Fingers crossed for the Willies.
Dec 12th, 2006 by Duncan
Out on the edge of the foothills lies a vineyard and winery producing flavoursome Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Over the years I’ve done quite a bit of work out there, and it’s been a worry in the back of my mind while these fires are burning. Yesterday the owner called in to tell me a pair of Willie Wagtails had a nest with four young ones beside his orchids, and if I wanted pictures to get out there before Thursday, because if the worst happens there may be nothing left. When the late great naturalist Philip Crosbie Morrison was asked what was his favourite bird, he replied “Give me the Willies” and they are indeed lovable, cheeky little birds. I went out this afternoon and there was the nest firmly fixed to the mesh shelf holding pots of orchids, with the youngsters filling it to overflowing.
The parents were hovering around scolding me, but after a little while they accepted my presence and continued coming in to stuff spiders and other titbits into the hungry mouths, then watched me for a few seconds before zooming off to gather more.
After taking pictures I walked up to the end of the vines and looked towards the north west where smoke was boiling up from the fire just over the ridge. The fire protection has been done, let’s hope that if the forecast northerlies on Thursday bring the fire down, it holds, and the Willies, the vineyard, and the winery survive to continue giving pleasure, each in their own way.
Isn’t it strange how sometimes focussing on the detail illuminates the greater picture?
Fingers crossed for you, your friends and neighbours and those feisty little birds in their nest.
Such sweet little birds. I hope the winds will arrive to help knock down that fire.
What a beautful nest!
A perceptive comment Snail, very true. Don’t get cramp in the fingers, this could go on for quite a while!
Got some better pictures this morning Bev, will put them up soon.
Bet the spiders didn’t appreciate having their web taken Michael, great building material.
Smoke in Melbourne tonight is choking… can only imagine what it must be like where you are. I’ve been wondering what is happening to wildlife through the fires, and have been frustrated with The Age for not writing about it (unless I missed it). Television footage showed one singed wombat last night, but that’s about it.
Are there any endangered species that will suffer? What worries you the most?
Stephanie, Duncan, I did see an article in The Age (online) today that mentioned the expected influx of injured animals and birds to wildlife carers in the next few days. Singled out for a special mention with a note of concern were rarer species such as the pygmy possum and the Powerful Owl. Although I seem to recall some surprising findings re fire survival particularly of smaller possums after the big Alpine fire of ‘03 so fingers crossed.
Stephanie and CM, the Powerful Owls are worrying me the most, with the fires right in the territory of two pairs that I know of.