Had a visit of 8 birds yesterday - think they came to see if their favourite banksia had recovered from last year's munching. These cockies are very flighty and too much movement from me causes a loud departure. Strange how timid they are having no threats that I can see. After a bit of quiet 'conversation' the nominated lookout (males have pink eye ring) moved to another tree to keep an eye on me. He was not impressed with my whistle and uttered an alarm call. After a few minutes his alarm calls got closer together then he took off with the rest of the group following. Feel privileged to be so close to these magnificent, seemingly prehistoric large bird (numbers declining due to habitat loss) and grateful to previous custodian of land for planting the banksia.
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The Little Wattlebird has a long, brush tipped tongue that is useful for lapping up water as well as nectar.
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Galahs |
Wedge-tailed Eagle
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Bursaria spinosa This thorny small tree, with its characterful bark and generous offering of blooms in summer, grows prolifically on the block, whether from seed or from its copious network of suckers. It's an important tree for biodiversity, supporting a range of birds and insects through protection and sustenance. The young plants are also a prickly hazard for the gardener weeding! |
Aboriginal use of the tree includes eating the gum or making a sweet drink from it. Bark is used to treat indigestion and fibre from the bark used to make string for bags and baskets (herbiguide.com.au). The bark is a rich source of tannin.
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