Accidental habitat

No, we don't send out invitations to the local frogs, lizards, and other ground-dwellers to move into our  outdoor living space, but if your patch of suburbia is free from roaming cats, unruly dogs and nasty chemicals, chances are they've already moved in.  And that's just how I like it, afterall, the greedy, irresponsible lifestyle of the human race displaced these creatures from their bit of paradise in the first place, so it's only fair that we provide a bit of safe shelter for the neighbourhood wildlife.

We're establishing a new garden in northwestern NSW where we'll retire in a few years time, and habitat for small native animals is first on our list of garden requirements - native plants, mulch, damp dark corners, and lots of hidey holes.  It's all going well.

But we've discovered that our local natives aren't that fussy when it comes to living quarters - we've already got frogs and lizards galore!  They don't announce their arrival, they just move in - under the stack of steel posts waiting for the patio to be constructed; amongst the pile of second-hand bricks collected for paving; in the garden shed that has room for small creatures but not humans; and hidden by grass and debris in untidy corners awaiting attention.

They even sneak under the laundry door and take up residence inside.  Now, this I don't tolerate - they're not toilet trained, afterall.  So I chase them down with my soft mesh  scoop, and evict them.  Well, indoors is no place for a frog or lizard anyway, and I'm sure they'll be happier and more well-fed in the outdoors.  Maybe they find themselves trapped in a strange neatly boxed environment by accident, or perhaps they're just testing my patience, but out they go!

I love having creatures turn up announced and unexpectedly in my backyard.  After a friendly greeting, a brief chat, and a quick snap with the camera, I leave them to their business, or relocate them if need be.  I consider myself fortunate indeed, to have crossed their path.

After moving a piece of steel to stand another patio post, 5 Green Tree Frogs of varying size needed relocating

A Perons Tree Frog found it's way into the laundry amongst the cans of paint and paraphernalia, and needed a bit of encouragement to take its rightful place outside

And this groggy little Gecko was disturbed from its winter hideout as I sorted bricks for paving - I let him keep his chosen brick.

This feral little Asian Gecko and his mate were evicted from the house after leaving dirty little messages on the walls - cute, but no manners at all.

Creatures even find accidental habitat in the bush, as this little dragon lizard scurries into his home, safe from intruders.

More Green Tree Frogs hanging out in a dilapidated disused chook pen - they don't need anything fancy. Don't let the forlorn expression fool you, for this is the face of a happy frog.

Happy, healthy wildlife taking advantage of clutter and weedy corners in our backyard, and probably yours too!