Nourlangie

In the heart of Kakadu National Park, Nourlangie Rock towers over the tropical woodlands below. This large sandstone outcrop forms part of the spectacular Arnhem Land escarpment and provides a haven to endemic species such as Black-banded Fruit-Dove (Ptilinopus alligator) which are only found in this unique habitat.

The album ‘Nourlangie’ was recorded at dawn beside the escarpment and next to a small shady gully protecting a patch of monsoon forest. Northern Fantails and Silver-crowned Friarbirds are the first to call in the pre-dawn light. Other species recorded on the album include Pied Butcherbird, Spangled Drongo, White-bellied Cuckoo Shrike, Rainbow Bee-eater, Black-banded Fruit Dove, Northern Rosella and the lovely melodies of Sandstone Shrike Thrush in the distance.

Adjacent to the rock is Anbangbang Billabong, a small permanent wetland and a vital refuge for waterbirds, wallabies, crocodiles and other wildlife, especially during the dry season. What makes Anbangbang Billabong especially beautiful is its location at the base of Nourlangie Rock, part of Arnhem Land’s sandstone escarpment. Each day at sunset, the billabong is set ablaze with colour, as the warm reds and oranges of the sandstone reflect in the still water. At the same time, the sounds of hundreds of waterbirds and other species from the surrounding dry forests combine to create an unforgettable audio visual experience! The third track on this album focuses on the Anbangbang wetland soundscape. Species recorded at the billabong include Australian Pelican, Green Pygmy Goose, Plumed Whistling Duck, Magpie Goose and Whistling Kite.