PLATYPUS – Ornithorhynchus anatinus.

This is a close up of a platypus resting between dives taken with a large telephoto lens ( x12.5) . They typically remain under water from between 80 and 120 seconds and when diving their eyes are covered by the yellowish shield seen here below he eye. While fishing they often release gas from decaying leaves which bubbles to the surface. When there are plenty of worms and crustaceans they may remain in a small area diving repeatedly for 20 minutes or more.

They are seen on other occasions swimming briskly on the surface while surveying their territory and travel at the speed of a fast walk.

It is uncommon to see more than a single platypus at one location except during the mating season.