This time of year seems to be one massive feeding frenzy for the birds as they feast on fresh blossom and the emergence of insects and various bugs that seem to multiply before your eyes. Personally if the birds can keep the bugs down to an acceptable level I'll be happy!
Both of them look as if they really haven't noticed each other, or is it just that they are being nonchalant? Just after I took this, the water dragon had to make a dash for the water when the duck appeared not to have noticed his fellow rock-dweller and almost stood on him! Stay safe this Monday and don't let people walk over you!
I guess that somewhere, someone loves him! This is an eastern water dragon, common all over the place, especially around South Bank and the Botanical gardens. These prehistoric looking creatures can be seen sitting motionless, like stones...until they suddenly dash across the path or rush under the bushes. They usually hibernate in the winter but mild conditions have brought some of them out to bask in the warm winter sun. This picture reminds me of a previous occasion when I was crouching down to get nice and close to take a photo and it ran towards me. Yes, I did let out a bit of a scream!
I'm suspecting that this small group of bluish beetles are either juveniles or male/females of the beetle I showed you yesterday. They were on the same tree, and seemed to be 'hiding' in the bend of the branch. The colours are just so beautiful, aren't they?
It's amazing what you come across when you're not even looking for something. As I was walking along, enjoying the sunshine I saw something shiny and iridescent on the side of this tree. Thankfully I had my camera. It scuttled along the bark rather fast so I was lucky to capture this shot. Don't ask me what type of beetle it is...I have no idea.
Life in the Outback is a struggle for some creatures, where you are either the hunter or the hunted. Camouflage and speed is the best defence, and this chap has both. I have to admit that I don't know what kind of lizard it is, but he was very fast when he moved and his colouring blended in perfectly with the undergrowth and the red soils at Lark Quarry. I think he's rather beautiful.
Whilst walking through the Glass House Mountains, I came across this goanna (or lace monitor) sunning himself on an old log. I'm sure that he was enjoying his photo shoot! They can move very fast, running over short distances, and are excellent tree climbers. Thankfully this one was more than happy to sunbake.
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