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Nyoongar Location MapNyoongar Calendar
Nyoongar calendar from the south-west of Western Australia showing six seasons
December - January February - March April - May June - July August - September October - November
Birak Bunuru Djeran Makuru Djilba Kambarang

Birak -
First summer (season of the young) December - January

Birak season sees the rains ease up and the warm weather really start to take hold. The afternoons are cooled by the sea breezes that abound from the southwest. This was the fire season, a time to burn the country in mosaic patterns.

An almost clockwork style of easterly winds in the morning and sea breezes in the afternoon, meant that traditionally this was the burning time of year for Nyoongars.

They would burn the country in mosaic patterns for several reasons including fuel reduction, increasing the grazing pastures for some animals, to aid in seed germination for some plants and for ease of mobility across the country.

As for the animals, there are many fledglings now venturing out of nests, though some are still staying close to their parents. Reptiles are looking to shed their old skin for a new one.

With the rising temperatures and the decreasing rainfall, it's also time for the baby frogs to complete their transformation into adulthood.

Permission to use the Nyoongar seasonal calendar is granted by "South West Aboriginal Land and Sea Council".

Kurongkurl Katitjin, Edith Cowan University's Centre for Indigenous Education and Research produces an electronic newsletter, with each edition coinciding with one of the six Nyoongar seasons. This newsletter contains a regular article highlighting the season and its significance to plants, animals and the weather.

For full article and further information: www.ecu.edu.au/schools/kurongkurl-katitjin/news-and-events/newsletter-our-place

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