While working at my desk over the warmer months earlier this year, I would often notice a sudden outburst of alarm calls by the resident group of New Holland Honeyeaters (Philidonyris novaehollandiae, known as Bandin / Woorening in Noongar), and peer out the window to see what had disrupted them. At first I usually couldn't see any other animals, but as I watched the birds carefully, I noticed their attention was focused on the upper surface of a thick limb of the ornamental peach tree. Then I could usually make out a scaly head and the tip of a black tail, just visible from beneath, which told me the reptile's identity: a Black-headed Monitor (Varanus tristis).
On one occasion I crept outside and managed to take a few close images of this beautiful lizard (including the one above), before it scurried higher up into the tree and out of reach. You might remember my Mum taking some great photos of this same species (and possibly the same individual!) a few years ago, which prompted me to write a blog post called 'Goanna in the Roof'. Since that time, we've observed at least two different monitors entering and exiting the roof, and delighted not only at them continuing to find refuge in our house, but also because of the free rat control they are likely providing! Next week the Black-headed Monitor will feature in my upcoming Get Green article for the West Australian Newspaper's Ed! Magazine, as shown below (click to enlarge and read).
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