Animals in Western Australia

Here are photographs of some animals found in Western Australia. Sheep, cattle and horses are all introduced species. Black swans are native whereas the white swans living in Northam originated in Europe. Seagulls and pelicans are somewhat universal. Quokkas are unique to Rottnest Island. Kangaroos and emus live all over Australia. Western Australia has some species introduced from Eastern Australia, notably kookaburras and rainbow lorikeets

Bees at Duncraig

This lot swarmed in about a week ago and then left a few days later. Spring is the time of year for migrating swarms when perhaps the home hive gets too crowded. There can be up to 25,000 bees in a swarm. Photo - October 2022

Black Swans on Lake Monger

A black swan skims along the water with an Australasian shelduck following in its wake on Lake Monger. Photo - October 2013

Cattle at Fairbridge

A herd of inquisitive cattle in a paddock east of the Fairbridge village. Photo - September 2006

Corellas at Carine

White corellas abound in Perth particularly in wetland areas such as Carine. They are very sociable and noisy birds which congregate in flocks of great numbers. This bird is an introduced species to the Perth metropolitan area (as is the Rainbow Lorikeet) but has adapted very well to the conditions and as such birds numbers are increasing. The corella is native to more arid areas of Australia and probably established in Perth through escaping from private aviaries. Photo - June 2014

Darter at Hillarys

Australian Darters can be found all along the coast and in the Swan River and a few lakes. A rather curious bird. Even though it is a water bird, unlike ducks it is not fully waterproof. You'll often see one of these standing on a rock or post hanging out its wings to dry. As this one is doing. Photo - January 2014

Egret at Lake Monger

A little egret, one of many native birds populating the Lake Monger area, tries to sneak through the rushes unseen. Photo - October 2013

Galahs at Swanbourne

A couple of pink and grey galahs foraging for seeds in the grass at Swanbourne. Photo - March 2014

Geese at Margaret River

A fine brace of common or pilgrim geese keep watch over the comings and goings at Cape Mentelle winery in Margaret River. Photo - December 2013

Horses at Mogumber

These Mogumber horses were very friendly today and I promised them I'd include their picture here. Nice view across green fields up to the low hills in the background. Photo - July 2012

Horses at Toodyay

A brace of Clydesdale horses offer a ride around the streets in their cart on the Moondyne Festival weekend. Photo - May 2015

Kangaroos at Hovea

Here are a few of the kangaroos that live at the rear of the Wildflower Tavern in the John Forrest National Park. Being spring, a few have joeys pouched. Hotel staff have just brought out a load of seeds for them to feed on. Photo - September 2013

Lizard at Penguin Island

Outside the Discovery Centre is a pleasantly treed and lawned picnic area with quite a few picnic tables. The picnic area faces east and is adjacent to a safe beach. Here is one of many long-tailed lizards which live here and they are quite bold and cheeky and will eat just about any food you drop. Photo - February 2012

Pelican at Woodman Point

A majestic Australian pelican bobs on the water just off Woodman Point. Photo - May 2012

Penguins at Penguin Island

A group of Fairy Penguins wait for their feed of fish in the Discovery Centre. They are fed three times per day. I assume these are orphaned or sick birds which are brought into the centre from the wild colonies for rehabilitation. Photo - February 2012

Quokkas at Rottnest

The most famous indigenous wildlife of Rottnest is the quokka, and here are a couple looking after each other in the grounds of a building on Digby Drive. Some days you come here and see none. Other days, dozens. There are a couple of quite plucky ones who scrounge around under the dining tables outside the bakery. Photo - January 2013

Sergeant Ants at Brigadoon

Sergeant ants like to build their nests in bush areas often at or near the base of a tree. The entrance hole is 5-6 cms across and the ants themselves are up to 2.5 cm long (one inch). Pretty big! The two ants in the picture seem to be entrance guards. If you disturb them, they can rear up as if they want to challenge or attack. A few other ants forage around a little further from the nest. Look but don't touch as they will bite. Photo - June 2015

Sheep at Claremont Showground

A pen of sheep at the show. These would have been brought in from the country for sale or to win a prize. Photo - September 2010

Stromatolites at Cervantes

Here is a close-up of a few of the stromatolites which exist in Lake Thetis close to Cervantes. They have taken thousand of years to grow to their current size and have been built by microbe sized organisms that live in the lake. Photo - January 2013

Terns at Scarborough

A pair of rather curious-looking greater crested terns on Scarborough Beach complete with their distinctive head tufts being blown around in the sea breeze. Photo - October 2012

Thrombolites in Lake Clifton

Thrombolites in the shallows enjoying a warm summer day. Whilst they might appear rock-like, they contain microbial communities which exist by photosynthesizing sunlight. The structures are formed by extracting calcium carbonate from the lake water. These are though to be around 2,000 years old. Photo - January 2014

Tortoise at Lake Monger

Today we crossed paths with a few long-necked tortoises which annually leave Lake Monger to lay their eggs. This one is on its way back to the lake. While rather ungainly on land, once in the water it moved swiftly and gracefully away. Photo - October 2013

White Swan at Northam

Back in 1896 a number of white swans were released on the Avon River in Northam. At one time they numbered a hundred or more. I only saw perhaps a dozen today but many I am sure were in other locations. The swans are protected and are a town tourist attraction. Photo - October 2012

(January 2021 update, it seems that there are only 7 swans left now)

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