Blue Heron

Ceratopetalum Apetalum

This is the main tree growing in Retreat Reserve. The seedlings begin their journey as small fruit dropped into the rainforest understorey. These germinate in groups where there is the right soil and composting timber. As a tree the Coachwood can grow to 6 metres in height. However in our reserve we have specimens as tall as 15 metres. Eventually it is sad but the tree falls over through the canopy onto the forest floor below where it is composted in turn and eaten by insects, funghi and termites. The red flowers quickly bloom in the late Spring and turn a distinct yellow. The dense folliage protects and shades the forest floor from invasive weeds and non native plants.

Autumn comes to St Clare Harbour

Daylight savings has ended and with the cooler sea mists there is sometimes a morning fog, with the sound of the fog horn in the distance. Boats are being re caulked now that the Summer is over. Recently we had the St Clare Harbour 2km swimming race and bike race. This raises money for the harbour watch environmental programs and brings many locals into Cutter's Island for the day.

I have really settled into my new school now and am finally home for my first school holidays. There is lots to do around the houseboat. Sam is really happy to see me again (my Alaskan Fishing dog). Im planning a trip up the river soon. Photo on this page is the mangroves on the river mouth.

love

Kirra

Observations of the day

Looking across St Clare Harbour

Island tinnies

Trader Nick's

Morning on the shoreline

River estuary
Boats in the bay

Morning cloud patterns

Mangrove breeding shelter for acquatic life

Row boats at the marina

Baby mangroves

Wharf

Marina Quays

East Beach

Waves over the beach pool

36' C Winds South East 10 knots

St Clare Harbour

Some of the friendliest pelicans I know at the marina waiting for the fishing fleet
Kayak adventurers a long way from home

The power boat tied to shore

Dry dock at the boat shed

Marine Rescue Unit

Kirra Crowe

Hi I'm Kirra Crowe and I live at St Clare Harbour on Cutter's Island. This is a new blog that I'm starting which will be a nature log of all of the sea life and harbour shores here. I hope that you will enjoy taking this journey with me across the year. Today I would like to show you some of the beautiful scenery where I live.