Quote:
Originally Posted by G1ZmO
Yes I know I'll probably get laughed at for this post but here goes... 
I'm currently in Scotland and there aren't any beasties that can really do you harm when you're standing in the dark observing at night but what about in Aus? (specifically Victoria)
Has anyone had problems with snakes/spiders or any other beasties at night while observing?
I've probably been tainted with the usual paranoia which afflicts potential Australian immigrants with regards to the indigenous wildlife 
Thanks
Paul |
Hi Paul
i thought being from Glasgow, i better chime in.
The midges in Scotland are an absolute joy, compared to the mozzies here. Whereas the midges swarma round you, and can make you itch slightly, thats as far as it goes, but when i get bitten by mozzies (and here in Australia during the warm weather, there is no escaping it) i come up in huge welts, i have been to the doc about it, and he tells me that because i didnt grow up here, and i wasnt bitten as a child, then i dont have an immunity to it, when my partner gets bitten, it looks like a small spot, that itches for a half hour or so, but for me they take weeks to go, and they might be the same for you.
As for spiders, i see huntsmen everywhere, but whereas i was absolutely terrified at seeing something that big with 8 legs, after 3 years here, i actually dont pay them any attention, and they are very timid things anyway. I have only ever seen one snake, and that was baking in teh sun, on the middle of the road. coming from Scotland to here, there are a few things, that you get used to very quickly, and its just common sense. Things like checking garden gloves before putting them on, and turning your shoes upside and tapping them before putting on, or looking underneath the garden furniture for redbacks before lifting it etc.
but you get used to it, and the warm balmy nights are far better than sitting in the back garden in greenhills
although the sound of the cicadas can drive you mental also ..