NATURE STORIES FROM ISOLATION

by Matthew Higgins
April, 2020

A long-dead tree atop a ridge. An aerial hunter and regular visitor. And a lizard rather fond of heights.

Matthew and Stephanie are keen observers of nature around their home property. Birds, insects, mammals, reptiles, frogs … dozens of sightings documenting the biodiversity of Black Range, west of Tathra.

Matthew’s recent sightings of an Australian Hobby are a good example.

28th March, 2020 …“The bird was seen perched in the same tree in which we saw a Hobby this time last year. Today’s bird was there for some time, occasionally flying out over the hillside possibly catching insects.”

30th March, 2020 … “It is most interesting that a Hobby was using this area in March 2019, and now one (the same bird??) is back at the same spot, with few if any sightings during the intervening 12 months.”

31st March, 2020 … “Today’s sighting is of the same bird we have been seeing for several days and which I have been posting to the Atlas. The take-off photo shows the tail nicely fanned. Today had added interest in that one of ‘our’ semi-resident Lace Monitors was using the same tree for sunning itself. I was able to get into a position where both creatures were visible, as per the second photo - the Lacey is at left centre and the Hobby is towards the top right corner and more distant.”

“About 40 mins later from a more distant vantage point we saw that the Hobby had made a successful hunt and was plucking a small bird, with a stream of feathers floating away on the breeze. I am posting the Lacey as well and making cross-reference to the Hobby in the description.”

1st April, 2020 … “Further to yesterday’s posting of the Hobby sharing the tree with the sunning Lace Monitor, today afforded a view of both creatures in closer proximity. In the photo the Hobby is at top left and the Lacey is stretched out along the branch at the bottom. We see Wedge-tailed eagles almost daily in this area and they sometimes alight on this tree. I am wondering whether a WTE would attempt to take a Lacey. It would be quite a battle … “

Another shot of the same Lace Monitor, again lounging about in the Hunters’ Tree.

If you have a story to share, simply email me (kerrileeharris@gmail.com)