Poo Scared of Crocs

April 2019 - Week visiting my family - Jack, Rose, Bear and Delilah.

Jack took me to check out the Townsville Town Common.

https://parks.des.qld.gov.au/parks/townsville/about.html

I had checked out the website to get an idea how close we can park to the wetlands without having to leave the safety of the car. I am "Poo Scared of Crocodiles". Especially when there are signs every where saying be "Croc Aware".

https://parks.des.qld.gov.au/parks/townsville/pdf/townsville-town-common-map.pdf

Overcast, raining and a dusty road in to wonder around the Hides dotted among the wetlands and its forest. Yes dusty as the rain was drying up before it hit the ground.

Safety of the car was short lived and we were out exploring.

The Hides looked relatively new and with great out looks across the wetlands. Not having a chair to sit on or a mono/tripod to use, the spy holes where difficult to manoeuvre around with the telephoto lens. I managed a few shots straight out in view.

The area was noisy with birds, crickets, frogs and the landing aircraft near by. I believe the birds must have been in hiding, had everyone gone to have their afternoon tea, or there was something else out there keeping them away!!. Is there a Beasty near by?!

The Magpie Geese and White Heron were happily hidden in the lush reeds and popped up every now and then.

The few around were very busy. Little Wrens flitted around and King Fishers darting from branch to branch above the Hide. King Fishers out of site unable to capture.

Dragon Flies and Butterflies where plentiful around the tracks.

To the last Hide, on the Freshwater Lagoon!

Parked the car and headed in to the unknown. We went along a track to a fork. The sign posting to the right was a hour round trip. Nope not that one. To the left into the wetland forest down a gully and about 600m to the next Hide. Yes a gully between two wetland areas, edged by small wood and long grass. Will there be a Beasty in here?

In that gully our fears were met. Between the two wetland areas there was a massive area of flattened grass leading from one to the other. Could this been caused by a big lizard with very sharp teeth and claws?

"Can you see any prints or a tail drag Jack!"

"I'm not hanging around to check" and he was off up over the hill....

"Wait for meeeee!"

Once at the Hide, Jack found some small eggs (birds) on the ground, and some large dug out areas. Yeap, may be a large Beasty been checking out the soil quality.... Think we will both stand in the Hide to check out the noises and if there is some over commotion...….

Nope no large movements, hissing or grumbles. What can we see?

The Bee-eaters, Finches, Doves, Drongo and Robins where busily going about their afternoon activities.

We spied many raptors, too far for my lens (or me) to capture.

Thankfully we didn't come across a Beasty in the short time we were there, next time I'll take a chair and spend a bit more time in the Hides to capture more of the daily activities and check out the flora.

I am still be "Poo Scared of Crocs". Just more aware!

The area is vast, the mountain back drop is stunning, lots of walking tracks (a few were closed due to the recent floods and required rehabilitation). The dirt road is accessible to lots of viewing areas and parking areas to investigate the Hides or a side track to get you closer the reed beds to view the wetland activities. Plenty of signs with maps and directions, explanation of the sights, how long to walk and level of fitness for the walk.

If you are ever in this beautiful part of our land, take a few hours out of your day to have a wonder on through. May be you'll come across a Beasty or two.

Happy Travels

Tone xo

PS : I would like to thank Jack for having patients with his mother. Have lunch next time...

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