This bird is a Tawny Frogmouth Nightjar. They are often called owls as they are nocturnal. However, the frogmouth catches its prey with its mouth, not its feet as do owls. The frogmouth swallows its food whole, whereas an owl bites off chunks, starting at the head.
It was sitting on the fence of Badger Creek Primary School, possibly trying to catch moths and other insects attracted by the street lights.
When disturbed, these birds pretend to be a tree branch, and can be difficult to find in the day time.
Photo: K. Garth
This beautiful animal is the rare Leadbeater's Possum. Between 1993 and the February 2009 bushfires, we submitted sightings of this possum to the Victorian State Atlas. We discovered them at:
Badger Weir Picnic Area, Badger Creek (present over a 6 week period), possibly disturbed higher up by timber harvesting on a private property.
The Buxton Silver Gum Reserve, Buxton (burnt 2009), in Mountain Swamp Gum forest.
Yellow Dog Road, Marysville (burnt 2009), in tea tree, native beech and mixed species eucalypt forest beside the Steavenson's River.
The Beauty Spot, Marysville (burnt 2009), in mixed species eucalypt forest.
Whist it can be confused with the Sugar Glider, its tail is different and it does not glide. If you think you have seen this animal, please let us know. Now that it is listed as critically endangered, any sighting is of great significance to its long term survival. Photo: S. Baker
Badger Weir Picnic Area, Badger Creek (present over a 6 week period), possibly disturbed higher up by timber harvesting on a private property.
The Buxton Silver Gum Reserve, Buxton (burnt 2009), in Mountain Swamp Gum forest.
Yellow Dog Road, Marysville (burnt 2009), in tea tree, native beech and mixed species eucalypt forest beside the Steavenson's River.
The Beauty Spot, Marysville (burnt 2009), in mixed species eucalypt forest.
Whist it can be confused with the Sugar Glider, its tail is different and it does not glide. If you think you have seen this animal, please let us know. Now that it is listed as critically endangered, any sighting is of great significance to its long term survival. Photo: S. Baker