...and all over the property Prostanthera lasianthos (Victorian Christmas-bush) was in flower. Many flowers have already dropped creating circles of white petals along the lake road (almost like snow). The white part of the flower is actually edible. A few remnant pine trees perhaps another reminder of Christmas. Maybe next year I should consider hanging a few decorations.
It was a surprisingly cool weekend for this time of year and both Walter and I had forgotten to bring up somewhat warmer clothes (The weather when we left Melbourne was in the high 20's). One thing about the cooler weather is that I tend to be less concerned about snakes and more concerned about leeches. Especially when I am sent down to the creek to find out why water is not being pumped. The water intake was sitting on a log out of the water following recent heavy rains. We decided that this was probably the problem. Some time later after flicking away 6 leeches (and missing the one that bit me through my socks), 20 minutes of bidgee widgee removal (from myself and the dog) and carrying numerous containers of water to prime the pumps we once again have a working water pump.
Strolling through the orchard there are many trees in fruit. As the residence and lodge have been occupied in recent weeks, I think many of the usual birds and deer are keeping away. Or it might be that the fruit is not quite ripe. In a few weeks there might be lots of plums, pears, apples and hazelnuts ready to eat.
The birds at Christmas Pines continue to be a delight. Kookaburra parents are instructing their young, lighter coloured offspring on the finer arts of gathering a meal just below the cabins. A raucous call from mum (or dad) eventually brings the youngster, they both continue with a cacophony of sound until the parent flies away. The younger bird left on their own sits making considerably more subdued sounds until again called away. The kookaburras need to be careful as a young fox continues to prowl around the cabins. Not satisfied to lurk at night, this young fellow can be seen sitting in the sun below Cabin 8 or rolling in the grass. Hard to imagine this young carnivore causing harm to our native wildlife (maybe he only eats the rabbits?).
I noticed a large greenish bird below the cabins that was making the most amazing sounds. With its enormous repertoire I was uncertain of its identity, until a friend mentioned that Satin Bowerbirds tend to congregate along the local creeks. It is a female Satin Bower bird with its beautiful green colouring!
The female appeared to appreciate Walter's pineapple scraps. I am told that with its varying calls on sound alone it could be confused with our elusive Lyrebirds. The male has the black/blue feathers and the tendency to collect blue items with which to decorate its bower.
Walking to the lake at the tennis court site there were three Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoos. I could hear their distinctive call long before I saw them. They were sitting in the wattles only a few feet overhead. They flew off when they decided I was just a little too close.
After visiting a market at Hill End we decided to take a closer look at the area of logging south of Christmas Pines. The road into the site looked significant with a deep cutting into the hill side. We were only able to drive about 100 metres before a deep ditch across the road prevented us from going any further by car. Looking around the site it is hard to imagine how it will repair itself. A few trees are left on site with an "S" painted on their side. I thought these must have been the lucky ones until I noticed some with the same marking lying across the ground. With its gravel, ditches and cutting the investment into this access road would have been significant. There are enormous piles of twisted branches and trunks. In places the ground is so churned up it will be a long time before anything grows here again. I have been told that such ravaged areas are prone to weeds. We will need to be extra vigilant of weed control on the property for the next few years. Logging has not yet commenced on the site north of the property, but their are signs identifying the work to be commenced on the road, so I imagine it will be some time in the near future.
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