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Lichens Lichens are organisms that grow in a variety of climates and can look very different. Even apparently barren areas can be colonised by lichens and in all they play an important role in helping our environment. Don...

Lichens, Mosses, Liverworts and Algae If you have ever admired the variegated colours and textures on the bark of a tree in an old garden, or the velvety growth on rocks in the bush, or the black...

Lightning Struck GumDon looked at a gum tree (Eucalyptus nicholii) that was struck by lightning three weeks ago. The side of the tree that was struck is now completely dead, with a scar of exposed red brown bark from...

Don was interested to see rainbow lorikeets picking at something on the road. He soon realised that these clever little birds were eating the seed from capsules of Eucalyptus gummifera, the red bloodwood. The gumnuts had...

Don looked at a vegetable garden that is thriving without the use of toxic chemicals to control insect pests. Instead, a natural system of balance has been achieved by encouraging beneficial insects, such...

Although Australian magpies (Gymnorhina tibicen) take their name from an unrelated black and white European crow, they are essentially ground feeding butcherbirds. They live in territorial groups and keep to a fairly simple daily routine. Early each morning magpies...

For most of the year magpies are fascinating and endearing native birds. However, during breeding, a small percentage of them can be aggressive, swooping at passers-by in their territory. Magpies (Gymnorhina tibicen) take their...

If you want to make a difference to the Australian environment, plant a grevillea. They are easy to grow and nectar-feeding birds adore them. Many grevilleas flower nearly all year,...

Mirage on the RoadIf you've ever thought you saw a pool of water or some dark shadows lying across the road on a hot, clear day, you've seen a mirage. Don explained what actually happens. On a hot,...

Moths There have been a number of large moths in the Sydney region over spring which are Bogong moths (Agrostis infusa) that are migrating south to the Snowy Mountains for the summer. Bogong moths will come inside the...