DF,
So what you're telling us all is that the amphibious aircraft currently stuck on Lake Eyre North isn't perhaps a Searey?
And that it is only a file photo from sometime before?
You quote: "P.S. It has not been on any of the TV channels I watch."
May I commend the ABC to you?
You quote: "I tried ringing Trev a while ago but he's in YBDV." My rather ancient Telstra mobile phone worked perfectly when I was at Birdsville about a year ago.