Monday 2nd August 2021. 1330 – 1440

Weather.

No rain in the gauge. Bright sunny day with no cloud. Cold southerly breeze. Track dry.
Water level falling slowly. Only two of the Stepping Stones remain under water. Moon phase Last Quarter +3

Wildlife Report.

Few birds around at this time of day but I noticed some flying insect activity under the roof of a nearby house. Closer inspection showed that a triangular panel has been used as the base for a large Paper Wasp nest! I doubt that they will cause damage but I wouldn’t like to have them above my front door so I will speak to the owners.
At the informal entrance to Allumbah Pocket, “Popeye” the Green Ringtail Possum was perched out in the open and appeared as interested by my attention as I was in his.
While crossing the Suspension Bridge I photographed a Saw-shelled Turtle sunbathing on one of the stepping stones.
Nothing of interest was then seen until the Overhanging Bushes where a Varied Triller followed me from bush to bush but moved so quickly that it was difficult to capture on the sensor. I eventually had some measure of success.
On a sloping log near the base of Picnic Peninsula a small Saw-shelled Turtle and a lizard with a Snout to Vent Length (SVL) of about 150 mm were lying in the sun. The size of the Lizard made me wonder about it’s identity. I would usually describe it as an immature Eastern Water Dragon of which it certainly has some features but it’s skin markings differ markedly from an adult and in particular lack the black facial patch. Unfortunately I can’t find any likely alternative of the correct size and would be grateful for any advice.
At The Narrows two Orange-footed Scrubfowl were fossicking on the far bank and I got a few shots in spite of the rather poor light. I think from their markings that they were well grown juveniles.
I again photographed the Golden Orb-weaver spider just below the Highway Bridge and the Common Brushtail Possum half way across.
At the Platypus Viewing Platform I was glad to share a good view of an active Platypus with a visiting couple. At this location it is impossible to get as close as I would like but a few of the shots came out rather well.
I checked out as usual the Fig Tree which overhangs the vacant lot and found the Chocolate Brushtail Possum was back in residence and for a change had her face turned towards me!