We had big plans to get up before the sun this morning, you know, beat the heat and the tourists and people in general. I even heard the husband's alarm go off. I did not, however, rise. Gah! I really didn't want to waste another day but heat and I don't mix so after a quick coffee we decided to head into the bush for a little pre heat-apocalypse saunter.
I ended up packing the macro and the long lens - I'm still hoping for a Peacock Spider one of these days - and was leaning in for the classic bee-with-all-the-pollen shots when two dirt bike riders rode in. We moved aside, waved our 'good mornings' and as they rode past, they woke something up. Something that I didn't realise was back and able to be woken up. Very happy to say the small camp of Grey-Headed Flying Foxes is back! 🙌
I've been dropping in hoping to see the camp for a few weeks now and am always disappointed that they aren't around. Noticed some very low flying bats overhead on dusk the other night but hadn't put two and two together because I'm a bit of a dummy like that but once woken they were their normal squabbly, cute as buttons, cape wearing teddy bears, puppies with wings selves. They are an absolute keystone species assisting in pollination and seed dispersal all the while looking bloody lovely.
Plus, they are probably the easiest animal ever to sex on the fly (figuratively and literally) because the males have it all on display. Easy peasy and no more embarrassing moments for me saying things such as: "awww your puppy is so cute, what's her name?" only to have some stranger pointing to the underside of their dog. Bats, I appreciate you putting it all out there for me 🤣
Also got to see a mumma and her young holding on super tightly. Just got a quick glimpse of bubba's face as it was mostly nestled into the protection of mum's wings but it was such a sweet moment in what has been a brilliant week of wildlife spotting (and wine sipping).
Grey-Headed Flying Foxes
Northern Illawarra
