I is for Invaders

 

grey bird with black head and yellow beak on ground


There are definitely more invaders in Lithgow than in Potato Point. The bird above is the noisy miner. According to the Australian museum website, 
"Noisy Miners aggressively attack larger birds such as hawks and kookaburras. These attacks may be so vigorous that most other birds are excluded from an area occupied by Noisy Miners."

Apparently it is a native bird, but often takes over. 

We also see many European sparrows and some starlings. Mostly that leaves magpies, crimson rosellas and some eastern rosellas. We have seen one king parrot and one gang-gang.  Much less exciting for us. 

In our travels, we have also seen signs of wild boars, rabbits and feral goats. The boars root up the ground and the goats are quite happy in the scrub and on pastures designed for other animals. 

On the old farm,  they were constantly trying to control the serrated tussock brought in as livestock feed but not eaten by anything. In Lithgow we have seen english ivy and blackberry bushes (okay, mixed blessing). 

Of course, I am also an invader. One concern we had for buying property was the extra taxes if we purchased before I was in the country for 200 days. However, they have a "natural love and affection" clause which makes it possible to transfer without that wait. That will save us a bit that we can use for furniture! More money to put in the account next week and some forms to sign, then we can have a new address for all of our financial docs (oh what fun). 

Next week is more work on those forms and doctor appointments. Scott has his first one on Monday and then we go to Canberra to get me set up with a cardiologist sooner rather than later. Back to Potato Point and then back this way for another pet sit. Of course, all my planning is now getting in the way of moving into a new place but we have time. No truck yet, either, so rental cars are us. 

I have also been preparing for my visit to Seoul for the Council on Education. Should be hard work and very interesting! I do get to fly business class. I couldn't find my seat but that was because it is in the upper deck!

seat plan for upper floor in aircraft

Finally, we have been busy in the backyard - this pup really wants to take on agility classes!


Hope you have similar exuberance for the jumps in your life! Share your successes!



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