The warmer months have been tough for many animals, but it appears the Short-beaked Echidnas are enjoying the drier conditions with near daily sightings of this remarkable Australian mammal wandering around The Cape. One individual in particular has taken to exploring the area around Moonshadow Ave and Sunlight Blvd (two main thoroughfares within the estate), getting up to all sorts of mischief among the home gardens. I have named this exquisite creature Captain Moonlight (a well known bushranger in Australian folklore), reflecting its reclusive nature, ability to escape from tight spots, and wide ranging movement among the coastal bush and around the estate. Read on to learn more about these unique creatures which we are so fortunate and privileged to see at close quarters within The Cape.
 

A recent observation of a dozen or so vulnerable Pacific Golden Plovers in a flock near the road verge of Wilson Rd at the west side of The Cape, signifies that there is an amazing natural wonder underway at the moment, literally beginning at our back door. A massive migration is in process, as thousands of migratory shorebirds start returning to their breeding grounds and leave our southern land to head way up into the northern hemisphere on exhaustive journeys. Coming the other way, one little winter migrant shorebird, the Double-banded Plover, is going against the grain—some visit our local coast from the south island of New Zealand to spend the winter here. There is so much ‘invisible’ activity in the air as ‘long haul’ birds make remarkable flights following established ‘flyways’. Most humans are probably oblivious to these grand feats of endurance and resilience—so let me share a little glimpse into the lives of some of our locals.
 

The dry weather continues to dominate the Bunurong Coast and the coastal environment is drying out even further. Indeed, it looks stressed. Gold and brown tones dominate the landscape—an unusual sight for this part of Victoria. We are starting to observe the impact the dry is having on the animals as they venture further afield to areas with water, or are at least moist, which provide the various food sources they require. Within the estate, home gardens are becoming more important and various small bush birds are regularly foraging for food and water beyond their native retreats. Larger mammals are also adapting to the situation by spending more time closer to the built up housing zones.