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Perameles nasuta
Now, the northern beaches from Manly to Palm Beach are one of the last strongholds for bandicoots in the Sydney region. There are two significant populations: on Pittwater, and on the coast near Newport. There are also fragmented smaller groups throughout the rest of the area.
I always wanted to photograph the bandicoots that I believe responsible for leaving lots of long holes in my garden :). Surprise ... surprise ... I found one at the Newport Arms pub floor at midnight on the way back to the carpark LOL - lucky I had my camera with me :)
13 Comments
Wow. I have never seen a Bandicoot, and I'm from Sydney. Well spotted, Chicquita, and my best wishes to the Newport Arms :-)
There were supposed to be powerful owls where I used to live but I never could spot one or hear one. Good luck!
Thanks StephenSolomons. I've got pics of a bandicoot, now I am hunting the Powerful Owl. There are 3 sightings on three different old trees at nextdoor suburb of Avalon, one bird just doesn't like sparkly eyes, so I have to wear sunglasses :). Also, I must not turn my back on him, he'll attack me. Oh dear, the beauty of living side by side with the wild animal in the city.
Thanks AliceGreenup, I wasn't fit enough to drive the car home but when I saw this cutie, all of a sudden I could work on ISO and shutter speed :)
so wonderful to see these little guys in a city
Great capture! My backyard is always covered in bandicoot holes but i'm never fast enough to photograph them, great work!
Chicquita, you probably have a healthy garden with lots of grubs !. I read that these are prey to snakes and foxes among other animals and they don't like where rabbits have been...so your place is safe with plenty to eat :) - very lucky indeed. Although protected, I believe farmers kill them because they are considered pests.
I believe they knead their prey to a pulp before they eat them - awful but would be interesting to see. Anyway, it's a great spotting. Thanks.
Quality surfer grubs on your side.
Thanks Leuba, most of the time I don't have to aerate the garden soil nor picking up the grubs, my little helpers had done it for me during the night :). Question: I wonder why they choose this little area of Newport that sandwich by the open sea and enclosed waterways instead of Kuringai Chase National Park on the opposite side?
What a wonderful find - nice series too. I've been to the Newport Arms but had no such luck !! Must feel great to have them in your garden.
Argy Bee, ShannaB, I am so pleased to know that the suburb where I live is one of the last stronghold for the long nosed bandicoot populations in Sydney - Newport in Pittwater. And also they make home in my garden :)
Wow that's special! Well done.
Fantastic, Chicquita!! : )