"Hello Possum!"

[Ross the fiddler]

After hearing something have a big pee from up the tree (above our driveway) & leaving quite a wet patch on the concrete, I saw a Brushtail Possum up the tree. No, not a possum up a gum tree, but up a banksia.

Here he (I think) is up in an "Old Man Banksia" tree (Banksia serrata).





They may look cuddly, but believe me, they are not.

Thanks for looking.

[Chevvyf1]

Re: "Hello Possum!"

Ross thank you for sharing these delightful shots of Possum I have never seen one and am unlikely too

Whilst looking Cute I suspect they are quite nasty if they attack you ? like our Squirrels ?

[Wee man]

Re: "Hello Possum!"

seems nice animal but propably only at a distance I am sure you were pissed off at the stain on your driveway................

[Ann1e]

Re: "Hello Possum!"

Two great shots, Ross.

I always love to see their 'piercing' eyes. Reminded me of seeing quite a number in the park across the road from our hotel when we stayed in Melbourne. My reaction then was similar to my cousin's when she saw squirrels running round our back garden when they came over from Adelaide to stay with us!

Regards,
Ann1e

[Ross the fiddler]

Re: "Hello Possum!"

Thanks for all the comments. They are not nasty (except to another that strays into its territory as Brushtails are solitary) & don't attack you, but will often come & take apple from your hand if they are tame enough, but don't try to pick one up. I was releasing one several years ago (from care) when I was volunteering with a wildlife rescue group & I had it in cage that wasn't too secure & it got out in the car. I tried to get it back into its cage (I did succeed) but still remember the grip of its sharp claws in my leg arms with the resulting scratches. They can shed their fur to try to escape too.

These animals are nice to have around except if they can get into the roof of your house or if you are trying to grow certain fruit trees & flowers as they enjoy eating the fruit & flower buds or even some young shoots. They have adapted to eating food we have provided as above, but this time he was eating the native plant food of the banksia (at least I think he was) but will also eat some bugs & cockroaches. The mating territory growls can be a bit off putting to those that don't know too.

[IainMacD]

Re: "Hello Possum!"

Great images Ross and a nice insight into these creatures.

[Guest]

Re: "Hello Possum!"

Beautiful shots, Ross ... I am pleased to see you are putting your E-M5 to good use !

Possums are delightful animals, I had experience of a colony of them who lived in and around a house I lived in in Tasmania. They were so tame that they would eat from my hand.

[Floribunda]

Re: "Hello Possum!"

I love possums too. They eat my roses, but I forgive them.
We have about 6 ringtails in the yard and apart from tearing leaves off the trees to make their drays, they don't do much damage.
Would you mind if I added a photo of one of my ringies to show the difference between the two types?
Lovely photos Ross.

[Ross the fiddler]

Re: "Hello Possum!"

I love possums too. They eat my roses, but I forgive them.
We have about 6 ringtails in the yard and apart from tearing leaves off the trees to make their drays, they don't do much damage.
Would you mind if I added a photo of one of my ringies to show the difference between the two types?
Lovely photos Ross.

Please add your photos. It would be good to see the smaller ringtail possum by comparison. We have them too & can tell where they've been with all the (poo) droppings on the ground. I was going to trim back a vine like bush from the neighbours but it might have a dray in it too (or a large nest), so I don't want to hurt their dwelling.

Thanks for your compliments.

[Ross the fiddler]

Re: "Hello Possum!"

Great images Ross and a nice insight into these creatures.

Beautiful shots, Ross ... I am pleased to see you are putting your E-M5 to good use !

Possums are delightful animals, I had experience of a colony of them who lived in and around a house I lived in in Tasmania. They were so tame that they would eat from my hand.

Thanks Iain & Mark.

My E-M5 gets a work out now. I keep using the E-30 when I want macro to see which gives me the best.

[Floribunda]

Re: "Hello Possum!"

Thanks Ross. These are not good photos - just record photos- which is why I haven't posted them before.
This ringtail has it's tail extended and was out on a branch on a very hot day trying to keep cool. The tip of the underside of the tail is rough which enables it to cling and hold on.



I have given up putting bird boxes in the trees as the ringies move in!

[Guest]

Re: "Hello Possum!"

We don't like them here. Well my wife dosn't - they eat the roses but haven't seen any for a few months - but they may turn up now that all the roses are out.

[Floribunda]

Re: "Hello Possum!"

We don't like them here. Well my wife dosn't - they eat the roses but haven't seen any for a few months - but they may turn up now that all the roses are out.

Plant MORE roses Terry, then there is plenty for everyone!