#14 Life and death in a shrinking waterhole

Our life has been busy and stressful lately, so I convinced my other-half we needed a break in the bush; when I see a need to take the reins, I do.

Two days in the Pilliga Forests of northwestern New South Wales was both relaxing and invigorating, and we came home with renewed enthusiasm.

The Pilliga Scrub is dry, but full of life. Although the variety of birdlife had diminished since our previous visit, and most flowers had finished, there was plenty happening in the bush. Most notable, was the shrinking waterholes and the effect on wildlife.

Flooding rains of early summer had drained into depressions giving breeding opportunities to birds and animals, but as the puddles and waterholes dry up, wildlife is stressed. It is quite distressing to see first-hand the results of this, but nature is harsh.

I find it fascinating to observe nature in all its facets, not just the cute and pretty. I took advantage of the opportunity to glimpse the reality of the struggle for survival.

Most stark was the puddles of dying tadpoles; squirming masses of helpless amphibians gulping for air in a shrinking pool of mud. They were doomed. But the death of one is life for another in the bush, and before the tadpoles were lifeless, swarms of meat ants moved in to take advantage of the feast on offer.

Even though some had the beginnings of back legs,

the tadpoles were doomed

7 weeks earlier, this is the same waterhole -

beautiful and life-giving,

but now reduced to a tiny puddle of mud

Seven weeks ago I saw dozens of tiny (1cm) brown frogs moving around the perimeter of Arches Pond (above), but these dying tadpoles obviously belong to a different frog species as the largest were about 5cm long.

Although my heart was pleading for me to help in some way, my head was saying "leave nature be", and I walked away as the ants worked on the dead and dying.

Meat ants take advantage of death

Another waterhole we visited last month was still supporting life yesterday, although it had halved in size. Fish swirled in the water that was only about 10cm deep, their fins and tails spashing the surface. Without rain, they will find life an increasing struggle.

I am unaware if these fish are native or introduced, but there will be no escape if rain doesn't soon replenish the waterhole

It seems birds will drink from any wet patch of earth holding water. Birds, large and small utilised tiny puddles, but no bath was on the agenda. Again, I found it interesting to observe the survival habits of our feathered wildlife.

I have not been able to identify these two birds, but they made use of what would probably amount to half a cup of water. [edit - birds identified by a fellow nature enthusiast as Striped Honeyeaters - thank you Lola]

Likewise, a Grey Butcherbird drinks from a paltry puddle

Spending time in the bush in the cool, calm, early morning air was refreshing. The whispy white clouds and rolling pink "waves" of sunset, along with the space and nature of the forest, provided the perfect setting for quality time together. These weekends away, or day trips, enjoying the "simple things" in life are a major part of my life and provide me with wonderful times and lasting memories.