Foxes Lair, in autumn

Well! another month I didn’t get to Narrogin by afternoon.  I found myself wanting to complete just one more chore before I left home and didn’t factor in all the roadworks along the way that slowed me down considerably.  By the time I got to the tiny farming town of Williams I was stretched for time.  It was already dark. The main road is undergoing major works and it was a tight squeeze getting past town not knowing where the detour was taking me.

The stretch of road, some 30 kms, between Williams and Narrogin is flanked by farms and woodlands.  Kangaroo and foxes are a danger here and when the speed limit is 110 km/hour, it is hazardous driving for someone unfamiliar with these roads at night.  It was pitch dark.  I felt like I was the only person left on earth.

Next morning I resisted the urge to go to Foxes Lair as I needed to catch up on work.  But, my heart was there and I wondered what awaited me.  (By the way delayed gratification works!  I was able to meet my goals!).There was enough rain overnight to wash my car clean.  I also knew the bush reserve of Foxes Lair would have loved the rain.  It looked fresh and the perfume of gum trees and rain … just delicious.The banksia was in autumn colours of copper and gold. The delicate manna acacia leaves were perfectly frilled and framed by barbed wire. The ringneck parrots were high in the gum trees and came down lower after they got used to my presence.  This one was a juvenile.  I loved the tail feather!The parrots love gum nuts and I’ve gone used to the shower when I walk under them.  It can rain gum nuts when there is a flock feasting.  They do hurt when they hit the head!They can be quite bold.  This one took time to come closer after a period of peekaboo.I watched how they picked up the gum nuts with their claw and ate it.  This one did the same with tiny fragments it found.  How intelligent they are!
Busted with gum nut in beak!
The adult is quite large.  There were about a dozen near where I stood.
This one was a juvenile and ate with manners.  Yes, it was a stretch of imagination, but I was waiting for the ‘pinky’ to be raised, high tea style!

Home tonight and then back out to the Eastern Wheatbelt.  More driving and looks like there will be storms too.  Not looking forward to that at all.

Until next time

As always

a dawn bird