Tag Archives: wildlife

In Forests #02

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Forest walking, Mt Dandenong, Victoria.
What is it the forest says to me?
It says, “Dive in deep and gleefully!”
and oh I do so like to take that advice
because diving into a forest is oh so nice

I approach the edge excited each time
because when forest bathing the time is all mine
nearing the forest the world changes scale and shape
new dimensions appear: from 2D to 3D, into 4D I leap

as the colours of tree thin lands fade out behind me
the colours of the forest grow ever richer to see
and time seems to stop while immersed in this place
as the harshness of cities is quickly replaced 
by the soft light of beauty and amazing grace

the smells of the flora the anticipation of wildlife
the moisture in the air the freedom the relief
where I walk in peace awestruck and at my own pace
where I find so many reasons to pause and marvel in this space

I belong in the forest it puts smiles on my face
it slows me it soothes me it relieves me of haste

it gives me adventures I would never otherwise find
it welcomes and embraces me and I return all in kind
I embrace the ground cover the mid story and canopy
I welcome every insect bird and animal I see 
I soak up the sights of mosses lichen and fungi 
the waterways the water aquatic life and algae 

and I think if this is heaven in heaven I want to be
because then heaven is on earth to revere joyfully

Today’s d’Verse prompt is from Lillian: write a poem that somehow mentions, is set in, or is motivated by the woods / forest. As I hope you can see, I like nothing better than to spend time walking in forests.

Witness

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Fewer Koalas visit us these days, Strathbogie Tableland, Victoria.
We witness their leaving like smoke in the wind
the wildlife departure impossible to rescind
following First Nations people out of the bush
into memory alone at an increasing rush
when we came here there were many koalas just 16 years ago
now their sighting is uncommon as they falter and go
and the freshwater crays I haven’t seen for five years
the metal blue of their backs absent - extinction fears
there once was a blackfish but it also is gone
from the spring creek below us it once called home
and the robins are fewer where they once dominated
the platypus just hanging on from being eradicated
I’m sure the list is much longer but what more can one do 
than try to protect what is left sheltered in a zoo
more people and cars, disease, cats, foxes, more stock
more land cleared, less native food, climate change, ticking clock
we should know better but our efforts are weak
we talk local but the world must now deliver what we seek

Poetry days #30.

All work is my own and subject to copyright. I do not use AI. I do not want AI to use my work.

hero-maker

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above the field the hero-maker
exercises leadership inspired
massing forces across the vale
with support in plenty provided

the gunsmiths make the guns
the gun-handlers pass weapons along
the gun-runners deliver them
to gunners firing on song

on the field the trap-maker
casts nets and snares wide
able-bodies and deft-hands ready
to relieve the fallen and retired

the charging-mob is subdued
by strategy and power
out-flanked and out-thought
they charge prop then cower

injector-darts hit each target
unconscious they drop and fall
collected quickly from the field
be-gathered one and all

each beast is agentle-laid
weighed and length measured 
teeth and health are checked
body-secured then tethered

bio-tags are clipped to ears
before the waking beasts astir
safe-release is carefully planned
returned unharmed to where they were

across the remnant-wilderness
against disease and deceit
conservation-heroes monitor life 
resisting extinction and defeat

Today’s dVerse prompt is from Bjorn to use “kennings” or new compound words to create meaning in a poem as a way to continue the evolution of language. 

Poetry days #37

All work is my own and subject to copyright. I do not use AI. I do not want AI to use my work.

The Lunette walk, Winton Wetlands

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A Whistling Kite at Winton Wetlands

This is the second last of the ten walks to be mapped and published by me from Winton Wetlands. It has taken a while to get to, but it was worth the wait: Lunette walk

You can find the other Winton Wetlands walks I have published to date here: https://wintonwetlands.org.au/walking/

The right way to write

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tools of the trade
I have never thought about how I write
with stealth or do I attack the page
sometimes I think I write in fright
sometimes I write to release my rage
but overall I’m a a reflective fellow
like a wombat I trundle about
I like to write thoughtful and mellow
until an issue makes me want to shout
and then I am as useful as a thylacine
the stripes on my back for all to see
extinct barking creature of a bygone time
a target for the crack guns to eradicate me
so, now I practice being an observer
like an owl watching and waiting in a tree
one with much less shout and more murmur
I learn more about the world to better understand me

This early 2024 dVerse challenge was a thought provoking one from Dora, to create an animal metaphor for how we write. https://dversepoets.com

‘Twas

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It was only one bird, I saw was missing from the sky.
And then I realised there was another missing that I could not deny.
Then,the flocks and gatherings I saw were missing from the coast.
Where had all the birds gone? That flight, that wing, that multitudinous host?

I saw the water washing clear upon the beaches of rock and sand.
I saw the water empty there, devoid of life it flushed the sparking strand.
There was one ragged crab as dead could be, it was wedged in a scaly crust.
Where once there were shellfish diverse and plentiful, now all were ground to dust.

Summer people walked and played in the waves, they paddled close to shore.
Unaware of the teeming life, that was there no more.
Where the water touched the land, the interface was sterile,
But one could still splash and be cool, with no inkling it was puerile.

Eastern Yellow Robin

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Drummer Creek, Far East Gippsland.

Watkins walk

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Watkins Road

Watkins walk is a Strathbogie Tableland roadside walk through grazing farmland and native forest. One of its other attractive features is the high conservation value roadside vegetation including various towering species of eucalypt.

Such roadsides are critical local biolinks for flora and fauna. There is plenty to see and wildlife sightings are common.

This is a little trafficked smooth gravel road and Strathbogie Tableland is quiet. You can hear cars approaching from some way off. It is pretty safe walking. However, it still makes sense to stick to the right of the road so you are facing any oncoming vehicles that do appear.

Click this link Watkins walk to the map I have created on http://www.walkingmaps.com.au

Walking in the evening

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You never know who you might meet.
I'm walking in the evening
smelling all the sounds
I'm strolling through the gloaming
Doing my enchantment rounds
I'm catching all the moonbeams
and putting them in my pocket
Remembering fondly daydreams
Preparing days last docket

The path is lit so brightly
in silver and dappled grey
The water sprites dance lightly
on moonlit water spray
 
And where the cascading creek
pools calmly at my feet
it reflects the Milky Way
 
I'm walking in the evening
Hearing all that I can see
I sense the bobuck in the tree
before the bobuck senses me
A tawny frogmouth silhouettes
against a star bright sky
With silent flight of no regret
his dive is only heard by eye
White shades of cockatoos 
perch ghostly in pairs aloft
Crests rising to the "Who? Who?"
of the barn owl in near croft 
A mother koala briefly joins me
on her own purposeful  path
Her joey clinging grimly
to her shoulders makes me laugh
 
And then a cool spring breeze
tousles my hair as if to please
and praise my meandering task
 
I'm walking in the evening
touching scents borne on air
I'm feeling all I'm feeling
I'm shedding care by care

Honeysuckle's sweet subtle breath
permeates  all around
Bullrushes whisper secrets kept
Chocolate lilies abound

The swamp gum rustles above me
The peppermint towers high
The snow gum looks so lovely
as I tread quietly by
Flowering gums are tipped with fairy tutus
The manna creaks as it sways
All sprinkle the night with eucalyptus scent
whispering to the wind, “Australian bush” they say
 
And then on the horizon I see my home
It calls me from my roaming
To sit in darkness without a sound
I savour all the night has shown me
while walking in the evening

This week the d’verse prompt is from Lillian. She asks we poets to, “Take a walk with me.” You can view the full prompt here https://dversepoets.com/2023/09/05/take-a-walk-with-me/ I have chosen to rework a poem from a while ago that reflects on walks in the evening near my home. I hope you enjoyed walking with me.

Save our Strathbogie Forest (SOSF)

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Save Our Strathbogie Forest supporters gather amongst the giant trees.
Helen McKernan introduces the SOSF chuffed.org crowdfunding campaign.
Wild Hearts express their support and get everyone active.
Giant Messmates dominate the scene.
Sally Mann talks about the reasons for the campaign.
Sue Ablitt explains the structure of the organisation.
Bertram Lobert fills us in about the legal requirements and action to date.
Bert answers questions from the gathering.
Supporters pay close attention to the discussion.

On Sunday we gathered at the giant Messmates in Strathbogie Forest to launch the Save Our Strathbogie Forest Action Group’s chuffed.org crowdfunding campaign. This campaign is in support of the Save Our Strathbogie Forest legal challenge to stop DEECA and FFMV burning endangered Greater Glider habitat. Strathbogie Forest is amongst the best Greater Glider habitat in the country. These Victorian Government Departments want to burn precious habitat there without reasonable justification.

You can donate here: https://chuffed.org/project/strathbogieforest-legal-action

Greens Hill Walk, Winton Wetlands

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I am currently mapping walks in the extensive Winton Wetlands. Greens Hill is one of my favourites. See the full Victoria Walks walkingmaps version here: Greens Hill Walk

Heron Loop Walk, Winton Wetlands

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The most recent walk from my work for Winton Wetlands. For the full Victoria Walks version use this link: Heron Loop Walk

Woodland Walk, Winton Wetlands

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The most recent walk I have mapped in Winton Wetlands. View the full version on Victoria Walks walkingmaps here: Woodland Walk

Mokoan Ponds Walk, Winton Wetlands

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A new walk I have published on Victoria Walks walkingmaps. You can see the full version here: Mokoan Ponds Walk

Bridges and Cuttings walk, Tallangatta

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A new Towong region walk I have published on VictoriaWalks walkingmaps: https://walkingmaps.com.au/walk/5472

Shipwreck and Geology walk, Loch Ard Gorge

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Here is a link to the latest walk I have published on VictoriaWalks walkingmaps https://walkingmaps.com.au/walk/5485

Living on the Edge walk, Loch Ard Gorge

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Here is a link to the latest walk I have published on VictoriaWalks walkingmaps https://walkingmaps.com.au/walk/5484

Strathbogie – Mt Wombat Cycling Return

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What is so secret about Mt Wombat? You would think every local knows about it, most have driven up to the summit to take in the magnificent views and returned home again. Well, maybe the question should be rephrased. How many have really seen Mt Wombat? The views are only part of the story. When driving you miss so much. You have to either cycle or walk for the full forest, granite and wildlife experience. If you are used to time on a bike, a mountain bike or hybrid will do the job. The 16km return from Strathbogie Township is a great way to pass a rewarding half day of exploration. Granted it is a steady incline and the final approach may require some walking your bike. You will not be disappointed and it is all downhill on the way back.Otherwise, ebikes are perfect for this route. You will still get your workout, granted with more comfort. That final steep approach will be taken in your stride. Stopping along the way to soak up the forest experience will be hard to resist. If cycling isn’t an option or you want an even slower immersion in the landscape, walking is the way to go. Park at the intersection of Mt Wombat Rd and Mt Wombat Lookout Rd for a lovely 5.5km summit return. It is truly as pretty as can be.See what secrets you can discover in Mt Wombat Forest.No matter which method of transporting yourself you choose, make sure you are appropriately equipped for self reliant cycling or walking. Carry food, water, First Aid, nav aids and be SunSmart.

Conservation Kasa

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Many places I have called home 
as around the world I roamed.

But none so full of joy for me
as the Tableland Strathbogie.

With mountain forest all around,
wetlands, creeks, rills and swamps abound.

Native animals can thrive here,
Wombat, Platypus we hold dear.

Vicforest loggers habitat deprive.
We fear wildlife won't survive

Koala are less seen today.
Bandicoots all but gone away.

Greater Gliders still here endure,
but our forest is not secure.

Conserve and re-wild what is left.
Or lose all this to future theft.

This week’s d’verse prompt came from Sannaa. Write a poem using the Korean poetic form Kasa.

https://dversepoets.com/2021/08/17/poetics-exploring-the-realm-of-korean-literature-first-stop-seoul/#comment-307838

What I said to the other animal on my journey to the end of the world

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 I think you might eat me
 I‘m scared that you will
 If I run you beat me
 No light on the hill 
 In the hope of appeasement
 Still desperate to run
 I appeal for lenience
 For my trashing your home
 So I’ll say I’m sorry
 That we humans are dumb
 I’ll say we forgot
 Where we’ve been and come from
 You don’t need to eat me
 Because we’ll eat ourselves
 Let me go quietly
 From the home where you dwell
 Humans all will be leaving 
 It’s our destiny
 There will be no grieving
 And your world will be free

The Last Butterfly

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A Common Brown photographed at Jubilee Swamp
 
 When the last butterfly flutters by
 your seat on the grass
 When the sun moves overhead
 in one more timeless pass
 When the creek’s empty water
 flows by and on
 When the creatures of the bush
 all around you have gone
  
 Will you sit and reflect
 on what could have been
 When you knew it was coming
 it had been foreseen
 Will you ask why you didn’t 
 when there was time and you could
 While you sat on the grass
 thinking I must then I should

The Reed Warbler

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Reed Warbler at Polly McQuinns
 
 That clamorous reed warbler
 With the protracted breeding song
 Passages of enamouring power
 Designed to bring along
 A partner for the season
 With whom to court and spark
 To share nesting in long reeds
 At the edges of the lake 
 
 I do not know the words
 Of this loud and spirited song
 Launched from this small bird’s throat
 Into the gathered avian throng
 In the early morning, 
 at the end of each long day
 Persistent and single minded
 Seeking a mate to hold in sway
 But the message is clear and proud
 I am the one for you
 Come to me my darling 
 Let’s see what two can do

Rewilding: an urban beginning?

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I recently read David Attenborough’s 2020 book, “A life on our planet: My witness statement and a vision for the future”. Ever since, I have been contemplating how on earth it will be possible to action the plans he outlines for preserving functional global climate systems, biodiversity, and saving ourselves from ourselves.

Rewilding is one solution Attenborough envisages. A small example may be when many urban neighbourhoods develop their own small forests and foster biolinks. The cumulative effect could be significant. Just as each relatively small piece of new built environment and mono cultural agribusiness diminishes our capacity to recover, each relatively small piece of new ecosytem and forest enhances it. See www.bbc.co.uk/news/stories-56003562

Walking

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As I head

toward the door

Questions

head my way

Where are you going?

Walking.

Where to?

It doesn’t matter, I say

Walking

a destination in its own right

Walking

the easiest way

we can fully engage

With the natural world

In walking

we place ourselves

at a new destination every minute

we escape ourselves

And we expose ourselves

to genuine experiences

of our surroundings

and the elements

on the human scale

What will you look for?

I smile

knowing whatever I look for

I will also find many things different

I don’t need to look

for anything in particular

because I will find

small parts of everything

Walking always takes me there