Within spitting distance of 100mm of rain for May and the block seems to have been painted green almost overnight. Natives come into their own in autumn - several grevillea, hakea and pink gums blooming away - enjoyed by the bees as they stocked up whenever they could.
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A pair of yellow-tails peeled off from the main pack to much on banksia seed. The male (has pink eye ring) acted as look-out for a while until he decided it was safe enough for them both to tuck in. Always gives me great joy to see these birds.
The smaller birds often prefer this terracotta birdbath - I think because there's a wattle tree next to it from which they can safely launch and return. This Grey Fantail was enjoying frequent dips - even though the tide was almost out - although it is one of the most fearless birds here. The Golden Whistler is named for its repertoire of whistles - you may have heard them if you're at the southern end of Australia or east coast. And finally that ubiquitous blackbird. Seems there are two males, at least, possibly related. I know this because as this one hopped out -the one below hopped in. Hmm.
The northern birdbath was popular yesterday afternoon - New Holland Honeyeaters are reliable visitors and the delightful Striated Thornbills are a close second. This Red Wattlebird has moved into LW territory in front of the verandah and is typically strident. It's hard to resist returning its loud 'oi!' as I walk by. So far there's been little in the way of altercations with LW - but there's not much in flower yet... Its bathing style is perch, jump in, then immediately take-off vertically. Repeat about 15 times and dry. The Willie-Wagtail didn't venture in far this time and barely kept still long enough for a photo. Meanwhile Mr Currawong kept an eye on me from a distance - very nervous when on the ground - I suppose it takes them a while to take off as they need a run-up. They may be regulars, but provide real joy and a sense of emerging from summer relatively unscathed.
With 18mm over 4 days and another 14mm today the natives are beginning to flower and this gardener is most happy to see it - especially since South Australia broke all records for lowest rainfall in first 4 months of the year. This Eucalyptus caesia 'Silver Princess' was one of the first and attracted a pair of LWs (although a different male, by the sounds of it - am hoping to get some pics soon). A Common Grass Blue Butterfly - Zizina labradus - stopped by to enjoy some nectar. They may be common, but this is the first one I've spotted. A New Holland Honeyeater took advantage of the LWs absence to feed on this Acorn Banksia. While at the birdbath some of the usual suspects lined up, including Mr Blackbird, who had an extended dip. Finally, a group of around 20 Dusky Woodswallows (Artamus cyanopterus) returned - stunning with their aerial prowess and striking pale blue bill.
If you live in the southern half of Australia and are desperate for rain you might be very happy to see the appearance of a large amount of Rain Moths (Abantiades atripalpis). I know I was earlier in the week and, once again, they were right with decent falls the next day. Last night there was another influx of them and it's raining steadily now as I type.
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December 2020
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