When it comes to “green” cities – those graced with leafy parks and tree-lined streets – the rest of Australia could take a leaf out of Hobart’s book. A mix of deciduous trees originally introduced from Europe and our own native eucalypts and wattles not only provide shelter from rain and sunshine, but give shape to the seasons. There is no greater sight than Tasmanian blue gums in white flower in Sandy Bay in spring, or the maidenhair tree, ginkgo biloba from China, in … [Read more...] about Trees shape the seasons in Hobart
The canary in the coalmine
Negotiating the catacombs of the Museum of Old and New Art I emerged into a narrow corridor bathed in light. Ahead of me a group of Mona visitors blocked my way, They were gazing through what looked like a window, framed in steel. An art piece, an installation? I waited for the tourists to take their pictures and, moving into position, I was surprised to discover what they had been viewing. They had indeed been looking out of a window and the “art” object was a pair of … [Read more...] about The canary in the coalmine
Eagles eye pampered pooches
A flight of wedge-tailed eagles has been causing a fair amount of disquiet down the Channel south of Hobart. A dog-owning coupe report that the eagles have been casting hungry eyes on their beloved toy poodle pair. The Birches Bay residents contacted Craig Webb at the Raptor Refuge at Kettering for advice on how to keep their pooches safe, and he in turn referred the pressing matter to wildlife biologist Nick Mooney, an eagle expert with some wise words about both eagles and … [Read more...] about Eagles eye pampered pooches
Ravens and currawongs in a turf wars
The boyz are back in the hood now that we are firmly in the grip of winter and Gloria the raven is being left out in the cold. The “boyz” are a flock of black currawongs which descend on my neighbourhood from their usual kunanyi/Mt Wellington stronghold about the time the first frosts appear on garden lawns. The boyz, of course, include females and these 20-strong flocks appear as just one big raucous gang out to cause mayhem in suburban gardens. The forest ravens – … [Read more...] about Ravens and currawongs in a turf wars
Fantail arrives on cue
It was as though a grey fantail – singing a tinkling, thin song – had arrived on cue. Landcare volunteers were busy turning an old overgrown, log-strewn quarry into the latest addition to Hobart’s wildlife landscape. The members of the Waterworks Valley Landcare Group had already named their latest project Fantail Quarry and the fantail, flitting through the treetops above the volunteers’ heads, was giving their efforts a seal of approval. The work of the 13 Landcare and … [Read more...] about Fantail arrives on cue