PhotoJournal of the Sunshine Coast Queensland Australia: Red Belly & Whipbirds.

Red Belly & Whipbirds.

I was reminded today that the season is changing… the weather is rapidly heating up, summer is just around the corner… the bush tracks I love to wander should be ventured with the utmost care & respect.

And not in open shoes.

The bush is, after all, the natural home of native animals.

Below you will find two photos from my morning walk… well, you’ll find a lot more than 2, but let’s just focus on them for now… this is an Australian Red Bellied Black Snake, which is a species of elapid snake native to eastern Australia. A bite from it is not usually fatal and is less venomous than other Australian snakes. It has an average total length of 1.5 to 2 metres and is fairly common in this area. That being said, you won’t run into one every day of the week, today was just my lucky day.

Red Belly Black

As I walked along Stumers Road to where the tidal creek washes in, I heard the distinctive call of the whipbird… I love the whipbirds song and they were accommodating enough to put on a performance while I filmed the thicket in which they were playing. I did catch a glimpse, but didn’t get them on the video. Whipbirds are somewhat plain to look at, or so many think, but I think it’s a perfect example of how true beauty goes much deeper then outside appearences. It is a dark olive-green and black in colour with white cheek patches; they have head crest and the male and female are similar.

Whipbird Song

Brush Turkey, males have black feathers and a red head, and grow to about 60–75 cm (23–30 in) with a wingspan of about 85 cm (33 in)

Brush Turkeys were a regular meat on our menu when I was growing up out in the bush. The "Outback" is a very big place and in many areas shops are few and far between. They taste fine, like turkey.

Rainbow Lorikeet's live in rainforest, coastal bush and woodland areas; they are a medium sized parrot ranging from 25–30 cm (9.8-11.8 in) in size, with a wingspan of about 17 cm (6.7 in

I think this may be a Wattlebird, but I'm not sure.

You always know the beach is nearby when you see karkalla or pig face

Karkalla leaves are succulent, 3.5–10 cm (1.4–3.9 in) long and 1 cm (0.4 in) wide, and curved or rarely straight. The flowers are light purple in colour, and 6 cm (2.4 in) wide. The globular purplish red fruit is about 2.5 cm (1 in) long and 1.5 cm (0.6 in) wide.

A grey heron, feeding in Stumers Creek;standing up to 100 cm (39 in) tall and measuring 84–102 cm (33–40 in) long with a 155–195 cm (61–77 in) wingspan. The body weight can range from 1.02–2.08 kg (2.2–4.6 lb). Herons eat fish, frogs, and insects.