Thursday 12th May 2022. 1000 – 1110 hrs

Weather

26 mm of rain in the gauge this morning following close to 50 mm yesterday. Overcast with light drizzle early. Track wet throughout with ephemeral streams across the path in places and numerous puddles. Water level very high with strong current and “cafe au lait” discolouration. Moon phase First Quarter + 3 days.

Wildlife Report

Road still wet from overnight rain and nature strip very soggy. Near the bend in Bunya Street a Ringtail Possum had been killed and dismembered with fur and body parts widely distributed. No obvious indication of the attacker although several new unrestrained cats have arrived in the area. A sad finding.
In the trees on the North side of the entrance to Allumbah Pocket, “Mrs Green” the Green Ringtail Possum was on a more open perch than of late although looking away from the street. I was able to get a view of her face by entering the undergrowth.
In the tree near the Old Boiler House, “Nosey”, another GRP was also on an open perch and I obtained the best shot of her for some days.
While crossing the Suspension Bridge I photographed a very small juvenile Saw-shelled Turtle on one of the rocks below and almost immediately a female Pacific Emerald Dove perched on one of the bridge suspension cables.
In the tree behind the Picnic Shelter at The Other Side I photographed a White-headed Pigeon which have lately become quite uncommon.
Near the Memorial Bench a large Turtle was on a rock overhanging the water and as I turned away from it a Spotted Catbird flew into the tree in front of me. It flitted between a couple of branches but I obtained several good shots.
At Snodgrass’s Pool another large Turtle was on a fallen trunk but I was more interested in the GRP “Whitespot” with her joey on show in the clump of Camphor Laurel trees.
On Flood Tide Island a pair of Pacific Black Ducks appeared to be enjoying the weather.
Nothing was then seen until Platys Pool where two Saw-shelled Turtles were on the frequently used horizontal branch on the far bank.
At Picnic Peninsula I heard a splash as an animal entered the water and was able to snap an Eastern Water Dragon as it climbed onto the far bank.
In the clump of Lomandra near the Highway Bridge a new generation of Golden Orb-weaver Spiders have started to man their webs.
Numerous Large-footed Fishing Bats were roosting under the bridge although a couple of passing tourists appeared completely disinterested! A also took a shot of a much larger bat which was hanging in full view outside the concrete joint. I have nor idea what it was.
A juvenile water Dragon was visible as usual beneath the Bridge.
I completed my excursion with shots of the Bush Stone-curlews at Nick’s Camping Area.
As I removed my ankle boots, socks and sock protectors a small and well filled leech fell to the ground and was dispatched with a convenient boot. An hour or so later while I edited my images I put my hand down and found that blooded continued to run from my ankle.
Just a reminder that in this wet weather it is worth checking for leeches when you get home and to put a dressing over the wound if bitten.