From my Backyard

The build-up to the Wet season has certainly started and daytime temperatures are climbing towards 40 degrees. It is called the "mango madness" time - crazy time. With not a drop of rain since May, the plants are becoming water stressed and the native trees are shedding some of their leaves to survive until the rain comes. The "Katherine Times" is running a guessing competition: When will it rain? You have to guess the day when more than 10mm of rain will fall at the weather station.

At least we're not drought-stricken so I am able to keep my lawns and gardens alive with the sprinkler system. Not that I am a great fan of lawns but the water helps to keep the yard cool. The birds appreciate the water too. One sprinker is broken so there is a spray of water up through the leaves of a tree and that attracts dozens of little birds who come to play in the water. A couple of partridge pigeons also turn up to bathe.

A night a big full moon rises over the back fence and hundreds of big bugs congregate around the street lights.