Walking across the sanded-up mouth of the Shoalhaven River, I had already had an enjoyable morning photographing sone wading birds. Approaching the southern head of the river that was now sealed, and where the dune vegetation was taking root on the beach, I startled a Beach Stone-curlew when I must have appeared suddenly near it. The bird darted a few steps from cover and stopped, Every now and then it would make a single note call, but I did not hear a response. The bird and I stopped at our respective locations, looking at each other. I was worried that I would scare the curlew when I lifted my camera up to photograph but the bird stayed still, keeping an eye on me. I was excited that I was able to photograph this species but I was also trying to calm down and think about what settings I needed and the best angle to shoot. I was attempting to take photographs in case the bird flew off but I was trying to balance that with taking good photographs to record my first sighting of a Beach Stone-curlew. I enjoyed the chance to see such a beautiful bird so close up and that sighting made my morning. I hope that you enjoy the photographs below.
Looking from the blocked Shoalhaven Heads back to Mount Coolangatta
iPhone photo
The Shoalhaven River starts in the Great Dividing Range of eastern Australia before it flows through picturesque gorges and around many bends to flow into the Pacific Ocean east of Nowra. The river has two mouthes. One is the artificial Berry Canal that provides clear access from the river to the sea. The other is through the natural Shoalhaven Heads, which is intermittently closed to the sea. In early January 2024 the natural mouth was closed by a wide expanse of sand that looked like a permanent beach. The shallow slope facing the river was a haven for wading birds that had a wide area for food. I wasn’t paying attention to where I was walking and at one stage looked at Google Maps to find my location, which was across the river mouth from where I had started. A brief visual survey of the surrounds showed that I need not be worried about being cut-off from my car, the river was not going to breach that sand soon, indeed the tide was ebbing and more sand was becoming exposed.
Red-capped Plover
(Canon EOS 7D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 100, 400mm, f/8.0 and 1/400 SEC])
From a distance Red-capped Plovers (Charadrius ruficapillus) look like balls of sand running. So, when they stop and stand still, they appear like just a slightly darker colour of sand. There were a number of these birds that morning. They were in small groups and it often seemed that one of them was closet to me as a lookout.
Bar-tailed Godwits
(Canon EOS 7D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 100, 400mm, f/8.0 and 1/400 SEC])
Several flocks of Bar-tailed Godwits (Limosa lapponica) were gathered on the exposed sand. There may have been some godwits further out but the ones away from the water were resting. These birds undertake a long migration each year to breeding grounds in far the north of the northern hemisphere. The plumage of these birds in the photograph is the non-breeding plumage, and it would be very rare to see breeding plumage in Australia because this is not where the birds breed.
Gull-billed Tern
(Canon EOS 7D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 100, 400mm, f/8.0 and 1/400 SEC])
A lone Gull-billed Tern (Gelochelidon nilotica) was sitting on the sand. It appeared to be an immature bird and it kept its eye shut while I was photographing it. These birds are normally inland birds but in the non-breeding season they like the coast, especially lagoons, which the blocked river essentially was.
Little Tern catching a fish in the shallow water
(Canon EOS 7D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 250, 400mm, f/10 and 1/1250 SEC])
The beach included a roped-off section where Little Terns (Sternula albifrons) were nesting. Because of the need to feed young chicks there were a number of terns hunting fish in the quiet water of the blocked river. While the water looked shallow to me, it did not stop the birds diving, missile like, into the water. The bird would fly backwards and forwards over the water, before it hovered over a spot. It would hang in the air for a moment, its tailed bent downwards, its wings still beating but angled with the undersides almost to the front. The bird’s head was also looking down. In a blink the bird started a vertical dive, with its body dart-like straight and its wings slightly bent to give it stability. While it looked to be descending with great speed, it barely pierced the water but created a large splash before flapping its wings to start flying again, often skimming just above the water. Often it looked like the tern would miss its target and it would return to searching above the water. However, when a bird caught a fish it would fly to at low height back to the nesting area with the freshly-caught food.
Beach Stone-curlew
(Canon EOS 7D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 100, 400mm, f/8.0 and 1/400 SEC])
Walking along the narrow bit of sand between where the water was still lapping almost up to the roped off section, there were tussocks of grass and other sand dune vegetation on the small undulating ground. Because of those low plant-covered sand mounds a Beach Stone-curlew (Esacus magnirostris) probably did not see me until I was almost beside it. Once the bird detected me it quickly strode out from behind the low mound, only going a little distance. It made a regular one note call. It would look further out over the dune area towards the sea before gazing back at me. I stayed still, hoping that the bird would not fly away before I could photograph it. This bird is a bit of a rarity this far south although this one seems to have become a local, understandably because this sanded-up river mouth with its expansive sand flat is the ideal habitat. That said, it is threatened across its range because humans also enjoy the beach and much of our activity is destroying the habitat this curlew requires.
Eastern Curlew flying
(Canon EOS 7D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 400, 400mm, f/10.0 and 1/1250 SEC])
There must have been some Eastern Curlews (Numenius madagascariensis) further out on the exposed sand but I only saw them when they were flying overhead. This is another migratory bird that breeds on the Pacific coast of Russia and north-east China and flys to Australia in the non-breeding part of the year.
Little Pied Cormorant
(Canon EOS 7D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 100, 400mm, f/8.0 and 1/500 SEC])
A Little Pied Cormorant (Microcarbo melanoleucos) was hunting in the shallow water, that was less than knee deep but there were small schools of possibly mullet, as well as other animals so it was able to get a feed. Eventually it flew a short distance out of the water to a convenient bit of drift wood sticking out of the sand, whereupon the bird commenced the important business of preening its fathers. The tip of its beak acted like a comb as it attended to each feather on its wings. This is an important part of care for a bird, even though it will moult its feathers it needs to preen them regularly to keep them in the best condition for flying.
Australian Raven flying
(Canon EOS 7D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 400, 400mm, f/10.0 and 1/1250 SEC])
Three Australian Ravens (Corvus coronoides) flew into the area and immediately shore birds started calling, especially the Little Terns. A number of them also rose into the air like defending fighter aircraft meeting enemy planes. The shorebirds that were resting on the exposed sand flat also joined in the call but did not react. Birds make specific warning calls and it is likely that the shorebirds knew that the threat was not a threat to them but they repeated a warning or their version of it. The reason that the nesting terns were more aggressive in responding to the ravens was because ravens predate nests, taking eggs and young, so the terns as a group were responding to the danger. The ravens did not go after the nests but turned away and headed back inland.
Silver Gull
(Canon EOS 7D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 400, 400mm, f/10 and 1/1250 SEC])
This Silver Gull (Chroicocephalus novaehollandiae) may have had a fishing hook or lure in its beak. Initially when I walked past it, the bird flapped weakly and had trouble walking away from me. On my way back it was sitting further out on the sand and another gull was standing beside it, almost like the second bird was keeping the original gull company. The first gull stayed nestled on the sand. The photo may show a hook in the beak, I can’t be completely certain but the bird did appear not to be in the best health.
Smooth Handed Ghost Crab among the sand dune vegetation
(Canon EOS 6D Mk II with a Canon EF100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM [ISO 500, 100mm, f/18 and 1/500 SEC])
While photographing from the dunes a small movement of what looked like walking sand made me take a second look. It was a Smooth Handed Ghost Crab (Ocypode cordimanus) that was roving the sand and had moved to avoid me. The crab was not large, probably as big as my thumb. After that initial movement it froze in place, probably hoping that its colour would blend into the sand. As adults these crabs live out of the sea, making deep burrows in the dry sand of the beach which extend down to the water table. The crabs still need to return to the water to release their eggs but beyond that they exist in the sand dunes feeding on plant matter.
Cabbage White butterfly puddling on the sand of the estuary
(Canon EOS 7D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 100, 400mm, f/8.0 and 1/500 SEC])
I was surprised to see a Cabbage White Butterfly (Pieris rapae) flying low around me because I couldn’t see any flowers near by. However, it landed on the wet sand just beside the still water where it may have been puddling. I could not see if it dipped its proboscis into the sand but it was on the wet surface for a good minute. Puddling allows the butterfly not just to get moisture but also nutrients.
While at Shoalhaven Heads we stayed at the wonderful, historic Coolangatta Estate, a vineyard that offers accommodation in the original buildings from the first farm in the area. The property sits at the base of Mount Coolangatta, just outside of Nowra. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay in a very cozy room and the staff were so friendly and helpful. The grounds were beautiful and lush, making for a wonderful place for macrophotography.
Southern Water Skink
(Canon EOS 7D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 400, 400mm, f/10 and 1/640 SEC])
This Southern Water Skink (Eulamprus tympanum) was on the stone pavers just outside our accommodation but it was still in the shadow, so may be it was warm enough, rather than trying to obtain direct sunlight. The female gives birth to live young and she can regulate the sex of her offspring with how long she heats her body up in the sun. Scientists are unsure why the skink does this but they have noted that when there are less males around the mother will produce males, and if there are sufficient males, she produces females.
White-flecked Crevice Dweller on a curtain
(Canon EOS 6D Mk II with a Canon EF100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM [ISO 500, 100mm, f/18 and 1/180 SEC] with a Raynox DCR-250 Super Macro Lens and Canon 430EX III-RT flash)
This stunning little jumping spider, a White-flecked Crevice Dweller (Ocrisiona leucocomis), was perched on the white curtains on top of the air conditioner that was fitted to the top back window. The spider’s predominantly black body made it hard to miss on the white curtains, although the simplicity of the spider’s own black and white markings was beautifully subtle. This spider is more at home under bark than in a dwelling but I am glad that it came inside so that I was able to photograph it.
Wandering Vagabond
(Canon EOS 6D Mk II with a Canon EF100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM [ISO 100, 100mm, f/18 and 1/180 SEC] with a Raynox DCR-250 Super Macro Lens and Canon 430EX III-RT flash)
Most photos of the Wandering Vagabond (Opisthoncus grassator) that I came across show a normal colouration, where the spider’s hair is apparent, however, some photos, like mine, show the spider apparently encased in bronze or another shiny metal. When I saw this spider through the lens I was amazed at it shiny brilliance, I really wanted to take at least one good photo. I have seen other photos that show a similar colour but I have not found an explanation. It may be the angle of the photograph where the light strikes the skin surface and renders the hair almost invisible.
Small Striped Jumping Spider
(Canon EOS 6D Mk II with a Canon EF100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM [ISO 100, 100mm, f/18 and 1/180 SEC] with a Raynox DCR-250 Super Macro Lens and Canon 430EX III-RT flash)
This Small Striped Jumping Spider (Lycidas scutulata) was prowling the leaves. This is a very common jumping spider along the east coast of Australia.
Mealybug Ladybird
(Canon EOS 6D Mk II with a Canon EF100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM [ISO 250, 100mm, f/18 and 1/180 SEC] with a Raynox DCR-250 Super Macro Lens and Canon 430EX III-RT flash)
This Mealybug Ladybird (Cryptolaemus montrouzieri) was on one of the plants, crawling around the leaves. This ladybird, as its common suggests eats mealybugs so it is a beneficial insect to have around.
Spotted Amber Ladybirds mating
(Canon EOS 6D Mk II with a Canon EF100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM [ISO 250, 100mm, f/18 and 1/180 SEC] with a Raynox DCR-250 Super Macro Lens and Canon 430EX III-RT flash)
I first saw this pair of Spotted Amber Ladybirds (Hippodamia variegata) mating right down in the join of the leaves. The species is native to the northern part of the Eurasian landmass but has found its way to Australia where it happily consumes aphids and their eggs.
Spotted Amber Ladybird pupa
(Canon EOS 6D Mk II with a Canon EF100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM [ISO 250, 100mm, f/18 and 1/180 SEC] with a Raynox DCR-250 Super Macro Lens and Canon 430EX III-RT flash)
Later there was a very small, dark object on a leaf, that turned out to be the pupa of this ladybird. The pupa has a real H R Giger look to it, like an alien is about to burst forth, Although, I doubt the movie franchise Alien would have been as terrifying if the creature was the size of a ladybird.
Ladybird larvae
(Canon EOS 6D Mk II with a Canon EF100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM [ISO 250, 100mm, f/18 and 1/180 SEC] with a Raynox DCR-250 Super Macro Lens and Canon 430EX III-RT flash)
Ladybird larvae look nothing like the beetle that is so common and popular. However, the larvae would not look out of place in a horror movie as a creature designed to consume its slow moving prey, which indeed it is. These insects are great to have in the garden because they have evolved to eat aphids, which generally want to eat plants humans care about or want to eat themselves.
Variable Ladybird
(Canon EOS 6D Mk II with a Canon EF100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM [ISO 250, 100mm, f/18 and 1/180 SEC] with a Raynox DCR-250 Super Macro Lens and Canon 430EX III-RT flash)
The colours of the Variable Ladybird range from a red to a yellow but their common name comes from the variation in the black markings on their wing cases. These ladybirds are native to Australia and other countries have introduced them to help control plant pests.
Yellow-shouldered Ladybird
(Canon EOS 6D Mk II with a Canon EF100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM [ISO 100, 100mm, f/18 and 1/180 SEC] with a Raynox DCR-250 Super Macro Lens and Canon 430EX III-RT flash)
Yellow-shouldered Ladybirds (Apolinus lividigaster) are very small, only a few millimetres in length, so they are easy to miss. This one was wandering over a leaf, probably looking for aphids to eat. They are native to Australia and New Zealand and are a good insect to have in the garden to help control aphids in a natural way.
Green Mantid
(Canon EOS 6D Mk II with a Canon EF100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM [ISO 250, 100mm, f/18 and 1/180 SEC] with Canon 430EX III-RT flash)
This Green Mantid (Orthodera ministralis) was on a low shrub and it certainly knew that I was interested in it. The mantid tried to move away slowly when I was photographing it but then it stayed still folding its forearms and antennae under its body. This was probably a later instar, with a lovely pattern on its body, and its segments edged in a faint blue. This is a very common species on the east coast and when it reaches adulthood, possibly in a couple more mouldings, its wings will be fully developed reaching to the end of its body.
Passionvine Hopper
(Canon EOS 6D Mk II with a Canon EF100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM [ISO 100, 100mm, f/18 and 1/180 SEC] with a Raynox DCR-250 Super Macro Lens and Canon 430EX III-RT flash)
This Passionvine Hopper (Scolypopa australis) is a small insect, only a 5-6 millimetres long and it almost looks like a fleck of ash on a plant with its clear wings. They suck sap from more than just passion fruit vines. In a roundabout way they have been dangerous to humans in New Zealand where they arrived in the late 1800s thanks to humans. These hoppers produce a honeydew that bees like, which they in turn produce into honey. Unfortunately, if the hopper produces this honeydew from a certain toxic plant, the bees will consume it, without effecting them, and turn it into honey. Whereupon humans could harvest it with a fatal result. The last recorded case of a fatality was over a century ago but apparently this hopper still causes concern in New Zealand.
Brown Darkling Beetle
(Canon EOS 6D Mk II with a Canon EF100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM [ISO 100, 100mm, f/18 and 1/180 SEC] with a Raynox DCR-250 Super Macro Lens and Canon 430EX III-RT flash)
This Brown Darkling Beetle (Ecnolagria grandis) was paused on the leaf. It was probably not eating the leaf itself, it may have found a fungal growth to eat. They also eat dead plant matter so they are part of that army of small creatures that start the useful breakdown of dead things ensuring that the nutrients can be returned to enrich the soil.
Australian Velvet Ant
(Canon EOS 6D Mk II with a Canon EF100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM [ISO 100, 100mm, f/18 and 1/180 SEC] with a Raynox DCR-250 Super Macro Lens and Canon 430EX III-RT flash)
This mesmerising Australian Velvet Ant (Family Mutillidae) immediately caught my eye with its brilliant, shimmering blue colour. It was a reflective metallic blue treasure circling in the air around a plant. Its flying disturbed a second one which also took to the air. They did not fly far but circled around this plant, although they only rarely landed on it. I was only able to shoot one photo but I was amazed by the amazing colour of this little creature. Despite the name, these animals are wasps not ants. This was a male, because the females are wingless. This male was potentially waiting for a female to emerge so that it could mate. This wasp parasitises the nests of wasps, ants and bees but they don’t sting a victim, they use the sting for protection if it has to fight its way into a nest.
The weekend at Shoalhaven Heads was a wonderful interlude, where I was able to photograph some wonderful creatures. It was a relaxing time and there was amazing variety in a small area, and where a lot of the original vegetation was no longer there. I thoroughly enjoyed my time photographing the animals around the area and just the experience of being there.
Thanks for reading this post and thanks also for looking at my photos. I hope you come back again to read more about some of the wonderful natural things that the south coast of New South Wales has on offer. All the best until the next post.