Monday 10th January 2022. 1335 – 1445

Weather

9 mm of water in the gauge. Heavy overcast with intermittent rain, heavy at times. Wind variable, mainly from SE and gusty with showers. Track damp to wet. Extensive shallow puddles. Little mud resulting from lack of traffic. Water level up 75 mm. Moon – First Quarter.

Wildlife Report

Did not venture out this morning but by lunch time Cyclone Tiffany was in the middle of Cape York in the region of Princess Charlotte Bay and thus posing little threat to the Tablelands. The weather radar looked fairly clear so I went out on patrol carrying my trusty umbrella which is more for the benefit of the camera than myself.
At Allumbah Pocket I soon spotted a Pale-yellow Robin which remained stubbornly facing away from me. It then flew down to the ground within a metre of my feet before posing of a convenient branch. I am sure that he is one of my regulars.
Close by in the tree next to the Suspension Bridge “Popeye” the Green Ringtail Possum was looking rather damp and almost within touching distance from the Bridge.
The water level was up again but I photographed a very small juvenile Eastern Water Dragon on one of the rocks still visible.
While doing this I heard a slight noise and found that a small Lumholtz’s Tree Kangaroo had jumped from the tree onto the top of the southern support pole of the bridge. Before I could get my camera up she had crossed the beam to the northern pole where she paused for a minute or two allowing me to get her in focus. She then crossed into the neighbouring tree where a Possum often roosts before clambering down to the bushes on the B and B side of the fence.
I had no sooner finished with her than I spotted a Spotted Catbird, presumably the owner of the nearby nest, squatting on a branch and looking thoroughly miserable! She was however very cooperative!
At the upper level I photographed a moderately sized but well coloured male Eastern Water Dragon.
Nothing was seen then until the Log Jam where two Saw-shelled Turtles were sharing one of the few logs still above water.
The Coppery Brushtail Possum was back in residence in the Mistletoe Clump near Platys Pool but appeared rather sleepy.
While crossing Highway Bridge I leaned over to photograph a juvenile Water Dragon on one of the rocks below.
Finally I visited Nick’s Camping Area where on of the campers disturbed the Bush Stone-curlews who sprinted off in opposite direction but I managed to get a couple of snaps. One would think that the temporary visitors would have more consideration for the long term residents!