When I was away I started to think about the idea of putting up a post that really could not be anywhere else other than “my world”. So, living where I do I did not have to think that hard about what I could do! But what did surprise me was the ease with which I got the pictures.Near the end of a walk a cry of “I’ve found an echidna” went up from the smaller of my small people – and she was right. This one obliged by staying on the surface for a little while we looked and photographed. He (?) even kicked some dirt at us to tell to go away. If you don’t know
anything about this animal, the key think to know is that it lays eggs. But it’s a mammal all the same. We saw lots of kangaroos and wallabies during the holiday – but I thought I’d go with a bit of a crowd pleaser in the Koala – and please, please, please don’t call it a bear!
On the road out to Cape Otway Light house we must have seen 20 or 30 of these rather charming animals. You can see from the state of the trees that 20 or 30 may be just a bit more than the trees came cope with. So the koala is a marsupial – and it gives birth after 35 days of pregnancy to a Joey less than 20mm long. That’s smaller than most bees! In then stays in the pouch for 5 months!
The other remarkable thing about koalas is that it is the one vertebrate where the brain does not fill its cranium. About 40% of the volume is taken up by a think jelly! Evolution has swapped brain power for energy conservation, and produced a highly energy efficient beast that is not much chop at after dinner conversation or crosswords.So, seeing both of those on one trip pretty much places you on the east coast of Australia – you should visit and see for yourself.
You can find more places from around the world at Our World Tuesday.
You can find the most recent post to my other blog by clicking the Paying Ready Attention image on the RHS of the screen. (The most recent post has more echidna pictures from a different trip)
Enjoy the pictures.
There is something so very charming about the koala. One wants to take it in her arms and give it a gentle hug. He looks so vulnerable! Well done!! Thank you for your visit!!! Cathy
ReplyDeleteYou do have the weirdest animals in the world, but they are so cute and beautiful! I have not seen these two in the wild, only in an animal park, but I did see flocks of wild kangaroos, which was a stunning sight for me! Nice and informative post!
ReplyDeleteAwwwwwwww, adorable koalas. Wish we could be as lucky as you folks from 'Down Under' and have these in the 'wild' instead of just zoos.
ReplyDeleteI love koalas, beautiful pictures, always good to come here ...
ReplyDeleteHave a beautiful week Stewart !
oa.s
We are very definitely NOT going to have similar posts at "our world' this week Stewart! I love this post; thank you for sharing your unique world,,,,
ReplyDeleteWe saw koalas at the San Diego zoo once (not really a huge fan of zoos anymore, but that is one of the better ones)...I was fascinated to watch them -- I think they moved at about my speed... although I do like crossword pozzles ;>)
Have never heard (or have forgotten maybe) about the echnidna-- but love it).
Fantasticm post Stewart!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.
ReplyDeleteHow did that 'bear' label get attached to these koalas anyway, I wonder? They are adorable, though.
ReplyDeleteWow. I've never seen an echidna in the wild.
ReplyDeleteSydney - City and Suburbs
The look on the koala's face tells me he's trying to process you in his brain... Great captures!
ReplyDeleteVery nice photos!
ReplyDeleteOh, I do love these little guys!! What great shots for the day, Stewart! I would love to come across a koala while out for a walk! Incredible! Really fun post for the day, Stewart! Hope you have a great week -- all of you!!!
ReplyDeleteSylvia
I do love the koalas, they are so cute. So I am really glad you posted these shots to share with Our World. Wonderful photos, have a great day Stewart.
ReplyDeleteYour World is definitely on My list. I want to see these marvelous creatures and more. Just have to wait for the rate of exchange to improve on my side. In the mean time, thanks for sharing this special part of your world.
ReplyDeleteWow - interesting facts about the koala! I love all these shots - they really are the essence of Australian wildlife!
ReplyDeleteLove this refreshing Aussie profile of our wild icons! I still have not travelled the Otways! Too hung up on my peninsula! Still finding places here I didn't know existed!
ReplyDeleteLove the cuddly Koala, his/her lack of crossword or sudoku skills is immaterial, the latter get me flummoxed!
ReplyDeleteThe echidna looks a little like our humble hedgehog, but at least they don't kick dirt in our faces!
Australia does have some fascinating and unique wildlife.
Great captures! I love Koalas.
ReplyDelete'brain jelly' ...wondrous concept. It means we have to make allowances for those we come across in the course of a day with not much more that 40% brain occupance, giving them credit for cranium padding :-) and heat conservation.
ReplyDeleteYou will be busy if you want to tell us about all the critters and plants unique to your adopted continent. The figures are astonishing. Even before the rich and the daft started importing camels and rabbits.
Lovely post Stewart.
cool, I never seen this echidna before. Thanks to your little one that found it. :)
ReplyDeleteDefinitely your part of the world. Love Koala's never heard of an echnidna, looks cute though.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing.