Fairies of the natural world: Mitchell outback Qld

In many ways, butterflies are the fairies of the natural world. Since childhood they've charmed my imagination and dreams; therefore, the discovery this morning of a butterfly (unfortunately dead) on our doorstep transported me away from the repetition of morning routines to the prospect of flying free.

Looking closely at the butterfly's wings you can see a mosaic of overlapping scales which take on an iridescent hue when bathed in sunshine. To identify the butterfly we looked up four books, the best being one published by Allen and Unwin in 2010 called: The Butterflies of Australia by Albert Orr and Roger Kitching.

Called an Orchard Swallowtail (Papilio aegeus), this large female butterfly lives in Australia between Cape York and Eastern Victoria. It's relatively common, lays large pearl-like eggs and frequents citrus orchards in particular. Silver-eyes eat the larvae that resemble bird droppings -- presumably to confuse birds.

In Mitchell we are privileged to see lots of butterflies; in fact we've identified over 12 species in the five years we've lived here. I believe this is due largely to lack of pollution and minimal use of pesticides.

Marimba Celebration: Mitchell outback Qld

Like apostlebirds we're a group of twelve, and like apostlebirds we're a happy friendly group. Therefore, when our marimba group met at The Courthouse, last night, to celebrate yet another successful marimba year, it was a happy affair.

A vibrant dragonfly painting -- created by the artist Loretta Thomas -- was presented to our marimba teacher Joy Foott, in recognition of her generosity and enthusiasm in leading our adult marimba band : Mitchell's River Rhythms. Under Joy's expert guidance we are coaxed to achieve ever higher, yet always in an atmosphere of fun.

Certificates were given to Joy's husband Bruce who helps in the transport of marimbas to venues where our group performs; and also to Joy's son Darcy, who is our expert drummer. Karen Wolski was the creator of these unique certificates.

The Courthouse cat also attended our table, rubbing against select people and then getting on with the serious business of grooming itself beneath the table. This is one very sleek and sociable cat enjoying yet another happy event held at this popular Mitchell pub.

Going Solar in Mitchell outback Qld

Sunshine falls generously from our Queensland sky so it makes sense to harness its power to create electricity. For this reason we decided to go solar.

Queensland is the only state in Australia that still gives a feed-in tariff (currently $.44 per kWh) that is almost double the price of electricity purchased from an electricity supplier. The Australian Federal Government gives a rebate to offset the cost of any approved solar system.

Last weekend, a father and son team of electricians installed a 3.5 kW system on our roof, with 16 panels, each capable of producing 235 watts of electricity per hour.

The panels were mounted on racks to tilt them at an angle of 25° -- the approximate latitude of Mitchell, Queensland. This ensures maximum efficiency of solar collection.

Today I watched Doug watching the two yellow boxes (solar inverters) mounted on our front wall. A digital read-out panel showed that $10 worth of electricity was produced today, exported into the grid -- with a second panel showing the total amount of electricity generated since installation.

By Doug's calculation we will have paid off the investment in four years, and from that point onwards, we'll be producing more electricity than we use.

Wonder of wonders, Ergon Energy will be paying us. That's the theory, anyway!

Eucalypts of outback Qld

Eucalypts are a growing interest for both Doug and me, although in hindsight a love of this most Australian tree of all, the eucalypt, has always been there.

Some of our closest friends, Heather and Bob Bowen share our interest and have a garden that specialises in eucalypts and other Australian natives. The lemon coloured blossoms (Eucalyptus platypus) came from their garden; while the pink Eucalyptus torquata flowers were found growing along the St George road.

The Bimble box (Eucalyptus populnea) is a new tree for me but common in and around Mitchell. When fully grown, it's a tall eucalypt with a bushy crown, but it's the leaf that appeals to me.

The leaves are shiny and round. Light bounces off their surface, especially when the sun shines after rain. Wind rustles the leaves, creating their own music.

One of Mitchell's respected Aboriginal elders -- Irene Ryder -- weaves charming bimble box hats using the leaves only. Old trees have massive trunks and often have burls. These are sought-after by the wood turning enthusiasts.

This week I've noticed the river red gums in full flower and alive with honey-eaters, flying foxes, beetles and bees. It's a busy time along the banks of the Maranoa River.

Apostlebirds socialise in outback Qld

This highly social -- yet drab-looking bird -- lives in close-knit groups of 6 to 20 birds. They are often, however, seen in groups of 12; hence their name, referring to the 12 apostles of Jesus Christ.

Apostlebirds (sometimes called squarkers) are active and often make quite a commotion, especially if squabbles erupt between different families over territory. On the other hand, they are loyal and friendly within their group, helping raise young, defend territory and find food.

A family of apostlebirds lives in our garden. Their noisy chatter is a happy sound as they forage for food and talk amongst themselves. Most people enjoy the outward-going friendliness of apostlebirds, a characteristic so typical of the community of Mitchell.

Mitchell country seen through Aboriginal eyes: outback

A striking exhibition opened in Mitchell on Saturday, at the Maranoa Gallery.

What makes this exhibition unique is the fact that it's amateur photography from local Aboriginal people with limited camera experience.

Titled Gungarri Dunthee: Mitchell Country, the images reflect the beauty and diversity of Gungarri country, and the effect of country on Aboriginal lore and culture.

This exhibition was shown at the State Library of Queensland where it won several awards. Its homecoming to Mitchell was a well-attended event where afternoon tea was served and conversation flowed freely about the images and their meaning.

What impressed me most of all was the striking nature of the photos. Close-ups of river red gum trunks, leaves and smooth river stones -- -- -- --.

I left the gallery inspired to use my own camera more creatively. But isn't this what an exhibition is all about: motivating people to stretch their talents, take chances and free up their creative juices?