crimson finches
Dear Ciara,
We had some new visitors to the garden. Our 24th species of bird, if I am correct, and God—I am absolutely ecstatic. Nothing brings me more joy than to see a new species of bird has made an appearance in the garden. While I failed to capture a photo of these new visitors, I will do my best to conjure up an image for you. There were four, maybe five—only a small flock—perched in the mango tree. Red-hot chilli pepper plumage. Flecks of white like paint splatters beneath their wings. As they darted between the foliage, I listened to their sweet trilling.
Have you guessed the species yet? They were crimson finches or neochmia phaeton.
Perhaps the most striking of all Australian finches, crimson finches are sometimes called “blood” or “killer” finches as males can be quite aggressive towards other birds (particularly those with red plumage). We have seen this species before, darting about wetlands, but this was the first time I’ve seen them passing through the garden. They are drawn to the same things as most finches: native grasses and eucalyptus; the safety of pandanus leaves and a tangled understory. How to encourage them to return, I’m not sure. I am hoping that as I plant more native flora and add other natural elements to the garden (such as hollow logs, birdbaths, etc.) they (and others) will be encouraged to visit again.
Upon reflection, I now wonder whether these finches are seasonal visitors. This is our first November in the new house, after all, so perhaps they only pass through at this time of the year? Regardless, I am very glad to have seen them. It was the breath of fresh air I needed after a long, tiring week.
It is starting to grow humid again up here. I have begun using the air-conditioner at night, which during this economic crisis feels illegal. We call this time of year in Tropical Queensland the “build-up” to the wet season. It’s a hot and heavy time, where the tropical rains are teasing us but haven’t actually arrived. I wish they would.
I’ve noticed other symptoms of the changing seasons too. The green ants (oecophylla smaragdina) in my garden are growing more active, weaving nests in the citrus trees. There is a new one in our Valencia orange, at least half a metre in length. Tens of thousands of ants must call that nest home. It’s a little disorientating, if I am honest, to see them scuttling about in such grand numbers, but I know they are a crucial part of the garden’s ecosystem. I have witnessed them firsthand protecting our mangoes and dragonfruit from pests. For this reason, I will continue to greet them with kindness and be grateful, even if they do bite me from time to time when I am pottering about the yard.
It is good to be writing to you again. I know it has been a long time since I last wrote, the hustle and bustle of life getting in my way. I won't lie, it’s been a hard year for me. Purchasing this property, while wonderful, has put us under financial pressure, especially given the state of the world. My job has been challenging too. As you know, I am actually stepping out of my permanent role next year to try something different. Whether this will improve my mental health, I am not sure, yet I feel compelled to try. I am eager to hear of your new adventures too, now that you have almost arrived in Canberra. A whole new city to explore. A whole new world of birds.
You’ll have to tell me all about them.
Love,
The Gardener