Yesterday Bob H and I explored the ponds at Ellis Creek in Petaluma. We saw a Moorhen, Mute Swans, some ubiquitous Canada Geese and lots of other birds. Suddenly there was a ripple in the water as a duck-billed Platypus (ornithorhynchus anatinus) swam to shore and disappeared in the reeds. Fortunately I was able to capture a picture of the rare creature.
The Platypus is one of only three types of egg laying mammals in the world. It has a duck-shaped bill, webbed feet, a beaver-like tail and is covered in a dark brown insulation fur.
(The encounter reminded me a little of cryptozoologists' accounts of Bigfoot, or Sasquatch, sightings).
The Platypus is regarded as locally common throughout its range along the east coast of Australia, from north-east Queensland through to south-west Victoria and Tasmania. It is also found on King Island and on Kangaroo Island, where it was introduced. It is unique to Australia.
No comments:
Post a Comment