Nature Notes: Friday 13th May
Bellambi was where it was at this week.
Seal haul out
Bellambi was where it was at this week. I started to see posts on social media of a fur seal hauled out on the rocks around Bellambi Point. Hauling out is the term used when seals spend time out of the water resting on rocks. This is completely natural behaviour, and in most cases the seal is just having a rest after a rough few days at sea or is digesting a big meal. Sometimes they are old or ill but again, hauling out is natural for them and most of the time, they recover from whatever is ailing them and they return to the water to keep doing all those things seals do, such as eating fish and octopus and just being down right adorable.
If you do see a seal hauled out, it’s always a good idea to notify the ORRCA Rescue Hotline on (02) 9415 3333. That way they can asses the animal’s condition, organise vet care if necessary, and set up monitoring to keep people at least 40 metres from any adult seals and 80 metres from any pups. An ORRCA volunteer was there when we were, monitoring both the seal and the humans and no doubt enjoying being in the company of this very fluffy and very sleepy sea doggo!
The Smooth Rays of Bellambi Boat Ramp
Whenever I’m at Bellambi I always make time to walk out onto the metal jetty at the Bellambi boat ramp and peer over the side to see if I can spot any of the resident Smooth Rays. If they’re there, and they often are, trust me, you can’t miss them! They are huge! In fact, they are the largest of all of Australia’s stingrays and there are some real whoppers here.
They hang around boat ramps in general because that’s where all the tasty fish scraps are and who doesn’t love an easy meal? If you can get there on a nice calm day and at a lowish tide, you’ll have the best chance of a clear view. And it’s a pretty cool sight, watching as they make their way around the sandy bottom, hoovering up any bits and pieces, their wings curling up to show the creamy white underside.
Read more about them here.
For the love of (Nicole Karin) Art
The Illawarra is home to many, many fabulously talented artists. I can’t draw to save myself so I really admire anyone who can bring our beautiful Aussie flora and fauna to life and Nicole Karin does a particularly beautiful job.
She has regular showings of her colour pencil illustrations around the Illawarra and you can currently buy her artwork, cards and prints from Nest Emporium in Thirroul, Maisy & Co, Woonona, Minnamurra Cafe and the Kiama Visitor Centre. Or if online is more your thing, visit her beautiful Etsy store or her website.
