Tuesday 21 June 2022
One of the most striking sounds of Coomalie is that of the Bush Stone-curlew. Judging by the eerie, mournful sounds that echo through the night, there must be a large population of these birds, who call this place home. I caught a small sample last night. As soon as I stopped recording, the bird or birds broke into a final crescendo of screeching before silence again closed in around us.
There are many superstitions surrounding the curlews, and in particular their nerve shattering screeching. They have been held responsible for predicting death by some and for calling the spirits of souls wanting to be born by others and to sound like a screaming women or baby by yet others.
For me, I rather like listening to them and pondering what previous people who lived here over the generations felt about them. In particular, those young men who were stationed here during WWII.
Last weekend a group of about 90 young air cadets dropped in for a training weekend. Richard took Norm and me for a drive around the property, during which we encountered several packs of them on exercises. It was great to see them and although they must have been feeling very hot, they looked like they were having fun. They set up camp amongst the silent fielders on the cricket pitch.
On Sunday, Barry flew in for a cuppa in the morning. When he flew out again he thrilled the cadets with a special fly over in their honour.
Coomalie (the puppy) is continuing to grow and delight us all with her quirky little personality. I am wondering how much of it comes from dad, Ralph the Toy Poodle and how much from mum, Chinner, the Parson Russel Terrier.
According to my very scientific research (Google) Toy Poodles are:
“As the energetic and sprightly Toy Poodle is among the brightest of breeds, it is a pleasure to train — eager to please, responsive, alert, sensitive, playful, and lively.” and
“The Parson is an intelligent little dog but can be a bit stubborn like most terriers. Training is relatively easy but owners must be consistent and firm. They do have a tendency to turn a deaf ear when on the scent of something”
I can vouch for the claim of selective deafness, which I have personally witnessed. She is certainly very playful and lively.
ON THE ROAD 