Instinctively On Seeing This...

Instinctively on seeing this bundle of hairy caterpillars I knew not to touch them, they are processionary caterpillars and they are dangerous. 

They are covered in millions of sharp fine needle like hairs that are very brittle. 

If that isn't bad enough, these hairs contain a protein that causes an allergic reaction in most people, resulting in a hive like rash. 

Sometimes contact with them can cause respiratory problems, plus if the hairs get into the eyes they can cause blindness as the hairs have tiny barbs making it difficult to remove them.

 They are also extremely hazardous to grazing animals, especially pregnant horses. 

If a pregnant mare mistakenly eats one of these caterpillars, she will abort her unborn foal. Apparently in the Hunter Valley in New South Wales, where sadly hundreds of foals have been lost to these caterpillars. 

They are called processionary caterpillars as they follow each other head to tail when searching for food. They can often get confused and will go around and around in a circle looking for food they will never find, ending up in a jumbled mess. 

Eventually these will turn into a bag-shelter moth and after mating they will die. 

This is because they are unable to feed, as the bag-shelter moths have no mouth...

 

Kangaroos...

Kangaroos will always make me pullover whenever I notice them. This family was enjoying a mid morning siesta. There was an older joey who was still suckling milk. Joey's normally leave the pouch at around 11 months, and can continue drinking milk up to 18 months of age. The teats are inside the pouch and I watched as this hungry joey latched on. I did wonder if there was another joey in the pouch. A doe can care for three joey's at a time. One in the uterus, one in the pouch and one like this one whose left the pouch yet is still dependent on mama. 

Kangaroo mothers are meticulous in pouch cleanliness as it's vital for healthy joeys. They clean the pouch by licking and using their snouts to clean waste out. 

Kangaroos are social and although they live in small to large groups apparently the hierarchy shifts, especially when defending territory and during mating seasons. 

Kangaroos will groom each other which strengthens bonds. 

And mobs of kangaroo's will physically grieve the loss of a family member. 

Most people underestimate the intelligence and bonds kangaroos have, yet if you observe them long enough it's easy to see there is emotional depth and intelligence. 

I encounter this group on a regular basis, mostly I like to sit and watch, being in the moment instead of taking my camera...

 

I Can...

 

Finally A Few...

Finally a few days before the end of April I happily grabbed my umbrella and went for a walk in the rain. 

The scent of the drenched foliage enveloped me inducing a serenity that only nature can achieve.

All was still.

The fury of the storm had passed.

Apart from the rythmic patter of raindrops all was silent...