User Profile

Amanda De George

What on Earth Wednesday: A shelled slug with a taste for flesh

My husband walked inside, thick canvas gardening gloves on, tightly grasping several small sticks. He held the sticks out, as far away from himself as possible and perched on top was a precariously balanced…something. “I don’t know what this...

Amanda De George

July 2025

Science & Nature

The incredible diversity of the Sandon Point rock pools

Just south of the iconic old boat sheds at Sandon Point, lies a pretty non distinct rock platform. Sure, it’s beautiful, and this morning drenched in sun and without so much as a puff of wind, it was heavenly. But I wasn’t there for the scenery...

Amanda De George

July 2025

Science & Nature

Bothered by mozzies? Here’s 1000 reasons a night to love microbats

Over the summer months I’m lucky enough to have microbats visit my yard. I have no idea where they spend the day roosting - in one of the tree hollows across the road? Someone’s shed? Under shedding bark of old growth trees? - but come dusk, they...

Amanda De George

July 2025

Science & Nature

Illawarra abuzz: UOW biologist to give free native bee talk in July

When it comes to native bees, Illawarra folks have a bit of a hive mind; we all love them! The success of the recently launched Illawarra branch of the Australian Native Bee Association is proof of that. Lots of local families have gotten themselves...

Amanda De George

July 2025

Science & Nature

Make every whale count, join Sunday’s ORRCA census

It’s been a big couple of weeks in whale news! Everything from rare behaviours to rare sightings and plenty of the bog standard ‘oh look, it’s just one of largest marine mammals breaching before my eyes’ observations. Here’s what’s been...

Amanda De George

June 2025

Science & Nature

Call of the wild: Where to hear Australia’s best mimic

The Illawarra is full of wonderfully wild calls: the iconic laugh of the kookaburra, the warble of Australian magpies and the screeching of territorial brushtail possums. But right now, the bush is alive with arguably the best show in nature, the...

Amanda De George

June 2025

Science & Nature

Vanessa Risku: From drone operator to published citizen scientist

In late May 2025, an original research article published in the journal Frontiers in Marine Science caused a stir in the world of whales. Not only did it share new evidence of where humpbacks give birth, but it also showed the importance of citizen scientists, such as Kiama local Vanessa Risku, whose images informed the study.

Amanda De George

June 2025

Science & Nature

Thousands thrilled as Aurora Australis is visible throughout the Illawarra

I had planned relatively well, or so I thought. My alarm was set for 8:30PM and … that was about it. After an alert went out from the Aurora Australis Facebook page, we rushed out the door earlier than expected and made our way to Bald Hill...

Amanda De George

June 2025

Science & Nature

Glowing fungi found in Thirroul

A few days ago, I hadn’t even heard of the genus Panellus. It was another scientific name of another species I had not yet come across in my travels. Or so I thought. If you’ve been following along, I’m in my fungi era. I’m loving...

Amanda De George

May 2025

Science & Nature

Winter is coming. Here’s how to make it a wild one

Ice-cold temperatures and rain; it’s enough to have you bundling up and hibernating the season away. Add in wine, a good book and throw in a roaring fire for good measure and facing the brisk weather sometimes feels nearly impossible. But we’ve...

Amanda De George

May 2025

Science & Nature

Why fungi hunting is for everyone

Fungi are popping up everywhere right now. I’ve had a couple of rounded earthstars (Geastrum saccatum) burst up from under the clothesline. Side note: I often use common names, despite the confusion they can sometimes cause. I’m all about...

Amanda De George

May 2025

Clubs & Community

Fashion parade highlight at Wollongong weavers and spinners expo

Crocheted bunting and mandalas hung from the sprawling branches of trees and adorned benches and the entry to the community centre in Fairy Meadow. Before even making it inside the annual exhibition from the Wollongong Handweavers and Spinners...

Amanda De George

May 2025

Review

Sculpture in the Garden: a feast for the senses

There’s something a bit whimsical about wandering in search of sculptures in the great outdoors. There’s the squelch of your boots as you traipse across rain-sodden patches of ground, the glistening of strands of spider web as arachnids move...

Amanda De George

April 2025

Science & Nature

A sting in the tail? Blue dragon nudibranchs wash ashore

I’m telling you, blue dragon nudibranchs bring people together. After finding her very first blue dragon (and then another and another) after the recent big seas, my friend excitedly sent me a photo and the location. While I was running and...

Amanda De George

April 2025