out for fish and chips and it was terrific. Ruby had her own parking place!

A small dog sitting in front of a 'Pooch Parking' sign at a fenced area with a notice about dogs needing to be on a leash.

Our stay was brief at Cheynes Beach, and we didn’t see a honey possum, but there’s always next time. And we gloried in the Carnaby’s cockatoos!

A black bird perched among green leaves against a clear blue sky.

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