(Actual photo taken by the writer. 11/9/2008. Kalmia Court Project.)

Living within metres of the narrow biodiversity corridor in my section of Kalmia Court often presents me with sightings of the usual procession of creatures. Scrub turkeys, numerous snake crossings on the pond, bird flypasts, thousands of frogs sounding out, my favourite, the coucal pheasant and the all too common threatening domestic cats all parade by the house.

Today, on my way to the compost bin (yeah, believe it), a slow and apparently carefree echidna appeared within 10 metres of me and on the open lawn! The small, waddling critter then proceeded to search around in the grass for ants or whatever he/she likes to feed on. Quite surprising (for me) to see such a diverse creature, on the open lawn, during the middle of the day. It's also the first time I have ever seen a live echidna in my lifetime!

Well it continued on uphill, seeming to know just where to follow the corridor's path, back down into the safety of the pond's edges. I could hear it rustling about in the tall grasses, to reappear again further along under a tree fern then again appearing in another clearing about half an hour later and further up the corridor. That's when the above photo was snapped, as I had time to get a good position for a close-up.

At one point the monotreme became so trusting, that he/she actually bumped into my boot while I stood frozen and silent to get as close as possible!

Looks like our Corridors Regeneration Project is well accepted by the animal community too! I have numerous photographs if you would like copies for record keeping and identification.

Alan O'Neill

I would be happy to publish sightings and encouters by other members. Welcome also to any who wish to offer and publish comments to this and other sightings. Please submit to: newsletter@tamborinemtnlandcare.org.au