Autumn

Habitat

Rain renews the bush; banksias start flowering, as well as some understorey plants such as correas and some wattles.

Marine

Baitfish move to the north of the Bay, which brings Little Penguins to feed on them. From April, longshore drift tends southward.

Frogs

Only the Common Froglet and the Southern Brown Tree frog are likely to be calling, if local ponds have enough water.

Reptiles

By late autumn, lizards and snakes start to hibernate.

Birds

Juveniles of Tawny Frogmouths and Eastern Spinebills disperse; Rose and Flame Robins arrive from Tasmania; Boobooks and Spiny-cheeked Honeyeaters may appear. In mid to late autumn, migratory waders head north.

Mammals

Brushtail Possums’ single young born (or in spring), spending 6 months in the pouch.

Winter

Habitat

Eucalypts, casuarinas, mistletoe and some orchids bloom. Fungi appear.

Marine

Gannets and Shearwaters active in squally weather.

Insects

Few butterflies active in the cold months, many insects over-wintering as eggs or pupae.

Frogs

Local ponds usually have water, but only the Common Froglet and the Southern Brown Tree frog are calling.

Birds

Small honeyeaters, such as Yellow-faced and White-naped may be more numerous, attracted by the flowering plants. Superb Fairy-wrens and Scrubwrens breed in local reserves. Silvereyes numerous, augmented by autumn migrants from Tasmania. Brown Thornbills breed.

Mammals

Ringtail Possums’ young born (or in autumn), usually twins.

Spring

Habitat

Many understorey plants and shrubs bloom, notably heath species, wattles and the Wedding Bush. Late spring, banksias produce cones.

Marine

From November, longshore drift tends northward.

Insects

Caper White Butterflies appear in large numbers some years, flying from northern Australia. Many more butterflies and other insects are active.

Frogs

Spotted and a few Striped Marsh Frogs join the frog chorus. The peak breeding season starts for the Common Froglet and Southern Brown Tree Frog. Pobblebonks call from late Spring.

Reptiles

Lizards and snakes come out of hibernation.

Birds

The peak breeding season starts for most birds, e.g. the Common Bronzewing. Migratory waders arrive back from the northern hemisphere.

Summer

Habitat

Some eucalypts still blooming, notably Peppermints and Manna Gums. Sweet Bursaria blooms. Many plants, such as wattles and native grasses, start setting seed which ripens through the summer.

Marine

Juveniles of Terns and other local seabirds disperse. Dolphins more frequently seen.

Insects

Butterflies in large numbers are active; Blue Flower Wasp males seek their mates. Cicadas call on hot days.

Frogs

Frothy egg masses of Pobblebonks coat some ponds. All local frog species calling. As ponds dry up, frogs bury in the mud.

Birds

Wren families foraging in the undergrowth. Some bird species raise a second brood if conditions allow; Swifts may flock for insects before summer storms.

References

Banksia Bulletins Articles by many local naturalists over the years.

Neale, Don & McDougall, Sue. Nature's Year in Sandringham. City of Sandringham, 1988.

We'd love to hear about your seasonal observations. Email us on info@bayfonw.org.au.