Southwest Australia woodlands

Triplectides caddisfly larvae were recorded on October 4, 2026 at Lake Coogee. These larvae indicate clean, well-oxygenated water conditions and are used globally as water quality indicators for pollution-sensitive aquatic habitats.

Wandering Percher damselfly was recorded on October 6, 2026 at Shenton Park. Spring emergence of odonates in October marks the onset of the breeding season as water temperatures begin rising from winter lows across southwestern Australia.

Two fin whales were photographed by drone in Geographe Bay, 220 kilometres south of Perth, on 7 October 2026, during their northward migration. One whale passed within 50 metres of shore in unusually shallow water. Fin whale sightings are rare and valued by researchers because the species remains below the surface most of the time; recorded visual observations add to knowledge normally gathered only through acoustic monitoring.

Swan River Myrtle was recorded actively flowering through 2026-10-05 at Martin and Roleystone, with 59 sightings in the past 30 days. This endemic myrtle is in mid-spring bloom during a period when temperatures in Perth are running 2 to 3 degrees above historical averages.

Twelve Baudin's Black-Cockatoos were recorded on 2026-09-28 at Canning Vale in Perth's metropolitan area. The species is approaching its breeding season (October to March) and these birds were far beyond their typical range, which is restricted to moist eucalypt forest in the southwest.

Weeping Toadfish was recorded 40 times along the Swan River around Como and Perth between late April and September 12, most recently at Como. This estuarine and brackish-water species regularly inhabits the freshwater reaches of the Swan River system. The toadfish's consistent presence through multiple seasons indicates stable conditions in these lower river reaches.

Triplectides caddisfly larvae were recorded three times in Wembley between May and September 13. Caddisfly larvae are sensitive to pollution and low dissolved oxygen, so their presence indicates clean, well-oxygenated water. Urban streams with pollution-sensitive taxa present have reached acceptable conditions for these indicator species.

Aurora Bluetail damselflies were recorded 22 times since early April, mostly around Highgate, most recently in Yokine on 2026-09-20. Damselfly activity increases in spring and early summer as water temperatures warm across the Perth region. The recent sighting marks the start of their peak season in freshwater habitats.

Motorbike Frogs were recorded calling at Bibra Lake on 2026-09-19, during spring breeding season when males intensify vocalizations to attract mates. Multiple observations on the same date confirm sustained activity from this established wetland breeding population.

Large pansy orchid was recorded at Kings Park and Nedlands on September 20, 2026 with 49 sightings in the past month. Endemic to the Perth coastal region, this orchid is in active bloom during its September peak, well-positioned for a full spring flowering in the months ahead.