He reached down and with the blade of his pen-knife flipped back a circular piece of moss, which was the door to the nest of the Trap-door spider. The 'nest' can extend back into the soil for about a metre. Colin, our guide, was a font of this bushcraft, as we wound our way through the rainforest out to the Python Rock platform overlooking Moran's Gorge within the MacPherson Ranges in south-eastern Queensland. This is a big, varied country.
Within the rainforest there is a continual chatter of birds high in the canopy - Green Cat Birds, Golden Whistlers, Paradise riflebirds - heard but not seen; and a rustling of birds on the fetid forest floor - Yellow Throated Scrubwrens, Logrunners, Rufous Fantails - camouflaged to perfection.
The track is dominated by the power of the Strangler Figs as they clamber over Satinwoods, Mararas and Bloodwoods to claim their share of light and warmth. Mammals are rare during the day because of the intense heat, but this fresh digging is evidence of the noctural presence of the long-nosed Bandicoot.
Both sides of the track are festooned with crowsfeet ferns and orchids, with a variety of fungi and the massive webs of the Hammock Spider. The Millipede helps to break down the vegetation lying on the forest floor. With a little tug on the gyres to the nest opening of the arboreal FunnelWeb Spider, Colin tried to encourage her out to say hello, but to no avail.
The forest teams with life, have we but the patience and eyes to be open to it.
12 comments:
Those birds must be extremely well camouflaged, Julie, because I don't see a trace of a bird anywhere. Glad you had a guide, because it might be very easy to lose yourself in the rainforest - it's a jungle out there!
-- K
Kay, Alberta, Canada
An Unfittie's Guide to Adventurous Travel
I did not see a single bird during the entire 2 hours. I sure could hear them though. When I say 'see' I mean clearly enough to capture with my camera. However, never fear, I have a bird post coming up later in the week. And a fungi post ... and ...
I remember we used to open up the trap door spider lids on the way up to the dunnies on the hill at school. I think they have nasty bite but kids are fearless.
I have just prepared a very weak bird post for Whistler ... much easier to hear than to photograph.
Spiders, ugggh. Its so beautiful up there. Makes me want to go back.
Your photos really take us there to the rain forest... especially love the photo of the tree and the gentle curve of its roots. All of them are just lovely, even the spider-house!
Bisous,
Genie
Oh, most definitely easier to hear than see. And the dickens to photograph. I have a few to inflict upon you all toward the end of the week.
Oh how wonderful, Julie! I lost all fear of bugs and snakes - in fact loved them - when I was in Australia although I did remember to respect the poisonous ones! Had never seen a trapdoor spider tho or nest. Fascinating. The roots, if they are roots, of the strangler fig, are so beautiful. I remember one of those in Mosman (I think) - but have forgotten exactly where now. Am really enjoying this tour with you - almost feels like I'm there and once again - you make me homesick for Australia!
trapdoors, yikes! happy new year and may your year be full of clicks
A great place and only a few hours from here. We should go more often.
This is such an amazing expedition into the wild. I imagine the sound of the birds even though I have no idea of their actual songs and calls. Thank you, Julie, for this virtual experience.
Julie, thanks for sharing these images with us, they are great!
What a fun, wild adventure! Beautiful nature!
All the best for you and yours in 2011!
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