Ah, Spring and new life at Dalveen

I love Spring - especially at Dalveen.  It has been very dry in Brisbane and Dalveen this winter but we still seem to have a bit of green grass around the house at Dalveen.  This brings in the wallabies during the night and when you wake up in the morning there's usually still a few strays hanging around having a bit of a munch on the grass before Tilly gets out there and scares them off.  I captured these shots through the kitchen window which has fly screen on it - that's why they're a bit fuzzy.  The little joey in the pouch is allowed out every now and then by a very cautious mother.  She knows there's a crazy puppy which could romp around the corner at any time, so usually when she's this close to the house, she keeps her joey securely cocooned in her pouch.

We've also been blessed with the arrival of a pair of spotted pardalotes this year.  In our ten years at the property at Dalveen I've only ever seen Striated Pardalotes, but this year this little pair have turned up and have dug out a small tunnel under the dinghy where they've obviously placed their nest.  Unfortunately there's no way of seeing what's going on in there, but I feel sure it's all about procreation.  These few pics give you some idea of how cute these little birds are and unlike the Striated Pardalote, they seem particularly curious to find out more about Tilly and me when we go on our daily walks.

 

  

Unfortunately there will be no new life where Tilly is concerned.  She reached the six month mark and as we aren't going to be breeding from her, it was off to the Vet to be desexed.  She wasn't too happy about the headwear, but everything has progressed nicely and she is fully recovered from the op.

Welcome to Matillda "Tilly"

Life as we know it has ended.  A little bundle of energy has arrived and there's no stopping her.  In retrospect we probably should have held off for a week as she came with antibiotics to clear up some diarrhoea.  What a battle to get half an antibiotic down her throat twice a day.  When you are hanging out for a meal you don't want to be bothered with an antibiotic tablet do you?  She is as cute as a button, but also a little terror when it comes to play time.  Nights are spent in a crate beside the bed, so it's like having a small baby.  Every time she wakes up and starts whining I leap up and take her outdoors for toileting.  She seems fine with this, but I'm completely worn out.  It has only been 5 nights so far and already I'm praying for the day her bladder gets a bit larger and she can sleep through the night.  Of course everything else has been put on the back burner.  No housework getting done at all and this is the first time I've been able to sit down at the computer for days.  Of course there is a little pup gnawing on the heel of my shoe as I type.

The other toys are interesting but I love the thong the best

Gotcha!

This bear is more feisty than I thought!

Love at first sight - Tilly and Catherine James

Safe spot for me to hide

Exhausted - at last!!!