Glowworms are luminous worm-like creatures that emit blue-green light, which can glow continuously for more than 24 hours. The source of this light is called bioluminescence and it comes from an organ near the creatures’ tails that is similar to a human kidney. The bioluminescence is created through a reaction of an enzyme called luciferase… Read More »
The Pied Currawong (Strepera graculina) is one of the most commonly seen and heard birds in the areas where it lives, and it is sometimes mistaken for the Australian Magpie (Gymnorhina tibicen), which is closely related (it is in the same family and subfamily). The Currawong, however, has less white markings on it, it does… Read More »
Kanimbla Wombats is a volunteer organization working with Bare Nosed Wombats, treating wombats suffering from mange. Founded in 2020 by Melinda Kerr, and experienced wombat carer Anna Culliton. Anna is out in the field responding to calls and treating wombats 24/7, sometimes several hours drive away. I work on projects closer to home and focus… Read More »
Specific measures to protect the platypus population in the River Lett have been included in plans for the Little Hartley to Lithgow (west section) of the Great Western Highway upgrade, following valuable input from the community. A Review of Environmental Factors and concept design for the west section of the upgrade were put on public… Read More »
The White-throated Treecreeper (Climacteris picumnus) has an appearance quite unlike any other member of the bird family Cisticolidae in which it belongs, and it exhibits its own unique behaviour. The treecreeper is one of Australia’s small birds, but it can often be heard before it is seen; its loud, piping call is a common sound… Read More »
Take a look at the Common Bronzewing (Phaps chalcoptera), and you might mistake it for just another run-of-the-mill native bird. Its pale feathers and short wingspan don’t make it stand out among other species in the area. The true nature of this little bird lies in its name, which can be translated to mean shining… Read More »
Each week, thanks to Troy, The Reptile Bloke, we look at a different reptile that you might encounter on a bushwalk. MULGA SNAKE – AKA: KING BROWN SNAKE (Pseudechis australis) Most people know this snake by the colloquial name, “King Brown Snake” but this can be confusing to some people because it is actually not… Read More »
The platypus, or duck-billed platypus, is one of the most intriguing creatures in the animal kingdom. Native to the waterways and wetlands of eastern Australia, including the Blue Mountains, this aquatic mammal got its name from its strange, duck-like bill and tail and from the Greek word platypous, meaning flat-footed. It was hunted for its… Read More »
This is one of the best walks in the Blue Mountains. It’s a mix of cliff and valley views along a historic walk. This is one for the bigger kids as it’s a 7km walk, one way. This is a wonderful day walk, that will take you from Leura to Katoomba through a beautiful valley.… Read More »
The Blue Mountains are home to many beautiful, unique species of bird, the most common being the Superb Lyrebird. This species of songbird has been found throughout the Blue Mountains since the first European settlers moved into the area, and can be seen in almost any park or nature reserve in that area. The Superb… Read More »