Great Goannas

Goannas have featured as a most interesting observation this month. A Tree Goanna was seen on a roadside at the edge of Wychitella Nature Conservation Reserve, and another was seen crossing the Borung Mysia road. On both these occasions the goanna was spotted on the ground, it then rapidly climbed the nearest tree. There are two different species of goanna in our district. The (sand) goanna mentioned last month, has vacated the tank overflow pipe and dug a hole between the wheel tracks leading to a house. It appears to be undisturbed by vehicles passing over its hole.

There were two unusual bird sightings this month. A solitary Yellow -tailed Black Cockatoo, calling loudly in flight, and a Nankeen Night Heron, seen in a tree beside a dam that is now full after years of being dry. Two days later an owl was observed leaving the same tree. Many bird species have young families now. White browed babblers, Willie Wagtails, Quail, and White winged Chough have been seen with young. A duck was observed in a tall grass paddock, leaving a nest with eleven eggs. A week later an adult pair of Wood Ducks, with a number of young were encountered beside a nearby dam. The family of ducks demonstrated excellent camouflage behaviour by pretending to be rocks or sticks of wood, lying stretched flat on the ground and remaining perfectly still.

Insects have also provided some great opportunities to observe their behaviour. The Locusts have provided food for many animals and there seems to be a concurrent population explosion of Spider wasps, which have been busily digging holes in any patch of dry ground. They stun the locusts then drag them into their nest hole. Dragonfly numbers seem to be increasing. They eat mosquitoes, so there is an abundance of food for them at the moment.

Plenty to keep observers busy, just continue to look around in nature.