The temperature suddenly rose, the barometric pressure fell - and thousands of termites took flight! This was the first swarm of the season, and provided a welcome food-boost for a few tiny skinks that also appeared from nowhere.

Coptotermes frenchi (I think)

Currawongs have a reputation as raiders and killers. Fair enough. But, like their cousins the butcherbirds and magpie, they’re actually opportunists. The termite swarm was an opportunity indeed!

Strepera graculina

When pecking at tiny, fast-moving termites, such a massive bill seems a distinct disadvantage.

Strepera graculina

Flowers of the Common Heath are rather less common than usual this season. The drought is no doubt to blame. Many buds are simply dropping off without opening.

Epacris impressa

The wallabies are boldly devouring anything palatable … and some plants that seem a little less then palatable!

Macropus rufogriseus banksianus

Epacris impressa has hard, pointed leaves that are spiky to touch. This defence isn’t quite enough to save the flowers.

Macropus rufogriseus banksianus

We had to search quite hard to find any orchids, due to the drought. A low-lying area behind the beach is usually covered in blooms in Aug-Sept. We found only a handful.

Pterostylis concinna

We were surprised to see dozens of these tiny damselflies swarming over a beachside lagoon this week.

Austrolestes io

Surprised because it’s early in the season. And surprised because I’m sure the lagoon is brackish, not fresh.

Austrolestes io

The frog chorus around the pond has been building for a few weeks now. Torch in hand, I discovered one of those responsible a couple of days ago.

Litoria ewingii

Litoria ewingii