Vol 1 No 5

Vol 1 No 5 - March 2012

This month’s features
Bird photography secrets
The creative talents of photographer John Cooper are inspiring. How does he capture some of Australia’s most amazing bird images? This bird magician reveals his secrets, showing you how the use of mobile bird hides, combined with perseverance and technique, provide an excellent opportunity to see birds as they really live.
Living with wombats
Does the wombat really cause havoc or is it merely misunderstood? Join David Alder as he takes you inside the world of the ‘bulldozer of the bush’. Learn how they survive from such diverse areas as the inland arid regions and the lush forest and grasslands of the southeastern Australia. As David reveals, we need to know more and do more if this gentle creature is to avoid the dangers of extinction.
Secret places: Phillip Island
Phillip Island is one of Victoria’s most significant wildlife environments and the penguin parade is a world- renowned ecotourism attraction. This island has so much to offer, from the roaring Nobbies to the scenic tranquility of Swan Lakes. And so much to do: beachcombing along the windswept beaches, marine life spotting on the shores or diving into the sea depths. And for those who love to capture on film animals in the wild, here you’ll find one the most rewarding backdrops: magnificent sunsets with the sky often filled with shearwaters returning home.
This month’s regulars
Pull-out-and-keep poster Black Swan: John Cooper.
Secret sightings Find out all about the enigmatic Rainbow Bee-eater, as Perth resident
Keith Hall sees them. Do snakes swim? Well look inside to find the answer.
Secret rescue
Two tales for the price of one. First, Manfred Zabinskas goes shopping and, while stopping for bite to eat, finds himself on the job rescuing a distressed bird. Seagull with fries on the side please!
The second rescue will bring a smile to your face, as a snake gets into trouble while trying to satisfy a thirst.
Secret vet
Dr. Rich takes us back to the veterinary clinic, to examine the aspects of hyperthermia and how wildlife can be affected, clinical signs presented and how they are treated..
DIY: the pardy box The ‘pardy box’ is a specially designed nest box that will make a great
home for all the members of an amazing and charming group of birds called pardalotes.
Dinosaurs — megalania Megalania is a giant goanna-like dinosaur that was five metres long and
weighed in at close to a tonne! Want to know more?
Secret iApps This new series looks at wildlife-related applications for portable devices