The First Scorching Day.....

The first scorching day of the season was a bit of a shock to the system yesterday, the air hot and the sun stinging very early in the morning. The sprinkler was doing the rounds of the garden giving everything a good soaking before the draining heat reached its peak. 

The rose chested cockatoos were having breakfast in one of the acacia trees, snacking on the seed pods which is a favourite food. They were none to pleased with me pottering around the garden and few squawks of protest very noisily given. Not that I heed the warning to go away. 

The fine spray of the water was drawing in many of the tiny birds but they were far too swift to capture flying through the water. The bronzewings also were flying through the refreshing spray and heading up to a branch to preen themselves. One though perched itself on the fence and appeared to enjoy an early morning shower.

A lone new holland honeyeater was on the lookout perch high up in one of the trees, there are still a few nesting new holland honeyeaters in the garden and they are constantly on high alert for the larger birds who raid their nests. This vantage point is a favorite as it is high enough to see any lingering predators. 

As the day wore on clouds began to fill the sky, they were quite unusual and unfortunately they didn't cool things down. As the evening approached the rose chested cockatoos returned to munch once again on the abundant seed pods. The chickens had stayed hidden under the bushier plants most of the day and began to appear as the sun began to drift off for another day.

Much to my surprise the vegetable seedlings were not withered nor burnt after such an intense day of heat. It does amaze me how plants survive the soaring summer heat. The lettuces are growing well which the chickens will be happy about, they love a daily lettuce. The watermelon seedlings have perked up with a hot day and finally look like they are about to begin to take off. I am hoping to get a good crop of watermelon as I give the chickens and birds a quarter of a watermelon per day in the intense summer months. And maybe this year I may also get to enjoy a slice or two myself.......