Northern Suburbs Branch, 23 May 2025

We joined the Friends of Star Swamp for a night walk on a calm and clear 90-minute stroll around Star Swamp. Early heavy rain had left that wonderful bush smell.

Approximately 25 people from both groups enjoyed the outing, and many conversations were held while walking and talking in the natural environment, which can only be beneficial for our mental health.

The group became quite spread out, but most of us saw a Tawny Frogmouth watching us from a low tree branch, a group of four Kookaburras high on a branch and heard the squawks of young Galahs (?).

Tawny Frogmouth
Image by Christine Curry

Several types of spiders, including a Wolf Spider, Leaf-curling Spiders and a few Golden Orb Weaver Spiders, appeared in our torch beams.

Star Swamp Golden Orb Weaver Spider – Image by Christine Curry

The Quenda, who frequently hangs out at the edge of the wetland digging up the bulbs of reeds and other things, was elusive. And, although Christine carried the bat monitor, we didn’t hear or record any bat sightings – it was probably too cold.

I’m afraid our nighttime photos were quite poor, but I’m including some daytime photos of Star Swamp taken during our observations in daylight. See above.

Thank you, Christine Curry.

Willy Dadour