Friday 17th January 2020. 0810 – 0910

15.5 mm of rain in gauge. Some high level cloud + scattering of cumulus. Sunny periods. Fresh SE wind to 20 knots. Track moist. Puddle under Highway Bridge.

Volunteers along the walk this morning refurbishing drains to alleviate flooding if the Wet Season arrives in earnest. Probably wise as Jennifer’s sister arrives on Wednesday from UK for her 6th visit at this time of year and has yet to experience a proper Wet!

First sighting this morning was an Eastern Water Dragon in the rocks opposite the Memorial Bench.
Found with some difficulty White Spot the Green Ringtail Possum who had switched to her high level perch and was sitting with her joey completely concealed. She then decided to stretch her legs and walked down a sloping branch with the joey perched in precarious fashion across her shoulders before turning round and climbing back. At this point the little one was under her belly and she appeared to grab him, whereupon he squirmed around with his tail pointing in all directions like a worm on a fish-hook! Eventually they settled back on the same perch with the baby keeping watch behind. Met two young guys from Hamburg, Germany during this performance and they were able to have a look through my binoculars.
Cicadas were again noisy but none visual and the Scarab Beetles were active.
At the Log Jam three Saw-shelled Turtles were having a pleasant sunbathe.
No Platypus put in an appearance today but the Bush Stone-curlews were in the same spot at the Car Park.
Saw a gentleman there who admired Thomas and commented on his length. I doubt that he will ever see this but it is not true that all animals have the same number of vertebrae!