It’s been almost a year since I first noticed the abundance of wildlife here at Middle-Valla Earth.
What an exciting journey it has been.
Opening the front door early mornings was like unwrapping a ‘kinder surprise egg’; sweet and full of surprises.
The outback was just as prominent.
Creature comforts, big and small, flocked in numbers.
Some creatures are extremely comfortable and made themselves at home. They never left.
Others are seasonal visitors and bound to return.
Some animals made a surprise appearance out of nowhere for a few days, only to disappear just as quickly.
The bower meanwhile extended to a maze of several outstanding sticks, incorporated with a few high wires. In fact, some natural artefacts will be added very soon, detailing an even more impressive arty habitat. I cant wait.
This provided more feeding options in a greater diameter.
Confrontations are easily avoided and less likely.
The connecting sticks offered smaller flocks and families to stick together. I
t truly has become a sticky business.
An ever- and still growing man-made eco-system structured for the benefit of the natural world and humankind. Fabulous.
My biggest joy was how everyone interacted peacefully with each other.
Most times.
Sure, there were a few squabbles here and there.
Territory and food are important factors for all living creatures.
This became more obvious when depending offspring ventured out under mum’s wings.
Those kids can be so demanding, not much to their parent’s amusement.
Admittedly, there were a few close calls from incoming chasers.
But all in all, it is a peaceful natural and rustic neighbourhood.
This includes ‘Chester the Gray’, our local wanna be panther.
No other cat would fit in here any better.
His cat instincts sometimes do kick in, but the flesh is not willing most of time.
The few tiny marsupials he caught were brought back unharmed, only to be released safely again.
In fact, he befriended many of the wild creatures and they were comfortable around him.
Zoe in particular had taken a liking to him.
Live and let live in harmony, what else do we need?
If only us humans would learn!?
I am lucky enough to observe, with or without a camera.
Better with, though. Just saying.
What makes this tranquil outlining unconditional are the natural surroundings.
Little human impact is most definitely ‘the’ significant factor.
Serene eucalyptus forest extends in all directions over the horizon.
The flora’s blossoms and fruits attract hungry feeders big and small, as they should.
This component added perfectly to the picture frame’s colourful perspective.
A recipe for success.
For my own pride and joy, having the opportunity to take amazing photos and videos is one thing.
More importantly is, what I have learnt from the animal’s behaviour.
It has been and still is a learning curve which couldn’t be read in any books.
The animals’ behaviour was mentally noticed and physically implemented in or around the bower, for those creature comforts.
Most visitors are shy in appearance and avoid food bullies.
Others stand up to food dictators, or at least try.
Everyone else waited patiently for their turn.
And entertained them- and myself.
Each species had their staple nutritional diet but also sampled other nourishments on offer.
To my very surprise, local lorikeets relish most fruits.
And vice versa, bowerbirds often pick from seed offered.
The bowerbird’s agility and ability to overcome obstacles is extraordinary and often left me speechless.
This phenomenon will be described in more detail further down these lines.
It is fair to say that all birds are willing to at least try different nutriment.
Many photos clearly show one bird eating something, with another to watch and learn.
Expressions are captured on film. Priceless.
My next few posts will introduce each and every comfy creature, commencing from small to big.
Travels with Ben 