Cee’s Which Way Challenge: No.2

Which way. Although the map will show them their migratory route the mutton birds know instinctively which way to go. The female lays her eggs in a ground nest made of twigs and grass. The female sits on her eggs for a couple of months in summer until hatching takes place. She then cares for her young for about three months when she leaves them in mid-April to fend for themselves. The chicks follow knowing which way to go instinctively, heading on their long migration to South East Asia. They will return in August, often to the same burrow to begin the cycle over again.

Mutton Bird Island is found at Coffs Harbour and is possibly the only accessible island for viewing not only the mutton birds, but also white-faced storm petrels and black winged petrels (who also nest on the island) and a large number of reptiles, and a vast wealth of indigenous history. The island has dreamtime stories attached to it about the moon falling into the sea. Only the elders were permitted to go there and the people believed that the moon man-guardian sent the mutton birds to provide food for the people.

Which way to the island is not a problem. A jetty extends from the mainland to the island making access very easy.

Rugged rocks, sparse vegetation is the impression as you near the island.

Where island meets sea beauty and life abound.

I’m looking for a nest. Perhaps this is one?

The views are wonderful.

What kind of reptile lurks here?

: © irene waters 2014

Thankfully only a blue tongue lizard.

On the island it is very clear which way you are to go.

Finally a bird. But no, it is not the Puffinus tenuirostris or short-tailed shearwater otherwise known as the Mutton bird.

http://ceenphotography.com/2014/01/22/cees-which-way-challenge-2014-2/

About Irene Waters 19 Writer Memoirist

I began my working career as a reluctant potato peeler whilst waiting to commence my training as a student nurse. On completion I worked mainly in intensive care/coronary care; finishing my hospital career as clinical nurse educator in intensive care. A life changing period as a resort owner/manager on the island of Tanna in Vanuatu was followed by recovery time as a farmer at Bucca Wauka. Having discovered I was no farmer and vowing never again to own an animal bigger than myself I took on the Barrington General Store. Here we also ran a five star restaurant. Working the shop of a day 7am - 6pm followed by the restaurant until late was surprisingly more stressful than Tanna. On the sale we decided to retire and renovate our house with the help of a builder friend. Now believing we knew everything about building we set to constructing our own house. Just finished a coal mine decided to set up in our backyard. Definitely time to retire we moved to Queensland. I had been writing a manuscript for some time. In the desire to complete this I enrolled in a post grad certificate in creative Industries which I completed 2013. I followed this by doing a Master of Arts by research graduating in 2017. Now I live to write and write to live.

View all posts by Irene Waters 19 Writer Memoirist →

10 Responses to Cee’s Which Way Challenge: No.2

andy1076 says:

January 23, 2014 at 10:35 am

Great shots 🙂 that lizard could be confused for a snake though with that head huh?

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- Irene Waters 19 Writer Memoirist says:
  
  January 23, 2014 at 10:40 am
  
  I have to say I was relieved to see the head. The photo above where it wasn’t visible I thought there was a possibility of a brown snake and those I’m not too keen on.
  
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  - andy1076 says:
    
    January 23, 2014 at 11:12 am
    
    That’s the last thing u want near you when you’re taking photos :O
    
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  - Irene Waters 19 Writer Memoirist says:
    
    January 23, 2014 at 11:18 am
    
    Too true.
    
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Cee Neuner says:

January 23, 2014 at 12:28 pm

Your sign and ways are cool, but the lizard is the best of all!!! 🙂 Thanks for playing with us.

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- Irene Waters 19 Writer Memoirist says:
  
  January 23, 2014 at 12:45 pm
  
  I enjoyed playing. Glad you liked the lizard. 😀
  
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scrapbookingraewyn says:

January 23, 2014 at 4:28 pm

Great photos. We have mutton birds too, down around Stewart Island. I am not so keen on the lizard though, looks too much like a snake. Eek. 😀

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- Irene Waters 19 Writer Memoirist says:
  
  January 23, 2014 at 6:02 pm
  
  I don’t know a lot about Stewart Island but I know there are several places they go. The lizard is harmless although can bite if corner but tries to scare with his blue tongue where possible. A snake is another matter altogether. 😀
  
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fictionfitz says:

January 23, 2014 at 9:05 pm

Very interesting.

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- Irene Waters 19 Writer Memoirist says:
  
  January 23, 2014 at 9:05 pm
  
  Thanks.
  
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