Colours of Djilba

SECOND RAIN

SEASON OF CONCEPTION

AUGUST & SEPTEMBER

Djilba is welcomed by the bright yellow flower of many Acacia varieties. Mindaleny (Prickly Moses - Acacia pilchella) is one of the first to be seen. The weather is cold, and birds are taking shelter from the sudden showers, then busy themselves with nest preparation during the mild sunny days. Food is abundant and animals begin pairing to prepare for offspring. Yonga (Kangaroos) and weitj (Emus) are taking advantage of the new growth and venture further inland as water sources are replenished and food is in abundant supply.

The foraging habit of Emus teaches their young how to survive and also helps to deliver seeds to new areas for future growth, maintaining the reliable food source. Possums (Ngwir) are extremely territorial and will venture out during the night but always return to their home tree where the koormal (female possum) starts to prepare a den for new offspring while the kelang (male possum) helps to collect soft supplies. The Galyang (Ridgid wattle - Acacia cochlearis), Kudjong (Orange wattle - Acacia salinga) are expected to burst with colour and gloriously flower mid-season.

As we progress though the Season and the weather warms, we can expect protective koolbardi (magpies) to guard their nest area by swooping upon uninvited guests, the djidi djidi (willy wagtail) dances to distract and chase larger birds and predators away with a swoop and loud clicking sound. The brushtail possum sometimes takes bird eggs for protein and is relentlessly chased away by the djidi djidi. Nearing the end of the Season, the grass tree (balga) will grow magnificent flower stalks and the yellow-green large cone flowers of the poolgarla (bull banksia - banksia grandis) can be seen. Traditionally, the cones were used to start campfires (karla) and were also useful for transporting the hot fire coals to a new location.