A travel story

We spent the first half of August in the Clarence Valley, visiting family … cameras close at hand.

Birds galore

The lower Clarence valley is a recognised birding hotspot. A variety of ecosystems within close proximity, including rare patches of littoral rainforest. Large bush areas protected as national parks. A wide estuary with extensive sand flats. And a mild climate. Even without twitching in earnest we ticked 78 species, including a spectacular ‘lifer’. The unmistably yellow and black of a male Regent Bowerbird flashed past us in the littoral rainforest at Iluka. A breathtaking moment, over in a second, and despite continuing to search this was our only glimpse. Unfortunately no photo … this time.

Rainbow bee-eaters!
Merops ornatus

This was perhaps the nature highlight of our visit!

Soon after we arrived, we heard the distinctive calls of bee-eaters in flight. At first they eluded us, hawking over more distant forest and heath … but then our luck changed. Each day they would appear in the tall trees alongside the house. Gliding, spiralling forays overheard to grab flying insects. Bees, wasps and beetles were all fair game.

Resident Osprey
Pandion haliaetus (cristatus)

These birds feel like family. They have built a nest alongside my parents’ house, and even out of breeding season they tend to use it as a home base. Whether winter or summer, we see them up close. They are completely unfazed by passing people and boats.

Flowers, trees and a bizarre fungus

Flowering is well underway for many species, including various plants of the coastal heath.

In search of wasps, bees and other small creatures

When we left home in late July, insects were still in winter mode. Most bees and wasps were hidden below ground or in plant stems. Apart from the ubiquitous (and unwelcome) honey bees, few insects had taken flight … so we were keen to search for insect activity up north.
No sand wasps as yet, but a beautiful bee we’ve never seen before!