Category: Photography

Bushland Colours and Textures

Last weekend, we had a family gathering, including two guests from England.  As we walked around the bushland at the back of our property, it began raining.  The rich red colours of the bark were so striking when wet, it grabbed our attention.  The artistic side of our brains began thinking of things to do … Continue reading Bushland Colours and Textures

Arhodia lasiocamparia

I’m starting to look more closely at leaves, bark and buds in an attempt to work out the precise mix of tree species on our land.  Often it is clear that something has been munching on the leaves and if so, I am beginning to look for caterpillars and larvae.  There are still so many … Continue reading Arhodia lasiocamparia

Tonal Landscapes

If you are an artist, I’d value your opinion on the suitability photos in this post for a tonal landscape painted in oils.  I have not painted since I was a teenager and my skills are very limited. A good friend of mine suggested I start by doing tonal landscapes where the focus is on … Continue reading Tonal Landscapes

Jetty Buddies: Pied Cormorant and White Faced Heron

I was fascinated to see two very different water birds sitting side by side on the jetty.  A wader, the White Faced Heron has long yellow legs and a long sharp beak.  It’s feathers are fluffy as they are not immersed in the water when the bird fishes. In contrast, the Pied Cormorant has short … Continue reading Jetty Buddies: Pied Cormorant and White Faced Heron

Bark, Leaves, Buds and Fruit

There are very few native flowers in bloom at the moment, the grasses are drying out, and the trees – always prominent in our landscape – are capturing my attention more each day. This is partly because I’m learning about bushfire habits, and partly because I received a field guide to trees as a gift … Continue reading Bark, Leaves, Buds and Fruit

Learning to love succulents

I could not understand why the garden beds were planted with so many succulent plants when we first moved in.  To me, they were unattractive and at odds with the lush growth of a cottage garden, which I preferred, and also with the natural bushland, which abounds here.  My initial intention was to pull them … Continue reading Learning to love succulents

Eastern Spinebill

A  pair of Eastern Spinebills, also nectar feeders,  can squeeze through the lattice fence into the fernery.   Thankfully, this pair seems to have mastered the process of getting out of the cat enclosure as well as  breaking into it. The cats don’t seem to have noticed their presence, which is a huge relief!   … Continue reading Eastern Spinebill

Yellow-Faced Honeyeater

As I stood in the kitchen chopping food for lunch, I noticed frantic flapping in the cat enclosure.  The trapped bird was a Yellow-Faced Honeyeater which must have come in through the lattice fence.  Small birds are able to hop through the squares created by the lattice which forms the side wall of the fernery. … Continue reading Yellow-Faced Honeyeater

The Ballet of the Australian Wood Ducks

After the hot weather we received last week came s few storms.  A dead tree was close enough to our house that, if was uprooted, it may crush the decking and lounge room, so we took preventative action and cut it down.  The Australian Wood Ducks seem to have adopted the trunk as a stage … Continue reading The Ballet of the Australian Wood Ducks

Australian Wood Ducks 2 – Duckling Update

The family of Australian Wood Ducks spend much of their day on and around our dam, even though they built their nest under some scrubby bushes just over the fence into the neighbouring property. All eleven ducklings have survived and have their adult plumage.  Although they are still adjusting to their wings, they can also … Continue reading Australian Wood Ducks 2 – Duckling Update

White Faced Heron

A solitary White Faced Heron has appeared this week.  It waded around the edge of the dam, and seems to like feeding around the reeds growing in the water.  It doesn’t stay for long – sometimes only a matter of minutes, sometimes about an hour.  It is very elegant but rather shy – preferring to … Continue reading White Faced Heron

Native Shrubs in Flower

Dotted around the property are a number of flowering native shrubs which have been planted by previous owners.  Many of these are just coming into flower, while others have interesting seed cases on display.  I have not yet researched the specific plant names, so I have just posted the images without descriptions. Enjoy the photo … Continue reading Native Shrubs in Flower

Australian Native Flowers 2

The seasonal change has brought with it a new range of native flowers growing in the bushland on our property.   I am yet to buy a field guide to Australian Native Orchids and wild flowers, so the only one I can identify is Dillwynia Juniperina, which is a small shrub (1 to 2 metres high) … Continue reading Australian Native Flowers 2

Sunset through the trees

Even after two months here, I am still marvelling at the beauty of the land around our house, and the wildlife it attracts.  Mid-Spring means fewer grey skies, and more colourful sunsets.  Last night I was about to cook dinner when I noticesd the vivid colours – dinner was put on hold while I took … Continue reading Sunset through the trees