August brought Platypus month. I saw a volunteer opportunity in the paper to go and help survey platypus in nearby Coppin's Crossing. I've been lucky enough to see platypus in the wild three or four times before and I've always found it exciting seeing platypus plough a watery-furrow through the surface of a river or stream.
There were a number of dates and locations on offer and with Audrey away on school camp Eli and I headed out before school/work one morning and met up (at 7.30am) with a cheerful group (of around 10 others).
We were welcomed by a knowledgeable and enthusiastic host, from ACT Waterwatch. They led us from the car park, down through several fields to the river bank.
Eli and I were given a quiet stretch of river bank - around 40 metres (on the meandering Murribidgee river) and instructed how to look out for water movement or identify tell-tale platypus signs.
Many of Australia's native animals are fascinating and of course the platypus is no different - a mammal that lays eggs, with a paddle shape tail like a beaver but with a characteristic bill and webbed feet like a duck. It really is a slightly mixed up (albeit beautiful) creature.
The two of us maintained our watch, occasionally being thrown out by floating twigs or small fish which occasionally plopped out of the surface of the water. At one point an inquisitive kangaroo loped into view on the opposite bank and the three of us watched each other for a while until it scrambled up the hill in search of more tender grass.
Our tranquil hour reached its end. Unfortunately no platypus were spotted and when we met up with the others who had been placed along the entire stretch it was disappointing to hear that no one else had spotted anything either.
Although some of our earlier enthusiasm was dented, we all agreed it had been a pleasant start to the day. We mooched back to our cars leaving the elusive platypus somewhere else in the river.
Update:
A later report said that across all of the surveys conducted there had been 11 sightings which was down on 16 animals the previous year. The report suggests that the dry autumn we experienced may be to blame for the drop in numbers. I suspect the urban spread of Canberra has also played its part as some outlying suburbs are now within only a couple of kilometres of what was previously pristine waterway. Whatever the reason we enjoyed ourselves even if we had no stories to tell as it had been a lovely start to the day.
