Big rain
Droplets of rain hang from eucalyptus flowers in the garden.
More than 50 mm of rain fell on Canberra yesterday, 29 mm before 0900 hr and final figures not in yet. A great relief after such a long dry winter and spring, but I would rather less fell more frequently to give the land a chance to re-invigorate itself, the plants to grow and animals to prosper. Too much rain at once is of limited good.
During a break between the heaviest downpours, the water clung tight, running slowly down the long tapering leaves.
Eucalyptus bark shines when wet. Many species of eucalypt cast their bark in summer and these had only just begun to do so.
The old bark of this tree has been heavily scratched by possums who climb these trees every night. A new skin is long overdue.
While I was out between showers, I checked the leaves of the silk tree for eggs or small caterpillars of Tailed Emperor butterflies. These magnificent butterflies have laid eggs on, and new adults have successfully flown from this tree in most recent years, so I was anxious that any eggs or caterpillars might have been lost in the torrential rain. No sign, but expect updates to the blog when they do appear.
The flowers on the silk tree had only began to open the day before, and in the rain their finery looked rather bedraggled.
Wet pink fur-balls.
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