Frilled-neck Lizards

I have had two recent encounters, my first for a few years. Maybe I am not in the area at the right time to see more. These are in between what I would call the Top End and Central Australia, so the Victoria River Region and around Katherine/Mataranka.

The first was standing on the main highway, warming itself. I saw where it ran to off the road as I approached and somehow managed to find it in amongst the rocks and leaf litter as its camouflage was excellent. I doubt I could have found it without seeing it run to around that spot.

The second was just on the very edge of the road, and I saw it run towards a tree. I wasn't going too fast so it was fairly easy to stop and keep an eye on the right tree. Again, without having seen where it went I would never have located it where it had moved to. Their hiding ability is excellent. Anyway, the tree was quite close to the road. This time I stayed inside the car. It jumped off and ran to another tree a bit further away, after peering at me from a few positions on the other side of the original tree. Watching them run always makes me laugh. Then the jump off this tree to another one. In all I was watching it for about 10 minutes. Fascinating creatures. Hope you enjoy the photos:

Frilled-neck Lizard

A relaxing week - road trip Alice to Camoweal to Mataranka to Alice

Spent a week with an old good friend last week. Even though I travel all the time for work, last week was more a return to the past, two mates, get in the car, decide where we are heading once the car is rolling, and wherever we end up, that's where we are going.

Our initial thoughts were to head to the warmer north. We pretty much stuck to that. Alice Springs to Camoweal to Mataranka and back to Alice Springs. Over 3000 kms, not a single second of music in the car, just waffling on and the sound of silence (apart from the car noise).

Day 1 was a cultural experience for Mick. Wycliffe Well, Devils Marbles then stop by the side of the Barkly Highway for the night, the obligatory fire-side discussions and a few ales.

Day 2 was a drive across to Camoweal in Queensland, a few stops along the way to look at trees, shrubs, plants and flowers, as well as a few thousand budgerigars. After restocking for the evening we headed out to the caves, then back to the lagoons for the night, the obligatory fire, lovely lilies in the water, a few feral pigs for company that night, and an Owlet-Nightjar just above our heads to send us off into lala land.

Day 3 was a short drive to Mataranka, and somehow we managed to arrive at Jularark campground before dark. No fire tonight as it was very warm and a bit sweaty, mozzies inside the swag, and the complaints of a 50 year old man in the morning about sore neck, back etc from the lack of practice driving, well, being in a car anyway.

Day 4 was off to the Mataranka Hot Springs. Mick was very impressed and couldn't believe it was free, and the lack of tourists at the Springs, then to Bitter Springs. The 50 year old was like my pre-teenage kids - had to drag him out of the swimming loop to go and grab some lunch. Then back in the car to head to Longreach Waterhole near Elliott. Again, no fire as it was still warm, but very enjoyable discussions well into the night (9 pm for us oldies).


Day 5 and before the sun rose the birds were actively feeding, although not in the same numbers as I had seen before. Back in the car for another cultural experience at Wycliffe Well (drinkers under the bridge) and then back to Alice in time to watch the AFL game on the TV.

A very relaxing and enjoyable week with a friend of over 35 years. A shame those times come and go so quickly. Here are a few shots from the trip.

Budgerigars on the Barkly Highway

Camoweal

Intermediate Egret with fish

The flowers on the lagoon

Plumed Whistling Ducks

 

Brolga

Brown Falcon

Blue-faced Honeyeater

Australsian Darter with fish

Intermediate Egret in the late afternoon at Longreach Waterhole

Longreach Waterhole at sunset