Sunday 19th December 2021. 0715 – 0845

Weather

No rain in the gauge. Overcast with glimpses of blue sky and a few sunny periods. Light southerly breeze. Track dry. Water level low. Full Moon.

Wildlife Report.

Another early start to avoid the heat and keep the rest of the day clear for other activities like watching the Test Match.
Along Bunya Street spotted a Bush Stone-curlew lying recumbent in the gap between two of the Creekside gardens. It stood up when it saw me and I quickly took a few shots. It was not until I enhanced the image that I noticed a young chick or possibly two partly hidden in the grass near the feet of the adult!
Nothing was seen at Allumbah Pocket until I reached the tree next to the Suspension Bridge where “Popeye” the Green Ringtail Possum was in the same position as on my last visit. I went back and rechecked the regular Possum perches but still could see no sign of a female.
As I crossed the Bridge I noticed a Saw-shelled Turtle on the surface and anticipating that there would be few Turtles out of the water at this hour I took a couple of shots.
Again there was a blob in the Tree next to the bridge on The Other Side and although I obtain slightly better photos than last time they were sufficient only to confirm the species.
A Rufous shrike-thrush flew into a nearby bush and posed for a photo.
In the tree behind the shelter at The Other Side yet another male Green Ringtail Possum was seen. He was quite timid and moved several times to avoid my attention and I suspect that he may have moved in from outside my regular Patrol area.
An Eastern Water Dragon was on the skyline at Horseshoe Rocks but my pics were of poor quality as her nose was concealed by a twig and the light was challenging.
A much better result was obtained at Middle Rocks and another at the Upper Level.
Christmas Beetles were still present in the flowering tree near Flood Tide Island.
Predictably, nothing was seen at The Log Jam.
I always check out the row of River Oaks between Log Jam Peninsula and Platys Pool and in particular a large clump of mistletoe in the most Northerly tree. Today I was rewarded as a Coppery Brushtail Possum was in residence although the dense foliage made photos difficult.
At the Overhanging Bushes the resident Brush Tail Possum was again in the River Oak there. I also photographed another Turtle taking a breath.
At The Narrows a Lumholtz’s Tree Kangaroo was flaunting her tail in the trees on the far bank and her joey could be seen slightly lower in the tree.
While crossing Highway Bridge I took some shots of the Coppery Brushtail Possum in the bushes near the centre of the span. I think her joey is still with her but it is difficult to be sure.
A juvenile Easter Water Dragon was on the rocks below the bridge.
I anticipated being able to take some better photos of the Tree Roos from this side of the Creek but unfortunately they were too well concealed. You can’t win with all of them all the time!