Platypuses, along with echidnas, are the only mammals that lay eggs instead of giving birth to live young. In warmer environments, such as Queensland, platypus are smaller, with Tasmanian platypuses often much bigger.
Platypuses close their eyes, ears and nose when underwater. The only sensory system they use when foraging for small water animals such as insect larvae, freshwater shrimps, and crayfish, is touch. They have touch receptors in their bills.
You are more likely to see a platypus going for a walk in Tasmania than anywhere else because there is a lack of natural predators here. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-05-27/platypus-walk-filmed-tasmania/12275336
This platypus has walked and climbed into a cosy hammock and is enjoying some daydreaming time.
I've made my painting, titled "Hammock Life" into Limited Edition prints, available at https://pjpaintings.com/collections/wombats/products/daydreaming-a-platypus-in-a-hammock
Prints are printed on William Turner 310gsm print version textured water colour paper, which retains the look and feel of water colour paintings. No wonder I have so many people ask me if the print is an original painting!
I hope that you are finding time to daydream and relax too.
Cheers, from Patricia (PJ) Hopwood-Wade