Behold the Australian White Ibis -
the latest creature to attack the Red Cardinal Garden ...
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This week we began to notice the appearance of strange holes in the back garden - dozens of them like these, about 4 inches deep..
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Exposed roots and lots of evidence of burrowing under a tree ..
We ruminated on this for a day or so, considered the possibility of a particularly clever scrub turkey, bandicoots, hares or rabbits (unlikely as they are not found here), possums (no, they eat fruit), crows (even they are not that crazy), or maybe aliens.
Then on day 3, I stood looking at the mess, when suddenly with a great flapping of wings a white ibis rose from the garden and flew off down towards our creek. Where, incidentally, there are quite a few of his mates gathered feasting on whatever ibis eat.
The ibis is a wetlands bird, which has migrated to the cities of eastern Australia since the 1970s, as habitat decreases. They have become quite a pest, like to hang around rubbish dumps and anywhere else food can be easily found. Outdoor cafes are a particular favourite.
Maybe I frightened it, because, fingers crossed, the constant digging of long pointy beaks seems to have ceased. For now...
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Speaking of birds, I know the fad for bird prints has largely come and gone,
but this was languishing in my fabric stash.
And it was time to stitch it up or forget the whole idea.
Today I decided on Butterick 5804 and cut out the very girly blouse with bow tie at the neck. It just seemed right on a bleak day with chill winds and rain - it will work so well under jackets.
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New bed linen - London themed!
Even Mr Cardinal commented on its cheerfulness ...
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I remember pointsettias from my childhood.
They always decorated our church on Pentecost Sunday..
These days they are more associated with Christmas, and this one was bought as festive decor last Christmas, then consigned to the garden.
It looks happy.
Have a lovely weekend
XXXXX
Dear Patricia - the White Ibis does look a lovely bird, but perhaps at a distance, not grubbing in your garden. When H puts compost on the garden, I can guarantee that the black birds will come along and flick it all over the patio, path and grass making everywhere look a mess.
ReplyDeleteAs your pointsettia is doing so well in the garden, I wonder if it will continue to flourish and grow into a big bush like the ones I have seen in Madeira.
Before they became a pest, I thought Ibis seen in the wetlands from a distance looked very attractive indeed. It is sad when nature goes wrong and they are now over-breeding, and being condemned for it. I am hoping the pointsettia will grow tall and be an asset to the garden, eventually!
DeleteDarn those birds! Seems there's always some creature to interfere with our efforts in the garden. My nemesis is moles/voles ( I can't tell the difference). Have a cozy weekend in front of the fire!
ReplyDeleteSo true Sanda, always a garden pest of sorts about. Moles/voles sound a bit creepy. We have a movie organised for in front of the fire tonight :)
DeleteThe White Ibis is a beautiful bird, too bad it has become a pest. I do think your "bird blouse" will be lovely though.
ReplyDeleteDarla
I feel a bit sorry for the ibis, because they are beautiful, and it is a pity they are now known as 'flying rats'... hoping the birdie top comes out well!
DeleteWhen i saw the first picture I thought it was a lovely bird. Then, after seeing what it did to your garden, quickly changed my mind! I hope it doesn't return. I like your bird print material, and the London bed linen is terrific.
ReplyDeleteMaybe now the rain has stopped the ibis will stay away when the soil is not so moist and easily penetrated. Fingers crossed! We love our London bed...
DeleteHi Patricia. Love your pictures. I remember those Butterick See & Sew patterns from days gone by. I used to make most of my own clothes back then. The blouse is going to look good. Your bed linen is gorgeous. Shame about the Ibis messing with your garden. Have a great weekend.
ReplyDeletePatricia x
Hi P, I had not seen a See & Sew pattern for years, then it popped up again on the BMV pattern website, to be quickly grabbed during a pattern sale. Back in the day I made all my own clothes too, but now it is more of an occasional hobby thing. Enjoy your weekend too x
DeleteI have never seen the bird before. What a shame about the holes and the mess.
ReplyDeleteOnce again, looking at your pictures, it is so difficult to believe that chilly days are expected!
The fabric you have, will turn out into a cute blouse. I admire your handwork skills!
Yesterday was the coldest day for one year, maximum of 12 degrees, and that for about 10 minutes I think. I was wearing three thick layers, plus a scarf, inside the house and willing the fire to heat up a bit more. It is weird, but I am much colder here than in Canada. Trying to keep the handwork skills going, despite the onset of a bit of arthritis during the past year.
DeleteThat Ibis activity reminds me of the Canadian Goose, who has become such a pest that I can't believe I ever thought of it as pretty. Good pattern for that cute material - I'll be watching for the finished blouse. The tie at the neck is so in right now. How heavy a jacket are you going to need these days?
ReplyDeleteAha Beryl, I know the Canadian goose because I have seen them over my daughter's house. She has a healthy dislike of them, much as people now condemn the ibis. And of course, I think Canadian geese are pretty! Yesterday I wore a shirt, wool sweater and a thick wool coat but it was colder than normal. Usually just a medium weight jacket over a shirt or light sweater.
DeleteThe birds must be busy because I have blackbirds playing in my tan bark at the moment too Patricia. Loving your pansies , pops of yellow sunshine . Enjoy your Sunday.
ReplyDeleteBlackbirds playing sounds rather nice, Shell - I hope they don't do damage! Pops of yellow rule! xx
DeleteOh, my ears and whiskers, I'm late!
ReplyDeleteThe ibis is a gorgeous bird, but that beak looks like it could do serious damage to your garden. I look forward to seeing the new blouse when it's finished. You are SO clever!
Thank you Perpetua, but not so clever as you, I suspect :)
DeleteIbis = mixed feelings. Fortunately, it seems to have moved on.
And great quote, made me smile, and I'll respond by showing a painting with that reference very soon.
Have a great weekend in sunny France.