Welcome to a new season

Well, at last, spring has sprung!
After a wet winter, the sun is emerging, and we are reminded the seasons change, time moves on, and we are part of a changing environment.
Often, we forget how our relationship with the land and environment is directly connected to our survival and well-being.
In Perth, the local Whadjuk Noongar people have reflected their keen observations of their environment in their naming of the changing seasons – they have named six seasons rather than our four of Spring, Summer, Autumn, winter. These seasons reflect changes in landscape and vegetation, temperature and rainfall.
According to this system of naming and observing the seasons we are now in the season of Djilba.
Djilba spans from August to September and signifies the transition from cold to a growing warmth. There is a certain unpredictability in weather now with some very cold and clear days occurring alongside warmer, rainy or windy days. Colour in the surrounding environment begins to change, with white, yellow and cream flowers blooming.
As the weather continues to warm up, animal and birds begin to nest and give birth.
Magpies start to swoop protectively, guarding their nests, as do the willy wagtails (Djidi Djidis) and the wattle birds.
Temperatures continue to steadily rise, and the mixture of wet days, clear nights and warmer days emerge. Djilba was traditionally known as the season of Conception.
How do you observe the changing seasons, in your days, and in your life?
What is your favourite season and why?
Bernadette Brady