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Noongar Six Seasons
Aboriginal seasons guided by the land
Unlike the European calendar, there are six Noongar seasons in Western Australia’s South West region, which are indicated by changes in local plants and animals. Learn how to pick the change of seasons with this handy guide.
Traditionally Noongar people hunted and gathered food according to the seasons, being guided by the signs in nature as to which animal and plant resources were plentiful at those times.
Locally there are 6 seasons starting December and about 2 months each.
Birak—heat, sun and fire
December-January
During Birak season the rain eases and the warm weather really starts to take hold. The afternoons are cooled by the sea breezes from the south west.
Traditionally this was the fire season. An almost clockwork style of easterly winds in the morning and sea breezes in the afternoon meant that this was burning time of the year for Noongar people and they would burn the country in mosaic patterns.
There are several reasons for this, including fuel reduction, increasing the grazing pastures for animals, to aid seed germination and to make it easier to move across the country.
There are many fledglings venturing out of nests in Birak, though some are still staying close to their parents such as magpies and parrots. Reptiles will also be shedding their old skin for a new one.
With the rising temperatures and the decreasing rainfall, it's also a time for the baby frogs to complete their transformation into adulthood.
More information is available at:
http://www.bom.gov.au/iwk/nyoongar/index.shtml
https://www.ecu.edu.au/centres/kurongkurl-katitjin/cultural-ambassador-program/nyoongar-six-seasons
