Mostly Open Ocean

Looks like a yellow jacket.
http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yellow_ja...

Hi Martin. I've added both my frog sightings to the mission. I've been meaning to thank you for your advice about where to find lyrebirds. It was very helpful. We got there into the Dandenongs by late morning and did a walk that we didn't expect to see lyrebirds on, but saw two. Late in the day we took the walk to the falls that you suggested and saw about three or four more (one could have been a re-sighting). They were all displaying, which was really cool to see and hear. So, thanks very much!

I take my suggested ID back! I coincidentally just saw this: http://museumvictoria.com.au/about/mv-bl...

I think that's a much better fit.

I think that they're spitfires. They should darken in colour as they grow larger. I'm heading out towards where you saw them next week. I'd like to try and find some lyrebirds. Have you got any tips for good locations to look?

Wow, that's a beautiful frog.

Hey Martin. I'm pretty sure that's the spotted marsh frog, Lymnodynastes tasmaniensis. More information about them here: http://frogs.org.au/frogs/species/Limnod...

Can be confused with L. fletcheri, but L. fletcheri has more irregular spots (size, shape and position). Also can be confused with L. peroni, but L. peroni typically has the darker markings stretched out into stripes.

Thanks Cindy and Karen.

Thanks for the info Martin. I'll try and see if I can find out more about the surveys on Melbourne Water's site.

Thank you Ava. They are a very attractive frog. They're the biggest frogs we get here in Victoria and they're bright green and gold. Also, unfortunately, quite rare now.