Soon, I will introduce our new home to you. But right now I want to introduce you to some of our neighbours. This was the first little fella that waved to me on arrival - a lovely big praying mantis. Don't you love his topnot?
Then, I quickly noticed the willie wagtail nest being built. Right outside our front balcony, a pair of conscientious willies are constructing a beautiful nest in a hakea. The books say that willies build their nests from mud and soften it with a quilt of spiders web. Indeed we see these little, bright birds return to their 'cottage' under construction with beaks of white sticky fluff. They beat their little heads and chests over the edge to transfer the web and smooth it off, creating a felty home. There seem to be a few galah chest feathers in the wall of the nest, little specks of gala-pink against the pale grey of web - very pretty.
We are on Wiradjuri land, a large country of the original indigenous owners. The Wiradjuri call the Willie Wagtail - dirrijirri - which, if you have ever heard a Willie's calls, is onomatopoeic.
We are tempted to call our little cottage Dirrijirri House.
Let me be the first (on here, at least) to congratulate you on your arrival at your new home!
ReplyDeleteI love that you have aquainted yourself with the local wildlife, already. Your mantis is a very handsome fellow and your wagtails will give you much joy - they are such endearing little birds.
'Dirrijirri House' rolls well off the tongue and is a respectful nod to the history of the land you share. Lovely!
Thanks Nina, you know it isn't even exciting, it just feels right. The wildlife is amazing, wombats all along the creek line and 'roos in the hills and valleys. There are barking owls at night and a big red belly black snake was a little too close yesterday. Need an anti snake pulsing device. The Dirrijirries have two eggs already.
DeleteWow wee you managed all that packing and unpacking and watched willie wagtails and managed to tell us. Congrats with the move. Look forward to reading all about dirrijirri house.
ReplyDeleteIt is so much fun, we are very very happy with our new adventure, sometimes you just haver to do something....The dirrijirries are so much fun to watch - they are starting to sit now.
DeleteCongratulations! Sounds like you're already relishing your new space! Best wishes as you get settled and explore!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, there will be more adventures. You know we have seen two amazingingly bright and large falling stars from our bed.
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