Wednesday 16th March 2020. 0845 – 1020

Weather.

37 mm of rain in past 24 hrs. Overcast with intermittent drizzle increasing to steady rain at times. Variable breeze, mostly light. Track only slightly wet on the whole but with shallow puddles in some areas. Water level in the creek high with strong current running and carrying a lot of sediment. Moon phase – Full on 18th March.

Wildlife Report

Weather forecast not good but as not raining at present I decided to take a chance for the first time in several days and go on Patrol.
While walking along Bunya Street I spotted a Green Ringtail Possum, not identified, in one of the taller trees in the Creek side gardens and took a photo.
I found no one at home at the entrance to Allumbah Pocket but another Green Ringtail was seen in the tree close to the Creek Bank where Tree Kangaroos have often been seem. The view was not good but I tentatively identified this one as “Mrs Green”.
“Nosey” the other female GRP was occupying her regular roost next to the bridge.
While crossing the Suspension Bridge I again photographed the Spectacled Flying Foxes who were present in increasing numbers just downstream.
My next sighting in the form of a small juvenile Saw-shelled Turtle was photographed on a floating log in Snodgrass’s Pool.
Crossing the track I then sighted a Spangled Drongo enjoying a hearty breakfast in the trees opposite.
I noted that Flood Tide Island is once again living up to it’s name.
At The Log Jam two larger Saw-shelled turtles were on top of each other on the concrete slab against the far bank.
Higher up the bank a moderately sized and well coloured Eastern Water Dragon was also taking the air.
Numerous White-headed Pigeons were present in the taller trees but at No 3 of the Overhanging Bushes one was roosting at a lower level and provide the opportunity for a good shot.
Under the Highway Bridge I again saw numerous Large-footed Fishing Bats and recorded images of two groups.
While crossing the Bridge I took a very poor image of “Calamity” the Common Brushtail Possum who was in her usual spot but was not willing to reveal her face.
On the rocks below the bridge a juvenile Water Dragon was again present.
Approaching Nick’s Camping Area I saw the pair of Bush Stone-curlews taking their ease in their usual unspoiled surroundings.
I checked the East Bank of the Creek again finding no Tree Roos but managed to walk through the web of a Golden Orb-weaver Spider who was photographed while inspecting the wreckage!
I also photographed, rather badly, the Chocolate Brushtail Possum in the large Creek Bank Tree. It was not until I saw the images on the computer that I observed that it’s face was in fact visible although unfortunately out of focus.
This was made up for when I approached the Overhanging Fig Tree and found that “Tatty” the Coppery Brushtail was today offering a full frontal view in spite of being half asleep with her eyes about to close.
Back on Bunya Street I found the local Curlew family in the shrubbery of a garden on the Creek side and took more photos.
As I did so I copped a dressing down from a Masked Lapwing who was clearly of the opinion that I had no right to be on his street!