Visitors

And so the day has come when we host our first (unrelated) visitors.  Grand Dame Sofia, the Lord Trayon and Prince William (possibly not their real names) arrive just in time for lunch on Saturday.  In the meantime we had jerry-rigged some weather proffing for the "Loo With the View" as rain had been predicted.

Now shower-proof Loo With a View

Can't help feeling that a blue tarp strung from trees always screams "dunny".  Ah well, better than getting rained on while going about one's business.

The plus side of huge piles of cumulous nimbus overhead is, however, intersting atmospheric phenomana; in this case a halo around the sun.  I had to take this through my polarised sun-glasses to capture the full effect so couldn't actually see a thing!  I am quite pleased with the result

Halo

There was just time to do a quick scout around for the Spotted Quail-thrush (no luck) before The Visitors arrived.  A slightly different direction this time took as to the top of a steep cliff and rewarded us with a splendid view of a Scarlet Robin.  Three Rainbow Bee-eaters busily migrating overhead were the weekend's first new sighting for the block, though the bad light and their quick progression made it impossible to get a look at them.  But now that we know we lie on their migration path, we can be ready next year.

Back to the cabin to discover the Grand Dame and her entourage had arrived so time to show off Little Bunda to a some tree-hugging, bird-watching pals.  

After admiring the 'Wendy House' and a delicious lunch of quiche and a bit more quiche, we set off for The Mystery Pond. Prince William (Bill to his mates) needed to be firmly restrained as the scents and sights of Little Bunda were just too tempting for him.  I did mention he was a dog didn't I?

Following the carefully flagged path to The MP we were a little concerned at the lack of birds.  Admittedly it was high noon but when you have been boasting to your visitors of your extensive bird list, is a little demoralising to not even be able to produce a Brown Thornbill.

However, as we progressed down the steep hillside through groves of Ironbark, White-box and Kurrajong even our Grand Dame Sofia had to admit it was a bit nice.  Eastern Spinebill, Brown Treecreeper (one of our threatened species) and Yellow-tufted Honeyeaters all added to the charm.

The recent good rainfalls didn't seem to have made a huge impression on The Mystery Pond but we were pleased to see there were still at least 3 turtles swimming about.

An Eastern Long-necked Turtle

Hmm, will have to look this one up

The rain had, however, had an effect on the local funghi.  Dozens of different varieties have sprung up but few as colourful as these two.  

Boletus ananas

We didn't risk mushroom omelettes for dinner.

I might have mentioned before that reptiles seemed a bit thin on the ground at Little Bunda but it might be because they are all as shy as this little guy.  He took some catching but then very kindly posed for some quick diagnostic photos before being set free again.

A shy Nobbi Dragon

Grey Butcherbird

While taking a well earned break at the pond, and watching 3 Wedge-tails circling above us, a Grey Butcherbird came in to check us out.  He obviously thought we looked a bit shifty as he followed us back up the hill, shooing us out of his territory and making sure we didn't steal the silver on the way out.

After a brief interlude, when Bill took off after scents unknown and we stomped about shouting "Bill!" to no avail, we settled down to a delicious dinner, a rather nice bottle of red and earth hour.

Cor!

Not that we had any lights to turn out.  Just as well really as we were dive bombed by bats and any bright lights might have improved their aim!

After a spot of spot-lighting (apparently GD Sofia and I were being a little foolish expecting aboreal mammals and should have been happy with the Giant centipede, Green Hood Orchid and large Hunstmen spiders) and some healthy debates on various topics we all retired but not before hearing our first Owl for the block - a Boobook who continued to chirp on and off all night.

Finally!

Sunday started off just as leisurely as it should with plenty of tea, coffee and muesli all round.  Though a hunt for the elusive Scarlet Robin and a tripout to the Callitris lookout was on offer, I opted to stay at the cabin and tackle the daybed.  The rather large Swedish furniture company had happily swapped the distorted frame for one more fit for the job and, with the help of the Grand Dame, we soon had a completed, sturdy and rather smart day bed ready for use.  Well, apart from the mattresses: they are at the top of the list for the next trip.  When the wanderers returned there was just time for more tea and banana bread, and a tantalising brief glimpse of a Chestnut-rumped Heath-wren before every had to leave; except me.  There was the usual round of goodbyes, followed by the usual round of "did you pack the......"s and then all was quiet and I was by myself.

There were a few twitters in the bushes, some squeaks from the trees and 8 4WDs headed up the dirt road coming from who knows where but clearly heading home after a weekend of trail-biking.  Peace and quiet.

Nankeen Kestrels over the road - grrrrrr

Suddenly I spotted to bright blobs in the tops of two dead trees over the roads.  That beautiful, brilliant brown could only be Nankeen Kestrels - still missing from our list.  I watched them for a while, willing them to find something more interesting in our trees, on our side of the road but with no luck.  They flew off and I was left wondering what it was about rusty cars and goats that so attracted the them.

Bill - AKA Prince William, AKA You Evil Dog