We’ve known for a while that we should get Yellow-Tailed Black Cockatoos in our area, but until this week, we haven’t seen any. Earlier in the week, on one of my walks I had spotted some black birds which seemed to be making ‘hyena-style’ laughing noises, but I couldn’t get close enough to see what … Continue reading Yellow Tailed Black Cockatoos
Month: March 2013
Curious Frogs
Tonight while we were watching TV, we wondered what the cats were looking at outside the window. Investigating further, we saw two small Southern Brown Tree Frogs clinging onto the wire door. Maybe they were attracted to the lights, or maybe they were after the insects which were attracted to the lights. Either way, we … Continue reading Curious Frogs
A large fast-moving grass fire…
Intellectually, I’ve known that life-changing events can happen almost randomly. This idea became a crushingly clear reality over the last two days after a large grass fire swept through our area, burning at least 16 houses and 18 out-buildings to the ground. The fire took hold some 500 metres or so away, on land across the … Continue reading A large fast-moving grass fire…
Setting-up the Greenhouse
Over the last couple of weeks, we have began to use the greenhouse. First, to hospitalise plants that were burned in the severe heat, and then to raise seedlings in punnets. Thanks to family help, we also have one of the raised garden beds filled with soil, and have directly planted it with seeds as … Continue reading Setting-up the Greenhouse
Bushland Colours and Textures
Last weekend, we had a family gathering, including two guests from England. As we walked around the bushland at the back of our property, it began raining. The rich red colours of the bark were so striking when wet, it grabbed our attention. The artistic side of our brains began thinking of things to do … Continue reading Bushland Colours and Textures
Arhodia lasiocamparia
I’m starting to look more closely at leaves, bark and buds in an attempt to work out the precise mix of tree species on our land. Often it is clear that something has been munching on the leaves and if so, I am beginning to look for caterpillars and larvae. There are still so many … Continue reading Arhodia lasiocamparia
Sunbathing Cats
It has been so hot here that over the last week, it has really been quite still. Nothing dares to move, including me. Well, not quite. I have been for a few walks around the boundary, but the birds are finding shelter any way they can, and are well out of sight. The ground is … Continue reading Sunbathing Cats
Koala
Late in the afternoon, I decided cooking dinner could wait for half an hour while I went for a walk. As I walked, I practiced deep breathing and tried to clear my mind of all of the ‘mental clutter’ built up during the day. These walks are becoming my way of stilling my mind. I’m … Continue reading Koala
Regeneration
In November, when we built our new fence (to form part of the cat enclosure) we had to radically prune a few plants, including the beautiful Banksia Rose, a large daisy bush and the jasmine. In particular, the Banksia Rose was reduced to a stump, and I feared we’d killed it. Less than four … Continue reading Regeneration
Fifteen Acres 