Kooloonbung Creek Nature Reserve

Over the last week the clouds out at sea appear to have been drawing closer to the coastline. This morning was quite overcast but gaps in the cloud cover allowed some beautiful rays of light through. 

 

Most likely a weather pattern, associated with a weak El Nino effect predicted for Australia this September.

Went into Port Macquarie early today and decided to have a look around Kooloonbung Creek Nature Reserve. I was hoping to catch the Flying Foxes but they were not on the Western side this morning. I took a look around to see what else I could find.

As you walk around the board works you notice how quickly nature takes back over. Walkways once viewing platforms are slowly sinking into the muddy mangrove soils.

Scatterings of spring flowers were to be seen amongst the densely populated wetland rainforest and female bowerbirds were also seen close by.

The wetland grasses were highlighted by the spiders webs in the early morning sun. An information sign listed the Jabiru as a bird that may be seen on occasion.

Rainforest species and wetlands trees, such as Melaleuca (Paperbark) and Casuarina (She Oak), share the water's edge with Mangroves creating a wonderful environment for birds and the Eastern Water Dragon.

A young pioneering species popping up on the path edge appeared out of place in shape and colour to the foliage of the palms and ferns. It stood out in the back lighting of the morning sun. 

A family of Ibis appeared to be gathering twigs from the fallen trees laying on the water's edge. The nest was most likely nearby. An Australian Darter was watching from a branch above the creek.

The dappled light was filtering through the tree tops creating a stage like setting for the younger trees below. Kooloonbung Creek is just a short walk from the centre of town and is maintained by a group of dedicated volunteers.

Some recently planted seedlings in their protective shelters stood out like Chinese Lanterns in an open clearing along the edge of the pathway.

 

The deep greens of the Bangalow and Cabbage Palms were featured at various intervals on the higher banks adjacent to the creeks. They are protected from the heat by the tall canopy above which is usually frequented by a large colony of flying foxes.

Flying Foxes from a previous visit to Kooloonbung Creek. This image features on the front page of a study report on the creek by Port Macquarie Hastings Council.

 

I hope you enjoyed a glimpse of Kooloonbung Creek definitely worth visiting if passing by.

 

My SLR camera tip for today is related to dappled light in forests. Look for those subjects that appear to be on stage under the spotlight.

Fair Dinkum!!