Wildlife Seen on Your Last Walk?

[ofuros]

Night walking the reserves & small forests close to home lately....because of
various commitments. Have to get my kicks somehow,

Pobblebonk....to you to.

The one & only...Cane Toad.

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A hand sized 'Huntsman'...

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[surly 17]

Great looking huntsman.

[Graham51]

We were walking along the South Coast Track (Tas) last week and when we arrived at the western end of Prion Beach this fellow was there to meet us.

[ribuck]

I have nothing as visually spectacular as some of the shots above, but I was astonished by just how much wildlife I saw during a four-hour walk from Dunphy's Camp to the junction of the Jenolan/Coxs rivers on Friday of last week. I have never before seen anything like this quantity of sightings within such a short time.

Heading down Carlons Creek I saw a big goanna really close. Then I came across a red-bellied black snake slung across the track as if it was dead, though it was very much alive. It was a steep downhill section of the track, but I fired the reverse thrusters on full power and was able to stop in time to avoid it. Next was a big echidna, which didn't do the "bury head underneath" thing until I was right next to it. A bush turkey was just around the next bend, followed by a pair of wallabies and another goanna, then a smaller echidna. All in 45 minutes!

Turning right into Breakfast Creek I saw another goanna, then a water dragon, another echidna and another goanna. I was surprised by another red-bellied black snake, even though I was looking out for snakes at the time. The brown and black rocks camouflaged it really well. I couldn't stop in time, and it couldn't work out which way to go to avoid me, so it zig-zagged around for a bit while I let out some involuntary noises. It takes a good close encounter to make me do that. Shortly after, another wallaby, then further downstream a lyrebird.

Turning right up the Coxs I saw another goanna and two very scared cattle.

Turning left into Jenolan River there was another goanna. I camped near the junction, and a peacock came to keep me company for almost an hour, nibbling grass and pottering close by, though no closer than four metres. I guess it escaped from somewhere, and it seemed to be seeking company. After dark there was a pair of possums up the tree near my bivvy bag.

The four-hour walk back to Dunphys the next day was not so eventful. The peacock joined me again at breakast. In the Coxs were three big fat trout, and dozens of smaller ones. On the stepping stones across the Coxs I trod within 5cm of a black snake (no coloured belly). Again I let out an involuntary noise. The snake slithered quickly into the water, then took residence on one of the stepping stones that I was planning to use to cross the river, so I retreated to find another crossing point. Near the top of Ironmonger was another goanna, then (as is common) a couple of dozen wallabies at Galong Farm.

[ofuros]

Seems like it's hairy conga time again...they're
everywhere in my neck of the woods !

P.S. After a little googling...they eventually turn into the Bag Shelter Moth.

[MickyB]

Saw this snake yesterday near Tanjil Bren. I know the head is hidden by the leaves but due to the white markings near the head I am guessing it is a highland copperhead. Can someone with more knowledge than me please confirm or deny this?

[Eremophila]

No photos, but spotted in Dergholm State Park - wallabies with white spots at the base (front) of the ears. Dark face & dark forelegs.... a fellow camper who is a ranger in SA suggested they were swamp wallabies.

[Maaxxx]

MickyB. Looks like you might be on the money with your ID. Appears pretty similar to this one.

https://museumvictoria.com.au/discovery ... opperhead/

Cheers,
Maaxxx.

[Tai]

Camp @ Mambray Creek. Emu walking 20m from tent, 2 scopions under tent fly. Pitch tent too cross to scrub?

[lee737]

While crossing the Finke RIver bed at Glen Helen Gorge, NT. Yellow faced whip snake.....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dlM5L1gm1Vg

[north-north-west]

All these years and I'd never seen a wild Devil. And now, in a single five day trip, I see three . . .

[rcaffin]

Don't need to go bushwalking. View from my office window:

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Cheers
Roger

[Eremophila]

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Mt Sturgeon yesterday

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and a Cape Bridgewater local today enjoying the sunshine. Not sure how my friend didn't step on him.

[Eremophila]

This one is actually from a couple of years ago, but I was very chuffed when I spotted it.

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I managed to escape unscathed.

[davidf]

Moved to Lithgow. Dog walk on farmers creek nearby. 3 black, 1 brown snake, goanna, a field of cockys, rosellas, roos, dog had a WT *$&# look in his eyes.

[taswegian]

Pardon ignorance but what is the little snail like thingo above.

[MickyB]

Pardon ignorance but what is the little snail like thingo above.

I am 99% sure it is the Otways Black Snail. If so, it's a good thing Eremophila escaped unscathed as the snails are carnivorous

[taswegian]

Thanks MB. He did say he'd escaped unscathed. Sounded a frightening experience best avoided at all cost

[Eremophila]

Yes, Taswegian (by the way I'm a "she" )

It's the Otway Black. "They snare prey on their sharp teeth and drag it back into the mouth." Yoicks

They are threatened/endangered - hence my joy at seeing one. It was in the middle of the track. (lucky I didn't step on it)

[taswegian]

Thanks Eremophila.
Apologies on the he she matter.

[Overlandman]

All these years and I'd never seen a wild Devil. And now, in a single five day trip, I see three . . .

Glad you had a Devil of a time NNW

[Mark F]

No photos unfortunately but driving up to Mt Howitt on Wednesday evening in snow I saw two powerful owls about 200 to 300 metres apart. Such magnificent birds - a first for me.

[SergeantMcFly]

Forgive the distance/quality, but is anyone else familiar with Lyrebirds in Tasmania being this color? You can kind of make out some of the tones of red on the bird as well, really wasn't expecting to see one looking like this (if it is one). Plenty of jet black ones down by Hartz, but caught this guy on Elephant's Pass today as he was running across the road. Any other ideas what it might be?

[SergeantMcFly]

After browsing around some pheasant species, looks like a Lady Amherst one. So much for crazier lyrebirds!

[north-north-west]

Definitely some sort of pheasant. Would have made a nice meal if you'd managed to hit it.

[MickyB]

Saw a few wombats a couple of weeks ago suffering from mange

[ofuros]

As close as I'll get to a Red Tailed Black Cockatoo in the wild...

[davidf]

no pics sorry but a Black snake on farmers creek lithgow this morning. Minus 4c last night and it would be lucky to be double digits now, gave me and dog a good look

[rcaffin]

About a week ago, near Berowra. He was hanging around very close while we brewed morning tea. I think he was looking for a handout

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Cheers
Roger

[crollsurf]

Swamp Rat (I think) at Gibraltar Rocks NP

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