Seasonal Observations – September

1st of September – Marking the first day of Spring. I observed a magpie gathering nesting material to line its nest. It was collecting material from out verandah! I was quite surprised as I thought that the magpies would have already started their nesting.

16th September – Freesias discovered down along the path to Emu Point. I have noticed them before as early as the 14th of August in previous years and am curious as to why they are later this year.

22nd September – The freesias are out in full bloom around town. Mainly white/cream coloured and not particularly scented. Which is odd.

Also, I saw the first Southern Old Lady Moth for the season. Dasypodia selenophera. I’m not sure I’ve actually seen them this early in the year before. They are quite a large moth and given they are more prevalent in summer in these parts are sometimes called Santa’s spies – quite apt given the eye-shaped markings on the wings.

24th September  2018 – Reed Warbler over near the swamp has been very vocal. As have the Brown Honeyeaters. As it happens, both bird calls are very musical and I like them both.

25th September – New Holland Honeyeaters nesting in the hedge. Unusual that they are nesting quite low given the many options of higher sites around the place, but its probably ultra safe given its about a metre from a gate regularly watched by a Rhodesian Ridge-back! And it is a nifty location to dart out into the garden for insects and then straight back across.

28th Septemner 2018 – Broad beans are in full flower now and pencil thick pods have formed on the stalk about half way up. I’ve already pinched out a few tops for meals over the last week or so and will continue to do so.

Spinach/silverbeet has benefited immensely from the recent bursts of rain and sun. Thick stalked and sturdy with great fanning foliage. We and the rabbits and guinea pigs are enjoying it.