Photos: Supplied.
RANGER STACEY THOMSON IS PRINCIPAL ADVISER – COMMUNITY EDUCATION (REDLAND CITY COUNCIL)
Winter is a wonderful time of year, especially when the sky is blue, the sun is shining, and the air is crisp. It’s a fantastic time to get outdoors!
It’s also the season to witness spectacular animal behaviours. June is the official start of whale season, and what better place to watch these magnificent migratory marine mammals than from Minjerribah, or North Stradbroke Island.
Around 40,000 humpback whales will cruise north past Redlands Coast from Antarctica to the warmer waters of the southern Great Barrier Reef to rest, play, and give birth.
Point Lookout is an excellent place to perch high on the grassy headland and watch whales breaching, tail slapping and spy hopping. In fact, it’s one of the best land-based vantage points on the eastern coast of Australia. By around November, they’re gone, as they embark on the long journey back to Antarctica.
I also recommend the Gorge Walk for the perfect bird’s eye view to spot turtles, manta rays and dolphins.
Back on the mainland, life for our native animals continues as usual throughout the winter – except for reptiles, which literally chill out.
Winter is breeding season for echidnas. And while animal courtship in the wild comes in various forms, this egg-laying mammal or monotreme relies on patience and persistence. The mating ritual known as the echidna love train involves several males trailing behind a female, hoping to be the last man standing. At this time of year, these creatures will travel far and wide, in pursuit of some spikey romance.
Other animals like wallabies and possums are moving about the landscape too. Many Aussie species are nocturnal or crepuscular – by the way, crepuscular is one of my favourite words! It’s a term used for animals that are active primarily at dawn and dusk.
Coincidentally, that’s also when our roads are busy, and with low light and poor visibility in winter, it can be dangerous for wildlife. So please SLOW DOWN and be extra aware when driving.
Hopefully, this winter you can discover something magical in nature, like the humpback highway or an echidna love train.
Until next time … Stay Wild.
