Hi everyone
I've been a member of the site for a few years now but have recently swapped my urban 1/4 acre for 63 acres of farm. It's got a lot of open paddocks (soon to be rectified with tree plantings) but close to significant bush reserves/treed ridges, has lots of water including a semi-permanent watercourse and boggy areas and we have heaps of birds.
Enjoying seeing such a variety, and seeing the seasonal visitors.
We get lots of birds nesting around the house (have some huge hollow gum trees) and just found these little fellas in the house yard.
cheers
Paula
What a fine swamp you've made, Paula. I trust you'll be safe from any fires that come your way. Where I live (s.e. slopes of Mt Lofty Ranges SA) the average rainfall is 475 mm per year & there are a number of indigenous plant species (e.g., lagoon saltbush Atriplex suberecta) which are local to my area, fire resistant & regenerating all over the place, especially near our house. They also provide great food for birds & habitat for butterflies. Perhaps there are plants of a similar nature which are indigenous to your area & which could help protect you from fire.
I guess your variety of habitats could provide you with seed for your tree plantings.
What species are those little fellas in your photo?
We'll definitely be looking for local plants - there's calls for local plantings of drooping she-oaks for the black cockatoos. We'll limit the number of trees close to the house, but we'll be designing with fire protection in mind. We have quite high rainfall generally and still have lots of grass, but everything is starting to brown off.
Hadn't thought to collect seed - will have to look into this.
With the storms and lightning strikes tonight there are quite a few fires started up, but nothing nearby.
They're superb fairy wrens, we have lots of them around the house. There was another nest in the neighbouring tree, and a big gum tree next to the house has multiple nests and hollows - it's fun to watch the different species take turns! And today I was moving sheep and found either a Eurasian skylark or Pipit and nest in the grass. Will have to see if I can get a pic without going close.
I had to use whereis.com to find out where Primrose Valley is.
Peter
Hehe - no one knows where it is! I used to live 30 minutes away and had never heard of it. Gorgeous little spot.
You may need a permit to collect seed, Paula. If you have any natural bushland abutting your land you could fence off a section & allow the bushland to regenerate into the protected area. It's slower than planting but equally satisfying, I find.
Stay safe from those lightning strikes!
Thanks, we're not right up against the reserve - another property in between, but will look into what's allowable with collecting. cheers, Paula