Oatley Park is always worth a visit. There always seems to be a lot to see and photograph there. On this visit I observed quite a few different species of orchid, and lots of lizards and birds.
Slender Beard Orchid (Calochilus gracimillus)
I walked to the park from Mortdale Station, and first visited the track on the western side of Lime Kiln Bay. I was on the lookout for birds, but instead encountered quite a number of orchids.
Here are some Flying Duck Orchids (Caleana major) –
And some Hyacinth Orchids –
And plenty of Trigger Plants –
I then crossed the bridge over the bay and walked up the closed off road in Oatley Park. Near the top, I took the track that goes out to the point. Not far along were more orchids.
Bonnet Orchid (Cryptostylis erecta)
On the way, I saw a lot more wildflowers, insects and spiders.
I continued right around the point to the enclosed swimming area. There I had a swim and found a shady place to have lunch. After this I climbed up to the road and followed it to the lookouts above the point. Here I could hear the call of a Sacred Kingfisher. I crept closer and managed a photo.
And a Superb Fairy-wren –
I then went to the picnic area at the top and followed the track back down to Lime Kiln Bay. On the way were many more Hyacinth Orchids.
Along the road heading to the Lime Kiln Bay Wetlands, I encountered another Sacred Kingfisher.
There were also a lot of lizards out. On the road I saw a large Blue-tongued Skink –
And the usual Water Dragons –
And many Water Skinks –
At the pools I spotted a pair of Dollar Birds.
I looked around for the ducks to see if they had any chicks. I found a nice family of Chestnut Teals –
