Month: February 2013

Tall Sundew – Carnivorous plant

I took this photo in November, and was unable to identify the name of the flower.  In my many Google searches to find the species of a caterpillar for a post, I came across a brochure called “Threatened Species of Central Victoria” designed for school children by the Koala Connect project, through the Australian Koala … Continue reading Tall Sundew – Carnivorous plant

Four Spotted Cup Moth Caterpillar (Doratifera quadriguttata)

It has been very humid here for the last few days.  This means we get some rain later in the day, but not much. Just enough to make it hot and moist the next morning.  So it came to be that I was walking more slowly than usual, and taking a look at some of … Continue reading Four Spotted Cup Moth Caterpillar (Doratifera quadriguttata)

A pair of Eastern Grey Kangaroos

I know I have posted a few photos of kangaroos and wallabies lately, but we seem to have them for regular visitors this month.  They are looking for green grass and fresh leafy fodder in the very dry Summer we are having over here. Today we saw our first male/female pair of kangaroos.  Usually we … Continue reading A pair of Eastern Grey Kangaroos

Today’s Harvest

I haven’t written about the vegetable garden for a while, but we are enjoying the home-grown produce so much.  After a long time of producing a handful of cherry tomatoes, the tomato vine is beginning to flourish.  These small tomatoes are packed with full flavour – so much tastier than the ones available in the … Continue reading Today’s Harvest

Southern Brown Tree Frog (Litoria ewingi)

We had a roll of old carpet outside near the shed.  Its intended use is as weed matting beneath the raised garden beds that will be set up in the greenhouse.  Preparing for this, we unrolled the carpet to cut it to size, only to find a few frogs had made it their home. I’ve … Continue reading Southern Brown Tree Frog (Litoria ewingi)

A Better Look at our Swamp Wallaby

The rich green grass growing over the septic tank outlet seems to be quite a drawcard for macropods at the moment. Today we were out most of the day, and very surprised to find a Swamp Wallaby feeding outside the house during the daytime.  They are usually nocturnal creatures.   From the way it was eating … Continue reading A Better Look at our Swamp Wallaby

Pacific Black Duck

Mid afternoon we noticed a different species of duck in the dam.  It turned out to be a Pacific Black Duck – actually brown in colour.  This species is pretty common around most of Australia, but as far as we know it is the first time it has visited us. We were pleased to see … Continue reading Pacific Black Duck

New A – Z Native Species Index Pages

I’ve added an alphabetised index of the native species of birds and animals mentioned in my blog posts for easy reference. Birds dominate at the moment, but you will also find a few kangaroos, reptiles and insects too.  I’ll keep adding to the Index as I create new posts, so check back from time to … Continue reading New A – Z Native Species Index Pages

Eastern Grey Kangaroo

Yesterday in Waiting for the End of Summer  I lamented that nothing much was happening around here.  This morning I woke earlier than usual and found an Eastern Grey Kangaroo feeding on the long green grass growing over the septic tank outlet pipe.  The Australian Wood Ducks like this spot too.  It’s certainly lush, and … Continue reading Eastern Grey Kangaroo

Waiting for the end of Summer

I’d imagined Summer would be a hive of activity, with new birds arriving for the water in the dam, flowers appearing everywhere, and an active planting season in the vegetable garden, but I’ve come to realise Summer is a time of waiting and watching. Waiting for the vegetables to grow, waiting for each high fire … Continue reading Waiting for the end of Summer

Lotions, Potions and Soap

If you have ever made a mayonnaise for a salad, then you are already familiar with the basic process involved in making body lotions. Home made body lotions are essentially emulsions of oil and water, with added ingredients to provide fragrance and longer shelf life.  This week I set aside time to restock my bathroom … Continue reading Lotions, Potions and Soap

Blackwing Currawong: race Melanoptera

Just before midday, I collected the mail and walked toward the dam to see if any birds were active.  Nothing moved.  A gentle breeze rustled through the trees, then ceased.  All was still.  Except I could still hear bark clattering high up in the tree.  Looking toward the sound, I noticed the black head of … Continue reading Blackwing Currawong: race Melanoptera

Australian Magpie – Race Hypoleuca

Magpies are so much a part of an Australian landscape, both in the city and in rural areas, that it is easy to look past them to more exotic species of birds. It would be very remiss of me to leave them out of my species list. I have always loved magpies. Their carolling voices … Continue reading Australian Magpie – Race Hypoleuca

Getting Back to the Greenhouse

This week, we are preparing to construct the greenhouse.  After a busy couple of months, we are finally able to focus on this.  The timing will be good as it will allow time for seeds to emerge and take root as we come into Autumn. So far, we have the front and the back section … Continue reading Getting Back to the Greenhouse

Swamp Wallaby 2: Ornamental Plum Breakfast

Our bedroom window faces East.  Yesterday morning, I had to get up earlier than usual, and I was greeted by a brilliant terracotta coloured sky at sunrise.  I got the camera out, intending to capture this brilliant colour, opened the door onto our decking and came face to face with a Swamp Wallaby in the … Continue reading Swamp Wallaby 2: Ornamental Plum Breakfast