Outside time for the kitty kids is normally the same time I go for a waltz around the garden.
In their enclosure they get more stimulation than they do inside, which is important in keeping their needs met, whilst ensuring that no harm befalls the garden residents.
I am considering a second enclosure so that they get another vantage point of the garden. I no longer lead walk them in the garden since the quendas appeared.
Friday morning, as the kitty kids got some grounding and sunshine moments I meandered around my garden wondering who was visiting. I like to refer to my garden having rooms, and I designed it this way, it took a long while for the plants and trees to grow and create these outdoor rooms, yet now it is just how I imagined. And I never know who I am going to encounter in different parts of the garden.
It's a little wild and untamed to create a more natural habitat for the birds and quendas. Actually, the quendas are fast little critters and often come zooming out from the understory, rushing out of sight as they disappear from view under another bushy hideaway.
I often wonder how the joeys get on when they are in the pouch. Unlike other marsupials who stand taller when they hop, quendas are very close to the ground as the hop along.
There were several birds enjoying left over seed.
Given how many different species come to have a treat of seed, there are rarely any squabbles.
The most bossy are the rose chested cockatoos, they can be quite a handful as well was very noisy. The wood ducks are fairly docile, as are the bronzewings and ring necked parrots. I find the ravens the most polite of all, often waiting until most of the others have moved away. I never offer bread, not even for the chickens, but I do occasionally chop up fruit, or place watermelon out on the really hot days. I have just planted several watermelon seedlings, I hope this year I get a good crop. I have a few artichokes appearing,and I recently planted a couple more artichoke plants as they offer good hiding places for the quendas.
Speaking of quendas, they dash about between all the birds even the tiny joeys. They seem somewhat fearless little marsupials, and I have so many in the garden now, it really is so special having my very own quenda population thriving in the garden.
As is normally the case, when I have my camera, the quendas seem to disappear, although I finally got a few photos. I don't try to tame any of the birds or quendas, rather I keep my distance. I think it is better for them in the long run to have a healthy distrust of humans. Some of course are friendlier than others, and that is because over the years they have come to understand that I am not a threat. I feel it is special enough to have such an array of creatures in my garden, I don't feel the need to domesticate them.
All the gardens residents know that the cats can't get out, which helps with the stalking therapy for them. The birds mostly ignore them Sometimes, they will perch on top of the enclosure, almost taunting them, which is a tad cheeky!
Bear isn't as into watching the goings on as much as Charlie, she prefers to lay on the ground and sleep. Bear will also meow to come in, or to ask for me to sit with her. She settles much more if I go and sit with them for awhile, at which point the chickens normally come and settle and watch the cats.
Being in the enclosure actually gives me a prime spot for watching the birds and quendas.
Noticing habits and behaviour without intruding.
I realised that there are tons of weeds, not using any form of chemicals in the garden means that weeds get out of control, but I would rather weeds than killing insects or harming the wildlife.
So I just deal with it.
Soon I will begin to prune back much of the garden before the heat of summer is upon us.
Summers I never look forward to, and keeping the garden alive over the relentless summer months takes some doing. I prefer to hand water, mainly so that I can keep an eye on how the plants are doing.
Having said that though, occasionally I will put the sprinkler on so that the birds can have a bath. Although one of the most magical things about my hand watering routine is the smaller birds come and fly close to me chirping cheerfully so that I will create a fine mist for them to bath under in the safety of the trees. I never think of this as a waste of water, but more of providing a service to these tiny little beings.
It is one of my most favourite things about the long task of watering day after day.
Even with so many water bowls and birdbaths in the garden, this is something that the smaller birds seem to prefer.
The water bowls range in size and height, I am mindful of having smaller bowls near where the quendas tend to drink, as it is safer for the newly weaned joeys who are so incredibly small when they start investigating the garden on their own.
When I wander around the garden like this, time flies.
It is the best way to lose a few hours just watching the happenings in my tiny private piece of Gaia...
