A ‘Southern Ocean’ cold blast finally hit! Some well needed rain arrived recently with typical wintry squalls originating deep in the southern hemisphere, and while it was welcome, a lot more rain is needed to rejuvenate the dry environment and get some well needed run-off to improve water levels in the wetlands and ponds to support the wildlife. Meanwhile, there are rivers of nectar and seed pods in the estate’s streetscapes which are planted with Coastal Banksia, causing havoc among the territorial honeyeaters defending their nectar patches. In the creek line and wetlands, waterbirds have been happy puddling around in the slow trickle of muddy water. There has been lots of action around the installed tree stags erected five years ago providing perch and habitat spots for birds in the treeless landscape. These are proving to be invaluable ‘beacons’ for birds to survey the area and for us to watch them get up to some bird antics.