WONGA NURSERY AT BLACKHEATH

There was initially some reluctance on the part of our Wonga twins to attend nursery school in the garden. That nest high in the conifer was so snug and secure. The pair hatched in August and by mid September one parent was offering encouragement from an adjacent branch as the other called to them from below.

But no, they just refused to move.

Finally, on September 17, they made the big step. The smaller one was a few hours behind its sibling, but after sitting alone in the nest it decided there was no alternative.

BOTH SAFE AND SOUND IN THE NURSERY

And finally there they both were with Mum (or is it Dad?).

They have taken up residence under the protection of our WWII wheelbarrow. I thought this was rather apt, as it was hand-made by one of our neighbours, to build an air-raid shelter in Sydney.

Oh dear, there will be so much to learn at nursery school; the entire lay-out of the garden’s walking paths for instance. Also, how to avoid threats, how to pose nicely for Pauline’s camera, etc etc.

Hurry along little one, you will be late to your lesson. And it’s dangerous to wander off.

The little one stays close to the parent, so sweet! It’s darker than the other one. and thinner. Well….it did always have to battle to be fed, and was often walked on by its sibling. The ground nursery will be a happier place for it I think

DUSK…… AND A BAD DECISION

At dusk the chicks are called up from the nursery to sleep more safely on a tree branch. But what did our parents choose to roost in on the first night? A spindly bloomin’ tree fern! Oh my word, the small one had such trouble getting a grip. They were all bouncing around on the fronds and nearly toppling off. Eventually the supervising adult had the sense to move with the larger chick to a branch higher up. Unfortunately the other little fellow was pretty weary by now and couldn’t make it, ending up on another fern for the night. OMG!

The family was also too close to a gum tree, with its nesting currawong,

Sure enough, down came the big bird on the look-out for food. My husband Rob nearly had heart failure. He rushed out and shooed the currawong away as the parent Wonga also leapt into action. Talk about the dynamic duo! I had a job to persuade Rob to come inside for dinner after that little drama. I know he will be up at dawn to make sure all is well.

ALL’S WELL

So delighted to report that the chickies survived the night and are sitting quietly together on this cold, grey day.

The wretched currawong still poses a threat though.

I can sense that the next few weeks are going to be very stressful for all concerned!

FOR THE EARLIER DAYS OF THE TWINS, CLICK HERE.