I spent a pleasant day wandering around Oatley Park and the neighbouring Lime Kiln Bay area. Lots of Nature was on display.
Blotched Hyacinth Orchid (Dipodium variegatum)
I walked from Mortdale Station for about 20 minutes to the tracks that head down to Dairy Creek at Lime Kiln Bay.
Superb Fairy wren (female)
I then followed the track high up on the west side of the valley through nice bush and then a short section of golf course and back onto a boardwalk through mangroves. This area near the boardwalk is a good place to look out for Kingfishers and sure enough I could here there call.
Sacred Kingfisher
On a trip a month earlier, we had seen a Sacred Kingfisher doing some nest building. They do this by drilling a hole into a termite nest. I found the same spot – but there was no activity near the hole. Perhaps the pair of Kingfishers were off getting food or one was inside sitting on eggs? But nearby was a Sacred Kingfisher and I was able to get some photos.
Blue Tongue Lizard
Blue Tongue Lizard
Rainbow Lorikeet
I then continued along the track and across the footbridge into Oatley Park. I did the circuit walk around the headland that takes you to the Swimming Area. Where the track leaves the road I found a large number of Hyacinth Orchids.
Blotched Hyacinth Orchid (Dipodium variegatum)
Blotched Hyacinth Orchid (Dipodium variegatum)
Blotched Hyacinth Orchid (Dipodium variegatum)
And a little further along the track I found some nice Bonnet Orchids.
Bonnet Orchid (Cryptostylis erecta)
Bonnet Orchid (Cryptostylis erecta)
Some more photos from along the track –
Angophora costata
Crimson Rosellas
Trigger Plant
I then climbed up the hill and reached a park on top with an old steam traction engine. From there I walked back down towards Lime Kiln Bay on another track. All the way along this one were more Hyacinth Orchids – but a different species to the ones I had seen earlier.
Rosy Hyacinth Orchid (Dipodium roseum)
Rosy Hyacinth Orchid (Dipodium roseum)
Rosy Hyacinth Orchid (Dipodium roseum)
Crimson Rosella
At the bottom. I walked aback over the footbridge and back to the boardwalks. Again I spotted a Sacred Kingfisher. perhaps the same one? At least it was a bit closer this time.
Sacred Kingfisher
Sacred Kingfisher
I continued on the track and ended up at the wetland area at the head of the bay. Here, I found nice shady spot for lunch.
Flannel Flowers (Actinotus helianthi)
Pied Cormorant
Willie Wagtail
I then wandered around a bit more before walking back to Mortdale Station.
Willie Wagtail
(Young) Australasian Grebe