Spring in Australia is about so much more than sunshine and wildflowers in bloom. The months of September, October and November are also some of the most exciting on the wildlife calendar. Many animals have their young at this time of year. You may be fortunate enough to see baby whales, koalas or kangaroos. The platypuses are frisky and the birds are gathering in great numbers.
Soon you will be seeing wallaby or kangaroo joey’s faces peeking out of the pouch. Springtime is also when you’re most likely to see older kangaroos “box” as they compete with other males at breeding time.
Humpback whales migrate to the Western Australia coastline from Antarctic to breed in the warmer waters of the Kimberley. By September they are heading south again with their newborn calves. If you listen closely you may even hear the males sing their courtship song.
Birdwatching in Kakadu in September and October really ramps up. The billabongs and wetlands are drying out and the birds congregate at waterholes in massive numbers. In this area you may see Azure, Kingfishers, Ibis, Herons, or Jacana’s.
In Gippsland at this time of year you will probably hear the song of the lyrebird. It is one of the most distinctive birds – they are famous for their curving tailfeathers. They are great mimics and may sing for up to six hours a day during breeding season. They are usually singing the song of other native birds like kookaburras or magpies, or barking like a dog or even screaming like a car alarm.
