4 Stray Katz: Yellow Water crocodile cruise

Yellow Water sunrise cruise, Kakadu National Park, NT

Saturday 12th August

The Yellow Water sunrise cruise we did was absolutely spectacular. While slowing making our way along the South Alligator River, among the Yellow Water wetlands, we saw such an incredible array of birdlife, however the crocodiles was what really excited us. We would have seen over 30 crocodiles over the 2 hours we were on the water, some swimming, some resting on the bank, some just poking their eyes out of the water and some walking- though the most gasp worthy one we saw was the crocodile munching on a snake. It was incredible, and a little scary, to see the crocodile open its jaw and expose its teeth before munching down on the snake. We had another extra special wildlife encounter on the cruise – we got to see a black-necked stork (commonly, but incorrectly, called a Jabiru. Jabirus are actually South American storks) catch a barramundi, before it began stabbing it with its beak, trying to get the head off. Whilst the stork was mutilating the poor barramundi a crocodile was eagerly watching – several times it went for the stork, who thankfully moved quickly out of the way. There was also an opportunistic smaller bird hanging around next to the black-necked stork – we think it was waiting to take the head of the fish! It was certainly a unique insight into the interactions between these animals in their natural environment.

Before we even left the dock there was a crocodile swimming down the middle of river towards us!

The colours of from the rising sun were just starting to show as we headed off up the river.

A crocodile decided to photobomb my sunrise pic!

One section of the wetlands was full of wandering whistling ducks.

The stunning water lilies lining the banks

One of two brolgas we saw in the distance

The boat was able to get very close to so many crocodiles during the 2 hour cruise - they were incredible to watch.

The next photos and video are of the crocodile we saw eating a snake - we were so close we could hear it chewing.

I'm watching you!!

A brightly coloured kingfisher

The Jacanas were so interesting to watch. They have huge feet so can literally walk on water (hence their nickname- Jesus birds).

This one kindly posed for a photo!

This photo clearly shows how big their tails are- they are very interesting looking creatures.

We got to get close to so many crocodiles.

An egret - they look very elegant and I loved the reflections this one made.

A sea eagle, and two cormorants drying their wings

White-bellied sea eagle

The next series of photos and videos are of the Black necked stork (Jabiru) catching a barramundi, whilst a crocodile watched on, hoping for an easy feed.