Nature Notes: Seal pups, super moons and a quoll-aty visitor
And for those of you not familiar with quolls, and no judgement, you rarely hear them mentioned amongst our more famous residents such as koalas, kangaroos and echidnas, you can read more about them here
A quoll-aty visitor
It is breeding season for the very gorgeous Spotted Tail Quoll and the males are out and about, with one even popping up in someone’s yard in Albion Park! Team Quoll, researchers based out of the University of Wollongong, posted some incredible photos taken by a citizen scientist who spotted this young male making a quick dash out of the nearby escarpment!
I’ve only seen one in Tasmania but would be very keen to spot one in the Illawarra. I’ve heard reports of them seen around properties in the Northern Illawarra and along Mount Ousley. Have you seen one of these gorgeous animals locally?
And for those of you not familiar with quolls, and no judgement, you rarely hear them mentioned amongst our more famous residents such as koalas, kangaroos and echidnas, you can read more about them here.
Another Super Moon
There’s been loads of astronomical events happening lately. The recent Super Moon, which is a full moon during an orbit that’s close to earth, always looks beautiful and plenty were out and about to photograph it. If you want to see the next one, it’s coming up on the 13th July - look to the horizon just on sunset.
I’m a sucker for Christine Harris-Hansell’s moon photos and she captured the Super Moon beautifully, as it rose and then at 7am the following morning from Woonona as it was beginning to set.
If you have some wild photos you’d like us to share with the Illawarra, get in touch.
Seal Pup Season
It’s seal pup season. ORRCA (the Organisation for the Rescue and Research of Cetaceans in Australia) has been receiving loads of calls about young seal ‘hauling out’, coming to shore to get a rest, usually from the big seas we have had of late.
It’s important that these animals are not stressed and not approached. Never get between a seal (a young one or an adult) and the ocean. Always stay at least 40m away and keep your dogs on leash when seals are around.
Most importantly, give ORRCA a call so that they can get someone out to keep an eye on the animal and to arrange vet attendance if required. Call 02 9415 3333.
