What an epic start to spring in this part of the world. Everything is going bunta after the best winter rains we’ve had in over 17 years. And for the last 2 days there have not only been some classic waves here on our mid-coast, but all along Australia’s southern coasts from NSW to WA. The local dolphins are relishing this glassy springtime swell. There are thousands of insects rising from underground and other over-wintering habitats. Moths and Butterflies on the wing, birds going crazy, roos everywhere. The local birds of prey on the coast, just grab a bite to eat when they feel like it – there is just so much food around after our good winter rains. This is a rare thing indeed for these birds (and other critters), who live in the driest inhabited continent on the planet. My Grapevines/Air-conditioning units have all exploded into early bud-burst and growth, as has the rest of the flora in SA. There are 14 things flowering in my garden at the moment, which the large families of Honey Eaters and Silvereyes and others are really enjoying. The Red Wattlebirds are all ‘clockity clockyting’ and there was even one of my front garden’s 40 to 50mm Bull Ants in my lounge room yesterday! On a glorious trek the other day, I came across an unidentified, white-spotted, 35cm long dead fish on the beach. Then I came across an old guy surfing ‘pure-glass’ 4ft waves at a spot that hardly ever breaks. I saw him catch a wave and because of the sunset in the background, he was silhouetted on the wave that was coloured golden. Every time he carved a turn, the spray that came off, looked like gold dust. As I got back to my car, I saw yet another Nangkeen Kestrel grabbing its dinner right at the edge of the cliff. I thought to myself, that it won’t be long before the snakes and lizards come out to play. Yesterday I was pushing myself really hard up and down the cifftop track, on another perfect spring day, when I came around a tight corner and nearly stepped onto a brown snake. (Again I cursed myself for not having my camera with me!!!) I stamped my feet a couple of times to shoo it away (which is what usually happens). But this time it had the opposite effect and the snake reared its head up! Cheeky little bugger. We tried to out-stare each other for about 5 minutes. As it was starting to get dark and I was 200ft above the ocean on a cifftop track, I decided to put my faith in a higher power and the unspoken communication between myself and this beautiful creature. I decided that the snake no longer considered me a threat, or an over-sized meal. I slowly and tentatively eased passed him and made it back to my car just on total darkness. I guess the lizards will be out in a couple of days. Spring and autumn – gotta love ‘em.
Posted on: Tue, 03 Sep 2013 03:50:48 +0000
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