Insects are most entertaining

Still not able to get out in the bush much, but around home, there is heaps of interesting activity. Mud Daubing wasps continue to toil away adding to the nest every day over quite a few weeks. There must be a lot of insects for them to encase in the nests this year, as the mud constructions are particularly big. One nest seems to have a new chamber added every couple of days. Although the large bright yellow and black Mud Dauber is the most visible, and makes a very loud noise in flight, there are several other varieties of wasp also building mud nests at present.

The Praying Mantis is a most fascinating insect. They also have a commonly seen and very interesting looking frothy green egg case. It was exciting indeed to discover and spend quite some time observing a Praying Mantis still making its egg case – underneath the armrest of a chair on the verandah (where most observations are currently taking place)

Dragonflies once again appeared for two days prior to the recent rains. They seem to be one of nature’s signs, heralding rain or wet weather.

At this time of year Yellow Gums are shedding their bark in long ribbons. When it rains the new bark turns a vivid green and orange and the colours are just amazing. Local trees seem to be having a hard time with large areas being defoliated by Sawfly larvae.

The nest boxes that housed large number of Striated Pardalotes this year are now silent. The Pardalotes seem to have vanished, however the family group of Blue Wrens have returned. They spend quite some time around the shady area where the Goanna lives. Bit of a worry.There is certainly lots of nature to observe and marvel at, even if still only around home territory. Keep looking!

Wedderburn Conservation Management network “Observers”