The discovery of a dead World War II carrier pigeon – still with its coded message strapped to its leg – has made headlines around the world but the story also carries a strange echo from another age to current-day Hobart. The pigeon was found in the chimney of an old house being renovated south of London and WWII historians say it might have been flying home from British units in France about the time of the Normandylandings in 1944. The news story, appearing in newspapers … [Read more...] about Carrier pigeon flies from the past
Archives for December 2012
The theatre of screams
I am lying in a bunk bed, a Tasmanian devil gnawing on a pademelon carcass under the floorboards, and I am trying to think of a song. Only I can’t remember how it goes. I’m sure it’s something to do with a star. I try to hum the tune in the hope that words will reveal its title, and I don’t care if the devil hears. I’m trying to think of this song to stay awake; to ward off nervousness and apprehension. I’m a city animal and I am out here in the environment of the devil, as … [Read more...] about The theatre of screams
A Christmas present on the mountain
I looked a little out of place on the mountain – black street shoes, neatly-pressed grey trousers, light blue button-down shirt, no hat or drink bottle. I had intended to go Christmas shopping but on my way to town I met a birdwatcher who said that the showy shrub, Christmas bush, was in bloom on Mt Wellington. The sun was shining after a day of rain and I couldn’t resist driving to the Springs to have a look at these tall, leafy shrubs that always flower towards the end of … [Read more...] about A Christmas present on the mountain
Coots find a new home
The downy, black chick looked lost and alone, stranded in the middle of one of the reservoirs at the Waterworks Reserve. At first I tried to determine what species it was because I could not see any parents near by. Then I became concerned about its vulnerability. I’m sure it had caught the attention of a goshawk, or even a raven or currawong, who would wait to see of it eventually struggled closer to the bank, where it could be speared and eaten. I was pleased, … [Read more...] about Coots find a new home
Roll up for the “flying gymnasium”
One man’s dream of bringing Tasmania’s eagles up close and personal to the state’s schoolchildren is about to be realised with the opening of an educational centre at the Raptor and Wildlife Refuge in Kettering. Eagle expert Craig Webb has spent more than a decade developing the refuge on his 10-hectare property and at the same time has released into the wild countless wedge-tailed and sea eagles brought to him for care. Although saving eagles and other birds of prey has … [Read more...] about Roll up for the “flying gymnasium”