We explored Morwell National Park on two different days. The 565 hectares include great birdwatching opportunities and a cardiovascular workout walking up and down the trails. But it was difficult to combine both activities because we stopped so many times to photograph the many colorful and joyful-sounding birds.  

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A few bird doubles and our most experienced photographer

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Before arriving in eastern Victoria we had read about the superb lyrebird’s ability to mimic the sounds of other birds, barking dogs, camera shutters, and even chainsaws. And we researched the best locations for finding one. Our mission was clear! We looked at Tarra Bulga National Park, but did not spot this impressive fowl even though we tried. Two trekkers on the Cyathea Falls trail told us they had just seen a lyrebird 30 meters up the trail. Unfortunately the bird had moved along by the time we arrived at the specified location.

One website we read described how many visitors see lyrebirds on the Fosters Gully Nature Walk at Morwell National Park, so we were hopeful when we arrived there for our first visit. After walking about 45 minutes we heard a variety of bird sounds coming from the left side of the trail. And we soon saw the vocal fowl – a superb lyrebird! His impressive tail feathers were easily recognizable as he walked parallel to the trail for about 10 minutes and sometimes scratched the ground to uncover tasty insects, worms, and snails. We selected just four of the best photos out of the dozens we took (how many photos of the same bird do folks really want to see?!?!) and one video to illustrate the fun sounds of this very interesting winged creature.

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While trekking through the park we also found a few orchids still blooming and one very shy echidna.

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