Second photo is same individual as https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/243290320
Several of these spiders were at the upper end of a Leaf-curling Spider web.
An intriguing construction
Bundoora Park Farm.
4 wedge-tails, likely two adults and two young, flying the escarpment above moorabool river in strong winds, and thunder and lightning of storm front
my first impression was that this large eyed bird had flown out of nearby hollow tree trunk, it was reluctant to move away so perhaps nesting - and gave me a good chance to observe but unfortunately a little too far to get a sharp image on my phone. About the size of a blackbird but the tail nearly as long as it's hunched body. impression of soft dark brown all over. I hadn't noticed back markings until photo enlarged. the bird kept an eye on me which further gave me the impression it was close to its nest.I think the tail silhouette is just a bit of a fluke of the way its perched.
Ascalapha odorata seen on a night walk. Barro Colorado Island, Panama. 17 January 2012
Two wedge-tails hanging out above Moorabool river valley. One calling constantly. Usually flying this location at this time of year after fledging, teaching hunting over open rocky escarpment. Rabbits plentiful at this time. Four eagles seen flying valley regularly past weeks. Maude lookout point 4pm onwards good time and place to see wedgetails at this time of year.
While walking along the track this male lyrebird came out ahead excitedly with a prospective mate in the bushes (not visible). She made a brief appearance but saw me and shied away - me standing in the middle of the track didn't help.
Part of the audio included here but video also available:
https://youtu.be/Z4jrFWD6IwM
A further observatiion later on. Appears to have more red plumage.
beautiful pair of jewel like beetles, 12mm, on sheoak.
Probably female (adult males have larger plumose antennae). See: https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Chironomidae/
An interesting experience - the pics tell the story. The damselfly was firmly attached to a leaf during blustery wind, being blown 180 degrees left and right. During lulls didn't
move or fly away. I thought it was dead and picked off the twig and leaf and brought it inside. Placed it on an open magazine and paper on my desk and took some photos as I thought it was a dead specimen. No movement at all. When I returned later I was surprised to find it wasn't there. Eventually found it among some books and very much alive. Put it in a container for the night and released it the next morning into full sun. Perhaps it had "played" dead!