I am sure I don't have to tell you that it has been a pretty miserable 'holiday period' for many people. Those of us with small children [and dogs!] know how much fun it is to be cooped up all day.
Spare a thought for our wildlife though... As I drive up my driveway, over our raging creek [Coles Creek near Cooran] I see many unhappy animals. My kangaroos look pretty dishevelled, but at least they have plenty of grass to eat.

In weather like this, other animals do it really tough. I am thinking particularly about birds and bats. They rely on nectar from flowering trees and shrubs for survival. In these sort of conditions the blossoms get knocked of the trees, and any nectar that is available is very watered down and of little sustenance. I have in the past seen bird deaths simply as a result of starvation. The same applies to flying foxes and bats. Together with birds these animals are really vital for the pollination of our plant species.

Whilst the creeks are benefiting from a good flush out, the native fish do it tough in these times too. They have nowhere to hide, and just have to literally 'go with the flow'... The frogs at least seem to be very happy... if I judge by the cacophony outside our bedroom!

Butterflies really struggle too. I saw many lay their eggs just prior to Christmas, but their fate is not a happy one now. We have all heard about the snake 'plague' around Rockhampton, but they don't have much choice but to find higher ground, Most snakes can swim pretty well, but not for a long distance. They would also be missing the sun to warm them up.... but at least there are plenty of frogs.

Most of our plant species will love the rain... not just for the immediate benefit, but from the soil moisture that will continue for a long time after the rain. The down side is the weeds just love it too. And we can't get in to many sites to control them... I'm afraid the weeds will be the 'gift that goes on giving' for a long time to come. With aquatic weeds, I am sure we will find many more outbreaks as they are spread around by the flood waters... more work to do!

 Birds struggle: Rainbow Lorikeet starved during the recent extended torrential rain

So, I hope you are all safe, if not dry. Just spare a thought for our wildlife in these interesting times...