Archives for October 2015

How many years must a mountain exist before it is washed to the sea? The Bob Dylan hit of yesterday was blaring from the car radio as I started on the twisting, winding drive down from Mt Wellington, at the end of another uplifting day of bird-watching. I was thinking not so much of how long our precious mountain will be around before it is turned to grit and sand but of the here and now and what a vital refuge the mountain provides for wildlife so close to a major city. It … [Read more...] about When we were born in time

The role of the garden ecosystem was thrown into focus with the first-ever Backyard Bird Watch, organised by Birdlife Australia last spring.  During the week-long event thousands of bird-watchers and bird lovers compiled lists of bits spotted in gardens and forwarded them to the birding organisation so a census could be compiled of birds visiting urban and suburban areas nationwide. I took part in the survey, spotting about 40 birds in a garden which I have carefully turned … [Read more...] about Gardens have a vital role to play

The symphony of birdsong in the backyard can be enough to lift anyone’s mood, but research into house prices suggests it may also be a sign that your home will be worth more, too. And house-hunters would do well to listen out for the melody of the grey shrike-thrush and golden whistler to gauge the quality of the neighbourhood. A study in the United States has found houses in areas rich with birdlife sell for an average of US$32,000 more than those with fewer birds. And … [Read more...] about Birds put a value on your home

A pied oystercatcher probing the neatly manicured lawn on the Queens Domain at the entrance to Hobart was a fitting symbol for the city’s wildlife wonders on a glorious winter’s day. Untroubled by the passing traffic, the beautiful bird dressed in black and white plumage, and carrying an impossibly long red beak, went about its business against the snowy backdrop of Mt Wellington. As I watched the bird from across the road, standing in the car park of the Hobart Aquatic … [Read more...] about Symbols of the city

The sound of spring echoed through the Waterworks Valley in mid-August, even though winter was refusing to loosen its grip and there was snow on Mt Wellington.  On a rare sunny day amid frost and snow, I heard the call of the striated pardalote, the first of the summer migrants to arrive in the suburbs. The swallow might herald spring in other parts of the world, but traditionally in Hobart the pardalote announces the end of winter with its resonant three-note call. Out in … [Read more...] about Spring arrivals herald summer