Mutton birds and flying foxes darken the sky

When we live on Phillip Island, the nightly return of thousands of mutton birds to the rookery beside our house is a highlight of our day. Now, in Mitchell, hundreds of flying foxes flap and quark overhead at dusk as they stream from their roosts along the river to feed on the silky oaks and eucalypts that are in full flower all over town. It's a wonderful sight and sound.

Snakes are out and about, with tracks seen in the sandy soil and many sightings around town. I hope our dogs keep a respectful distance from any snake that enters our property. Doug keeps the grass short in and around the house so at least we can see if there's a king brown around.