Naturalists Register Weekly Journal Entries
A gentle meander through the garden today reveals nature’s quiet wisdom. Join me as we observe the subtle rhythms, seasonal shifts, & botanical curiosities that remind us to slow down & notice the extraordinary in the ordinary.
field Notes
Weekly observations
Natural Indicators
Bird Activity
In December, the Everton Hills area of Brisbane is bustling with birdlife as the summer breeding season reaches its peak. Both resident and migratory species are active, often raising young. The warmer weather and abundance of flowering and fruiting plants attract a wide variety of wildlife.
Peak breeding season: December is a busy time for breeding, with many resident and migratory birds actively raising young.
Fledglings: Expect to see young birds, including koels hatched in other species’ nests, leaving their nests.
Flying-fox pups: Bat pups born in October are carried by their mothers while feeding at night.
Notable Species This Week
Resident Birds
Tawny Frogmouth
These nocturnal hunters, which can be mistaken for a broken branch during the day, are busy raising young.
Rainbow Lorikeet & Scaly-breasted Lorikeet
Noisy flocks of these colourful parrots are very active, breeding and feeding on nectar from flowering trees.
Migratory residents
Channel-billed Cuckoo
The largest parasitic cuckoo in the world, these distinctive birds are still present in Brisbane during December.
Ground-dwelling birds
Australian Brush-turkey
These unique, ground-dwelling birds are active in suburban areas, tending to their large mound nests.
Bats & other nocturnal fauna
Black and Grey-headed Flying-fox
These large fruit bats are present in Brisbane year-round and will be active at night, flying from their roosts to feed on nectar and fruit.
Grey-headed flying-foxpups born in October are still dependent on their mothers in December.
Insect Presence
Common Insects & Their Activity
In December in Everton Hills, Brisbane, the warm and humid conditions of summer bring a peak in insect activity. Resident species are in the middle of their breeding season, and migratory species are also active in the area.
Peak breeding season: December is a key period for breeding, with many resident and migratory insects and arthropods actively multiplying.
Termite swarming: Spring rains and warmer weather often trigger termite swarming, as they leave their nests to establish new colonies.
Increased pest breeding: Mosquitoes, cockroaches, and termites multiply rapidly.
Eucalypts: Foliage is a food source for Christmas beetles, leaf beetles, and gum leaf skeletonizers, while flowers provide nectar for bees and flying-foxes.
Native plants: Nectar from the flowers of natives like bottlebrush (Callistemon spp.), melaleuca (Melaleuca spp.), and wattles (Acacia spp.) provides food for bees and other insects.
Citrus: The Orchard Swallowtail Butterfly lays its eggs on the foliage of citrus trees, and the Bronze Orange Bug sucks the sap.
Grasses and pasture: Larvae of Christmas beetles feed on grass roots.
Various plants: Planthoppers and leafhoppers feed on the sap of a wide variety of plants.
Notable Species This Week
beetles
Eucalyptus Leaf Beetles (Paropsis spp.)
These pests can cause damage to eucalypt trees by feeding on their leaves.
ants
Black House Ant (Ochetellus glaber)
A small, black ant that is also common in Brisbane and can invade homes.
bees & wasps
Mud Dauber Wasp (Sceliphron sp.)
These solitary wasps are active, provisioning their mud nests with spiders for their young.
other bugs
Bronze Orange Bug (Musgraveia sulciventris)
This “stink bug” feeds on the sap of citrus trees.
Migratory Species
Blue Tiger Butterflies (Tirumala hamata)
These butterflies migrate down to Brisbane during the spring and summer months.
Plant Responses
In December in Everton Hills, Brisbane, the warm and humid conditions of summer bring a peak in growth and flowering for many plant species. Plants, both native and introduced, respond with vigorous growth, and many are in full bloom or producing fruit. Watering needs are high, especially during hot spells.
Notable Species This Week
Wild & suburban native plants
Trees & large shrubs
Kangaroo Paw (Anigozanthos spp.)
Some species produce tall flower stalks with vibrant, paw-shaped blooms in December.
Bottlebrush (Callistemon spp.)
In December, some bottlebrush species will be flowering, providing a vibrant red or pink display.
Others that flower earlier will be developing seed pods. All will experience strong vegetative growth.
Groundcovers & smaller plants
Flax Lilies (Dianella spp.)
These plants will be in active growth during December, with some species still flowering or developing fruit.
Suburban garden plants & seasonal responses
Ornamental plants
Frangipani (Plumeria spp.)
This popular garden tree will be in full bloom in December.
Edible plants
Month Long Home Garden Planting
- Cucurbits (cucumber, melon, pumpkin)
- Capsicums
- Eggplants
- Sweet corn
- Cucumbers
- Pumpkin
- Zucchini
- Tomatoes
December ideas for begginer gardeners
Basil (Ocimum basilicum)
Thrives in the warm weather and can be grown easily in January.
Chillies (Capsicum spp.)
Can be sown during January. It will be actively growing & fruiting during the summer heat.
Lemongrass (Cymbopogon spp.)
Easily sown & grows vigorously during the humid summer.
Fruit Trees
Various fruit trees, such as mango(Mangifera indica) and passionfruit (Passiflora edulis), are fruiting in December.
Botanical Study
plant Foraging
December in Everton Hills (Brisbane) brings high summer fruiting for many edible shrubs and volunteer garden plants. Below is one forageable species you may encounter in wild, semi‑urban & disturbed sites around Everton Hills, with practical identification, seasonality, uses & safety/harvesting guidance.
Finger lime Citrus australasica (native)
foraging Species This Week
Finger lime Citrus australasica (native)
Plant names: Finger lime, caviar lime, citrus caviar
Latin name: Citrus australasica (formerly Microcitrus australasica)
Growth Stage
Fruit development underway. Many specimens in gardens and remnant plantings will have maturing fruit some cultivars ripen through summer.
Notable Features
Native to coastal eastern Australia; commonly planted in gardens and amenity plantings so fruit may be found in suburban areas.
Identification key
- Small shrub or tree up to several metres with thorny branches
- Leaves narrow, slightly aromatic when crushed.
- Fruit elongated (finger‑shaped) 4–10 cm long; interior vesicles are bead‑like and can be green, pink, red or yellow depending on cultivar.
Urban Foraging
- Look in private gardens (ask permission)
- Community gardens
- Native plantings in parks and nursery escapes.
Sustainability
- Take small amounts from cultivated plants only with permission
- Leave for wildlife if fruit droppings are abundant.
Harvesting notes
- Pick when fruit has developed colour and yields slightly to gentle pressure
- Refrigerate and use soon
Fruiting
- Many cultivars fruit in late spring to summer
- December often has ripe or ripening fruit depending on the plant and microclimate
Flavour
- Bright citrus, tangy and slightly tart
- Vesicles burst with lemon‑lime flavour
- Eaten fresh for the unique caviar‑like vesicles
- Used in sauces, dressings and as a garnish in modern cuisine
Smell
- Fresh citrus scent when fruit or leaves are crushed
Optimal Sunlight
- Full sun to part shade
- Protection from strongest afternoon sun helps in hot exposed sites
Check for safety
- Ensure the tree has not been sprayed recently
- Wash fruit and cut away any blemished areas
Note
- Trees may be thorny
- Use gloves
- Finger limes are often cultivated rather than truly wild
Processing
- Eaten raw as garnish, mixed into sauces, used in desserts and seafood dishes
- No special processing required beyond washing
Species
- Native species (not introduced)
Where to look for them
- Garden plantings
- Native plant beds in parks
- Community gardens
- Sometimes in regrowth near older properties
Responsible Harvesting
- Harvest modestly, no more than ~30% of a small tree’s fruit
- Choose fruit with full colour and slight give
Field Sketch
Weather & Observations
Weekly Weather Field Notes
Weather Notes
Weekly Weather Tracker
| Date | Clouds | Wind | Pressure | Sunrise | Sunset | Moonrise | Daylight | Emotional Weather |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26 Oct | High cirrus | Gentle southerly | 1012 hPa | 6:12 AM | 7:23 PM | 8:45 PM | 13h 11m | Luminous, porous |
Weekly Summary
This week began with warm winds and ended in soft drizzle. Cloud formations echoed internal shifts.
Note: Climatological averages provide typical weather patterns based on historical data, offering reliable general guidance rather than exact forecasts. Cloud types and wind directions can be described broadly, reflecting common occurrences rather than daily specifics. Barometric pressure averages indicate general weather tendencies but not precise changes. Precipitation values represent average amounts and frequency, acknowledging actual rainfall can vary significantly from these norms. This approach is ideal for understanding usual conditions over time, not for detailed short-term predictions.
Field sketch
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