Welcome to the News section of the iNSiGHT Ornithology website (https://www.simoncherriman.com.au/). This blog contains updates about various things I've been up to, interesting environmental issues and observations I make regularly while going about my day. It is designed to be fun AND educational, and inspire you about our wonderful natural world. Happy reading!

Monday 25 October 2010

Goanna Burrow


I was thrilled to discover recently that a beautiful Gould’s Goanna (Varanus gouldii) has made a burrow at the edge of the brick paving on our verandah. This local reptile is relatively common in bushland around the Perth hills but I’ve rarely seen them in modified gardens (like ours) which are not adjoining bush remnants. This animal is quite young, maybe a couple of years old, and still has very vivid markings across his back.

I suspect this goanna dispersed from his nest in nearby bush as a hatchling and found our place had lots of plant cover, so decided to stay. Now he’s grown to a reasonable size and we’ve noticed him because he’s made his home very close to ours! Not only is it exciting to see this beautiful animal, but we know he will help us in the garden by eating many pest species like insects and mice. Goanna diet also includes other small reptiles and birds’ eggs.

Young goannas such as this are very wary around their burrows, and will sit at the entrance looking for danger before emerging. The slightest movement nearby can make them dash back inside for protection! If you catch them away from a burrow, they will rush away at great speed, which is why they acquired the nickname ‘Racehorse Goanna’.

I managed to snap this first photo of our fella from inside our lounge room, which allows you to get quite close without him seeing. Later in the afternoon I saw him in the garden bed a few metres from his burrow, and snuck slowly through the rocks with my big lens to grab a nice close head shot.
How cool is it to be sharing your space with such a beautiful reptile!




Tuesday 12 October 2010

PEAC Talk

 
Today I had the pleasure of giving an educational talk about Wedge-tailed Eagle ecology to a very bright group of Primary Extension and Challenge (PEAC) students at Clayton View Primary School in Koongamia. The small class was composed of students from a variety of schools in the eastern suburbs. They loved hearing about eagles and knowing that, not far away from the school, a pair of 'wedgies' were rearing a chick. We finished the day by heading outside to have a quick search for eagles, before it was time to head home. Working with and inspiring kids is a wonderfully rewarding experience and, as I'm discovering as an environmental scientist, an activity that is increasingly important for our environment.

Thursday 7 October 2010

891 ABC Adelaide


My first ‘PR’ session after winning the Australian Geographic Young Conservationist of the Year was an early morning natter to ABC Adelaide’s breakfast crew, Matthew Abraham and David Bevan. We were supposed to only have a few minutes, but this pair were so interested in eagles they ended up getting me talking for over fifteen!

My sincere thanks go to the guys for having me on and being so interested in eagles, and to the producer for allowing me to have a copy of the interview. If you’re interested in listening, click below to hear a recording of the interview.