Autumn is an exciting time to observe the world of birds as some prepare to migrate. We have the opportunity to spot new bird species in our local areas if we are alert and observant to the signs and clues. Our interactions with migratory birds can be predicted with a basic knowledge of the weather and bird behaviour, as many…
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Ponding encourages an understanding of the relationship between plants and animals in a freshwater ecosystem. Pondlife may be observed and monitored over each season. We went summer ponding and the experience was amazing. There wasn’t much happening on the surface of the water, but we were excited to see pondlife in the algae-covered rocks, pond scum, mud, and the water…
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Frogs belong to the animal group called Amphibians which means two-lives. First, they live in water and breathe through gills like fish. Then, after a few weeks, the tadpoles slowly begin to metamorphosise and become froglets before completing a full transformation into land and pond living creatures who breathe through their skin. We found the amphibian metamorphosis from tadpole to…
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Let’s do MATH with native bees!
Hello, friend. Did you hear my music? In the summer months, I fill the air with my song, and other insects often join in, creating a marvelous bush orchestra. I’ve noticed your bush boots as you’ve paused to observe insects or one of those nasty beings with wings that frighten me so. You call them birds and I’m sure I’ll…
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In order to be good stewards of our space in the world, we need to understand how living (biotic) and non-living (abiotic) organisms interact with one another. This type of study is known as ecology. It helps us to understand how a population of organisms live with one another within their environment. Trees provide food and shelter to many living…
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Blue-tongue lizards love to bake in the sun during the summer months and it’s likely you’ll bump into one on your wanderings. We studied the lizard in Week 2 of the Australian Nature Study Guide | Summer Autumn, and one thing I found interesting, was that they give birth to their young, unlike most lizards that lay eggs. Another interesting…
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Would you like to be a data collector? Take your magnifying glass and notebook to the garden. Let’s go on a Lady Beetle hunt.
There’s more complexity in the design of a bee than we’ll ever understand this side of heaven. Bees have unbelievable vision which enables them to read and solve colour puzzles. Did you know they can even recognize human faces? Their eyes have been wonderfully designed with 6 300 ommatidia that are capable of telling the difference between 300 separate flashing…
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Bees are complex and fascinating creatures that are vital for our survival. They pollinate our vegetable plants, fruit trees and grains. Every year, Apiarists, bring their honeybees to pollinate our grains and fodder crops on the farm. Beekeepers also know which plants and trees are flowering through the seasons and move their hives accordingly. Find out why bees are important….
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Adding Borage to a butterfly or bee garden is a great choice as it attracts pollinators including native bees to your space. It also has the added benefits of repelling pests and being companions to plants like tomatoes and strawberries. Borage is also known as the Bee Bush or Star-flower. I was excited to see Blue-banded bees enjoying the star…
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