Spring is officially here on Sunday (1st September). And with it (well, from late August) comes swooping season. Magpies have already been spotted dive bombing unsuspecting cyclists and pedestrians in my local area. We have a new one this year, which means in the last 12 months some horrid human has been cruel to the…
Animals
It’s a Dog’s Life
In a couple of days our furry friend, Biggles, is turning the grand old age of 13. Sadly for a dog that means he’s a geriatric (the vet’s term, not ours). But we have noticed he’s slowing down a bit, pretty much completely deaf, his eyesight isn’t what it was, has hardly any teeth left,…
My satellite dish bird bath
A few years ago a tree outside my office window (a Liquid Ambar, I think it’s known as Sweet Gum in the US, although it originates from Turkey) died and blew over in a (very) strong wind. Actually it didn’t blow over, more snap in half. We left the stump to dry out and over…
Incredible Bird Calls
In my current manuscript I make a reference to the call of a kookaburra. I assumed (incorrectly as it turns out) the kookaburra would be one of our Aussie animals that everyone knew, like kangaroos or koalas – because of its call. Uh uh. It’s a shame, because we have so many unique bird calls…
Goldfish update
Back in July I introduced you to our intelligent drive-me-insane fish, Splish, and his his companion, Splash. Sadly our goldfish outgrew their tank and we had to find them a new home. We were lucky enough to find them a fabulous new tank in a house where they will be very loved. Splish is the…