Here we all were, having a gardening sort of morning, with a nap here and a thorough investigation there...
...blessed we've been to have a pair of uncommonly-seen-in-Melbourne-now Willy Wagtails (
Rhipidura leucophrys ) build their nest in the Liquidambar above our outdoor nursery. They're flirtatious, charcoal-and-snowy, fearless chatterboxes...the Fred Astaires and the Ginger Rogers of the bird world.
Chief Inspector Zara has been on high alert...
...new family members, especially infants, are allowed to have their way, and can't be considered to be chase-worthy yet.
None of us has anything to fear. Gardens, after all, imply a guiding hand ( maybe a paw, too ), and I am perfectly happy to be able to get on with some gardening, here under the swift acrobatics of the Willy Wagtails.
that's enchanting
ReplyDeleteIt's been the loveliest story to tell, Diana.
ReplyDeleteNot visited in a while...thanks for reminding me
ReplyDeleteCheers John. I hope all is well for you!
DeleteFaisal, my fellow cicada friend, what lovely photos! Zara is really being so well behaved, and has such responsibilities. But tell me, why is the baby in the towel, in the bowl, in the wheelbarrow? Fallen from the nest? I can see it couldn't be in better hands, anyway...
ReplyDeleteHi cicada Lady. Sadly our new friend died on Friday night. His nest had been at the top of an enormous, very old gum, so I'm assuming some damage had been done. He's been buried now, but I'll remember him.
DeleteI'm so sorry, Faisal, but as you say he died in loving care. Poor baby! I've been watching nature red in tooth and claw as the magpies and Currawongs steal baby birds from nests, and now are swooping on the cicadas. Hard to watch but the laws of nature must be upheld. Goodness knows we humans behave in much more unpleasant ways to one another. Though I never lose my faith in the human spirit to rise again and again... but I think I prefer my animal friends.
DeleteSpring especially, when everything's a-buzz, is when you see varieties of garden carnage you'd rather not, Carol! Like you suggest, though, it's not motivated by hatred...
Deletevery sad, but still the way of things. it's a beautiful thing, trying to make it in the city.
ReplyDeleteZara ...bird protector. I just read your little bird friend passed. I am sorry. I hope things are well with you.
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear that Faisal. I'd been meaning to drop by and share my enthusiasm for your new best friend. Dave
ReplyDeleteThanks Dave. I'm glad he died safely and cared for rather than by being ravaged by foxes, etc. It was beautiful to have had the experience, however brief.
DeleteCIZ is very well behaved, I was very cross at Potter the other day because she barked and scared off a magpie that having a shower in the birdbath. I think you must be a bird whisperer, Faisal. xx
ReplyDeleteSorry about your bird. Zara is very cute. How old is she?
ReplyDeleteThat's very kind of you. Zara would be about three and a half. As I write this, we have a kitten in attendance too!
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