Inhabitants |
| The wildlife on Thistle Island is one of its principal attractions. Many examples are familiar favourites, but there are also quite a few less common varieties which aren't often seen in the wild at such close quarters. |
On the wing ~ Naturally all kinds of sea-birds can be seen all around the island. Some are visitors but many are permanent residents. As well as the inevitable gulls, the shore-line abounds with a host of species including Sooty oyster catchers, curlews - and the superb ospreys.
Magnificent Sea eagles and Wedge tailed Eagles swoop and soar over the cliffs below, the diminutive Fairy Penguins make their seasonal migration to the beaches and rocks. Other birds which can be seen frequently include currawongs and rock parrots - as well as a wide variety of bush birds. |
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| ... and on the ground ~ Along the shore-line the fragile and beautiful "Nautilus Shells" area prized possession for the collector for its magnificent spiral beauty. These spectacular and highly varied shells are in fact the egg sac of the free-swimming octopus. Shell collecting is usually most successful during or immediately after a storm. |
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| Thistle Island is also graced with no less than three Seal colonies - two of Fur-Seals and one of Sealions. Seals have some interesting habits besides being first class at fishing and water ballet. A bull seal can weigh up to 600 pounds, manu times the weight of the female. Further inland, the rare Pearson Island Wallaby is now thriving, after its successful introduction some years earlier. |
| However, there are a few creatures you won't find on Thistle Island - including snakes, rabbits and foxes. For obvious reasons this is perhaps the most attractive feature of the island's wildlife! |
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