SNAKES ALIVE

These friendly neighbourhood reptiles have been very active over the last month, with this tree snake showing its aggressive streak when being photographed (through a glass door!) on the back verandah.

Brown Tree Snake

A pair of Common Tree Snakes have taken up residence in the shed, but they are quite shy and will disappear behind the peg board when approached too closely.  

Common Tree Snake

This whip snake was basking on the front porch and quickly moved on after posing for a couple of shots.

Yellow-faced Whip Snake

Besides the plethora of scaly visitors some over-wintering birds have been visiting the garden including Grey (pictured) and Rufous Fantails and Striated Pardalotes.

Grey Fantail

I went for a walk with my daughter and her fiance a couple of weeks ago to our local waterfall. The birds were scarce but it was a gorgeous day and the falls were flowing well after the recent rain.

Kureelpa Falls

Johnny (walker) on the rocks. 

We also had the chance to do a walk again through Petrie Park in Nambour, where the Water Dragons were relaxing and fungi were growing well in the moist conditions left over from our wet autumn.

  

Eastern Water Dragon

I also got some great views of the Barred Cuckoo-Shrikes that were active in the fruiting figs that flourish in the park, and a not so great photo of an individual high up. 

Barred Cuckoo-Shrike

PETRIE PARK WALK

A couple of weekends ago I did an early morning walk through one of Nambours parks, Petrie Park, right in the heart of town. On this occasion I didn't spot any platypuses but was able to get close to a couple of other local residents.

Petrie Creek

Pacific Black Duck

There is a volunteer group doing re-vegetation and cleanups, and the park is a real credit to them and the local council. A green oasis in the heart of a busy regional town.

Petrie Creek

This pair were having a dabble and didn't seem concerned by the discarded tyre nearby, probably deposited by the recent flooding. It was disappointing to see the shopping trolleys that had been dumped in the creek.

This character was sun bathing on the warm concrete of the footpath and wasn't moving for anyone. They are quite common along the creek and this was a male, close to the 80cm length these lizards can grow to.

Eastern Water Dragon

While visiting the park I was hoping to see some Barred Cuckoo-Shrikes, which are regularly seen in the area, but I have always missed. While taking the dragon pics I heard an unfamiliar call and was able to observe and identify two of my target birds in the trees beside the creek. I was pretty chuffed, after having dipped on this species on numerous occasions.

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The photo below was sent by a friend who had seen this bird not far from his place last year.

Barred Cuckoo-Shrike