Hi all,
The paperbark (Melaleuca) forests
around the Whitsundays have just burst into life. Day and night it is alive
with all sorts of creatures. The source of the commotion are the
nectar-laden flowers that are coating many trees, making the air heavy with
their scent. Notice they are white? Flowers are coloured according to their
"target market." Red flowers attract birds, blue/violet flowers are better
for bees while white flowers attract a broad range of species. White is a
colour that reflects the widest variety of light wavelengths, so anything
white will show up before any other colour in a range of conditions. Not
much moonlight or starlight is needed to make these flowers stand out to
nocturnal creatures.
After dark, the forest is alive with the noisy
chattering and squabbling of Flying Foxes, also known as Fruit Bats...
This is Pteropus alecto, the Black
Flying Fox.
And another flying fox.
Scratching about in the trees was the first
Glider recorded on the property. At first I thought it was a Sugar Glider (Petaurus
breviceps) however looking at the longish ears and bushy tail and the
slightly larger appearance it may actually be the near identical Squirrel
Glider (Petaurus norfolcensis.) I contacted the Australian Museum,
and they seem to agree.
By day, different animals become obvious...
Leaden Flycatchers Myigra rubecula are
attracted to the insects that the flowers bring. This is a male. Females are
dull brown with a white chest and orange throat.
Flocks of the striking Scarlet Honeyeater
Myzomela sanguinolenta have also descended on the paperbark forest.
Their sweet, musical whistles can be heard long before the little birds are
seen. About the size of a human thumb, only the males have the red head and
chest. They are incredibly unconcerned when it comes to people. Although
easily approached, they never sit still for long enough to focus the camera.
This is the best shot I have so far.
Hunting by day was a Barking Owl. Of all the
Australian owls, Barking owls are most likely to be seen out and about well
before sundown. I photographed this one in the early afternoon, after
hearing its distinctive "woof woof........woof woof....." call. Barking Owls
are also known for their loud, human like scream. They are a large owl,
feeding on prey as large as ducks and frogmouths.
