Page 12 - Tropic Magazine Issue 13

BRIEFING • IN SEASON

In Season

Tropic’s expert guide to the best
of TNQ nature this August and
September.
Todiramphus sanctus
Words Nicky Horstmann
Explore / Striking beachside blooms That comes from a different and non- Bird / Fishing for compost
The months of August and September indigenous species. Our yellow kapok For the last thirty years our personal
can provide us with the perfect trees were so prominent that plants gardening ambition has been to
opportunity to enjoy the great were collected from the Cooktown area develop a desirable habitat for our
outdoors. In particular, the beaches by Banks and Solander during their feathered friends, both in terms of
appear particularly inviting with 1770 ‘visit’. shelter and feeding. Slowly, with
brilliant (and not too hot) sunshine, some thoughtful (and not always
golden sands and turquoise waters. Tree / Lace time successful) planting the variety of
Morning beach visits are especially Still on the subject of trees, have you birds that we share our space with
amazing when the water’s glass-like ever wondered about the pink/red has grown. However, the latest
surface remains unruffled by the sea flowering trees that are featured in addition to our extended family
breeze. With stinger season yet to start, some of the centre-planting along was not drawn to our yard through
a splash in the ocean is hard to resist. Mulgrave Rd? These pretty blossoms also these means. He has been attracted
The drive north to Port Douglas appear off bare branches and similar by our compost heap. Our resident
presents tantalising vistas of this plants can also be found in the wild willy wagtails now have to share their
quintessential tropical paradise – a across Cape York. The species planted good fortune with a male sacred
reward in its own right. However, by Cairns Regional Council is a grafted kingfisher (Todiramphus sanctus).
the trip is further enhanced by the version of Brachychiton velutinosus or While the willy wagtail follows his
kapok trees (Cochlospermum gillivraei) Lace tree. Keep your eyes open for them, instincts of frenetic bouncing about,
that grow on the road verge and they’re not difficult to spot. perching, fluttering and never-still
rocky hillsides. Having dropped all feeding style, our kingfisher adopts
their leaves earlier in the Dry, bare his very regal pose of perching on
branches sport bright yellow flowers in the side of the compost bay, scarcely
striking Ikibana-style arrangements. moving. Then, all of a sudden, he
Ultimately, these flowers turn into disappears head first into the bin
green egg-shaped fruit, ripening to before returning to his perch to
brown before the pod splits open and crunch and munch another insect
a cottony looking fibre containing delight. And, when the sunlight hits
the seeds starts to spill out. It should his unbelievably beautiful blue-green
be noted that this is not ‘real kapok’. Brachychiton velutinosus feathers, the show is truly complete.

Rusty’s Markets: Feast a-plenty
These days, the weekly visit to Rusty’s choose from. Fresh bread?
doesn’t just have to focus on buying the There’s a number of suppliers. And of
delicious, fresh and local vegetables. course, the samosas, banh mi, crepes,
Increasingly, Rusty’s is morphing into an etc. can definitely not be overlooked. You
international fair with the opportunity feast there and then you can feast at
to sample cuisines from all around the home. What could be better?
world. Feel like a pastry? There’s Italian,
French, East European and more to MORE: rustysmarkets.com.au

12 • Tropic • Issue 13