moloch05
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Last week, I spent a few hours at the beautiful Jervis Bay. I only found a few common lizards but it was an enjoyable day. I think that Jervis Bay is one of the most stunning national parks in NSW and it is only a drive of about an hour and half from Wollongong. When my kids were young, we used to camp at Green Patch several times each summer.
Here are a few photos of the park and the lizards that I encountered.
Green Patch area:
It is a little sad but feeding of the parrots is no longer permited. There used to be masses of Rainbow Lorikeets, King Parrots and Crimson Rosellas around the campground and picnic area, but on this trip I only saw Rainbow Lorikeets. I think that they were only there due to the flowering gums.
Telegraph Creek area just inland from Green Patch. I have seen Red-bellied Blacksnakes along the creek before but none on this visit. Apparently, the heath here is good for Ground Parrots. I heard a few of the endangered Eastern Bristlebirds along the nature trail but had no luck with the parrots.
Some of the Aussie Navy was here preparing for the "parade" into Sydney Harbour this weekend:
Wreck Bay area:
The habitat near the lighthouse burned a few years ago and now was crawling with Jacky Lizards (Amphibolurus muricatus). Young of the year were everywhere. I also saw an interesting encounter between two males but unfortunately was not quick enough for a photo. I saw a male that was standing on rigid legs with its back arched. The dragon was flushed black. Another male approached and the two circled each other briefly before attacking and biting. They rolled around like this for a second or two then both raced into cover.
... tame adults:
... and a couple of young of the year:
Grass Skinks (Lampropholis delicata) were also common in the shady areas along the trails:
I always try and visit Summercloud Bay, an especially nice location with views of the distant Budawang Mountains.
Sea squirts (Ascidians) were visible on the rocks at low tide. The water here was crystal clear and perfect for a snorkel.
Sooty Oystercatchers and a Little Pied Cormorant on the rocks.
Jervis Bay is well worth a visit for the scenery if nothing else.
Regards,
David
Here are a few photos of the park and the lizards that I encountered.
Green Patch area:
It is a little sad but feeding of the parrots is no longer permited. There used to be masses of Rainbow Lorikeets, King Parrots and Crimson Rosellas around the campground and picnic area, but on this trip I only saw Rainbow Lorikeets. I think that they were only there due to the flowering gums.
Telegraph Creek area just inland from Green Patch. I have seen Red-bellied Blacksnakes along the creek before but none on this visit. Apparently, the heath here is good for Ground Parrots. I heard a few of the endangered Eastern Bristlebirds along the nature trail but had no luck with the parrots.
Some of the Aussie Navy was here preparing for the "parade" into Sydney Harbour this weekend:
Wreck Bay area:
The habitat near the lighthouse burned a few years ago and now was crawling with Jacky Lizards (Amphibolurus muricatus). Young of the year were everywhere. I also saw an interesting encounter between two males but unfortunately was not quick enough for a photo. I saw a male that was standing on rigid legs with its back arched. The dragon was flushed black. Another male approached and the two circled each other briefly before attacking and biting. They rolled around like this for a second or two then both raced into cover.
... tame adults:
... and a couple of young of the year:
Grass Skinks (Lampropholis delicata) were also common in the shady areas along the trails:
I always try and visit Summercloud Bay, an especially nice location with views of the distant Budawang Mountains.
Sea squirts (Ascidians) were visible on the rocks at low tide. The water here was crystal clear and perfect for a snorkel.
Sooty Oystercatchers and a Little Pied Cormorant on the rocks.
Jervis Bay is well worth a visit for the scenery if nothing else.
Regards,
David
