Saturday, December 29, 2018

Beware of butcher birds

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You know you're not in Israel when the only potential danger from above is a BUTCHER BIRD attack! 
I saw this sign while walking my granddog in our leafy northern suburb of Sydney; I didn't know whether to laugh or run!


(I came to Australia in November to see the grandchildren and now I am housesitting for them until late January while my daughter and their family tour America.)

A little research came up with this:
Called butchers because they hang their meat: "Grey Butcherbirds are aggressive predators. They prey on small animals, including birds, lizards and insects .... Uneaten food may be stored in the fork or a branch or impaled." and "Butcherbirds get their name from their habit of hanging captured prey on a hook or in a tree fork, or crevice. This 'larder' is used to support the victim while it is being eaten, to store several victims or to attract mates."
Another source says "With its lovely, lilting song, the Grey Butcherbird may not seem to be a particularly intimidating species. However, with its strong, hooked beak and its fierce stare, the Grey Butcherbird is not a bird to be messed with. When a nest or newly fledged chick is around, if you venture too close, a butcherbird will swoop by flying straight at your face, sometimes striking with enough force to draw blood, and each swoop is accompanied by a loud, maniacal cackle."
Another source says "With its lovely, lilting song, the Grey Butcherbird may not seem to be a particularly intimidating species. However, with its strong, hooked beak and its fierce stare, the Grey Butcherbird is not a bird to be messed with. When a nest or newly fledged chick is around, if you venture too close, a butcherbird will swoop by flying straight at your face, sometimes striking with enough force to draw blood, and each swoop is accompanied by a loud, maniacal cackle."
Happy new year 2019 to you all! 
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Tuesday, December 25, 2018

Wreath time in Australia

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You know you're not in Israel when your Jewish grandson comes home with a Christmas wreath.  Eyal's 5th grade class here in Australia made wreaths this December. 
From coat hangers and cut up garbage bags! 
Eyal chose fragrant yellow ones for his wreath. 


Libby and Billy the Cavoodle enjoyed having their first-ever wreath.


Merry Christmas to all our Christian friends! 
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Sunday, December 9, 2018

All 8 candles

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Happy 8th and last night of Chanuka! 
Grandkids Eyal and Libby lit the eight candles.


I am spending a few months with my daughter, son-in-law, and three grandchildren down in Australia, in their home just north of Sydney. 
Whether you are doing Chanuka or Advent right now, I wish you all a happy holiday season.
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