A wander to see how the bush block has responded to the winter rain, after a very disappointing dry previous season. It was immediately apparent that things were much better, with low vegetation like Platysace, Hibbertia, and Stypandra  looking fresh and green, and orchids, especially Caladenia catenata, in large numbers, making up for lost time.

Caladenia fuscata.

Caladenia catenata.

Glossodia major.

Judging by the number of Flying Duck orchids, Caleana major discovered in bud, they are going to have a very good season too. A small colony of Paracaleana minor was also showing at the base of a large stringy where they have been observed for some years.
The litter beneath the trees along a track is habitat for Maratus plumosus, after much searching one tiny male was sighted briefly before it jumped away giving no photo opportunity. A Jotus auripes was a consolation prize, even though it was very wary and would not allow the camera close enough for a detailed shot.

Another, probably a female Maratus plumosus was much more cooperative.

As was a large March Fly trying to extract nourishment from  leather footwear.

The wander concluded with an Olive-backed Oriole calling from a nearby tree, and the promise of many more photographic opportunities as spring progresses.

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So far moths are the main visitors to the light with other photogenic insects scarce, this Chironomid was worth a shot to show the beautiful antennae..

While waiting for moths to arrive, a wander around the trees with a torch is worth while. Normally one sees slaters in decaying vegetable matter in the garden, but on this occasion quite a number were roaming around on the trunk of a red gum.

The red gums are favoured habitat for these small spiders in the family Theridiidae.

On a windy day this Limoniid Crane Fly was clinging on in a sheltered spot.

A random check of a flowering Broom shrub in the neighbouring garden showed that native bees are only too happy to collect pollen from this exotic garden plant.

And in another surprise, Jotus frosti that were discovered living in the agapanthus next door have apparently decided that the house is a good place to hang out.

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