A light drizzle did little to dampen spirits when a group of curious nature-lovers gathered at Six Mile Creek near Charles Sturt University last Friday evening for a guided nocturnal wildlife walk, hosted by Gardens 4 Wildlife Albury-Wodonga.
The Spotlight on Nocturnal Wildlife event, held along a section of the Hume & Hovell Track, offered participants a rare after-dark glimpse into the wildlife that shares our urban landscape — and the bush more than delivered on the night.
Local wildlife expert Danny Jones led the group, beginning with an introduction to the nocturnal animals participants might encounter, practical tips for spotting wildlife in low light, and an overview of why habitat connectivity matters so much for wildlife moving through urban environments.
As darkness settled, the group was rewarded with a remarkable array of sightings. Three common brushtail possums were spotted and a squirrel glider made a brief but memorable appearance, ducking back into its nesting box almost as quickly as it had emerged — a moment that perfectly illustrated the value of nest boxes as critical habitat in urban landscapes. Roosting birds were observed settling in for the night, microbats could be heard calling in the distance, a boobook owl paid a visit, a fruit bat flew overhead, and part of the walk was accompanied by a vibrant chorus of frogs.
The walk concluded with a discussion on how residents can support nocturnal wildlife through their own gardens — from planting for habitat and maintaining wildlife corridors, to the importance of keeping cats contained at night.
Gardens 4 Wildlife Project Officer Jess Robinson said the evening was a reminder of just how much wildlife exists on our doorstep. “It’s easy to forget what’s out there after dark. Events like this help people see their own gardens differently — as part of a connected landscape that local wildlife genuinely depend on.”
To keep up with Gardens 4 Wildlife Albury-Wodonga events and news, follow us on Facebook at Gardens 4 Wildlife – Albury Wodonga and on Instagram @gardens4wildlife_aw.
Gardens 4 Wildlife Albury-Wodonga is a program of the Wodonga Urban Landcare Network, working with local residents to create wildlife-friendly gardens across the region.
This event was proudly supported by AlburyCity.