Many of the bushfire affected areas got a drenching last week with flash flooding in central NSW, but there are still fires burning and more dangerous weather conditions on the way. With at least 24 people killed and 2,000 homes destroyed, 12.35 million acres of land burned and the associated loss of wildlife, habitat and livestock, it has been a fire season that defies precedent and it's not over yet. Here on the block people, plants and animals alike have enjoyed 20mm of rain - although an empty birdbath seems to have induced some thirst-inspired rage - the identity of the cranky creature remains a mystery, but a kangaroo is suspected. Keeping with the marsupial theme, this small and very cute Ringtail Possum dropped her chocolate brown baby but they eventually reunited. Very few plants in flower at the moment - the honey bees found the native mint I planted in bloom - - which also attracted this rather striking wasp. For purple power the Native Hibiscus and Snakebush flower for a long time in any weather. While these meat eaters and seed eaters seem to relish sun and hot sand. As recently flagged, diary entries will now appear once or twice a month. See you next time.
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I heard a thud and got a brief glimpse of a shape sliding off the edge of the verandah. My first thought was bat, then snake but then the thud-maker reappeared in the form of a very large moth. Then I mistook it for a Rain Moth, a little out of season and very optimistic. Research revealed it as a Giant Wood Moth - Australia's heaviest moth weighing up to 30 grams. The larvae chomp eucalyptus trees and are a pest in plantations. With the female carrying up to 20,000 eggs (wonder who counted 'em?) they certainly have potential. Another heatwave, with temps to 43oC, took its toll on plants and animals alike. Many of the birds, like this Crimson Rosella, suffered from heat stress. And wherever you are in the world you've probably heard about the devastating bushfires in NSW, Victoria and South Australia. Loss of life, property, native animals, livestock, habitat - a series of cruel blows in these extreme climate conditions. Smoke from fires to the east has been hanging around the block and causes some very eerie sunsets.
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December 2020
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