Science & nature
Nature Notes: Stick insects, top-knot pigeons and the CoastSnap app

Influx of stick insects

There’s still a lot going on in the insect world. We’ve had a bit of an influx of stick insects around here, including Richmond River stick insects and the very lovely violet-winged stick insect, one of which I saved from a spiderweb on our back door, and a mating pair that fell from the sky and onto Matt while we were out walking! I absolutely love stick insects and don't think they get the love they deserve. 

Violet-winged stick insect. Photo: Amanda De George

Elvis is in the building

Well... the native pigeons that remind me of Elvis have arrived from up north. Top-knot pigeons move dependant on seasonably available rainforest fruits and we see them locally from around Autumn. Look up in the canopy as they are often seen flying in small flocks. Just a tip: they do like to visit the Wollongong Botanic Garden.

Top-knot pigeon. Photo:Amanda De George 

Coast Snap

Did you know you can help monitor the health of local waterways by using the CoastSnap feature at four locations in Shellharbour? Simply download the app, set your phone in the cradle at Windang Island, Warilla South Beach, Shellharbour North Beach and Shell Cove Breakwater, take a snap and that’s it!

Learn more here.

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