Hotter weather has caused a very visible change in the white gums that are common in our area. Have you noticed the amount of bark they have shed, revealing smooth trunks underneath, adorned with beautiful patterns of silver, grey, pale green and sometimes slightly orange new bark. The next time it rains the new bark will display the colours in a vivid illumination. The numbers and varieties of spiders have increased. The golden orb spider is often encountered in the mornings with its interesting web stretched between foliage branches. The trapdoor spider lives in a fascinating construction, a neat hole in the ground with a very well fitting lid. A number of plants have responded to better rainfall last year. Fresh epicormic growth is sprouting from the base and often the trunks of many of the mallee trees. Newly regenerated plants, especially wattles, are becoming more visible. Uncoordinated fluttering noises in small shrubby trees attracted the interest of the observers. On investigation the noise was caused not by a bird, or a bat, but by two very large goat moths that seemed to be struggling to find a perch in the tree foliage. Once they settled onto the tree trunk they became almost invisible due to their excellent camouflage. Large patches of the attractive small plants lemon beauty heads have flowered recently. Windy weather quickly knocked over the flowers. Many ruby saltbush plants are currently adorned with masses of colourful red berries that many birds find quite palatable. A Willie wagtail was seen furiously swooping a sand goanna. The goanna was unconcerned. In the shade, the vivid yellow striped markings of the goanna were very noticeable. This month the observers have again enjoyed noting a stimulating variety of plants and animals in only a small local area. Anyone can participate in this satisfying pastime and increase their knowledge understanding of our natural environment.
Wedderburn Conservation Management Network “Observers”