Jayden Meakins Photography

Jayden Meakins Photography “Wildlife. Up close. Unseen.

Jayden Meakins Photography captures Australia’s reptiles and native creatures in their raw beauty, blending art, detail, and a passion for conservation.”

NORTHERN BLUETONGUE LIZARDThe Northern Bluetongue Lizard (Tiliqua scincoides intermedia) is one of Australia's most reco...
12/06/2026

NORTHERN BLUETONGUE LIZARD

The Northern Bluetongue Lizard (Tiliqua scincoides intermedia) is one of Australia's most recognisable reptiles, famous for its brilliant blue tongue and calm temperament. Despite their intimidating display when threatened, these fascinating lizards are generally gentle creatures and play an important role in maintaining healthy ecosystems.

Scientific Name
Tiliqua scincoides intermedia

Distribution & Habitat
Northern Bluetongues are found across northern regions of Australia, including parts of Western Australia, the Northern Territory and Queensland. They thrive in a variety of habitats including open woodlands, grasslands, shrublands and even suburban gardens where shelter and food are available.
Size
Adults can grow up to 60 centimetres in length and are among Australia's largest skink species.

Diet
Northern Bluetongues are omnivores and enjoy a varied diet consisting of:
• Insects
• Snails and slugs
• Flowers
• Fruits and berries
• Fungi
• Small vertebrates

Defence Mechanism
When threatened, the Northern Bluetongue opens its mouth wide to reveal its bright blue tongue. This startling display can confuse predators and encourage them to back away. They may also hiss loudly and puff up their bodies to appear larger and more intimidating.

Reproduction
Unlike many reptiles that lay eggs, Northern Bluetongues give birth to live young. Females can produce between 5 and 20 babies in a single litter, with the young being independent from birth.

Conservation Status
Least Concern

Although populations remain stable, Northern Bluetongues can still be affected by habitat loss, vehicle strikes, domestic pets and illegal collection from the wild.

Why Are They Important?
Northern Bluetongues help control insect and snail populations and contribute to the balance of Australia's ecosystems. They also play an important role in educating people about reptile conservation and the importance of protecting native wildlife.
Fun Fact
A Bluetongue's tongue can be so brightly coloured that predators often mistake it for a warning sign that the lizard may be venomous—even though Bluetongues are completely harmless to humans.

Have you ever encountered a Northern Bluetongue in the wild or in your backyard? We'd love to hear your stories in the comments!

Together, we can give wildlife a voice.


LITTLE PENGUINS OF PENGUIN ISLANDDid you know that Penguin Island, located just off the coast of Rockingham in Western A...
05/06/2026

LITTLE PENGUINS OF PENGUIN ISLAND

Did you know that Penguin Island, located just off the coast of Rockingham in Western Australia, is home to one of the largest colonies of Little Penguins (Eudyptula minor) in WA?

Often referred to as Fairy Penguins due to their small size, these remarkable birds are the smallest penguin species in the world, standing at just 30–35cm tall and weighing around 1kg.

Unlike many penguin species that live in icy climates, Little Penguins thrive in the temperate coastal waters of southern Australia and New Zealand. During the day they head out to sea in search of fish, squid and small crustaceans, sometimes travelling many kilometres from shore before returning home under the cover of darkness.

Penguin Island provides important nesting habitat where the birds raise their chicks in burrows, rock crevices and sheltered areas amongst the island's vegetation. The island and surrounding waters form part of the Shoalwater Islands Marine Park, helping to protect this unique ecosystem.

Unfortunately, Little Penguin numbers in Western Australia have faced challenges over recent decades due to habitat loss, changing ocean conditions, introduced predators and human disturbance. Protecting breeding areas and respecting wildlife habitats are important steps in helping these amazing birds continue to thrive.

If you're lucky enough to visit Penguin Island, remember to keep your distance, stay on designated pathways and enjoy observing these incredible little seabirds responsibly.

AUSTRALIA’S ICONIC BLACK SWANThe beautiful Black Swan (Cygnus atratus) is one of Australia’s most recognisable waterbird...
29/05/2026

AUSTRALIA’S ICONIC BLACK SWAN

The beautiful Black Swan (Cygnus atratus) is one of Australia’s most recognisable waterbirds and an important symbol of Western Australia. In fact, the Black Swan proudly appears on the Western Australian state flag and emblem, representing the rich wetlands and unique wildlife of our state.

Unlike the white swans found throughout much of Europe, the Black Swan was once thought impossible by Europeans, who believed all swans were white until Dutch explorers first recorded black swans here in Australia during the 1600s. The species quickly became a symbol of rarity, uniqueness and the unexpected.

Black Swans are found across wetlands, rivers, estuaries and lakes throughout Australia, especially here in WA. They feed mainly on aquatic plants and algae, helping maintain healthy wetland ecosystems. Their long elegant necks allow them to forage underwater while gracefully gliding across the surface.

Did you know? In 1864, several Black Swans from Western Australia were gifted to Queen Victoria. Their descendants are believed to still exist in parts of England today, particularly around ornamental lakes and royal waterways, creating a lasting connection between Australia and the United Kingdom.

These incredible birds form strong pair bonds and are known for their dedication to family life, with both parents helping raise and protect their cygnets. During breeding season they can become very protective, reminding us that even the calmest wildlife deserves space and respect.

Sadly, like many wetland species, Black Swans face threats from habitat destruction, pollution and waterway degradation. Protecting wetlands means protecting countless species that rely on these fragile ecosystems.

Brolga – Australia's Dancing CraneOne of Australia's most elegant birds, the Brolga (Antigone rubicunda) is famous for i...
22/05/2026

Brolga – Australia's Dancing Crane

One of Australia's most elegant birds, the Brolga (Antigone rubicunda) is famous for its spectacular courtship dances. Pairs leap into the air, bow, stretch their wings and toss sticks and grass while performing one of the most impressive displays in the bird world.

Brolgas are found throughout northern and eastern Australia, inhabiting wetlands, floodplains, marshes and grasslands where they feed on insects, seeds, small reptiles, frogs and aquatic plants. Standing up to 1.3 metres tall, they are Australia's largest flying bird.

Although still considered a species of Least Concern, Brolgas face increasing pressure from habitat loss, wetland drainage and changes to natural water systems. Healthy wetlands are vital for their survival, providing breeding grounds, food sources and safe nesting sites.

Protecting Australia's wetlands not only benefits Brolgas but also countless other native species that depend on these unique ecosystems. Every wetland preserved helps ensure future generations can continue to witness the incredible dance of Australia's iconic crane.

Jabiru – Australia’s Wetland Giant The incredible bird in this photo is the Jabiru, more commonly known today as the Bla...
15/05/2026

Jabiru – Australia’s Wetland Giant

The incredible bird in this photo is the Jabiru, more commonly known today as the Black-necked Stork (Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus). Standing at up to 1.3 metres tall with a wingspan reaching over 2 metres, this is Australia’s only stork species and one of our most striking wetland birds.

With its glossy black neck shimmering blue and green in the sunlight, bright red legs, and massive spear-like bill, the Jabiru is a true icon of northern Australia’s wetlands.

Habitat
Jabirus are found across wetlands, floodplains, mangroves, billabongs and shallow freshwater systems throughout northern and eastern Australia. They rely heavily on healthy wetland ecosystems to survive and breed.

What do they eat?
These skilled hunters feed on fish, frogs, crustaceans, insects and small reptiles, using their long bill to strike prey in shallow water with incredible precision.

Why are they important?
Jabirus play a vital role in wetland health by helping control populations of fish, amphibians and insects. As top wetland predators, their presence is also a strong indicator of a healthy ecosystem.

Conservation Status
While globally listed as Least Concern, Jabirus face growing threats in parts of Australia due to wetland destruction, land clearing, altered water flows, pollution and climate impacts. Protecting wetlands is essential for the future of this magnificent species.

How can we help?
Protecting natural wetlands, reducing pollution, supporting conservation programs and respecting wildlife habitats all help ensure future generations can continue to witness these amazing birds in the wild.

And for Mother’s Day This special moment captures a beautiful family of Red-tailed Black Cockatoos, including a protecti...
10/05/2026

And for Mother’s Day

This special moment captures a beautiful family of Red-tailed Black Cockatoos, including a protective mother alongside her young — a reminder that the bonds between mothers and their babies exist throughout the natural world too.

Red-tailed Black Cockatoos are one of Australia’s most iconic native birds, recognised by their powerful calls, stunning black feathers, and the vibrant red panels in the males’ tails. Females can often be identified by the yellow spotting and barring across their feathers.

These incredible birds are known for their strong family bonds, with parents caring for and feeding their chicks for many months after leaving the nest. Young cockatoos often stay close to their parents, learning survival skills and remaining connected as part of the family flock.

Sadly, many populations of Red-tailed Black Cockatoos are facing serious decline due to habitat loss, land clearing, loss of old nesting trees, and climate pressures. In several parts of Australia, some subspecies are now listed as vulnerable or endangered, making conservation and habitat protection more important than ever.

These birds rely on large old eucalyptus trees for nesting hollows — trees that can take well over 100 years to naturally develop. Without these hollows, future generations of cockatoos may struggle to survive.

Protect the trees. Protect the habitat. Protect the future of our wildlife.

J.M

Major Announcement incoming,I’m incredibly excited to officially announce that my very first solo photography exhibitio...
10/05/2026

Major Announcement incoming,

I’m incredibly excited to officially announce that my very first solo photography exhibition, Voices of the Wild, will be held at the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre from the end of June through to July!

Voices of the Wild will showcase a collection of my wildlife and nature photography, capturing the beauty, detail, and importance of Australia’s incredible wildlife through my lens.

Photography has become such an important part of my journey, allowing me to combine my passion for wildlife, conservation, and raising awareness for animals that are often misunderstood. Through this exhibition, I hope to inspire others to appreciate and protect our amazing environment and native species.

A massive thank you to everyone who has supported me along the way — from following my page, purchasing my work, attending my pop-up events, and encouraging my journey. This exhibition would not be possible without your support.

To All of my followers, supporters, friends, and community are invited to attend the opening celebration!

📅 Opening date — TBC very soon, so stay tuned for more details!

I can’t wait to share this experience with you all.

– Jayden Meakins

Did you know the Western Blue-tongue Lizard is one of Western Australia’s most unique — and vulnerable — reptiles? The W...
08/05/2026

Did you know the Western Blue-tongue Lizard is one of Western Australia’s most unique — and vulnerable — reptiles?

The Western Blue-tongue (Tiliqua occipitalis) is recognised by its beautiful banded markings and famous bright blue tongue, which it uses to scare away predators when threatened. These amazing reptiles are slow-moving, harmless, and play an important role in the ecosystem by helping control insects and other small pests.

Sadly, populations of the Western Blue-tongue are declining in many areas due to habitat loss, land clearing, bushfires, introduced predators like cats and foxes, and increasing road traffic. Because they often rely on native bushland and shelter such as logs and leaf litter, urban development can have a huge impact on their survival.

Many blue-tongues are also injured or killed unnecessarily because people mistake them for dangerous animals — when in reality they are completely non-venomous and incredibly beneficial to our environment.

Protecting native habitat, slowing down on bush roads, keeping cats indoors, and educating others about our native reptiles can all help protect these incredible animals for future generations.

Every species has an important place in nature — even the misunderstood ones

P.s this is not my big announcement, Stay tuned!!

01/05/2026

Mandurah Forum— WE’RE BACK!

J.M Photography is popping up again at Mandurah Forum just in time for Mother’s Day!

May 6–8

Unique gifts sorted:
Wildlife prints and Canvas's
Greeting Cards & postcards
Magnets & more

If you’re stuck on what to get Mum—this is it. Something real, local, and captured through Jayden’s lens

Swing past, say g’day, and support local


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