Amazing what you discover when you really look!

JodieDownUnder

I’m not exactly sure why we got extremely lucky this week on our daily walks but we did. We live in an area on the east coast which is known koala habitat. We have lived here for over 3 years and never spotted one. It is mating season at the moment, so more likely to see them and we did. Spotted 2 in 3 days, we were so very happy and grateful to know now we have some on our property. Then we found a Satin Bowerbirds nest and then we found a mass of Steel blue Sawfly caterpillars, commonly known as spitfires. The natural world is very kind to us.🤗

I come from the land down under sideways!

Torey

How amazing to have a koala in your back yard! Not a fan of caterpillars so wouldn't like to find those in my yard.

LaurieLovesLearning

It would be strange to find a koala on our property...perhaps a black bear might wander past, but they are more common closer to the valleys or in certain (national/provincial) parks where they can follow the water or where they have protection. We are just out of their main range, but have seen a few nearby.

A lady came today to pick up some extra cats that we had after a pair of fishers ate most of theirs. She said that their trail cam picked up on two bears & a cougar within the last while. The cougars are sometimes heard (if you are so lucky), but very rarely seen in Manitoba.

There are few caterpillars that I dislike...a tent caterpillar (so destructive!) or any kinds that sting, such as the American Daggar. As much as those are pretty, they are not ones that you want around.

But what wonderful treats you got to see! I find the Bowerbird's rituals fascinating.

Thanks for sharing!

JodieDownUnder

@monica197 koala habitat is slowly decreasing in this country due to many things. Urban sprawl, industry, mining, agriculture, land clearing etc. Last seasons bushfires had a huge impact on numbers in many areas. Chlamydia is the sexually transmitted disease they suffer, not all but I believe the shrinking of the gene pool is a factor.

They are not animals that you would normal try and pat or touch but if you came across one in the bush at ground level and crouched down, chances are it may approach you for a sniff. When they are under duress they are more likely to be compliant.

They are an Australian icon and if our govt doesn't have a change of heart, it is estimated they could be extinct by 2050!