From time to time we hear of fish literally falling from the sky.
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Although few detailed scientific observations have been performed on this phenomenon, the common consensus is that waterspouts are the culprits.
Waterspouts suck up lake or ocean water along with fish or other creatures swimming in the water.
Imagine aquatic ecologist, Keith Bishop's delight and surprise when the 'heavens' opened up and a sole jellyfish rained down near his Sugar Creek property near Bungwahal.
The excitement began to unfold on New Year's Eve when firies began taking control of a bushfire in Tarbuk Bay.
The fire, which has burned more than 125ha, began after powerlines were taken down by a falling branch from a flooded gum.
Since downgraded to advice level, the fire forced the closure of The Lakes Way and cut power, mobile coverage, landlines and internet services.
"The fire very quickly ran up a grassy power easement and started to creep down into the southern end of the Sugar Creek valley," Dr Bishop said.
"That was a worry because a south wind was due in a few days and that would take it past houses - including mine," he said.
"From there it would continue into the expansive Wallingat National Park, and thence Coomba Park."
To avoid this happening, National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) firefighters directed a backburning operation from the north to block the certain later advance from the south, Dr Bishop explained.
"The corner of my property turns out to be the critical edge of the backburn, which started on the afternoon of New Year's Day.
"New Year's Eve and entering a new decade passed with much distraction."
The key to securing the critical edge was to wet down the forest on the non-burn side of the containment line, then put out likely more persistent fires just inside the burn line, he said.
"This required hours of helicopter water drops at the edge of our backyard."
Water was picked-up from nearby Smiths Lake, home to two species of jellyfish - the blue blubber jellyfish (Catostylus mosaicus) and the Australian spotted jellyfish (Phyllorhisa punctata).
Sadly and unfortunately for one (or many of these) unlucky marine creatures, it was scooped up in the bucket of a 1000 litre load of water, taken on a aerial ride like no other and dumped onto the raging bushfire.
This would have to be the most unlucky jellyfish in the world, Dr Bishop said after discovering a splattered creature lying on the still smouldering forest floor.
"Although the jellyfish may not want to and cannot offer thanks, we certainly do, especially for the tireless efforts of at least eight RFS crews."
Dr Bishop acknowledged Bungwahl, Smiths Lake, Pacific Palms, Coomba Park, Green Point, Wooton, Diamond Beach and John River.
"The amazingly skilful RFS helicopter pilots and the simply brilliant firefighting planners and tactitictions from NPWS.
"I am sure the wildlife in the 66 square kilometre Wallingat National Park would, if they could, offer thanks."
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