HIDDEN IN THE HILLS
Grey Fantail
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by Lachlan Turner
Having a widespread distribution across most of Australia, the Grey Fantail is frequently observed feeding on flying insects, which it catches as it twists and turns in its agile aerial acrobatics, pursuing them from the edges of foliage trees at all levels above the ground.
Its nest is built in a thin tree-fork, around two to five metres from the ground, often quite exposed. Made of fine
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grass, it is bound together with copious amounts of spiders’ web. The bottom of the nest under the thin branch is drawn down into a long stem like shape, resembling a wine glass without the flat base.
Both parents share nest building, incubation of the eggs and feeding responsibilities of the young when they hatch. There can be up to three hatchlings in the nest for the parent birds to supply with food so they must keep up persistent
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activity to catch small insects required to meet the needs of their hungry offspring. Grey Fantails are continually on the move, constantly changing position when perched, with the tail swishing back and forth while being fanned out. Despite their fluttering flight, they have been known to fly relatively long distances.
These small birds are easily recognised by their constantly open fan shaped tail when perched on a branch. Both male and female birds are similar in
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appearance, grey above, a light grey underbody, with a thin white eyebrow, throat and tail edges. It is not unusual for this bird to fly in close proximity to human observers both in bushland and garden environments.
This year the Aussie Backyard Bird Count will be held during Bird Week from Monday October 20 to Sunday October 26. For more information visit https:// aussiebirdcount. org. au
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Fire prevention in North-West Sydney- protecting our homes and bushland
As warmer months approach, fire prevention becomes a vital priority for communities across North-West Sydney. From the Hills District to the Hawkesbury, our region is surrounded by bushland and semi-rural properties, making it especially vulnerable during the fire season. While local brigades stand ready, prevention at the household and community level is the most powerful defence.
Know your risk North-West Sydney is home to leafy suburbs, farms, and natural reserves. The proximity of homes to bushland in areas such as Dural, Glenorie, Kurrajong, and Wisemans Ferry increases the risk of ember attack and fast moving grass fires. Residents should regularly check the NSW Rural Fire Service( RFS) Bush Fire Danger Ratings and be aware of Total Fire Ban days.
Prepare your property Simple steps around the home can dramatically reduce fire risk:
Clear gutters and roofs of leaves, twigs, and debris.
Trim overhanging branches and keep lawns short and green where possible.
Remove flammable items such as wood piles, outdoor furniture cushions, and doormats from around the house. Check hoses and water supply- make sure garden hoses reach around the property and consider installing metal sprinkler systems. Create a Bushfire Survival Plan. Every family should prepare a Bushfire Survival Plan. This outlines what you will do if fire threatens, whether you stay and defend, or leave early. Discuss it with all household members and practise your plan. Pets, elderly family members, and neighbours should be factored in. Downloading the Fires Near Me NSW app is also essential for receiving realtime alerts.
Fire prevention is not only about individual households. Local businesses, schools, and community organisations can play a role by maintaining clear perimeters and supporting awareness campaigns. Rural Fire Service volunteers across North- West Sydney often run Get Ready Weekend events, giving residents practical advice and demonstrations. Attending these sessions builds both knowledge and resilience.
The most important message is, don’ t wait for the fire to arrive. Leaving early is always the safest option when conditions worsen. By preparing now and staying alert, North-West Sydney communities can protect lives, homes, and the environment.
For more information or to download a Bushfire Survival Plan, visit the NSW Rural Fire Service website at www. rfs. nsw. gov. au.
Fire alert, get ready now
Firefighting authorities are warning that we could be in for an early season. Similar situations to the Californians Palisades catastrophe could happen, long before anyone imagines it’ s possible. Many Hills’ homes are situated near bushland‘ among the gum trees’.
Local company, Aussie Pumps in Norwest are doing their part to help get people prepared. The company started with the clear mission of producing products that were better than those currently available. The result was a range of self-priming centrifugal fire pumps that are unique to Australia and offer significantly better performance and features.
The Aussie Fire Chief outperforms all other fire pumps. It’ s big 2” suction port
and three way outlets generate 25 % more pressure and more flow than Davey or Onga pumps.
Don’ t be caught out. Get the best performing pump in the business with a five-year warranty at Aussie’ s seasonal price of $ 800 plus GST.
Call your local Aussie Pump dealer for your FREE Aussie Bushfire Survival Guide.
The Aussie Fire Chief is regarded as the best lightweight portable fire pump. 28 ISSUE 124 // OCTOBER 2025 theindependentmagazine. com. au THE HILLS INDEPENDENT