Self-Seeding Cranberry Heath

When we first moved in, almost five years ago now, there were very few native plants around the dam.  We pulled out a heap of Agapanthus plants and a large cactus plant which, to us, were at odds with sclerophyll bushland surrounding it.  Since then, grass grew, kangaroos and wallabies grazed, and each year we … Continue reading Self-Seeding Cranberry Heath

A Mixed Flock

Last Monday was a good bird day.  We often have birds sitting on the jetty railing.  Usually, Australian Wood Ducks;  often Little Pied Cormorants;  rarely, a White Necked Heron.   On Monday, all three species were sharing the space. The Little Pied Cormorants have been here every morning since then, diving for food and airing … Continue reading A Mixed Flock

Pale Pink Heath

Common Heath can have white, pink or red flowers.  We don’t have any red flowering heath here, but it is found in a reserve about ten minutes drive down the road. Over the years I have found about 3 or 4 plants with deep pink flowers, but predominantly we have white flowering Heath on our … Continue reading Pale Pink Heath

Poison Lobelia (Lobelia pratioides)

Summer flowers are very welcome for the small dots of colour they provide among dry grass and bracken.  These Poison Lobelia flowers were growing right on the edge of the dam in sandy, moist soil.  While I have photographed Poison Lobelia in previous years, I have just realised they were not included in the species … Continue reading Poison Lobelia (Lobelia pratioides)

Pimpernel (Anagallis arvensis)

When I first found these pretty blue flowers, a year or two ago, I thought they might be native.  I put the photograph aside for identification, and got too busy to search for the species name.  With the wet spring weather, it is plentiful again this year.  Unfortunately, it isn’t a native Australian species, but … Continue reading Pimpernel (Anagallis arvensis)

Duckling Story 3

Duckling Story 3 may be a continuation of Duckling Story 2 – it is a bit difficult to interpret these events.   An hour or two after the seven ducklings disappeared into the long grass, we saw a female duck with two ducklings grazing in that green spot all of the ducks seem to love.  We … Continue reading Duckling Story 3

Duckling Story 2

For some reason I associated the disappearance of the seven ducklings with the first sighting of the Swamp Harrier.   When I check back through the photographs, I note that the single duckling disappeared on that date.  The seven ducklings made their first appearance a week after that date. As is common, the adult Australian … Continue reading Duckling Story 2

Duckling Story 1

In my last post, I added the Swamp Harrier to my list of birds sighted on the property, lamenting that I had not seen the seven wild ducklings since it appeared.  After going back through my photographs for December, I realise I actually have three stories about ducklings  – all of them ending in mystery. … Continue reading Duckling Story 1

Swamp Harrier (Circus Approximans)

It has been a very long time since I was able to add another bird to the list of species found on our property.  Usually this is a cause of celebration.  However, I am not sure if I am pleased to have spotted this small raptor.  A few days before it appeared, a pair of … Continue reading Swamp Harrier (Circus Approximans)

Pale Vanilla Lily – White?

Happy New Year to you! On this first day of 2017, the cold and damp weather is still with us. A few days ago, we were complaining about being too hot, and now we’re cold again.  One positive of the cool weather is the prolonged flowering season.  In particular, the Pale Vanilla Lily (Arthropodium milleflorum) … Continue reading Pale Vanilla Lily – White?

Ivy Leaf Violets, Sundews, Rice Flowers and Goodenias

As I wrote about last week, and as requested by Nature on the Edge here are some photographs of the smaller plants, such as Ivy Leaf Violets, Rice Flowers, Pale Sundews and Goodenias which seem to be flourishing this year, with the wet weather and prolonged cooler temperatures. We’ve had carpets of colour in the grass … Continue reading Ivy Leaf Violets, Sundews, Rice Flowers and Goodenias

Ornate Pink Fingers (Caladenia ornata)

It’s always a good feeling to add a new plant to the species list, but it’s especially rewarding when it is a new orchid species for our property. I’ve been puzzling over the various types of Pink Fingers orchids for quite some time now, each year trying to take photos that lend themselves to identification. … Continue reading Ornate Pink Fingers (Caladenia ornata)

Tigers, Tigers, Tigers!

When I posted the photograph of the Early Nancy flowers, I lamented the lack of spring flowers – in particular, the Waxlips and Pink Fingers. Well, two days after I posted, the flowers began to appear. However, it has been so wet and windy, the opportunities to get out with a camera have been limited. … Continue reading Tigers, Tigers, Tigers!

A Resilient Echidna

Last year I photographed this Echidna hiding under a log. It was dug firmly into the ground and I had no intentions of disturbing it.  As you can see, the spines on its back are badly damaged, as is the fur.  We have had bushfires in our area, so perhaps it survived a fire, or … Continue reading A Resilient Echidna

Early Nancy Colour

In the time we have lived here, the first Waxlip flowers have appeared somewhere between the 9th and 21st September. In my scout around the bush, still no sign of them today. Last year, the lack of rain and warmer temperatures meant Spring arrived early, and was over before I really had a chance to … Continue reading Early Nancy Colour

Orchid Leaves

On my walk around the property this morning, I noticed many species of plants sending up new growth.  Among them were patches of orchid leaves.   The photograph above shows Small Mosquito Orchid leaves, Waxlip Orchid leaves and possibly a Helmet Orchid leaf.   In other places, many species of Greenhood are establishing colonies, the Gnat … Continue reading Orchid Leaves

The Latest Joey – 3 photos

At long last the newest Eastern Grey joey left the safety of its mother’s pouch in a spot close enough to photograph.  It was only momentary, and to our eyes, it looked like the joey might have fallen out while trying to hang too far out to eat grass.   This one is very active inside … Continue reading The Latest Joey – 3 photos

Intermittent Return of the Eastern Grey Kangaroos

While I would love to be able to show you photos of last year’s joey out of the pouch and being independent, I can’t.  After living on our place for just over two years, the female Eastern Grey Kangaroo and her joey disappeared in August 2015, and as far as I have been able to … Continue reading Intermittent Return of the Eastern Grey Kangaroos

Orchid Season Starts Again: Parsons Bands

Technically, the Parsons Bands Orchid emerge after the first heavy rains of Autumn.  Well, we had a slight shower and here they are.   At the moment the Orchids are only lightly scattered here and there, so I am hoping for a heavy downfall soon to encourage more. The photograph below was taken with my … Continue reading Orchid Season Starts Again: Parsons Bands

For Those Who Sew!

Many of my friends and family are keen quilters, or sew clothing or items such as throw pillows and tote bags.  At some point I noticed that most of the flowers on the floral fabrics were exotics, and I wondered if I could create fabric designs featuring our local wildflowers.   The result is my … Continue reading For Those Who Sew!