Visited: Spring and Autumn
Recommendation: The area around these wetlands is relatively small and very urban but the incredible wildlife still seems to thrive. Black Bittern have been seen here by the locals but I have not been that lucky. However, I have a seen good variety of birds, reptiles and marsupials. Photo opportunities are excellent too.
The Warriewood Wetlands is the largest remaining sandplain wetland in the northern Sydney region, covering an area of around 26 hectares . It's a surprising little sanctuary tucked away amidst suburban housing, busy roads and a shopping mall. The wetlands play a vital role in the local ecosystem, providing a habitat for a variety of native plants and animals.
On the day we visited, there had been a tremendous storm across Sydney and the eastern coast of New South Wales. Flash floods made a lot of the area impassable but we plodded around where we could and still were not disappointed. That was because we could hear the lovely tinkling of the Bell Miner. Unlikely their rowdy and rather annoying cousins, the Noisy Miner, these little birds are as stunning as their call. Unfortunately, they like to sit spaced out across the very top of the canopy. Battling large numbers of mosquitos, we waited patiently to find some out in the open. The sun was shining after the storm and the birds were busy. It was great to get some shots of them.
Bell Miner (Manorina melanophrys)
Little Black Cormorant (Phalacrocorax sulcirostris)
On one side of the wetlands are a couple of pools with a series of perching posts that a variety of birds like to sit on. During this visit, teal, ducks and cormorants were resting on them and drying out after the rain.
The Little Black Cormorant don't have water resistant feathers like the ducks so that they can dive more effectively. That is why they are seen often with their wings spread out to dry off. This species of the 4 most commonly seen in Australia is my favourite. Firstly because of their sparkling emerald eye and secondly, because they often hunt in groups and that is always interesting to watch.
On the walk back to the caravan park, we stopped at a toilet block only to find a resident possum sitting in front of the toilet. That was quite a shock for both of us! Despite initially disappearing, it wasn't long before it returned and after deciding we were no threat, it took up position above the stalls and settled back into its grooming routine. There is always a surprise around the corner in Australia!
Brush-tailed Possum (Trichosurus vulpecula)
Elsewhere in the area were some other noise makers. The Little Corella flew overhead and we found some of them later by the beach. Always entertaining, these small cockatoo are often playing and squabbling in groups. Within the wetlands, a colony of Grey-headed Flying Foxes make noise all day and night.
Little Corella (Cacatua sanguinea)
Grey-headed Flying Fox (Pteropus poliocephalus)
Tucked away in the densest part of the wetlands,I found a Swamp Wallaby. I haven't photographed these shy marsupials too many times and although the light wasn't great, I was pleased to get this shot.
Swamp Wallaby (Wallabia bicolor)
One of the best things about the wetlands is that there are so many animals as well as birds. During a nightime spotlighting session, I found this Long-nosed Bandicoot which was much greyer than those I have seen in northern Queensland. Shy as ever, it didn't stick around for me to get a clear shot.
Long-nosed Bandicoot (Perameles nasuta)
After the heavy rains, the dragons and skinks re-appeared and this water dragon took no notice as I walked past it, determined to soak up some sun.
Eastern Water Dragon (Intellagama lesueurii)