Greetings,
This monthly newsletter (No. 74) includes: planning matters, shorebirds, government matters, quiz, plants-fungi-wildlife.
1. Meeting on planning matters
Fig 1. Flyer for Public Meeting
Hope to see you 5pm Tues 18 Aug at Sunset Park, Nightcliff.
2. Shorebirds
Migratory shorebirds have started to arrive from the Northern Hemisphere at Lee Point, joining the resident shorebirds.
Fig 2. A couple of resident Reef Herons at Lee Point Beach – July 2026
Most migratory shorebirds return to Lee Point by the end of September.
3. Government matters
Build at Berrimah – ask your MLA whether they support shifting the defence housing project to Defence Establishment Berrimah (DEB).
The Lee Point housing project remains one of the most controversial and unpopular housing projects in Darwin’s history refer Build at Berrimah not Lee Point.
Senate Inquiry – City of Darwin has sent a letter to Federal Ministers requesting a Senate inquiry into the Lee Point housing project …read more.
Sign the SENATE PETITION to help make this happen.
4.0 Quiz
Invertebrates (animals without backbones) make up 99% of known Australian animals
Of the animals that have been named in Australia what percentage are insects?
25%, 50%, 75% or 90%
Answers at the end.
Fig 3. Hibiscus Harlequin Bug on a Beach Hibiscus at Lee Point in 2021
The Guardian Newspaper runs a competition each year on the most interesting invertebrate. You can vote here – competition closes Sunday 16 Aug 2026.
5.0 Plants-fungi-wildlife
Images from Lee Point Aug 2026.
The plants are recovering from the fires that tore through the Lee Point Biodiversity Corridor in late June-early July.
Fig 4. Lophostemon lactifluus at Lee Point dam
This native Top End tree grows in the wetter areas of Lee Point with paperbarks. It has red flaky bark and is sometimes called a Red Paperbark.
Fig 5. Fruit from fungi
Favourite food: dead organic matter
Insects provide food for many other animals, including the ones below.
Fig 6. Red Swamp Dragon Dragonfly
Fig 7. Skink
Fig 8. Spangled Drongo
Fig 9. Baza with Stick Insect on a morning Wilderness Walk – photo Simone
Favourite food: Stick insects
Wilderness Walks
Fig 10. Wilderness Walk
Despite the recent fires, Wilderness Walks have been recording 30-46 bird species – 46 bird species were recorded on the 26 July morning walk, refer ebird for latest sightings. Please check Friends of Lee Point Facebook for walk times.
Enjoy the dry season
Answer to Quiz
75% of named animals in Australia are insects. More information at: Invertebrates Australia