People and the environment are more attuned in Broome than in the major centers and the city. According to the locals, the dragonflies that swarm in Broome indicate the oncoming dry season and it is true.
I have never seen so many Dragon flies in one place! Millions and millions, even along the beach when you are having that afternoon stroll they decide to land on you to hitch a ride! It was interesting to find out that they eat other insects including moths, mozzies and the like. They catch there prey with there legs and grasp them tightly, several larger species of dragonflies were seen eating each other while flying! The mosquito population died off significantly since the dragons flys arrived, hence people love these fast moving flying creatures. They are one of the fastest flying insects on earth. Damselfly were also noticed albeit not in great numbers. The swarms have lasted for weeks, last week saw the start of a sea of dead dragonflies floating across the lawn, their numbers have dropped dramatically.
Looking forward to next years swarm.
The range of colours are amazing
This little fella liked the garden edging at home
Damselfly are closely related to dragonflies but differ in that they keep there wings next to their body when stationary
Visited Barred creek just north of Broome on the weekend. There are probably 4 separate tracks that lead to the head of the creek on the south side, but because of the recent rains most of the tracks are difficult to pass.
Inbedded below is a video returning back from Barred Creek along this rarely used track. The new Hilux received a few nasty scratches in the process. Long grass, bumpy and sandy tracks are the order for the late afternoon trek.
Driving Back from Beach late in the afternoon
At the head of Barred Creek
Having a chat down at the creek
Looking south with a storm that comes through that absolutely pours
Down on the mudflat
The tide drops so quickly
Caroline and Caitlin swimming in the creek
Beautiful sunset with Rainbow looking over Barred Creek from the top of the sand dune
The wet season has finally come to an end, or so it seems. This year according to locals was the best 'wet' in many years. The average rainfall for January and February was more than double than average records show, 724mm against the average of 355mm. 42 days of rain out of the 59 days.
The rain is usually heavy and often comes with a good storm. On the 9th of January was one of those storms, an exceptional one at that! It was a full blown electrical storm, the lightning was like a disco strobe light. I was staying in a van at the time, as I had only just arrived in Broome. The thunder shook the van and the wind blew it around like a toy. The storm was so notable that there are a couple of videos on Youtube.The video is just over 5 minutes and a bit drawn out, but when you see the lightning it is well worth the viewing.
This is a photo in the morning at 5.30am going to work, driving out of the caravan park, the roads are flooded.
