Passing through the foothills of the Great Dividing Range, we have
crossed a large number of creeks and rivers, only a small percentage of
which contain water at this time of the year. Any running water
supports
a narrow corridor of lush vegetation and abundant wildlife, even
rainforest pockets, though just meters from the banks the earth is as
dry as the vastness lying hundreds of kilometers from any water source.
In the early mornings, swirling flocks of parrots join the water birds
who are living there permanently, to drink and bathe in first light,
and
by sunrise have begun their daily pilgrimage to the dry eucalyptus
forests.
Snow white gum flowers coat the treetops like fairy floss, and attract
bright flocks of rainbow lorikeets who feed on the nectar. During the
wet season, while the rivers are in full flow, the land will support
more creatures, though the lorikeets will have moved on, following the
flowering gum wherever they can find enough food.
Animals regularly travel enormous distances because they are dependant
upon water sources which are absent for half of each year. Among these
are the wallabies which compete with domestic cattle for grazing areas.
The wallaby pictured here is one we spotted soon after midday today, on
our path to Laura town. These and other wildlife we have encountered
have generally been quite placid, and are content to let us watch them
from a safe distance until a passing vehicle sends them scared into the
brush and away.
What kinds of animals live in your country for only part of the year?
Why do they migrate - what are they following?
bel