Whether it be a mass flowering of egg and bacon plants, clouds of Common Brown Butterflies, or koalas callling at night, Tanya Loos loves being a part of nature. 

She has always loved sharing these experiences with others, and after writing a column for the Advocate since 2009, she has now collated the stories in an illustrated book.

The Daylesford Nature Calendar showcases the small joys of the world, and features watercolour paintings and photos from local photographers. 

"There is something so special about noticing plants flowering, or frog nests in the dam," she said.

"People in this area really enjoy the forest, and the plants and animals that we share our lives with. 

"The stories in this book aim to deepen this appreciation by providing a focus on a particular plant or animal, and what is happening in their world at any given point in the year."

The book follows the six seasons of nature and ties in with Tanya's belief that all animals-  from the unicellular size to humans - share the same consciousness and lust for life. 

"As a field naturalist who spends a lot of time quietly watching nature, I have watched animals hunting, fighting, making homes, resting, finding food – and moments of profound emotion, such as tenderness between mates, playfulness, grief and contentment," she said. 

"If you think of these lives being played out in day and night and seasonal cycles all over this tiny blue and green planet – there is nothing more beautiful."

Daylesford Nature Diary is available for purchase at Paradise Books, the Book Barn, Daylesford Information Centre and online at www.daylesfordnaturediary.com

Residents can also join Tanya and nature educator Jen Bray on a series of family-orientated walks focusing on seasonal flora and fauna at the Wombat Forest.  

The fourth, titled Baby Birds at Jubilee Lake, is on December 20 at 2pm. Email bray_jen@hotmail.com for meeting location.