Steady soaking rain all night which has been very welcome in our part of the Valley.

We seem to be in a slight rain-shadow, and at times standing up on the hill you can watch rain pouring down just a few K's up the road but not on us.

January was hot. A couple of scorching days seemed to knock off a few of the 250 white box we planted in Spring, but most are doing well. The Kangaroos have also munched a few but not as much as we expected!

The Mistletoe seems to be the biggest victim.with quite a lot just dying on the spot and dropping off their host trees. The clump that housed a Regent Honey Eater nest last spring has died, so will keep an eye on it to see if it drops off as well.

We didn't get to spend as much time in the Valley over January as we wanted to as the NSW Bush Fire Emergency kept us at home preparing to defend our property. The Fires in the Blue Mountains reached the south side of Hazelbrook ( our Mountains village ) but a massive effort from brigades from all over the country held the line there. So our first Bush Christmas will have to be held next year.

Birds are very active around the property and lots of young in evidence. The Hooded Robins seem to have had a second batch and young Treecreepers and Dusky Woodswallows abound.

Most of the finches - Doubled Barred, Diamonds, Plum Headed were seen, but interestingly no Red Browed. We found what seems to be a second Owlet NightJar in a different hollow and heard a Barn Owl on one of the few nights we stayed out there.

Our resident Little Eagles have been around. They successfully nested last year and seeing the little fluff ball grow was a delight. If it repeats this year we hope to get some photos and will record progress for you. We are hoping to build a bird hide nearer the nest tree, as the birds are notoriously flighty.