Nature Notes for June / July

The most welcome rain has had quite an effect on the local natural environment. Colour changes are very noticeable. The bright yellow of the prickly wattle, flowering in profusion at present, vivid green mosses are thick and spongy on rocks and previously bare ground. Lichens are re-hydrated and prolific, with beautiful grey and pale green colours. Some heavy dews have made the scented sundews obvious. Large patches of them are visible now; red and green, adorned with droplets of moisture and the sticky substance that helps them attract insects. The critically endangered spiny rice flower is flowering. Its tiny yellow flowers and small size bushes are difficult to spot from the roadside, in a location so close to paddocks in crop. The brightly coloured red capped robin is still regularly sighted, and in the same bush area a hooded robin has been seen a few times. Observing the behaviour of local wildlife can be an interesting and enlightening pastime. For example, two wedge tailed eagles, in flight, being harassed by crows and totally ignoring the crow's intrusion. Wood ducks can be observed in pairs flying from prospective nesting hollows in trees. The white winged choughs are gathering in very large, and sometimes very vocal, family groups. The moisture in the ground this year will make their task of building mud nests much easier than the last few years. Native mammals have adapted to live in conjunction with human habitation near their environment. The yellow footed antechinus sometimes lives around houses. A couple from near Wedderburn were pleased to have one positively identified and can relax now they know the small furry creature they have seen in the fernery is not a household rat. There is much to observe in our local natural environment. Enjoy the changes, particularly evident after the recent rain.
Nature Notes result from our members observing the environment as they go about their daily work or relax in their environment.

"WCMN Observers"