The bite of winter has finally arrived and the lure of an open fireplace and the great indoors can be a little hard to refuse. But what if I told you there are two not-to-be-missed happenings in the animal world right now, and they’re both close to home? Grab your winter woollies and let’s explore.

Superb Lyrebirds’ incredible mating display

Lyrebirds perform their elaborate mating displays between May and August.

The males build mounds formed from freshly scratched earth and will have up to 20 of these throughout their territory. The mounds, about one to two metres in diameter, are the perfect platform to stand on and perform for females.

This is when the impressive tail comes into its own. The males lean forward, inverting the tail over their head while the large curled lyre-shaped feathers stretch out either side. He cycles through the songs of local birds and a series of mechanical clicks and shrieks while moving back and forward, doing his best to impress.

Where: Anywhere in the wet forest areas of our escarpment. Mt Keira Summit Park is a great starting point, as is Sublime Point. For an almost certain sighting, head to Minnamurra Rainforest.

Humpback Northern Migration

About 40,000 humpback whales are moving north to warmer waters to breed and calve. While they can be seen from around May through to August, we are in the peak of the northern migration right now. This means more whales, more chances to see them and so less time you’ll need to spend on a cold blustery headland. Win-win, right?

For big animals, whales can sometimes be difficult to spot, especially in the higher swell winter waters. Spend some time looking for the presence of ocean birds who often take advantage of any fish that whales might displace during feeding. Also keep an eye out for the blow, the misty, snotty exhalation as the whale breathes out.

Where: Fave spots include Bushrangers Bay, Shellharbour to get nice and close and Stanwell Tops for its expansive views.