Welcome to my backyard

29/07/2024

Backyard Observations

It's a perfect Queensland summer's day. In fact what you would call a 'blue dome' day in the middle of winter. The tall gums are in blossom and they drop leaves and seeds from the flowers incessantly. I could be out there every other day sweeping it all up .. as I do .. sometimes ..

The problem is when I am collecting the leaves to recycle in the garden or to go in the green waste, I get so distracted by the simple beauty of the leaves. Wouldn't this make a perfect still life in watercolour? I love gum leaves just as much as the native birds like the gum trees.

Some birds that choose to visit us in passing are Rainbow Lorikeets, Scaly-breasted Lorikeets, Pale-headed Rosellas, Crested Pigeons and Spotted doves. Little corellas, Galahs and Sulphur crested cockatoos can be heard calling as they fly past. Pied Currawongs and their mellow, gurgling calls are a treat.

Laughing Kookaburras that call early in the day. Often they start their famous chuckle but they don't always finish with that raucous laughter. I seem to hold my breath for the finish .. that rarely comes. If they do finish, others in the neighbourhood join in and what a beautiful iconic sound that is. Hearing that call is the call of home.

Another treat and rarity is an Australian Boobook that calls at night. This owl has a mellow, musical double hoot with varied pitch. It is haunting sound that echoes through our suburb. I have gone looking for him .. not successful yet.

Occasionally seen is an Australian King Parrot. Probably just passing through, but a splash of brilliant scarlet. Harder to see is the emerald and turquoise on his back. A gaudy combination of colours.

Truly a smashing smorgasboard of birdlife to enjoy when walking the pooches around the neighbourhood. Noisy Miners are usually around too .. complaining and warning us of other birdlife in the neighbourhood. The last warning to us from them was that a Pheasant Coucal was poking around the garden hedge.

Other subtle signs left behind by visitors unseen (and that are easily overlooked) is that of a Rainbow Lorikeet .. just a feather on the ground and carpet python discard. Glad that he is around to keep our rodent population at bay :)

The not-so-subtle signs which if you miss, you might walk into. Keep eyes peeled for the Australian golden orb weaver. Quite a large arachnid who likes to build his strong web right across pathways. Still quite a thing of beauty when you are not swiping him off of your face.

Thank you for visiting my garden.