Saturday 5 July 2008

Night visitor

We caught a Northern brown bandicoot in our cat trap last night. Apparently the exotic delights of rotten sardine was too much temptation. It was very relieved to be set free, and bounded off quickly into the natural undergrowth beneath our monstrous Monsteriosa [Monstera deliciosa]* plant behind the house.

Our first native critter since setting the trap to catch the feral cats which we've seen around the house and property, lately. Hopefully, this signals no more ferals for the next while.

*Correction and link 26/08/08

Tuesday 1 July 2008

Urban life is stressing out our songbirds

Birds face threat to their survival as they make music at night in a bid to be heard above traffic.

Urban life is stressing out our songbirds | Environment | The Observer

"Songbirds in cities are damaging their health, exposing themselves to predators and weakening their gene pool by trying to be heard above the din of urban life."


Silent Spring.

Monday 30 June 2008

North Korea blows up nuclear facility

Somewhat overshadowed by the report about NK finally handing over the report on its nuclear capabilities.

Amanpour: Stunned silence followed nuke plant implosion - CNN.com
YONGBYON, North Korea (CNN) -- North Korea blew up part of its Yongbyon nuclear plant Friday, in full view of CNN and a handful of international broadcasters invited to witness this dramatic and symbolic event.

U.S. State Department official Sung Kim also attended and called the move "a very significant disablement step."

I sincerely hope so. Anything that reduces the tension and opportunity for confusion or mistakes, is welcome.