On the move

Now that we've had some good winter rains, huge flocks of birds are patrolling the farm paddocks feasting on the plentiful food to be found. There have been a few white ibis around here for some time but in the last week flocks of straw necked ibis with their glossy iridescent black wings have been seen wheeling through the sky in 'V' formation then landing and working the paddocks for insects. They will be seen feeding in the paddocks for months from now, going well into spring. I must admit I don't know where the ibis go to when they disappear later in the year.

Part of a flock of straw necked ibis

Another fantastic sight is the black swans feeding in paddocks. Previously we'd see them in selected spots on the inlet, their long necks curving down into the water as they fed on underwater vegetation. Their beautiful bright red beaks a rich contrast against their black plumage. Now they flaunt themselves in the paddocks, occasionally stretching their wings to reveal the stark white wing flash. Going past the inlet today there were only a few swans to be seen on the silvery waters.

Black swans feeding 

The black swan, Cygnus atratus,  is the only swan in the world that is predominantly black. I am so glad they are still plentiful. To me they have always seemed special. A few years ago we were camped at an inland lake that had a number of swans making the most of the plentiful water. All night long we heard the magical sound of the swans - a surround sound of musical bugling as they called to each other across the lake. All the more beautiful when you are out in the desert - so unexpected.

Black swans clearly showing their red beaks

Cattle are the most commonly seen animal in the paddocks around here. These are fairly late calves as calving generally starts in late summer. Mostly it's beef cattle with a few hardy/efficient/enterprising dairy farms still operating in this region. There has been a gradual change from dairy to beef cattle farming in this district. We live on what was once a cattle farm - subdivision for housing is now more lucrative than farming especially close to town.

Calves under the karri

Couldn't resist this - mobs of roos are quite a common sight in paddocks too - they are here all year round sharing the paddocks with the cattle and the birds.

Small mob of roos with peppermint trees behind

Just as the birds migrate from one area to another so to do the humans. Winter is a time when a portion of the population down here head up north to the warmer weather. We will be doing the same, heading north during my uni break till we hit the warmer weather. Next weekend we are heading up to the Pilbara for a month. So I will be posting from whenever I can manage it - access to communications and power permitting. The towns will be fine but when we are camped out in the sticks - ?? I'll find out.