A small colony of koala reside around the Cape Paterson area, occasionally wandering into the environs of The Cape. Recent DNA testing of their poo has revealed the small population is the uncommon Strzelecki Koala, a genetically healthy sub-species of the genome. Cape Chatter Issue 92 looks at what these findings mean, and the measures being taken to help this species into the future. The plight of the local Common Wombat population is becoming a concern … but you can help by being observant … see how!  And we look at how the developing bio-diverse habitat within The Cape and work by residents and the developer is helping some of our threatened bird species.

This issue of Cape Chatter highlights a new snake species identified in The Cape, a Coastal Wattle that is providing an endless source of energy to our small birds and invertebrates, and the world of local rodents— there have been plenty of sightings of them over recent weeks.

An amazing Aurora Australis, a new secretive waterfowl in the wetlands, Flame Robins and hundreds of Grey Fantails ‘dancing in the air’ were highlights over the past week or so – nature just keeps getting better at The Cape!

There is something about this time of the year which I love … the loud sound of the waves cracking on the nearby surf beaches at night and the stunning ‘book-end’ landscape colours as the sun rises and falls—vibrant colours splashing across the waters and skies. Along with some rain, a bit of green has emerged after the dry summer invigorating the vegetation, the frogs are croaking, the insects are declining in numbers and the birds are on the move. April is a time of change—but nature still delivers in all its glory!

Easter greetings to all! The seasons are changing, and a little bit of rain will spruce up the garden making it a great time to check out how you can change things that aren’t working or planning if you are starting from scratch. This issue looks at how you can build a small ‘stepping stone’ of habitat (your own little garden wilderness) to help link up with the broader biodiverse habitat and landscape features of The Cape. By doing so, you may be able to attract small birds and other small creatures to your garden – and in doing so, connect and do your bit for nature.

With a very successful Hooded Plover breeding season along the Cape Paterson coast coming to a close, its time for a wrap-up of what happened and what was achieved. We also answer some of the questions we as Hoodie volunteers often get asked whilst out monitoring the birds on the beach. Hopefully this will further raise awareness and inform Chatter followers who happen to live here or visit this beautiful coast and often see these delightful shorebirds. Enjoy Chatter 87 – next Issue we will return to things ‘non-Hoodie’!

Cape Chatter is back for it’s fourth year—can you believe that! I hope you enjoyed the two Special Editions from the Sub-Antarctic Islands—a remote and beautiful location in the Southern Ocean, which we had the privilege to see. I had so many photographs that I just had to share a few of them!

But now, Chatter is back into the swing of things locally and I have spent a good many days on our beautiful Bunurong coastline monitoring the vulnerable Hooded Plovers with other devoted and passionate Hoodie monitors. Along with some successful vulnerable Latham’s Snipe surveys with other volunteers from the estate, there has been plenty happening in and around The Cape over summer.

Another special edition from the Sub-Antarctic Islands expedition before we resume our nature observations around The Cape in 2023 with more of Cape Chatter – lots of news around ‘Hoodies’, migratory Latham’s Snipe and all sorts of things natural! Enjoy!

In the southern latitudes of the Roaring Forties and Furious Fifties of the Southern Ocean, well south of the Australian mainland and New Zealand and north of Antarctica, lies a group of islands known as the Sub-Antarctic Islands. The last edition covered The Snares, Auckland Islands and Australia’s Macquarie Island. In this second instalment, we travel north-east of Macquarie Island into the Albatross Latitudes—the Campbell’s, Antipodes, Bounty and Chatham Islands of New Zealand. 

Something a little different to ease back into our 2023 observations at The Cape. This special edition is Part 1 of a trip to the Sub-Antarctic Islands of New Zealand and Australia last December. Next edition, we will complete the journey. Enjoy!

Blonde Wombats, a joey with attitude, a good Latham’s Snipe count and a tough start for the local Hooded Plover breeding season – it is all happening at The Cape. But a little bit of humidity brings out some interesting reptiles and some very colourful invertebrates. Enjoy Chatter No. 85.

Cape Chatter is taking a break for the remainder of the year and will return in early 2023 with hopefully lots of good news on successful mange treatment and some Hooded Plover breeding success along the Cape Paterson coastline!

Have a great festive season, keep safe and tread lightly!