Wildlife this week

We've had the usual Eastern Grey Kangaroos, a few Red-necked wallabies, the emu, an Echidna and lots more Sulphur-crested cockatoos than normal. They have discovered that the grass trees out back have set seed so about 10 of them are methodically stripping all the seed off them. I haven't been able to get a really good photo because I think one must stand guard in a nearby tree and the minute I go out there with a camera it sets up this dreadful noise to warn all the others.









We were lying in bed this morning after letting the dog out when we heard her barking like crazy. Frank said she must have finally seen a kangaroo and went to investigate. He called me to come and look at what she was barking at, and sitting right next to the pen was a fox. I was wondering if she didn't eat her raw chicken wing at night if the smell would attract a fox, and it sure did. He was a cheeky devil and didn't move until she charged at the fence barking at him (or her). It finally moved off after she'd finished her chicken wing and her morning snack.


The guys at work keep teasing me because they keep seeing goannas out in the park and I haven't seen one yet (even Frank has seen one on his way to Stawell and Ararat). They reckon I drive around with my eyes closed. Anyway it might not have been a goanna but it was a very neat Bearded Dragon, which let me get up close to take a photo. Mind you it was half-way up a tree trunk so it probably felt pretty safe.

After spending a very pleasant Christmas Eve with Carol and Stephen in Williamstown the van der Peet Christmas this year was in Kallista. We collected Dad from St Georges and got out there at about 12.30pm. I think Dad had an enjoyable day but I'm pretty sure he didn't recognise me until I spoke to him. He definitely didn't recognise many others although he kept telling me they were "very nice people". He got a bit confused coming back and thought Frank was a taxi driver and that he was going swimming - he was most concerned that he didn't have his towel and bathers. It was rather sad but like I said he seemed to have a good time.

Well 2007 is nearly upon us, I wonder what this year will bring? Not too many more bush fires hopefully and some decent rain would be nice to follow up the bit we got on Christmas Day. Here's wishing you all a safe and happy 2007!