Foraging In Tamworth NSW. Birds, Ants and Vent Quills.

Recently I accompanied my wife on a trip to Tamworth, New England NSW. Whilst she was attending a management course in "The Dome" Sports Centre, I took the opportunity to do some foraging.

A trail made by ants leads to an ant nest.

There is the nest at the end of the trail. These meat ants [as I call them] can bite, so stay clear of these nests. Bull Ants nests are very similar and also to be avoided.

Our local Magpie, except for the colouring, quite different from those found in England or America.

Crested Pigeons.

Crested Pigeon in a tree.

This bird looks much like a smaller version of the magpie, and interestingly enough it bares a American woodland Indian name, Peewee, meaning "Little One".

What I think is a Scaly Breasted Lorikeet and another Peewee.

This reminds me of a Green Ant nest, but I am not sure what it is. Looks like it should be avoided anyway!

A Pigeon feather. I found two of these and one Magpie feather. All three just the right size to be used as vent quills.

The Gully Knife.

ORIGINAL 17TH CENTURY GULLY KNIFE.

The Gully Knife custom made for me as a gift by the late Geoff W. Howarth of Tamworth NSW.

9 inches closed.

1 foot 5 inches open! Must be close to the one Crockadile Dundee used to kill that dummy snake!

Odds and Ends.

I am missing some images, so I went up to Elm Cottage today to take some more pics of the ball headed club I made many years ago. Whilst there I spotted a couple of other items so I took some pics of them also.

The ball headed club I made many years ago.

This split bag I also made a long time ago. It is worn under the belt or sash, half hanging down each side.

A reed holder, one of two made for me by my close friend the late Mr Geoff Howarth of Tamworth.

One of my favourite items, a grease lamp.