I know it's not alpaca-related but it is part of living in the bush, and the video is too good not to share.
Just another day at the Summer House!
Euan and I were enjoying a peaceful moment on the deck when we spotted this magnificent creature gliding through the dam—an enormous, so relaxed and graceful eel. Watching it casually feed on the grasses beneath the water’s surface was mesmerising, moving so effortlessly. 🐍
Nature always surprises us, and this was one of those magical moments we love about living here in Wollombi Valley. We feel so lucky to share these special encounters with the wildlife that calls our farm home. 💚🌿
He is at least one metre long and not the only eel in the dam right now. This one is an Australian Long Fin Eel.
My curious mind had me googling Eels, so here are five interesting facts about Australian eels:
1. Migration Journey: Australian longfin eels (Anguilla reinhardtii) are famous for their incredible migration. They travel thousands of kilometres from freshwater rivers and lakes to warm tropical waters to spawn.
2. Lifespan: These eels have a long lifespan, often living up to 50 years. Some eels may stay in freshwater environments for decades before migrating to the ocean to reproduce.
3. Feeding Habits: Longfin eels are opportunistic carnivores, feeding on a variety of prey including fish, insects, crustaceans, and even small mammals or birds that come too close to the water.
4. Habitat: They are found along the east coast of Australia, particularly in rivers, lakes, and streams from Queensland to Tasmania. They can tolerate a range of habitats, from freshwater to estuaries.
5. Cultural Significance: Longfin eels hold significant cultural importance for Indigenous Australian communities, particularly as a food source and in stories related to their migration and life cycle.
These eels are fascinating creatures due to their long life cycle, adaptability, and epic migrations, now I need to see if we have any more Silver Perch fish left in our dam.
#littlevalleyfarm #SummerHouseMoments #wollombivalley #NatureMagic #EelSighting #FarmLife #OffGridCabin #WildlifeEncounters #PeacefulLiving #slowliving #slowtravel