Tuesday 20th August 2019. 1315-1410

No rain in past 24 hrs. Sunny in cloudless sky. Strong breeze from SE ruffling water. Track dry.

Late start today after weekly shopping. All too much for Cody. Saw very little until Log Jam where there were no less than 9 turtles sunbathing. Occurred to me immediately that the specimen on the prime log was different than usual and after intensive study and comparison believe that this was a Krefft’s Short-necked Turtle. Took numerous photos. Continued on to see 2 turtles on upstream side of Picnic Bend. The second animal was showing similar behaviour to that observed previously. Why are so many of my subjects scratching when photographed ? Could they be allergic to me!

Kreff’t Short-necked Turtle. Emydura krefftii

Distinctive features in comparison to Saw-shelled Turtle are slightly different shape of carapace without serrations, yellow streak passing backwards from eye, yellowish streak on lower jaw and lack of spines on neck.

Turtle Sunbathing on prime log. compare with following photo

Saw-shelled Turtle. Elsya latisternum

Distinguishing features – edge of carapace serrated, lack of streaks behind eye and on mandible and neck spiny.

View adjusted to present similar perspective as previous image
Another specimen which better shows neck spines.

Platypus. Ornithorhynchus anatinus

Upstream from Picnic Bend.
Towards the Narrows. ANOTHER scratching Platypus.
Same animal surfaced in patch of colourful leaves.