A little bird told me this week that you are all rather interested in the sea snakes that we come across on the beaches here whilst observing shorebirds. They are usually washed up after rough weather and are often injured/sick or pregnant. Where it is possible we make every effort to return them to the sea, even if it does mean a rather long walk when the tide is out. Sometimes it is too late, as they are deceased and Brahminy Kites and White-bellied Sea-Eagles usually take advantage of the situation. By returning them to the sea we do give them a chance and if they do not survive then they are in an environment where they will be naturally “recycled”. The most common species we see are the Stoke’s Sea Snake Astrotia stokesii, Dubois’ Sea Snake Aipysurus duboisii and the Olive Sea Snake Aipysurus laevis. The Olive Sea Snake is the one that varies the most in it’s colouration. I hope you enjoy these photos!

Olive Sea Snake that has had a dog visit it on the beach

Olive Sea Snake with obvious bulge

Stoke’s Sea Snake

Stoke’s Sea Snake with wounds

Dubois’ Sea Snake

Dubois’ Sea Snake being returned to the sea!

Sometimes we come across other unfortunate creatures that have got caught up in the tide and need some help, so we also do what we can.

Carpet Shark washed up

Carpet shark being returned to the sea

I hope you have enjoyed this little insight into our varied wildlife here in the north of Australia.

Written by Clare M
Clare and her husband, Grant, have lived permanently in Broome, Western Australia since 1999 after living in various outback locations around Western Australia and Darwin. She has lived in the Middle East and the United States and traveled extensively in Europe. She monitors Pied Oystercatchers breeding along a 23km stretch of Broome's coastline by bicycle and on foot. She chooses not to participate in social media, but rather wander off into the bush for peace and tranquility. Thankfully she can write posts in advance and get away from technology!