G’day, legends!
Today I found a doozy—stumbled across a bunch of turtles digging away like they were in the middle of an underground festival. These little critters were hard at work, making nests at the mouth of a weir. So, I thought I’d share a bit about these shelled wonders and how you can spot ‘em.
Turtling Around the Weir
Now, I’m no David Attenborough, but I do know a thing or two about turtles. These freshwater fellas are like the construction workers of the animal kingdom, using their hind legs to dig holes in the ground for their eggs. I had to stop and admire their technique—efficient, precise, and they don’t even need a shovel!
We’ve got about 23 species of freshwater turtles here in Australia, and most of them are what we call ‘side-necked’ turtles. Instead of pulling their heads straight back into their shells like your typical tortoise, these guys fold their necks to the side. It’s like a turtle version of the hokey pokey!
Meet the Locals: Eastern Long-Necked Turtle
One of the stars of todays show was the Eastern Long-Necked Turtle. These cheeky little guys are the contortionists of the turtle world, with necks that could give a giraffe a run for its money. When they’re feeling shy or threatened, they tuck their heads sideways into their shells—nature’s very own game of peekaboo.
Turtles on a Mission
These turtles weren’t just digging for fun; they were preparing nests for their eggs. It’s like the ultimate DIY project—no Bunnings needed! The female turtles lay up to 25 eggs, depending on their size, and then cover them up with earth. After a few months, the hatchlings break free and make a mad dash for the water. It’s a tough start to life, but those little battlers have the heart of a true Aussie.
Threats on the Horizon
Sadly, our turtle mates face some serious challenges. From foxes and pigs robbing nests to getting squished by cars when they’re out and about, life’s no walk in the park for these critters. Droughts, illegal fishing nets, and even plastic rubbish are also major threats. It’s enough to make you want to strap a GoPro to one of these little guys just to keep an eye on ‘em!
How You Can Help
So, what can you do to help our hard-shelled friends? Here are a few tips from yours truly:
Dispose of your rubbish properly—no turtle wants to mistake a plastic bag for a snack.
Slow down when boating over seagrass beds—give the turtles a break!
If you spot an injured turtle, report it to your local animal rescue group or NPWS office.
Closing Thoughts from the Weir
As I stood there watching the turtles hard at work, I couldn’t help but feel a bit of admiration for these ancient reptiles. They’ve been around for millions of years, and with a little help from us, they’ll be around for millions more. So, next time you’re out in the bush, keep an eye out for these incredible creatures and give ‘em a wave from me.
Catch ya later, folks! And remember, if you’re ever in the mood for an outback adventure, check out www.craigmuirlakehouse.com or give us a buzz at 0402606481. You never know what you might find out here in the wild!
#RussellCoight #OutbackAdventure #AustralianWildlife #FreshwaterTurtles #EasternLongNeckedTurtle #WhoopWhoopWalkAbout #BushSkills #Conservation #WildlifeProtection #ExploreAustralia #CraigMuirLakeHouse
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