Friday 27th May 2022. 1305 – 1450 hrs

Weather

3 mm or rain overnight. Sunny with scattered clouds. Light southerly breeze. Track still slightly damp throughout but the wetter patches are now drying up. Water is still quite turbid and level is falling very slowly. Moon phase waning. New Moon on 30th May.

Wildlife Report

Left home today after lunch and was somewhat disappointed to find no wildlife at Allumbah Pocket.
As I crossed Lloyd’s Suspension Bridge I met a bloke visiting from Brisbane and we chatted about wildlife and photographed a Pacific Baza in the Quandong Tree on the Yungaburra bank.
My new friend asked if he could tag along with me and initially we had no luck but on reaching Snodgrass’s Pool we found “Whitespot” with her joey in their favourite Syzygium tree. We both managed good shots of “Whitespot” but Joey was determined to keep her face hidden.
I went up the path to the Upper Level and found a large Eastern Water Dragon but he was very timid and vanished before I could raise my camera. On the way back however I saw a pair of White-headed Pigeons.
Continuing on we spotted a White-bellied Cuckoo Shrike which tried as hard as possible to avoid being photographed.
Nothing was on view at the Log Jam but at Platys Pool a moderate sized Saw-shelled Turtle was on the horizontal Bottlebrush trunk against the far bank.
While checking around for other sightings I was thrilled by an Azure Kingfisher which settled on a branch in front of me and provided a large selection of shots.
Another Turtle was on the sloping tree trunk opposite number 3 of the Overhanging Bushes.
On the other side of the Bush we spotted another Green Ringtail Possum on a branch of the River Oak and by going down the informal path to the water’s edge we were able to see it’s face.
At The Narrows I was inspecting the trees on the East Bank hoping to spot a Tree Roo when I looked up and found a Lumholtz’s Tree Kangaroo perched almost vertically above the path close to the Viewing Bench. We were joined there by 2 separate couples, I think both from Germany, who said that the sighting had made their day!
They also enjoyed a view of the Large-footed Fishing Bats under the Highway Bridge although there were not many present today.
From under the Bridge we also sighted “Turtle Tensing” atop his pole in the Viewing Pool and got a better view of him from the Viewing Platform.
At Nick’s Camping Area the pair of Bush Stone-curlews were present as usual.
No more Tree Roos were seen after crossing the Highway but the new Coppery Brushtail Possum in the hollow tree was lying horizontally with tail on one side of the trunk and head projecting from other!
“Tatty” the Coppery Brushtail was in her regular tree fork nearby and was favouring us with a frontal view.
As I write it is almost time for the advertised Firework display in conjunction with a wedding at the disused Chapel so I hope that the local animals are not frightened too much.

Pacific Baza. Aviceda subcristata

View from Suspension Bridge

Green Ringtail Possum. Pseudochirops archeri

“Whitespot” and joey at Snodgrass’s Pool with Mum’s face just visible.
A better view.
Typical “blob in a tree” view of a well concealed Possum
All is revealed

White-headed Pigeon. Columba leucomela

Always a handsome bird

White-bellied Cuckooshrike. Coracina papuensis

Proved difficult to get a good shot

Saw-shelled Turtle. Elseya latisternum

At Platys Pool
Turtle “Tensing” at the viewing Pool

Azure Kingfisher. Ceyx azureus

Fantastic colouring
Very relaxed about the human visitors

Lumholtz’s Tree Kangaroo. Dendrolagus lumholtzi

Assorted views above the track at The Narrows

Large-footed Fishing Bat. Myotis macropus

Roosting under Highway Bridge

Bush Stone-curlew. Burhinus grallarius

At Nick’s Camping Area

Coppery Brushtail Possum. Trichosurus vulpecula

Interesting posture!
“Tatty” giving us an excellent view

Wednesday 25th May 2022. 1035 – 1155 hrs

Weather

6 mm of rain in the gauge. Cloudy with showers early and some sunny periods later. Light southerly breeze. Track damp throughout with still some wet areas where water continues to drain from the higher ground. Water level down a few millimetres. Moon Phase – Last Quarter + 2 days

Wildlife Report

My first Patrol for a few day as a result of rain or more important matters to deal with but today the morning was fine and hot to trot.
I saw nothing initially at Allumbah Pocket but on venturing down the path to the Old Boiler House I found “Nosey” the Green Ringtail Possum sitting out on an open branch and waiting to welcome me.
As I reached the far side of the Suspension Bridge a Pale-yellow Robin flew into the tree on the left side and was duly photographed.
I looked out for Tree Roos on the Far Bank without success but Platypus Bend lived up to it’s name and a Platypus swam by close in front of me. She was busy foraging and I followed her along the bank for some metres obtaining a series of closeup shots.
At the base of Log Jam Peninsula a small group of Rainbow Bee-eaters flew into one of the Grey Gum trees and I managed a few decent snaps.
As I approached the Log Jam a Saw-shelled Turtle slipped into the water before I got close enough but at Platys Pool they were more patient and two Turtles were photographed on the horizontal Bottle Brush trunk.
At the Overhanging Bushes I saw a Pied Monarch but it refused to cooperate with the camera.
Nothing then until the Lomandra clump near the Highway Bridge where two Golden Orb-weaver Spiders were again present.
The Large-footed Fishing Bats under the Bridge were more cooperative today and some good shots were obtained.
The pair of Bush Stone-curlews were waiting for opening time at the Pizzeria Beer Garden today with both standing on one leg.
While checking out the East Bank I spotted a new coppery Brushtail Possum at the top of a hollow tree before taking a typical antisocial shot of “Tatty” the other Brushtail in the overhanging Fig Tree nearby.

Green Ringtail Possum. Pseudochirops archeri

“Nosey” near the Old Boiler House

Pale-Yellow Robin. Tregellasia capito

Next to the Suspension Bridge

Platypus. Ornithorhynchus anatinus

Busy feeding at Platypus Bend

Rainbow Bee-eater. Merops ornatus

Wind ruffled feathers
A bit smarter

Saw-shelled Turtle. Elseya latisternum

At Platys Pool

Golden Orb-weaver Spider. Nephila pilipes

Wrapping a good catch!
Still waiting

Large-footed Fishing Bat. Myotis macropus

Under Highway Bridge

Bush Stone-curlew. Burhinus grallarius

Waiting at the Beer Garden

Coppery Brushtail Possum. Trichosurus vulpecula

New Possum at the top of a hollow tree
“Tatty” in her usual tree fork

Saturday 21st May 2022. 1340 – 1450 hrs

Weather

Overcast with some light drizzle early. Light southerly breeze. Track remains wet in parts with a few puddles. Water level high, steady. Moon Phase Last Quarter – 2 days

Wildlife Report

I drew a complete blank at Allumbah Pocket this afternoon but while checking out The Other Side I was told by a couple of visitors that they had just seen a Tree Kangaroo in the trees across the Creek from the Memorial Bench.
It took me several minutes to locate it but I was rewarded with some good shots of a young male Lumholtz’s Tree Kangaroo.
I continued on to Snodgrass’s Pool where I found ‘Whitespot” the Green Ringtail Possum with her joey and introduced her to a keen photographer and his wife who were passing.
A White Headed Pigeon was also seen in the trees on the other side of the track.
A few metres on a Saw-shelled Turtle was photographed as it took a breath on the surface.
A Platypus was spotted on the upstream side of Log Jam Peninsula but after a few dives it vanished and I failed to relocate it.
At Platys Pool a Saw-shelled Turtle was on the horizontal Bottlebrush trunk and another turtle was in the process of joining him.
In the clump of Lomandra near the Highway Bridge only one of the Golden Orb-weaver Spiders could be seen today.
A small juvenile Eastern Water Dragon was spotted on one of the rocks below the Bridge and a Rainbow Skink was on a rock nearby.
I visited Nick’s Camping Area and said Hi to the two Bush Stone-curlews in a typical spot.
“Tatty” The Coppery Brushtail Possum was sitting in a fork of the Fig Tree and although her face was hidden her torn ear was on show.

Lumholtz’s Tree Kangaroo. Dendrolagus lumholtzi

Young male tree Kangaroo in the trees across the Creek from Memorial Bench

Green Ringtail Possum. Pseudochirops archeri

“Whitespot” and her joey. Mum’s face shown
Joey viewed from the opposite direction

White-headed Pigeon. Columba leucomela

Opposite Snodgrass’s Pool

Saw-shelled Turtle. Elseya latisternum

Taking a breath
At Platys Pool

Platypus. Ornithorhynchus anatinus

Distant views from Log Jam Peninsula

Golden Orb-weaver Spider. Nephila pilipes

Juvenile Spider

Eastern Water Dragon. Physignathus lesueurii

Juvenile under Highway Bridge

Rainbow Skink. Carlia rubrigularis

On rock under Highway Bridge

Bush Stone-curlew. Burhinus grallarius

At Nick’s Camping Area

Coppery Brushtail Possum. Trichosurus vulpecula

“Tatty” showing torn left ear

U3A Expedition to Petersons Creek , Tuesday 17th May, 0730 – 0900 hrs – guided by Platypus Patrol

Weather

No rain. Bright sunny morning without a cloud in the sky. No breeze. Track dry apart from areas where water is still draining from adjoining paddock. Water level high and still clouded by silt. Full Moon + 1 day.

Wildlife Report

I met up with the six participants at 0730 on the Viewing Platform Car Park having previously checked the East Bank for Tree Kangaroos which were unfortunately absent.
I did however photograph “Tatty” the Coppery Brushtail Possum in the overhanging Fig Tree and an Orange-footed Scrubfowl which was calling on the Creek Bank.
While chatting at the Car Park I also took photos of a Cattle Egret and an Australasian Swamphen in the Paddock.
Heading towards the Viewing Platform we were immediately rewarded by the appearance of Platypus which was regrettably anxious to continue upstream and gave only a cameo performance.
Under the Highway Bridge we checked out the Large-footed Fishing Bats which were today fewer in number.
In the nearby Lomandra Clump we saw two young Golden Orb-weaver Spiders although the light was poor and no photos were possible.
At Platys Pool another Platypus was seen at some distance and also heading in the wrong direction.
At the Log Jam another Platypus appeared and was seen several times between dives and in fact accompanied us down stream as far as Snodgrass’s Pool.
There we were able to visit “Whitespot” the Green Ringtail Possum with her Joey in the Syzygium Tree and I was fortunate to find a view of her face.
While crossing the Suspension Bridge we sighted the Fruit Bats in their camp downstream and also had a distant view of a Platypus, possibly the animal we had been following or perhaps was following us! This was the only one I managed to photograph.
In the tree near the Old Boiler Shed, “Nosey” another female Green Ringtail had decided to perch in the open where she was exposed for mobile phone photography and was enjoyed by all participants as well as a young female visitor who happened to be passing at the right time.
At Allumbah Pocket I parted company with the group who wanted to continue on to Frawley’s Pool.
I hope that they everyone enjoyed the Patrol. It was a pleasure to have accompanied them.

Coppery Brushtail Possum. Trichosurus vulpecula

“Tatty” in her fig tree

Orange-footed Scrubfowl. Megapodius reinwardt

Poor view of this bird of ancient origin

Eastern Cattle Egret. Bubulcus coromandus

In paddock near Car Park

Australasian Swamphen. Porphyrio melanotus

Near Car Park

Large-footed Fishing Bat. Myotis macropus

Bat under Highway Bridge

Green Ringtail Possum. Pseudochirops archeri

“Whitespot” on left with joey beside her
“Whitespot” showing extra white tuft on her right ear
“Nosey” near Old Boiler House

Spectacled Flying-foxes. Pteropus conspicillatus

Camp on Creek Bank

Platypus. Ornithorhynchus anatinus

Viewed from Suspension Bridge with bubbles from recent dive

Silvereye. Zosterops lateralis

Seen on way home along Bunya Street

Monday 16th May 2022. 1335 – 1510 hrs

Weather

No rain. Sunny day with scattered cloud. Light SE breeze. Track remains wet in areas where there is runoff from the adjoining paddock. Water level falling slowly. Full Moon today.

Wildlife Report

Almost as soon as I left home I spotted a Kookaburra perched in a nearby tree and posing for me.
Allumbah Pocket offered a Rufous Shrikethrush who was enjoying a tasty worm and a Spectacled Monarch who provided some unusual poses.
As I crossed the Suspension Bridge I photographed the Spectacled Flying-foxes in their camp downstream and a very young Saw-shelled turtle on one of the rocks below.
A moderately sized female Eastern Water Dragon was seen at Horseshoe Rocks while at the Upper Level two Males were on view.
In the Syzygium tree close to Snodgrass’s Pool “Whitespot” the Green Ringtail Possum and her joey were concealed by foliage making it almost impossible to obtain an image of their faces.
A Saw-shelled Turtle was on the log which slopes into the Pool.
A Bottlebrush is in flower near Full Tide Island and a Yellow-faced Honeyeater was feeding on the nectar.
At the Log Jam two Turtles were on top of the concrete slab enjoying the sun while four more were on the horizontal Bottlebrush at Platys Pool, one having to mount another to make sufficient room.
It was obviously a good day for turtles as another two were on the sloping log opposite the Overhanging Bushes with a final representative just round the corner of Picnic Peninsula.
Under the Highway Bridge my regular group of Fishing Bats were reduced to only one but I photographed another who was offering a better pose.
A juvenile Water Dragon was observed on the rocks below the Bridge.
At Nicks Camping Area one of the Camper Vans had moved on making more room for the Bush Stone-curlews.
Crossing the Highway to the East Bank I quickly spotted a female Lumholtz’s Tree Kangaroo with her Joey and a sub-adult perched nearby. They did their best to make photography as difficult as possible but the pick of the images are shown.
In the nearby Fig Tree, “Tatty” the Coppery Brushtail Possum was snuggled up in her tree fork.

Laughing Kookaburra. Dacelo novaeguineae

Overlooking Bunya Street

Rufous Shrikethrush. Colluricincla megarhyncha

Enjoying a tasty worm

Spectacled Monarch. Symposiachrus trivirgatus

Interesting pose while preening

Spectacled Flying-fox. Pteropus conspicillatus

Flying Fox Camp

Saw-shelled Turtle. Elseya latisternum

Juvenile Turtle near Suspension Bridge
At the Log Jam
Over crowding at Platys Pool
At Picnic Peninsula

Eastern Water Dragon. Physignathus lesueurii

Female at Horseshoe Rocks
Male at Upper Level
Large Male at Upper Level
Juvenile under Highway Bridge

Green Ringtail Possum. Pseudochirops archeri

Whitespot and joey near Snodgrass’s Pool
Joey glimpsed through foliage

Yellow-faced Honeyeater. Caligavis chrysops

Near Full Tide Island

Large-footed Fishing Bat. Myotis macropus

Having a good look at me

Bush Stone-curlew. Burhinus grallarius

Female
Male doing a tap dance nearby

Lumholtz’s Tree Kangaroo. Dendrolagus lumholtzi

Joey sitting in front of Mum who’s ear can just be seen at top
Mum moving to new spot for a snack.
Sub-adult male having a doze.

Coppery Brushtail Possum. Trichosurus vulpecula

“Tatty” curled up in fork

Saturday 14th May 2022. 1415 – 1535 hrs

Weather

No rain. Sunny with scattered cloud. Variable light breeze. Track still very wet in parts particularly between the Memorial Bench and Snodgrass’s Pool and across the base of Log Jam Peninsula. Water level has fallen slightly but remains high. 2 days before Full Moon.

Wildlife Report

I drew a complete blank at Allumbah Pocket this afternoon but I could hear Fruit Bats in the distance and was able to see the Spectacled Flying Foxes in their creek bank camp as I crossed the Suspension Bridge.
At The Other Side I found a large and well coloured male Eastern Water Dragon in the corner of the paddock behind the Picnic Shelter.
Another Water Dragon was at the top of the Path to the Upper Level near Snodgrass’s Pool.
In the Syzygium tree on the creek bank “Whitespot” the Green Ringtail Possum and her joey were sitting side by side on a branch but with their faces unfortunately very difficult to photograph. Two couples also took a keen interest in snapping the Possums.
I then saw nothing of interest until Platys Pool where the two Saw-shelled Turtles were again on the horizontal trunk of a Bottlebrush tree.
Another Turtle was on the fallen tree near the base of Picnic Peninsula.
As I rounded the corner onto the Peninsula I spotted a Platypus who was unfortunately intent in proceeding downstream but I managed a distant shot before she vanished.
An even large Turtle was on another fallen tree opposite the tip of the Peninsula.
The young Golden Orb-weaver Spiders were still occupying the Lomandra Clump near the Bridge.
Under the Highway Bridge the Large-footed Fishing Bats were again photographed.
The pair of Bush Stone-curlews were visited at Nick’s Camping Area and had returned to the comfortable proximity of the furniture.
“Tatty” the Coppery Brushtail Possum was sitting in the Fig Tree but was rather shy today and holding her paws in front of her face.
A pair of Masked Lapwings were parading at the end of Bunya Street and provided the day’s final photo.

Spectacled Flying-fox. Pteropus conspicillatus

The Camp by the Creek

Eastern Water Dragon. Physignathus lesueurii

Large male at The Other Side
Smaller female at the Upper Level

Green Ringtail Possum. Pseudochirops archeri

Mother and joey side by side
At last a glimpse of the White Spot

Saw-shelled Turtle. Elseya latisternum

Socialising at Platys Pool
Large Turtle viewed from Picnic Peninsula

Platypus. Ornithorhynchus anatinus

Platypus in a hurry

Golden Orb-weaver Spider. Nephila pilipes

Juvenile Red Morph Spider

Large-footed Fishing Bat. Myotis macropus

Just a few of the residents

Bush Stone-curlew. Burhinus grallarius

Back to their preferred surroundings

Coppery Brushtail Possum. Trichosurus vulpecula

“Tatty” hiding her face

Masked Lapwing. Vanellus miles miles

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.

Green Ringtail Possum. Pseudochirops archeri

Mrs Green at the entrance to Allumbah Pocket
“Nosey” near the Old Boiler Shed
“Whitespot” and her joey at Snodgrass’s Pool

Saw-shelled Turtle. Elseya latisternum

Tiny Turtle seen from the Suspension Bridge
Close to Memorial Bench
At Platys Pool

Pacific Emerald Dove. Chalcophaps longirostris

On the Bridge cable

White-headed Pigeon. Columba leucomela

At The Other Side

Spotted Catbird. Ailuroedus maculosus

Beautiful member of Bower Bird family

Pacific Black Duck. Anas superciliosus

At Flood Tide Island. red ribbon is newly planted tree

Eastern Water Dragon. Physignathus lesueurii

At Picnic Peninsula
Juvenile under Highway Bridge

Golden Orb-weaver Spider. Nephila pilipes

Two new inhabitants of the Lomandra clump. 2nd photo might be a red morph.

Large-footed Fishing Bat. Myotis macropus

Good view of well fed bat!

Bat – unknown species

Substantially larger bat hanging outside concrete join

Bush Stone-curlew. Burhinus grallarius

The pair at Nick’s Camping Area

Monday 9th May 2022. 1305 – 1425 hrs

Weather

Overcast with occasional showers in the morning but becoming more persistent and heavier this afternoon. Very little breeze. Track damp to wet with widespread muddy sections. Water level up about 30 mm and increasingly turbid. Moon First Quarter.

Wildlife Report

Along Bunya Street I noticed a pair of raptors swooping across the road and as I approached a Pacific Baza landed on one of the street lights. I took several shots and moving on I discovered it’s mate in a neighbouring tree dismembering a large green insect, possible a Praying Mantis or a Stick Insect. More shots were required.
At Allumbah Pocket I found “Mrs Green” the Green Ringtail Possum concealed in a small clump of very dense foliage but was able to find a way to photograph her.
Another Green Ringtail assumed to be “Nosey” was found in the tree near the Old Boiler Shed.
A visiting couple from NSW were on the Suspension Bridge and indicated that they were watching a Platypus which was diving recurrently around the Stepping Stones. I joined them and took several photos.
I checked out The Other Side and by the time I reached the Memorial Bench the Platypus had moved upstream and was stirring up mud in the nearby shallows. I got an interesting shot of it covered in black mud on surfacing.
I moved on to Snodgrass’s Pool where I found “Whitespot”, another GRP, with her joey in the Syzygium Tree on the bank.
Along the nearby path to the Upper Level I photographed an Eastern Water Dragon and returning to the Pool snapped a pair of juvenile Saw-shelled Turtles on a log.
I had not sooner done this than another Platypus appeared moving downstream but paused long enough for me to get a single shot of it.
Nothing was seen then until The Log Jam where a pair of adult Saw-shelled Turtles were perched on top of the concrete slab.
After this I saw little until reaching the base of Picnic Peninsula where another Turtle and a Water Dragon were sharing a log sloping against the opposite bank.
Under the Highway Bridge I paused as usual to photographed the Large-footed Fishing Bats and also spotted a pair of Pacific Black Ducks in front of the Platypus viewing Platform though they were too distant to photograph.
As I crossed the Bridge however I managed to get a shot of the Ducks and also a juvenile Water Dragon on the rocks below .
The pair of Bush Stone-curlews were waiting for me art Nick’s Camping Area where I got a delightful shot of the larger bird standing on one leg.
At the Left Bank a small tree had recently fallen making access a little more difficult but was worth the additional effort as I almost immediately spotted a Lumholtz’s Tree Kangaroo. This appeared to be a single sub-adult which I suspect is the young male seen here previously with his mother.
At this point it started to rain quite heavily so I headed home, pausing only briefly for a shot of “Tatty” the Coppery Brushtail Possum who was exposing her after regions in the Fig Tree.

Pacific Baza. Aviceda subcristata

On a Street Light
Mate in nearby tree demolishing a large insect
Another view

Green Ringtail Possum. Pseudochirops archeri

“Mrs Green”
“Nosey” near Old Boiler House
Possum and joey side by side
“Whitespot” seen from the other side.

Platypus. Ornithorhynchus anatinus

Foraging around the Stepping Stones
Making a power turn in the swift current
Digging in the mud near Memorial Bench
Possum 2 at Snodgrass’s Pool

Eastern Water Dragon. Physignathus lesueurii

At path to Upper Level
Near base of Picnic Peninsula
Juvenile under Highway Bridge

Saw-shelled Turtle. Elseya latisternum

Pair of juveniles at Snodgrass’s Pool
Two Adults at The Log Jam

Large-footed Fishing Bat. Myotis macropus

Under Highway Bridge.

Pacific Black Duck. Anas superciliosus

In the Viewing Pool viewed from Highway Bridge

Bush Stone-curlew. Burhinus grallarius

Pair of Curlews at Nick’s Camping Area
Close up of larger bird – probably male

Lumholtz’s Tree Kangaroo. Dendrolagus lumholtzi

Believed to be young male

Coppery Brushtail Possum. Trichosurus vulpecula

Curled up in the Fig Tree


Friday 6th May 2022. 1400 – 1515 hrs

Weather

4 mm of rain in the gauge. Overcast with occasional sunny periods. Light E – SE breeze. Track still quite damp, particularly from Log Jam Peninsula to Picnic Peninsula. Water level falling. Stepping Stones now easily visible although still submerged. Moon Phase First Quarter – 3 days.

Wildlife Report

On entering Allumbah Pocket I soon spotted a moderately large bird sitting in one of the trees close to the garbage bin. It took me a minute or two to decide that it was in fact a Spotted Cat Bird in an unusual position and sitting surprisingly still so I made sure not to waste the opportunity.
Nothing else was to be found at the Pocket or at The Other Side but at the path to the Upper Level I found a well coloured Eastern Water Dragon who was happy to pose.
Returning to the Track I found a Green Ringtail Possum in the Syzygium tree near Snodgrass’s Pool. The foliage was denser than usual and I was unable to sort out the anatomical details but the over all mass of Possum led me to assume that two were present. I believe that the second image shows the face of “Whitespot”s joey.
A couple of Saw-shelled Turtles were also photographed on the sloping log against the far bank.
At Flood Tide Island I spotted waves emanating from a patch of water weed where I have previously seen a Platypus on several occasions. I sat down close to the water’s edge giving me a better view into the foliage and was rewarded with intermittent sightings before the Platypus emerged and set off at high speed upstream.
At The Log Jam two more Turtles were seen on top of the concrete slab while a Water Dragon was on the front surface with the tip of it’s tail still in the water providing a very dramatic reflection.
At the base of the Peninsula I met an escorted Tourist Group and informed the leader about the Platypus. I was told later that her clients were well satisfied.
Nothing was then seen until the Highway Bridge where as usual I took pics of the Large-footed Fishing Bats.
While crossing the Bridge another juvenile Water dragon was photographed.
The Bush Stone-curlews were again present at Nick’s Camping Area and more images were obtained.
“Tatty” the Coppery Brushtail Possum as back in one of her favourite perches in the Fig Tree and showing more of herself than on recent visits.
In the Trees next to the Medical Centre car park a pair of Bar-shouldered Doves made a pretty picture.

Spotted Catbird. Ailuroedus maculosus

Probably a young bird I think

Eastern Water Dragon. Elseya latisternum

Next to the Upper Level Path
At The Log Jam
Juvenile under Highway Bridge

Green Ringtail Possum. Pseudochirops archeri

A lot of Possum
Face of Whitespot’s Joey

Saw-shelled Turtle. Elseya latisternum

At Snodgrass’s Pool
At The Log Jam

Platypus. Ornithorhynchus anatinus

Foraging among the water weeds

Large-footed Fishing Bat. Myotis macropus

2 images from under Highway Bridge

Bush Stone-curlew. Burhinus grallarius

At Nick’s Camping Area

Coppery Brushtail Possum. Trichosurus vulpecula

“Tatty” in her Fig Tree

Bar-shouldered Dove. Geopelia humeralis

Looking very cosy

Wednesday 4th May 2022. 1345-1515 hrs

Weather

7 mm of rain in the gauge. Overcast with frequent brief showers. Variable breeze associated with showers. Track wet. Water level falling slowly. New Moon + 3 days.

Wildlife Report

Frequent showers which were insufficient to show up on the BOM radar made planning difficult so set out for an early afternoon Patrol accompanied by my faithful umbrella.
Along Bunya Street I spotted the pair of Bush Stone-curlews which are seen regularly in one of the Creek Side gardens.
There was not much on offer at Allumbah Pocket except for very poor views of what I think is “Nosey” one of the Green Ringtail Possums.
As I crossed the Suspension Bridge it started to rain and was heavy enough to make me take cover in the Picnic shelter at The Other Side. While waiting for the rain to ease I photographed a Golden Orb-weaver Spider which had woven her web above the table.
Continuing on a saw a glimpse of an Eastern Water Dragon next to the path to the Upper Level but it was too fast to photograph.
At the base of Log Jam Peninsula I spotted a Platypus which was very busy feeding within a small area so I remained for some minutes taking a series of pics.
At the Log Jam I saw nothing apart from a couple of Saw-shelled Turtles swimming just below the surface.
At Platys Pool I spotted another Platypus heading downstream towards me but after circling the Pool a couple of times at speed she continued on her way.
Under the Highway Bridge I got some surprisingly good images of the Fishing Bats despite the absence of my spotlight which I had left at home.
While crossing the Bridge I saw a juvenile Dragon on the rocks below but it moved into concealment as I was trying to find a reasonable view point.
From the Car Park I could again see the Bush Stone-curlews at Nicks Camping Area so I wandered over for a couple of photos.
At the overhanging Fig Tree I obtained another antisocial image of “Tatty” the Brushtail Possum with the torn ear.
I finished the Patrol by photographing a Rainbow Bee-eater sitting in a tree above my beehive.

Bush Stone-curlew. Burhinus grallarius

Bunya Street Curlews
One of the pair at Nick’s
The Other Half

Green Ringtail Possum. Pseudochirops archeri

Two very poor images. The eye and nose can just be seen at the extreme right of the lower photo.

Golden Orb-weaver Spider. Nephila pilipes

Enjoying the Picnic Shelter

Platypus. Ornithorhynchus anatinus

Series of close up images from base of Log Jam Peninsula
Second Platypus moving at speed in Platys Pool

Large-footed Fishing Bat. Myotis macropus

Surprisingly good image without use of spotlight. I could hardly see the bats with the naked eye.

Common Brushtail Possum. Trichosurus vulpecula

“Tatty” being antisocial

Rainbow Bee-eater. Merops ornatus

Looking hopeful above my beehive.