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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

Djeran -
Ant season (season of the adulthood) April - May

Djeran season at last sees a break in the really hot weather. A key indicator of the change of season is the cool nights that once again bring a dewy presence for us to discover in the early mornings.

The winds have also changed, especially in their intensity, with light breezes being the go and generally swinging from southerly directions (i.e. south east to south west). Many flying ants can be seen cruising around in the light winds.

Djeran is a time of red flowers especially from the Red Flowering Gum (Corimbia ficifolia), as well as the smaller and more petite flowers of the Summer Flame (Beaufortia aestiva). As you travel around the Perth area, you may also notice the red 'rust' and seed cones forming on the male and female Sheoaks (Allocasuarina fraseriana). Banksias start to display their flowers, ensuring that there are nectar food sources for the many small mammals and birds that rely upon them.

Traditionally, foods at this time of year included the seeds that had been collected and stored for treatment from the Zamia last season along with the root bulbs of the Yanget (Bullrushes), fresh water fish, frogs and turtles.

As the season progresses, the nights will become cooler and damper along with some cool and rainy days which also means that traditionally mia mias (houses or shelters) were now repaired and updated to make sure they were waterproofed and facing in the right direction in readiness for the deep wintery months to come.

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