Larneuk – pre-spring – season of nesting birds

Late July to August

Larneuk is depicted by owls and eagles; tubers (orchids and murrnong) providing underground larders; and, cultivation.

The lifestyle for the Gariwerd communities during larneuk:

Murnong and other tuberous roots were dug up by women using long, pointed sticks, collected in large baskets and cooked in underground ovens.
Baskets were frequently being made during larneuk.

For the woodland areas of Gariwerd, larneuk brings the following:

Plants

New growth can be seen on eucalyptus trees.
Many ground orchids in full flower including greenhood, donkey and spider orchids.

Many plants in flower:
 pultanaea bush peas
 manna gums and long leafed box
 purple coral pea, stackhousia and wattles
 grass tree spikes

Tree ferns unfold new fronds and cup fungi grow under large eucalypts.

Birds

Many small birds are nesting, including lapwings.
Early nesters can now be seen feeding young.
Spotted pardalote build nesting tunnels for first brood.
Cuckoos return and call continuously.
Fledgling powerful owls and wedge tailed eagles emerge.

Insects

First butterflies appear and imperial white butterflies take wing.
Caterpillars and grubs emerge with sawfly grubs common on young eucalypts.
Woolly bear caterpillars are common.
King crickets lay eggs in banksias.

For the wetlands areas of Gariwerd, larneuk means the following:

Birds

Some migratory birds return:
 sandpipers and stints arrive on mud flats
 reed warblers return from north
Early ducklings walk to water.

Insects

Mosquito wrigglers are abundant.

Fish

Rivers run high and galaxias migrate from the sea.