Platypus

[Ironwood]

We don't normally see the Platypus being active in our creek when it gets down low. Maybe the bits of rain we got over the last couple of days have stirred them up a bit, even though it wasn't enough to raise the water level noticeably.
I went for a walk this morning looking for birds, but had a pleasant surprise.
This is not cropped at all, taken @600mm.

[Toddyh]

Amazing. So rare to even see these guys let alone get a photo like this. Well done.

[Ironwood]

Thanks Todd. I am lucky because where I took this photo is about 30 meters from my verandah.

[wigz]

Very nice and filled the frame too. I think I'm doing well if I even see one. I managed to get a blurry low-contrast shot once.

[Ironwood]

Cheers Alan. Very elusive buggers they are. This is the best shot I have got in 14 years living here.

[eaglem]

A very good catch, was he hamming it up for the camera?

[Ironwood]

Maybe he was Eaglem, looks like he’s smiling for the camera to me

[Isac]

Marvelous shot Ironwood! I've never seen one in the wild, so this photo for me, would be something extremely special. Well spotted.

[Ironwood]

Thanks Isac. I see them here on a fairly regular basis, but it is still very special to me.

[Isac]

I reckon they know when you're pointing a big camera at them. They are very clever animals. A bit like a crow, they seem to know the difference between a stick and a .22 rifle.

[seaslug]

Good photo of it Brad.

The Tasmanian Arboretum is a great place to see platypus. I see up to 6 every week I work there.

[Ironwood]

Good photo of it Brad.

The Tasmanian Arboretum is a great place to see platypus. I see up to 6 every week I work there.

It must be a great place to work Greg.

[seaslug]

It must be a great place to work Greg.

The work can get a bit physical for an older guy, but unfortunately all of the volunteers are of a similar age group. Not sure what happens out there when we retire for good!

The environment is great and so is the wildlife.. and as Murphy's Law states,, the best shots go begging because that's when you are working and don't have the camera with you!

[Ironwood]

Hopefully the next generation will come along at the right time.