Apsley Gorge

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DCP_2330 12:08

Water Dragon

This was a most unusual opportunity to photograph a water dragon. Usually all you see out of the corner of your eye is a shadow dropping into a pool from an overhanging branch, and you hear a 'sploosh' as the lizard drops into the water. The only other time I have been able to photograph a water dragon was in the recent drought when I came across a sad though large specimen above a pool of a few cm depth. I was able to get quite close, simply because there was nowhere for it to go. It seemed to be saying

'You can't see me, I am sitting here very still above this excuse for a water hole, and there is nothing I can do about it anyway. Take my photograph if you will, but then just leave me alone to contemplate the vagaries of the Australian climate'

In this case, the water dragon had got its head and front legs through a netting fence, but could not get the rest of its body at the pelvis through. We thought about cutting the fence, but no one had a pair of wire cutters - surprise, surprise!

Charlie showed his innate resourcefulness and deep knowledge of animals by putting his map cover over the head and upper body of the dragon, then gradually easing the lower half of its body through the wire netting. Didn't even scratch the skin. Once it was through, he pointed the map cover at the pool below, and fwooooshh! the dragon headed into the water at the speed of sound. Two seconds later it was invisible, under a rock overhang. Water dragons can stay underwater for an hour or more.

Rowleys Creek Grid Reference 891.50 855.31

DCP_2332 12:11

Crossing the creek

Charlie crossing the creek at a point just above the pool recently entered by the water dragon.

He seemed quite unfazed by his recent close encounter with the creature of legend. Luckily Water Dragons don't breathe fire. That's a vulnerable pose he's in at the moment!

Rowleys Creek Grid Reference 891.50 855.31

DCP_2326 12:04

Correa reflexa

Although there were no flowers for positive identification, this is almost certainly the local form of Correa reflexa, which has green flowers. Sadly the local form is not as spectacular as some of the brilliant red forms from the south coast of Victoria.

Rowleys Creek Grid Reference 891.50 855.31

DCP_2335 12:11

Pittosporum fruits

Pittosporums are one of the most difficult australian plants to propagate. Both the seeds and the cuttings can take years to germinate or strike as the case may be. There is a good market for anyone who can crack the code for making the rotten things cooperate.

Rowleys Creek Grid Reference 891.50 855.31

DCP_2336 12:15

Pittosporum tree/bush

David examining this specimen, within a few metres of the creek with the water dragon, looking downhill towards the creek.

Note the 'lizard stoppers' David is wearing covering his socks and the top of his boots. These are very useful for the sort of country we go through, where there is often a lot of grass seeds. I have had to actually throw away socks that have been totally covered with various burrs and grass seeds when I have forgotten my lizard stoppers. They are also great for keeping sand and gravel out of your boots when walking in the soft sand often found in the bottom of the gorge country here.

Rowleys Creek Grid Reference 891.50 855.31

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