Our Lizard of the Week is the Burton's Legless Lizard.
Just like many other lizard species, Legless Lizards are often spotted in September when their breeding season begins.
The Burton's Legless Lizard is often mistaken for a snake at first glance - it's an easy mistake to make. However, the Burton's Legless Lizard is actually more closely related to geckos than to snakes.
There are key differences between snakes and this deceptive looking lizard. A good one to look for is the shape of its face. A Burton's Legless Lizard has a wedge-shaped snout that sets it apart from both snakes and other lizards.
The Burton's Legless Lizard is often mistaken for a snake at first glance, and it's an easy mistake to make. However, the Burton's Legless Lizard is actually more closely related to geckos than t...
The lizard of the week is the well known and well loved Blue-Tongue Lizard.
You will start to see blue-tongues in spring as they emerge from their winter homes to look for mates. They are only active during the day which makes them easy to spot.
While not venomous, they can give a painful bite with their impressive jaw strength. Picking them up incorrectly can also make them drop their tails. Although technically a defence mechanism to help them escape predators, tail loss isn't good for blueys. It is where they store water and nutrients for winter hibernation. A lot of energy is needed to regrow a lost tail.
Australia is home to six species of blue-tongued lizards. They are usually grey with broad brown stripes across their back and tail, and of course their most unique distinguishing feature is thei...
We must have blue tongues who mated early. Seen 2 babies this week. The things you do in isolation!
My late mother had one living in her mango trees for years. He became very tame over time and would not rush away when she came near.
I've had one living in the garden for a few years now
My mother took a tick off one once and the next day he had brought his mate to the back step to get his ticks off too
I have not seen one in my backyard since last year 😢
Saw one today in my front garden
Yes they are certainly making an appearance at the moment
We had one that hung around in our outside loo for years.
I haven't seen any in years boo hoo
B.. cats around us kill the ones here because irresponsible owners let them out.
My late father had a Blue Tongue regularly attack his Strawberry patch at . The holiday home. On the Mid North Coast of NSW .
Everytime dad found the Bluey in his Strawberry patch . He would give it a piece of his mind .
In return the Bluey would stick it's Strawberry flavoured tongue out at my father.
🤭
They love strawberries& tomatoes my lot
Yes on Sunday was a beautiful blue tongue sitting under my bird cage. I was really happy to see they are still around.
We have blue tongues living in our yard, often hiding under the leaves of vegetables. There s always a container of water out for them, which they seem to enjoy. Beautiful creatures
Love the blue tonges but when people let cats roam around they attack them and then they either leave or if they are hurt to bad they die
Already have them in my yard sunning themselves. They are so amazing.
I love the lizards I give them water and food when in my yard
Gutted to loose one to the hunting instinct of my dog a few days ago. So injured I had to put the poor lizard down. Cried. Any Ideas of how to keep blue tongues safe when they come into the yard?
We had one in a garden bed under bedroom window. Could hear him crunching on brown snails at night
We have them here and one very vocal one next to our deck.cant see it though
Gwen& Fiona definitely the dude we saw the other day sunning himself! Maybe he had 'dropped' his tail!
I had a female who had babies - in our yard-❤️unforgettable experience
Love our lizards. Haven’t ever seen one quite this colouring yet - here’s hoping.
I have mum and baby hang in my compost bin .. They get bananna pieces in summer time .. 🙂
Ashley De Souza I think the lizard we saw was a land mullet lizard. Blue tongues are a bit more stripey.
The Lace Monitor (or goanna) is our Lizard of the Week.
September is the start of breeding season for Lace Monitors - a time to find a mate and a termite mound.
During spring or summer, the female Lace Monitor lays 4 to 14 eggs inside a termite nest. The termites seal up the entry hole and the heat of the nest incubates the eggs.
While Lace Monitor parents help dig new hatchlings out of the nest, there is little parental involvement after that. Baby Lace Monitors hide in trees and put on aggressive displays to avoid being eaten until they have grown bigger.
Lace Monitors live in eastern Australian forests and coastal tablelands. They spend most of their time in trees, coming down to hunt for food and to breed. They move with sudden speed when threatened.
I have them living on my property, I saw one the other day about 1mtr long strolling past the loungeroom window, I have 7 1/2 acres but they like it close around the house.
Saw a beautiful one at Glen Eden resort in Perigian Qld last week 👍❤️
Lizz Fuller
#pedoharbour
#SaveOurChildren
Wait till the cane toads arrive... we have lost all ours...plus snakes, bandicoots, & native cats ( quolls).
Love them but not when they're heading towards a Kingfisher hollow. Must admit I've thrown a few rocks in the past.
We saw our first one today in my courtyard
We live at Glendon Brook and hav 2 a large and small Goannas on our property they sure do like our Chicken and Duck eggs ahggg do they keep the snakes away as we didn't c any snakes last summer but we had a snake about 1 month ago xx
They steal the eggs every year but, last summer a very big one tried to take my Chinese Silky luckily my son saved her.
Had one pop into one of the birdboxes in a backyard tree. Luckily the resident possum wasn't home at the time. While LM was out + about hubby blocked up the entrance + eventually he left for greener pastures!
Really pretty lizards but don't muck about with them.
They have formidable claws, use their tails like whips and can be quite agressive.
Why the name change from Goanna to Lace Monitor?
Beautiful creatures
Gorgeous!
Gorgeous
Beautiful animals
Havnt seen any yet
Thy are very cruel
David Arnold, show Harry
Go Anna!!!
Rather that than a snake !!!
You won’t love them if you have chooks they like the eggs and are very clever at finding a way to get them
😃
Bush Tucker Great Chewing Mate
Have had many encounters with these guys.. i so respect them..and like them..even though they have been right shites over many years.. one wee one used to come into the hut where i was living and i always made sure there was water for him..he was very gentle and intelligent...and legs..i like legs...ipso facto..do NOT welcome snakes..lol.
National Threatened Species Day is commemorated across Australia to raise awareness of plants and animals at risk of extinction.
The day also celebrates the amazing work that is being done to save them by passionate conservationists, researchers, volunteers, and community experts.
Hey Dad - we think you’re possum! …Oh, we mean awesome! To all the awesome possum dads out there, Happy Father’s Day! From the @parks_foundation team 💚 . . . #fathersday#fnpw#backyardbuddies#possum 📸 by Andrew Mercer ... See MoreSee Less
Insect Month closes with everyone's favourite symbol of summer - the cicada.
The team at Cicadarama are expecting a bumper Australian cicada season this year. Follow their page to take part in cicada citizen science and buy cicada merchandise.
Australia is home to the richest diversity of cicadas on the planet, with 350 named species and another 400 waiting to be scientifically described. Experts believe there could be as many as 1000 species across Australia.
Think you know (and hate) wasps? Think again! Wasps can be interesting and helpful Backyard Buddies.
Female Mud Wasps make mud tunnels as nests for their babies (larvae). Mother wasps hunt and paralyse spiders, then seal them into the mud nests for their larvae to eat.
Many people find old, crumbled mud tunnels (full of spider bodies) around their house and garden. Next time you see one you will know who it belonged to!
Mud Wasps are not aggressive and will only sting if handled.
These wasps are good for your plants too. Adult Mud Wasps feed on nectar and pollen from flowers and native plants. In doing so, they are great pollinators.
If you hear a wasp buzzing loudly in your garden or find a wasp's nest under your eaves or attached to your house or shed, don't panic. They may be Mud dauber Wasps which look a bit scary with their b...
Love mud wasps, worth leaving wet mud around for them. They just need a puddle. Only the paper wasps are persona non grata around the house, but welcome to the forest.
I have never been bitten by a mud wasp despite always having them around,bitten more than once however by paper wasps and the occasional bee.try to keep the paper wasps up high and out of any shrubs that you can inadvertently brush as mere close proximity doesn’t appear to be enough to provoke an attack.basically happy to coexist with most critters.
They have been a little quite around here lately
Otherwise known as 'Dump trucks' for the amount of dirt they move
I prefer spiders. My home is spider friendly.
When I was sick I watched a mud wasp build a nest above my head ( no fly screens ) while lying in bed .😂🐩
Very interesting thankyou.
I don't hate wasps.....
.....paper wasps have to live somewhere else, but I don't hate them
Great piece of info to share
Love dangly leg mud wasps, I think my house is made of mud under the bricks..... 🤣😂🤣They come every year, I have almost convinced my grandchildren that they are good wasps.
Yeah I do
They kill or the spiders
Interesting but I don't like them
Stuff That
And of course, they sting bigtime! 🙂
Who knew
I hate European wasps! Mud wasps though are cute 💛
I like them, if you try and get rid of them thats when they go for you. They were in several potplants on my verandah and we just left them alone, none of us got stung, used to come every year.
I’ve never had a problem with them, and they are welcome in my garden, yes they do sting and it’s hurts, but when they feel threatened, and yes I was stung once by one who was dragging a spider and I nearly stood on it.
WHITE ANGLO SAXON PROTESTANTS ?
But they sting !!!!
It's dead is it?
Mud wasps make homes for their young in your air compressor and other electric tools , good luck repairing them and also they make your house look ugly with large clumps of clay mud thats very difficult to get off 😡
Oh really.
The sure make a mess and I get rid of them
❓❓❓Have you ever seen a Praying Mantis? Or their distinctive egg case?
The Praying Mantis is a common Backyard Buddy with large, googly eyes and powerful front legs. They use their raptorial (prey catching) front legs to snatch and hold other small animals.
The name ‘praying’ originates from the pose they hold their front legs in – as if they were praying.
There are approximately 150 species of Praying Mantis in Australia. They belong to a family of insects called Mantidae, or mantids.
See the comments below for a photo of a Praying Mantis egg case. Their egg case is a spongey cube, often seen attached to sticks or window sills. Hundreds of baby mantid nymphs can hatch out of one egg case. They look cute but don't be fooled, they will happily eat their siblings if hungry enough!
You may see them in the grass, among leaves, on walls, near lights at night or in your veggie patch. Wherever there are insects to eat you might find a mantid.
I had a mantid eggcase on my clothesline and it hatched in front of me. It was amazing...hundreds of tiny praying mantis emptying out. I caught all I could and put them safely in the garden.
We had one on our window in Hedland, the kids would check it each day as we had a window seat (ha ha so to speak) it was beautiful to watch and when it they hatched out and all the babies spread across the window, twas a beautiful sight.🤗🤗
I was watching a pair of Mantids in the garden of my home mateing, next thing she turns her head around and bit his head clean off, I watched stunned as she chewed on it! That’s nature for you!
I saw the first one in a lot of years last month,it was clinging onto a piece of carpet that was outside,other than that,we used to have a fern growing outside the lounge room,could always find one there.:)
They are curious. I try to get close up for photos and they jump onto the camera, lol, when I'm not ready. 😁
Unlike birds, bees don't need you to get out your hammer and saw and spend an afternoon in the shed. Bee hotels are much easier to make than bird houses. Native Australian bees are mostly solitary and...
Have you ever lifted a pot plant or scraped back some mulch and found some curious little 'Roley Poley' bugs underneath?
These are slaters, also known as Roley Poleys, Pill Bugs, or Wood Lice. Just like worms, slaters are great for your garden as they eat organic matter and return nutrients to the soil. Having a few slaters around will keep your plants happy and healthy.
Have you ever lifted a pot plant or scraped back some mulch and found some curious little 'Roley Poley' bugs underneath? These are slaters, also known as Roley Poleys, Pill Bugs, or Wood Lice.
Said to be more closely related to prawns than insects.
I have seen them, but not for many years!
Leona Lewis
Chickens LOVE them
I’m really over them .... they all come streaming into my house. Why ?
Process nasty chemicals too
From memory as a kid another name was butcher boys
Used to love these as a kid as not afraid to pick them up, really cute 🙂
They do a great job of my chooks don’t eat them
They eat around the base of young plants and 🍅
They love my mulch heap!
Cool little beasties. They have gills too.
Thay R Yummy AS Salt Pepper
Often wondered whether they were friends or foes,as a lazy gardener they have never been under threat from me now I can be happy knowing that they are friends.
Lovely articulated "plates".
So long as you can keep them off your seedlings.
Kind of cute looking little things 😘❤
Thought it was a miniature Pandolin
Really?? During drought conditions they ring barked at the base a row of bush beans etc.
I love slaties, always have.
Lucky me, I have thousands!
Have always loved these little critters!!!
Sandra Baron
Con Tsolakis
Nan called them devil devils,we have millions ,everytime big rain is coming they streem up the hill in a big wave and pile up on our block walls
Ladybirds (or ladybugs or ladybeeetles) are very common in gardens all around Australia. There are about 6,000 species of ladybird in the world, with around 500 species in Australia.
🐞 Come in many colours:
You might think of ladybirds as being red or orange with black spots, but they can be many different colours - some are all one colour, some are striped and some are even hairy!
🐞 Great for the garden:
Ladybirds love to eat garden pests like aphids, mites and scale insects.
🐞 Where to look for ladybirds:
Ladybirds are often seen on rose bushes, feasting on aphids. Planting herbs like coriander, fennel and dill will help to attract ladybirds.
Ladybirds are great to have as buddies in your backyard. In many cultures they are considered so lucky that killing one will bring sadness and misfortune.
Today 2 August is National Tree Day . National Tree Day calls for all Australians to give back to their community by planting trees and shrubs to improve the natural environment, which helps our Backyard Buddies to survive and thrive . If you are not able to plant a tree yourself, a donation of $10 to @parks_foundation will help plant and maintain one tree to regenerate affected land and create/restore wildlife habitats as part of our Plant A Tree For Me! initiative . Learn more about Plant A Tree For Me! by clicking the link in bio or by visiting www.plantatreeforme.org.au/ . . . #NationalTreeDay#PlantATreeForMe#HealingOurLand#fnpw#backyardbuddies... See MoreSee Less
Five days after recording Georgie’s disappearance, Sydney Wildlife got a call from St Ives Vet Surgery about beautiful green parrot that has just been found.
Vesna Antic couldn’t believe her eyes when she saw the video and photos taken by St Ives Veterinary Surgery - Georgie had travelled 35 kilometres! Watch the video to hear Georgie telling the vets his name
The first thing Georgie did when he got home was have some cuddles and a bath (see pictures in comments).
Today's Wildlife Rescue Month story proves there's no such thing as too many Tawny Frogmouths.
Victoria's Bush Babies Wildlife Shelter took SIX Tawny Frogmouths into care over the course of a few very hot days in January.
Each of the six were found in different locations by good hearted members of the public. The birds were all found on the ground showing signs of exhaustion - the intense heat was too much for them.
Leanne from Bush Babies said that "within hours of them meeting in the shelter aviary, they were snuggled up together."
"We adore caring for these amazing birds, they all have unique personalities and are so gentle."
So why is there only five tawnies featured in this photo? Leanne says that one absolutely refused to have his picture taken!
We taised one, that fell oit of a tree in oir yard. Got it
back to the mother when it started flying. Named it Oscar, after the kid's show character. Answered to his name for years!!.
Claire Brinkmann
Fantastic!! love Tawny's, absolutely one of my fav's
We had a big jacaranda tree in our back yard in a former house we had. Every year they (the owls) would build their nest in it. They make terrible nest and as a result some fall out. We had one fall out but because the tree was so big we were unable to put the baby owl back but there were some nice people in the area that looked after wild life. They took the baby owl and when the owl is old enough they bring it back to area where it fell and I’m told they eventually end up with their family because they stay in the area. They are fascinating.
Just amazing, they are bonding so quickly with eachother. Amazing babies 🤗😄😆😚
That's adorable. Special special birds...they should be part of our national icon series.....
Oh those remarkable eyes. Love all owls!!🌻💛🦉
We are building nest boxes and would like to build one for these gorgeous birds. What dimensions do they need?
A pair in my local park... Mostly in the same tree, same branch every day
One of my favorite birds! Love their expressions!
I love this photo! The front row are a riot ❤️❤️
Never too many. Such cool birds.
Love these birds, so much expression 🥳
LOVE tawnies!! My favourite birds- along with the clowns of the cocky world- sulphurs!! Xxxx
Used to get Tawny’s when we had the house at Molendinar.😁
I love the expressions on their faces 😄
They are so very beautiful
Just love their facial expressions
I can imagine what number six was like 💕
The only Parliament I really like. So beautiful.
Top two don't look too pleased either!
Oh I love Owls 🦉
Amazing expressions! 👍👍👍
They look little know alls🥰🤠🤠
Sue Pollock they are gorgeous thank you for sending them. X
Backyard Buddies
49 minutes ago
Our Lizard of the Week is the Burton's Legless Lizard.
Just like many other lizard species, Legless Lizards are often spotted in September when their breeding season begins.
The Burton's Legless Lizard is often mistaken for a snake at first glance - it's an easy mistake to make. However, the Burton's Legless Lizard is actually more closely related to geckos than to snakes.
There are key differences between snakes and this deceptive looking lizard. A good one to look for is the shape of its face. A Burton's Legless Lizard has a wedge-shaped snout that sets it apart from both snakes and other lizards.
#lizardmonth #leglesslizards ... See MoreSee Less
Burton's Legless Lizard
www.backyardbuddies.org.au
The Burton's Legless Lizard is often mistaken for a snake at first glance, and it's an easy mistake to make. However, the Burton's Legless Lizard is actuallymore closely related to geckos than t...
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As if on cue, here's one that appeared between my feet about a week ago. I knew what it was almost immediately, but still made my heart skip a beat!
Backyard Buddies
1 week ago
The lizard of the week is the well known and well loved Blue-Tongue Lizard.
You will start to see blue-tongues in spring as they emerge from their winter homes to look for mates. They are only active during the day which makes them easy to spot.
While not venomous, they can give a painful bite with their impressive jaw strength. Picking them up incorrectly can also make them drop their tails. Although technically a defence mechanism to help them escape predators, tail loss isn't good for blueys. It is where they store water and nutrients for winter hibernation. A lot of energy is needed to regrow a lost tail.
#bluetonguelizard #lizardmonth ... See MoreSee Less
Blue-tongued Lizard
www.backyardbuddies.org.au
Australia is home to six species of blue-tongued lizards. They are usually grey with broad brown stripes across their back and tail, and of course theirmost unique distinguishing feature is thei...
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We must have blue tongues who mated early. Seen 2 babies this week. The things you do in isolation!
My late mother had one living in her mango trees for years. He became very tame over time and would not rush away when she came near.
I've had one living in the garden for a few years now
My mother took a tick off one once and the next day he had brought his mate to the back step to get his ticks off too
I have not seen one in my backyard since last year 😢
Saw one today in my front garden
Yes they are certainly making an appearance at the moment
We had one that hung around in our outside loo for years.
I haven't seen any in years boo hoo
B.. cats around us kill the ones here because irresponsible owners let them out.
My late father had a Blue Tongue regularly attack his Strawberry patch at . The holiday home. On the Mid North Coast of NSW . Everytime dad found the Bluey in his Strawberry patch . He would give it a piece of his mind . In return the Bluey would stick it's Strawberry flavoured tongue out at my father. 🤭
They love strawberries& tomatoes my lot
Yes on Sunday was a beautiful blue tongue sitting under my bird cage. I was really happy to see they are still around.
We have blue tongues living in our yard, often hiding under the leaves of vegetables. There s always a container of water out for them, which they seem to enjoy. Beautiful creatures
Love the blue tonges but when people let cats roam around they attack them and then they either leave or if they are hurt to bad they die
Already have them in my yard sunning themselves. They are so amazing.
I love the lizards I give them water and food when in my yard
Gutted to loose one to the hunting instinct of my dog a few days ago. So injured I had to put the poor lizard down. Cried. Any Ideas of how to keep blue tongues safe when they come into the yard?
We had one in a garden bed under bedroom window. Could hear him crunching on brown snails at night
We have them here and one very vocal one next to our deck.cant see it though
Gwen& Fiona definitely the dude we saw the other day sunning himself! Maybe he had 'dropped' his tail!
I had a female who had babies - in our yard-❤️unforgettable experience
Love our lizards. Haven’t ever seen one quite this colouring yet - here’s hoping.
I have mum and baby hang in my compost bin .. They get bananna pieces in summer time .. 🙂
Ashley De Souza I think the lizard we saw was a land mullet lizard. Blue tongues are a bit more stripey.
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Backyard Buddies
2 weeks ago
The Lace Monitor (or goanna) is our Lizard of the Week.
September is the start of breeding season for Lace Monitors - a time to find a mate and a termite mound.
During spring or summer, the female Lace Monitor lays 4 to 14 eggs inside a termite nest. The termites seal up the entry hole and the heat of the nest incubates the eggs.
While Lace Monitor parents help dig new hatchlings out of the nest, there is little parental involvement after that. Baby Lace Monitors hide in trees and put on aggressive displays to avoid being eaten until they have grown bigger.
#lizardmonth #lacemonitor ... See MoreSee Less
Lace Monitor
www.backyardbuddies.org.au
Lace Monitors live in eastern Australian forests and coastal tablelands. They spend most of their time in trees, coming down to hunt for food and to breed. They move with sudden speed when threatened.Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on Linked InShare by Email
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I have them living on my property, I saw one the other day about 1mtr long strolling past the loungeroom window, I have 7 1/2 acres but they like it close around the house.
Saw a beautiful one at Glen Eden resort in Perigian Qld last week 👍❤️
Lizz Fuller
#pedoharbour #SaveOurChildren
Wait till the cane toads arrive... we have lost all ours...plus snakes, bandicoots, & native cats ( quolls).
Love them but not when they're heading towards a Kingfisher hollow. Must admit I've thrown a few rocks in the past.
We saw our first one today in my courtyard
We live at Glendon Brook and hav 2 a large and small Goannas on our property they sure do like our Chicken and Duck eggs ahggg do they keep the snakes away as we didn't c any snakes last summer but we had a snake about 1 month ago xx
They steal the eggs every year but, last summer a very big one tried to take my Chinese Silky luckily my son saved her.
Had one pop into one of the birdboxes in a backyard tree. Luckily the resident possum wasn't home at the time. While LM was out + about hubby blocked up the entrance + eventually he left for greener pastures!
Really pretty lizards but don't muck about with them. They have formidable claws, use their tails like whips and can be quite agressive.
Why the name change from Goanna to Lace Monitor?
Beautiful creatures
Gorgeous!
Gorgeous
Beautiful animals
Havnt seen any yet
Thy are very cruel
David Arnold, show Harry
Go Anna!!!
Rather that than a snake !!!
You won’t love them if you have chooks they like the eggs and are very clever at finding a way to get them
😃
Bush Tucker Great Chewing Mate
Have had many encounters with these guys.. i so respect them..and like them..even though they have been right shites over many years.. one wee one used to come into the hut where i was living and i always made sure there was water for him..he was very gentle and intelligent...and legs..i like legs...ipso facto..do NOT welcome snakes..lol.
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Backyard Buddies
2 weeks ago
7 September is Threatened Species Day.
National Threatened Species Day is commemorated across Australia to raise awareness of plants and animals at risk of extinction.
The day also celebrates the amazing work that is being done to save them by passionate conservationists, researchers, volunteers, and community experts.
Check out the video 👇which highlights this important work. #threatenedspeciesday #SavingOurSpecies #K2W #fnpw ... See MoreSee Less
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Backyard Buddies
2 weeks ago
Hey Dad - we think you’re possum! …Oh, we mean awesome!
To all the awesome possum dads out there, Happy Father’s Day!
From the @parks_foundation team 💚
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.
.
#fathersday #fnpw #backyardbuddies #possum
📸 by Andrew Mercer ... See MoreSee Less
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Bob Whittaker Liz Claire Paul Brendan ❤️
Backyard Buddies
3 weeks ago
September is a great month for spotting garden skinks, water dragons and blue tongue lizards.
Show your local lizards some love with these top tips for creating a lizard friendly garden
#lizardmonth ... See MoreSee Less
Create a Lizard Friendly Garden
www.backyardbuddies.org.au
Blue tongues, skinks, water dragons, and other lizards are fantastic buddies to encourage in your backyard.Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on Linked InShare by Email
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Saw abig water dragon down at Evans.He was looking at the t shirts with fish on them in the shop window.
I have a lizard friendly home 😉
I need one for the snails . My last home had lots, in under the door. So funny on the wooden floor...
Caught a Bluetongue eating my strawberries. Ah well I'll just get mine at the supermarket again. Don't grudge them.
Can you guarantee this will encourage Greg 'Goanna' Ingliss into my back yard, cos THAT would be great. Ron Goodhill
My son loves all the lizards visting.
Great like
Just keep the cats away at they will kill the lot.
Nancy always had these creatures in her garden❤️
We have many lizards, small and large in our gardens. There s always a container of water out for them.
And snakes.
Love
Mooloolaba. My dog just loves stalking them!! (I don’t let him get close!!)
We love our Blueys we had several babies last Summer. Big mumma is still with us.
Don't forget the snakes they are out and about now.
First sighting for the season
My 8yr old daughter created this lizard home, plus we have various logs placed around for them
One of several Bluetongues in my garden
Def on the move in the burbs!!!
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Backyard Buddies
3 weeks ago
Happy National Wattle Day!
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Acacia, known commonly as acacia or wattle, is a genus of shrubs and trees. Wattle is loved and needed by our buddies such as the Wedge-tailed Eagle, Quokka and Orange-bellied Parrot.
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Read more about these special shrubs and the buddies that need them at www.plantatreeforme.org.au/habitats/acacia (link in @parks_foundation bio)
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#wattle #NationalWattleDay #acacia #fnpw #backyardbuddies ... See MoreSee Less
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Liz Whittaker
🐝 love it too
Is it all so national hayfever day?
Backyard Buddies updated their cover photo.
3 weeks ago
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Indeed it is. A magnificent Bluetongue visited our yard just today.
Yep!! Cant wait for my babies to come out of hibernation.!
We released three newly hatched lace monitors today 2/9/2020 With it being lizard month hope it's a good omen for them.
Billy Bartram Shantani Davis
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Backyard Buddies
3 weeks ago
Insect Month closes with everyone's favourite symbol of summer - the cicada.
The team at Cicadarama are expecting a bumper Australian cicada season this year. Follow their page to take part in cicada citizen science and buy cicada merchandise.
Australia is home to the richest diversity of cicadas on the planet, with 350 named species and another 400 waiting to be scientifically described. Experts believe there could be as many as 1000 species across Australia.
#insectmonth #cicadas ... See MoreSee Less
Cicadarama
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Cicada ecology research, community outreach & education run by a small Sydney-based team. Join our citizen science project tinyurl.com/y78qqkqqShare on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on Linked InShare by Email
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Thanks for the shout out! Silver princess cicadas (Yoyetta celis) might be heard any day now 😀
Backyard Buddies
4 weeks ago
Insect of the week: Mud Wasps
Think you know (and hate) wasps? Think again! Wasps can be interesting and helpful Backyard Buddies.
Female Mud Wasps make mud tunnels as nests for their babies (larvae). Mother wasps hunt and paralyse spiders, then seal them into the mud nests for their larvae to eat.
Many people find old, crumbled mud tunnels (full of spider bodies) around their house and garden. Next time you see one you will know who it belonged to!
Mud Wasps are not aggressive and will only sting if handled.
These wasps are good for your plants too. Adult Mud Wasps feed on nectar and pollen from flowers and native plants. In doing so, they are great pollinators.
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Mud Wasps
www.backyardbuddies.org.au
If you hear a wasp buzzing loudly in your garden or find a wasp's nest under your eaves or attached to your house or shed, don't panic. They may be Mud dauber Wasps which look a bit scary with their b...Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on Linked InShare by Email
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Love mud wasps, worth leaving wet mud around for them. They just need a puddle. Only the paper wasps are persona non grata around the house, but welcome to the forest.
I have never been bitten by a mud wasp despite always having them around,bitten more than once however by paper wasps and the occasional bee.try to keep the paper wasps up high and out of any shrubs that you can inadvertently brush as mere close proximity doesn’t appear to be enough to provoke an attack.basically happy to coexist with most critters.
They have been a little quite around here lately
Otherwise known as 'Dump trucks' for the amount of dirt they move
I prefer spiders. My home is spider friendly.
When I was sick I watched a mud wasp build a nest above my head ( no fly screens ) while lying in bed .😂🐩
Very interesting thankyou.
I don't hate wasps..... .....paper wasps have to live somewhere else, but I don't hate them
Great piece of info to share
Love dangly leg mud wasps, I think my house is made of mud under the bricks..... 🤣😂🤣They come every year, I have almost convinced my grandchildren that they are good wasps.
Yeah I do
They kill or the spiders
Interesting but I don't like them
Stuff That
And of course, they sting bigtime! 🙂
Who knew
I hate European wasps! Mud wasps though are cute 💛
I like them, if you try and get rid of them thats when they go for you. They were in several potplants on my verandah and we just left them alone, none of us got stung, used to come every year.
I’ve never had a problem with them, and they are welcome in my garden, yes they do sting and it’s hurts, but when they feel threatened, and yes I was stung once by one who was dragging a spider and I nearly stood on it.
WHITE ANGLO SAXON PROTESTANTS ?
But they sting !!!!
It's dead is it?
Mud wasps make homes for their young in your air compressor and other electric tools , good luck repairing them and also they make your house look ugly with large clumps of clay mud thats very difficult to get off 😡
Oh really. The sure make a mess and I get rid of them
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Backyard Buddies
1 month ago
Spring is just around the corner and for some cicadas it is finally time to emerge from underground, break out of their shell and start singing.
Thanks They Can Talk for this tribute to the cicadas of 2020!
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Kumala Moir 😂😂😂
I have fond memories of Cicadas in Armidale. NSW.when I was a child.Always excited to see the empty shells hanging on the Pine Trees.
Ben Moore lol
There were huge ones in Sydney’s suburbs m.youtube.com/watch?v=7gqcfO9nPbk
Backyard Buddies
1 month ago
Insect of the week: Mantids
❓❓❓Have you ever seen a Praying Mantis? Or their distinctive egg case?
The Praying Mantis is a common Backyard Buddy with large, googly eyes and powerful front legs. They use their raptorial (prey catching) front legs to snatch and hold other small animals.
The name ‘praying’ originates from the pose they hold their front legs in – as if they were praying.
There are approximately 150 species of Praying Mantis in Australia. They belong to a family of insects called Mantidae, or mantids.
See the comments below for a photo of a Praying Mantis egg case. Their egg case is a spongey cube, often seen attached to sticks or window sills. Hundreds of baby mantid nymphs can hatch out of one egg case. They look cute but don't be fooled, they will happily eat their siblings if hungry enough!
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Mantids
www.backyardbuddies.org.au
You may see them in the grass, among leaves, on walls, near lights at night or in your veggie patch. Wherever there are insects to eat you might find a mantid.Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on Linked InShare by Email
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I had a mantid eggcase on my clothesline and it hatched in front of me. It was amazing...hundreds of tiny praying mantis emptying out. I caught all I could and put them safely in the garden.
We had one on our window in Hedland, the kids would check it each day as we had a window seat (ha ha so to speak) it was beautiful to watch and when it they hatched out and all the babies spread across the window, twas a beautiful sight.🤗🤗
I was watching a pair of Mantids in the garden of my home mateing, next thing she turns her head around and bit his head clean off, I watched stunned as she chewed on it! That’s nature for you!
I saw the first one in a lot of years last month,it was clinging onto a piece of carpet that was outside,other than that,we used to have a fern growing outside the lounge room,could always find one there.:)
They are curious. I try to get close up for photos and they jump onto the camera, lol, when I'm not ready. 😁
My favourite insects
2 yeaps
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Backyard Buddies
1 month ago
🐝 Do you love native bees? Attract them to your backyard by building a simple bee hotel or 'air bee and bee'!
Bee hotels are easy to make using natural materials already found in your garden.
Make a beeline for the the Backyard Buddies website for bee accommodation advice and construction tips...
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Build a Bee Hotel
www.backyardbuddies.org.au
Unlike birds, bees don't need you to get out your hammer and saw and spend an afternoon in the shed. Bee hotels are much easier to make than bird houses. Native Australian bees are mostly solitary and...Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on Linked InShare by Email
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Is it safe to use offcuts from those timber that are treated but still safe for veges?
Jeanette Payne 🐝
Backyard Buddies
1 month ago
🐛🦋🐞🐜🦟🦗 SLATERS are our Insect of the Week!
Have you ever lifted a pot plant or scraped back some mulch and found some curious little 'Roley Poley' bugs underneath?
These are slaters, also known as Roley Poleys, Pill Bugs, or Wood Lice. Just like worms, slaters are great for your garden as they eat organic matter and return nutrients to the soil. Having a few slaters around will keep your plants happy and healthy.
Find out more on the Backyard Buddies website: www.backyardbuddies.org.au/backyard-buddies/slaters
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Slaters
www.backyardbuddies.org.au
Have you ever lifted a pot plant or scraped back some mulch and found some curious little 'Roley Poley' bugs underneath? These are slaters, also known as Roley Poleys, Pill Bugs, or Wood Lice.Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on Linked InShare by Email
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Said to be more closely related to prawns than insects.
I have seen them, but not for many years!
Leona Lewis
Chickens LOVE them
I’m really over them .... they all come streaming into my house. Why ?
Process nasty chemicals too
From memory as a kid another name was butcher boys
Used to love these as a kid as not afraid to pick them up, really cute 🙂
They do a great job of my chooks don’t eat them
They eat around the base of young plants and 🍅
They love my mulch heap!
Cool little beasties. They have gills too.
Thay R Yummy AS Salt Pepper
Often wondered whether they were friends or foes,as a lazy gardener they have never been under threat from me now I can be happy knowing that they are friends.
Lovely articulated "plates".
So long as you can keep them off your seedlings.
Kind of cute looking little things 😘❤
Thought it was a miniature Pandolin
Really?? During drought conditions they ring barked at the base a row of bush beans etc.
I love slaties, always have.
Lucky me, I have thousands!
Have always loved these little critters!!!
Sandra Baron
Con Tsolakis
Nan called them devil devils,we have millions ,everytime big rain is coming they streem up the hill in a big wave and pile up on our block walls
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Backyard Buddies
2 months ago
A chemical free garden is a healthy garden for you, your family and the animals that visit.
Backyard Buddies has some Insect Month tips to help you deal with garden pests and weeds - without harmful chemicals.
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Chemical Free Garden
www.backyardbuddies.org.au
A chemical free garden is a healthy garden for you, your family and the animals that visit. But you also want it to be free of garden pests and weeds.Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on Linked InShare by Email
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My backyard Magpies do a great job. Crickets and army grub gone. I NEVER use pesticides. This has given me some great tips. Thankyou.
The birds got rid of lawn beetle just fed them
Backyard Buddies
2 months ago
INSECT OF THE WEEK: Ladybirds
🐞 A common backyard buddy:
Ladybirds (or ladybugs or ladybeeetles) are very common in gardens all around Australia. There are about 6,000 species of ladybird in the world, with around 500 species in Australia.
🐞 Come in many colours:
You might think of ladybirds as being red or orange with black spots, but they can be many different colours - some are all one colour, some are striped and some are even hairy!
🐞 Great for the garden:
Ladybirds love to eat garden pests like aphids, mites and scale insects.
🐞 Where to look for ladybirds:
Ladybirds are often seen on rose bushes, feasting on aphids. Planting herbs like coriander, fennel and dill will help to attract ladybirds.
More information on the Backyard Buddies wesbite: www.backyardbuddies.org.au/backyard-buddies/ladybirds
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Ladybirds
www.backyardbuddies.org.au
Ladybirds are great to have as buddies in your backyard. In many cultures they are considered so lucky that killing one will bring sadness and misfortune.Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on Linked InShare by Email
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Liz Whittaker
We don't use chemicals and I water the garden regularly so they can have a drink. They're great little insects.
When I grew roses they were my best friends. Decimated the aphids
Always happy when I see them.
Backyard Buddies updated their cover photo.
2 months ago
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Just no murder hornets please
Can feel Spring in the air! Mickeys and Maggies collecting nesting material is a great sign!
Backyard Buddies
2 months ago
Today 2 August is National Tree Day
.
National Tree Day calls for all Australians to give back to their community by planting trees and shrubs to improve the natural environment, which helps our Backyard Buddies to survive and thrive
.
If you are not able to plant a tree yourself, a donation of $10 to @parks_foundation will help plant and maintain one tree to regenerate affected land and create/restore wildlife habitats as part of our Plant A Tree For Me! initiative
.
Learn more about Plant A Tree For Me! by clicking the link in bio or by visiting www.plantatreeforme.org.au/
.
.
.
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Liz Whittaker
Backyard Buddies
2 months ago
Wildlife rescue services go above and beyond to help, as this amazing story shows
When the Antic family lost their beloved Alexandrine parrot last week they were devastated.
They contacted every vet and animal organisation they could think of, including Sydney Wildlife (Sydney Metropolitan Wildlife Services), hoping that someone had seen Georgie.
Five days after recording Georgie’s disappearance, Sydney Wildlife got a call from St Ives Vet Surgery about beautiful green parrot that has just been found.
Vesna Antic couldn’t believe her eyes when she saw the video and photos taken by St Ives Veterinary Surgery - Georgie had travelled 35 kilometres! Watch the video to hear Georgie telling the vets his name
The first thing Georgie did when he got home was have some cuddles and a bath (see pictures in comments).
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That is amazing he has been found and returned! Wonderful for the family.
So glad he is safe and back home only if he could tell you what happened
Georgie ur a very lucky much loved bird 👍😃💚💙❤
What a great result!
Definitely their bird
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Backyard Buddies
2 months ago
Today's Wildlife Rescue Month story proves there's no such thing as too many Tawny Frogmouths.
Victoria's Bush Babies Wildlife Shelter took SIX Tawny Frogmouths into care over the course of a few very hot days in January.
Each of the six were found in different locations by good hearted members of the public. The birds were all found on the ground showing signs of exhaustion - the intense heat was too much for them.
Leanne from Bush Babies said that "within hours of them meeting in the shelter aviary, they were snuggled up together."
"We adore caring for these amazing birds, they all have unique personalities and are so gentle."
So why is there only five tawnies featured in this photo? Leanne says that one absolutely refused to have his picture taken!
Read more wildlife rescue stories on the Wildlife Heroes website: wildlifeheroes.org.au/stories/
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We taised one, that fell oit of a tree in oir yard. Got it back to the mother when it started flying. Named it Oscar, after the kid's show character. Answered to his name for years!!.
Claire Brinkmann
Fantastic!! love Tawny's, absolutely one of my fav's
We had a big jacaranda tree in our back yard in a former house we had. Every year they (the owls) would build their nest in it. They make terrible nest and as a result some fall out. We had one fall out but because the tree was so big we were unable to put the baby owl back but there were some nice people in the area that looked after wild life. They took the baby owl and when the owl is old enough they bring it back to area where it fell and I’m told they eventually end up with their family because they stay in the area. They are fascinating.
Just amazing, they are bonding so quickly with eachother. Amazing babies 🤗😄😆😚
That's adorable. Special special birds...they should be part of our national icon series.....
Oh those remarkable eyes. Love all owls!!🌻💛🦉
We are building nest boxes and would like to build one for these gorgeous birds. What dimensions do they need?
A pair in my local park... Mostly in the same tree, same branch every day
One of my favorite birds! Love their expressions!
I love this photo! The front row are a riot ❤️❤️
Never too many. Such cool birds.
Love these birds, so much expression 🥳
LOVE tawnies!! My favourite birds- along with the clowns of the cocky world- sulphurs!! Xxxx
Used to get Tawny’s when we had the house at Molendinar.😁
I love the expressions on their faces 😄
They are so very beautiful
Just love their facial expressions I can imagine what number six was like 💕
The only Parliament I really like. So beautiful.
Top two don't look too pleased either!
Oh I love Owls 🦉
Amazing expressions! 👍👍👍
They look little know alls🥰🤠🤠
Sue Pollock they are gorgeous thank you for sending them. X
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