Magpie-Larks...

Magpie-larks are actually neither a magpie nor a lark, they are more closely related to fantails, drongos and monarchs. They will mate for life, and build a nest of plant fibres and mud to hold everything together. Which is why some people call them mudlarks. 

The local indigenous people call them Dilabit.

Magpie-larks are one of an usual species of birds that sing in duets. It's actually pretty difficult to tell if it's just one bird singing. Each bird sings one note per second, separated by half a second. 

They also do not like seeing their reflections, and I have had to turn a garden mirror around so that the magpie-lark would move on.

In the autumn and winter magpie-larks migrate to warmer places flying in large flocks...

Nestled...

Nestled amongst the foliage this young ringneck parrot seemed at ease posing for a few photos. They are curious little birds, and live in either pairs or a small flock. This one was with it's two doting parents who were just out of sight hidden by the leaves. 

They eat a diet of some fruits, seeds, flowers, insects and nectar. They do need tree hollows for breeding, and with the constant destruction of habitat by humans this is likely to cause a problem for the species. Another threat to their survival is from the rainbow lorikeet, which has invaded Western Australia from the east. They are aggressive little birds and will often commandeer the ringnecks nesting hollow.

They are normally active in the mornings and evenings, especially in the summer months...

 

A Refreshing Treat...

A refreshing treat of a icy cold watermelon on a sweltering day is something the girls really enjoy. Next to blueberries, watermelon is their next favourite fruit...

 

But Of Course...

But of course, the box the cat scratcher came in makes a much better bed.

I doubt anyone will ever understand cat logic...

 

I Couldn't...

I couldn't decide if the kitty kids were resting serenely or exhausted from the heat when I arrived home yesterday. But lucky for them I had a surprise for them and this soon got them moving.

Because cardboard boxes are the best thing ever, when I noticed a cardboard cat house/scratcher I knew Miss Bear and Charlie would love it.

They soon came over to see what I had and then once I finished putting it together they took turns in investigating this new little house...

 

We Can't...

 

A New Mural...

A new mural was finished recently in Midland and what an impressive piece of art it is.

The work features the endangered red tailed cockatoos, painted over silhouettes of a train.

I didn't see the artist name, but I will go back and have a closer look, yesterday I was in awe of the piece and focused on the vision in front of me...

 

Saturday Morning...

Saturday morning I was greeted by the most amazing sky, clouds at various heights were moving at different speeds, creating a canvas of ever changing mystical shapes.  

Gazing upwards I lost myself in the gliding clouds before shifting my gaze to the hungry chickens and other garden visitors.

I am slowly adjusting to the dusty earth, where cooling green grass once was. 

In a way it saves me a tasks, yet the garden does appear hotter with the bare earth. Having said that though, I'd rather a garden full of life than having the regular chore of mowing the lawn. 

Not much is in bloom currently, but the garden is full of colour by the birds who come to visit daily.

And what a blessing that is...