Fur, Feathers, Flowers and More #28
One of the best looking furred creatures about our area is the handsome red fox.
Much loved in story books and by illustrators but a pest species wreaking havoc on wildlife, pets and poultry unfortunately.
Foxes have adapted so well to urban living that their numbers keep increasing.
Dens of fecundity.
Largely a nocturnal hunter but more frequent daytime sightings suggests increasing confidence, and perhaps increasing pressure to find a range and a feed.
Banyule Council is being pressed by citizens to do more to eliminate foxes from our suburbs.
At the Council meeting on 30 October a community member spoke to an agenda item about fox control.
So Council is coming for you, Reynard - beware. The Minutes of the 30 October Council meeting can be accessed online at
https://www.banyule.vic.gov.au/About-us/Councillors-and-Council-meetings/Council-meetings/Council-meeting-agendas-and-minutesThe current annual budget for this activity is $45,000.
Plant of the week
Dianellas
There are several species of dianella in our gardens - some imported as tubestock plants, some grown from collected seeds, some from divided clumps.
They are hardy plants. The clumps of dark green narrow strappy leaves produce many flower spikes with small pale blue flowers, followed by blue/purple berries.
Insect attracting.
Bird of the week
Black Swan
These graceful, majestic birds breed out in the Warringal Wetlands where permanent water can make a carefully placed nest safe from foxes, dogs and cats.
Beast of the week
Red fox
Did you know there is a colour of Labrador dogs called Red Fox?
An otherwise blonde Labrador but with darker rust coloured "points" and shoulders.
Looks alone just don't do it - the various agriculture, ecology and pest control agencies really have it in for foxes.
Member discussion