This was a very pleasant walk around Oatley Park. It was organised by Brian Everingham for the National Parks Association. In the party were Brian, Ken, Allen, Val, Sue, Esther, Peter, Theo, myself and we were later joined by Digi Dave.
We met outside Mortdale Station and then set off for the short walk to the creek leading into Lime Kiln Bay. After watching a group of Water Dragons basking in the warm sun, we continued along the path on the west side of the creek.
Not that many wildflowers were out – and those that were seemed a bit wilted. The dry spell has lasted too long!
White Browed Scrubwren
Further along on the boardwalk, Allen and Brian suggested that we all look out for Kingfishers. Soon Allen spotted one sitting on a fallen branch in the mangroves. It later flew closer allowing for better photographs –
Sacred Kingfisher
We then spot another sitting near it. As we watched we saw that they were building a nest. They do this by drilling a hole into a termite nest, high in a tree. The termites try and repair the hole -and partially seal it up – creating a warm atmosphere – good for the eggs. It was interesting to watch one of the Kingfishers flying to the termite nest, drilling with its beak for a short while, then flying off for a rest, then do a bit more pecking on the hole.
We then continued to the end of the track and crossed over the bridge back into Oatley Park.
We continued up a road and then branched off along the track that goes around the point.
Early on we saw a small family of Variegated Fairy Wrens –
Some more nature –
We soon reached the picnic area and then walked up a track to the park at the top. There, we saw a hawk rapidly flying off – too fats for photos, and it didn’t return. The NPA party then set off back towards Oatley for lunch. Gigi Dave and myself wanted to spend a bit more time in the park and check out some of the wetlands.
After spending some time in the top picnic area, we set off again for the boardwalk where the Kingfishers and been doing their nest building. No sign of them this time – perhaps too warm? But we did spot a nice Black-faced Monarch.
Black-faced Monarch
At the wetland ponds we saw more lizards and the usual ducks and cormorants.
We also saw a turtle and something else lurking under the water. Perhaps another turtle?
We then climbed back up to the top picnic area and rested in the shade while watching a Kookaburra and a Butcher Bird on the prowl for food.
