An apple a day….brings the possums to play
My furry friends are multiplying – at first there was just one visitor, then two, but latest count is three night-time guests 
I’ve yet to get them in a group photo, although who knows what may eventuate? They certainly love the apple cores I save for them – organic of course
I’m making sure I don’t ‘tame’ them, as that would put them at risk, I’m simply adding a little to their diet as their natural landscape has been severely impacted by human activity. Most farmers regard native animals as pests…….
Having a Brush with the wildlife
Here’s a few pictures I shot recently in my front yard, of a regular night-time visitor – A Brushtailed Possum. Mostly it is quiet, and doesn’t gallop on my roof, preferring to spend its visit trimming the roses, or the pumpkins…..or eating from the vegetable scraps I put out to share. One morning I found its calling card on the windowsill – I hope it was amused at watching me inside the house. A case of the watcher being watched
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Tweeting
Tweeting has many meanings these days….http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tweet
I don’t really have technophobia – otherwise how would I have a blog! – but there are some things I just don’t get…..
Recently while out on a bike ride, I spied this little bird, and asked him what he thought about tweeting:
“Tweeting? It’s about singing isn’t it?”
“Really? You mean there’s another definition of a tweet?”
“Well I never!”
“You humans are a strange lot…..”
“I’ll stick with my sort of tweeting thanks anyway.”
And you know what, I completely agreed with him!
Let the Muppets have the final say
NGARRINDJERI Dreaming
Dear Francis,
On my last trip south, I stopped again at the Coorong to breathe the fresh air and take in its incredible energy. It’s the land of the Ngarrindjeri people and thankfully enough have survived the onslaught of the white people to keep the Spirit of the Land alive. Their totem is the Australian Pelican. A magnificent bird that I’m still to photograph to my satisfaction. I can just see this bird walking up to you and behaving just like Mr. Percival in Storm Boy.
It’s now been finalised, I have another place to move to, and will be doing so before the end of this month. While I won’t be on the coast, at least I’ll be much closer and away from toxic farmland. I haven’t given up on my dream of a coastal place, I know it’s still lurking out there, and I’ll be better placed to seek it out. All good things come to those who wait…..
As I wait for your next visit also,
Blessings,
Annie
Flying High
I’m taking my cue from these pelicans, and will be metaphorically flying high when I shortly head south to a place named after these birds for an all too brief but hopefully productive visit.
As Mac would say, catchya on the flip side.
The War on Power
War Notes
Dear Francis,
Even though it is the season of winter – in many ways - there are days of sunshine. Today was such a day. Even though the sun was shining, the wind was very cold, so I sought out a sunny sheltered place to sit while watching over Sally’s roadside grazing. As you know, I try to learn from the examples set by the creatures of this Earth. In today’s case, my choice of location was confirmed in a most unexpected way. After sitting there for about half an hour, I became aware of an adult brown snake also sunning itself just a few feet away. To say I was surprised is an understatement! During summer I often see a snake in the area, but to see this in midwinter is most unusual. I was downwind from the creature, and it didn’t move while I packed up and moved further away. Later on however, when I stopped there on my way home, I was upwind of it, and as I moved closer to take photos, the snake moved back down into its hole again. Quietly I backed away and left it to its own devices.
Another sunny event today, was the news of the construction of two of the largest solar power stations in the world.
Solar Dawn will be a solar thermal/gas hybrid plant at Chinchilla in Queensland. It is expected to produce 250 mega watts of electricity.
The Moree Solar Farm will use traditional photo-voltaic technology to produce 150 mega watts. Together the plants will produce enough power for more than 115,000 Australian households.
Even though I believe that first and foremost we need to reduce our power consumption dramatically, at least this proposal appears to be a step in the right direction away from a dependence on fossil fuels.
Frankly, I’m horrified to find out what many people use electricity for. Can you imagine why, barring serious disability, a person requires electrical assistance to brush their teeth, open a can or juice an orange? It beats me! Consumerism gone crazy. It’s past time to return to a simpler way to live, and better to learn the skills now than later on when the whole system has collapsed.
Of course, I’ve still much to learn myself and much unlearning of my earlier lifestyle – although I never really got caught into the mainstream….maybe that’s why I flounder every now and then.
I hope to read of your travels soon Francis,
Blessings,
Annie
War Notes
War Notes
Dear Francis,
Just a few days ago, while I was sitting out with Sally, a bird came within a few feet of where I was sitting, and hovered, as it searched for food. I could have almost reached out and touched it but instead sat in rapt admiration of its beauty and power of flight.
While I know you loved all creatures as they loved you, my strongest memory of you, is of the wild birds perched on your outstretched arms. Perhaps this images stays with me because of all creatures, birds symbolise freedom. When there is freedom, there is choice. It is this lack of choice which grieves me much, since the Occupation. The Enemy is insidious, invading silently and stealthily to the extent that it’s impossible to evade their presence. Sadly, those afflicted with Greed, are oblivious to this, and continue with the Enemy’s work believing the False Promises.
There is a ray of hope however, with the formation of an Underground Resistance Movement called the Canary Club. Their meetings are ostensibly to discuss the keeping of these caged birds – a very clever ruse I’m sure you’ll agree! The membership is growing, as more begin to suffer from the effects of the Enemy, and then question why. After all, when there is no clean air left to breathe, what use are the fancy cars and houses?
I miss you and hope your travels bring you this way again.
Blessings,
Annie.
Pelican preening
I’ve covered many miles lately, in my search for a new home. The new car has performed admirably and been a joy, making the miles less wearisome. As yet, alas, the search hasn’t been successful, with hopes rising and falling almost as often as the tides! Despite this, hope continues to hover……I know the right place is just waiting for me to find it:-)
At Meningie, on the shores of Lake Albert, I paused for a break from driving, dug the camera out and took a little walk. I was fortunate to find some pelicans who took little heed of my presence, and continued with their preening on a rather windy morning. It was very tempting to spend more time there, despite the chill wind, but I still had many hours to travel before day’s end. One day, I keep promising myself, I’ll have time to spend quietly enjoying these wonderful large birds. 
A lucky bonus!
Today I planned the afternoon shoot. I wanted to visit a local rock formation to get the late afternoon sun on them and that meant being well organised with my other late afternoon tasks, so I could get to the rocks at the appropriate time. The sun had been shining all day, and no clouds were around to mar the light. It all went as planned…..and then the unplanned happened!
I was looking at the rocks and thought I saw a flicker of movement – and sure enough, there was a little skink who had come out to bathe in the late afternoon sun. Quietly I slowly moved forward, and it stayed there long enough for me to get a few shots. It was the only wildlife I came across, and I was very grateful it chose that moment to reveal itself.
Bungaloo Bay
One of the delightful places I visited briefly on my short trip was Bungaloo Bay. No, I don’t know how it got its name but it’s a good one isn’t it! The place was absolutely enchantingly peaceful and it was very tempting to spend hours there rather than just minutes. Native scrub runs almost to the beach and birdsong filled the clean crisp air. This is the place I can envisage spending time with Fred my terrier, exploring rock pools, running barefoot on sand, listening to waves, watching the birds……..and simply being………
Fingers crossed one day I can post an image of us doing just that!
Nature gives her warning
When I awoke this morning, it was to fog moving into misty rain. It certainly appears that autumn is here although it was a damp summer for this area anyway. Yesterday a big wet front hit the state, and dropped about 40mls over the course of 12 hours. Much less than a friend on the south east coast has received however – 48mls in one hour! He’s ready for white water rafting in his suburban back yard! Another place a bit further along received three times the monthly average in under 12 hours.
No wonder my local ants were busy expanding the size of their nest….. I’d say they were making preparations for the change in the season. Note how high the entrance is – and this was on a high section of land as well!
I’m like the ants….I like to be prepared for changes….how about you?
More of the Australian Bush sounds – frogs!
Recent rains in parts of Australia means frogs becoming active.
You can listen to them on the Listening Earth Blog. I love it when my local frogs start their mating calls, but I expect I’ll have to wait a bit longer for that.
Here’s an old shot of one of the Pobblebonks that lives in my garden.
Appila Springs
Just a mere 900 million years ago this area was covered by the sea but today it is a beautiful freshwater spring, home to many species of wildlife.
Fred and I sat on rocks about 500million years old, and soaked in the wonderful ambiance, totally undisturbed. Recent summer rains had replenished the waterhole, and the Dragonflies were making the most of the conditions. We watched birds having their afternoon bath in the shallows, and listened to the croaking of frogs. All delicious food for the soul.
In the driest state of the driest continent, waterholes and springs are never to be taken for granted.
Appila Springs is a few kilometers from the township of Appila, and locals have done a fantastic job of putting picnic facilities here without impinging on the peace and tranquility of the area. A great deal of revegetation has been accomplished also, thanks to assistance from government grants. My heartfelt thanks to those who have shown this respect to the land.
Everybody’s doing it!
Fred and I took advantage of a mild day, and went off exploring – something we both love to do. We hop into the car with no real destination in mind, just a vague idea of direction, and let chance lead us along. And today we hit the bullseye!
We found a wonderful waterhole, filled with plenty of fresh water after recent flash floods, and the whole area was teeming with life: birds, frogs, and insects. In particular, the dragon flies were going beserk! The noise from their whirring wings was incredible! Undoubtedly Spirit is alive and well at this place. More photos of the area to come……
Bee-reakfast!
When I came across the large praying mantis a few days ago, it was somewhat occupied. It had just caught a bee that was visiting the marrow – honey flavoured insect for breakfast obviously made for a tasty treat. The insect wanted to eat in private……I had other ideas and what followed was quite funny. After moving around the plant to avoid my camera lens, and finding it still pursued, the mantis took a leap – onto my hat! I could see its shadow outlined on it once I finally realised where it had disappeared to. I took my hat off, and got a couple of shots of it, and then it leaped onto my body – all the time still holding what was left of the bee. It really was very funny. Eventually I got it settled onto another plant where it finished off the bee. Luckily, my terrier is learning to leave things alone when asked as he was watching carefully the whole episode and I didn’t want the mantis to become his breakfast!
Not a bird brain but brainy birds!
In the early morning, I like to sit down near the river while my horse grazes nearby. It’s generally a quiet peaceful way to start the day and I can watch the various birds as they enjoy the small river also. Downstream, in the high cliff banks, the feral pigeons have their roosts and morning and evenings they fly up to the pipeline where it crosses the river. From that position they can greet the sun in the morning, and say goodnight to it at the end of the day. Sages recommend people to take the time to greet the day and bring closure to it , if they seek wisdom.
There’s a man-made structure across the river, and it provides a perfect place for the birds to take their ablutions and have a drink. These two enjoyed it this morning although sometimes there’s quite a crowd jostling for space.
Look what the emu oil did to my hair!
Time for some fun!
I was out exploring a few months ago, and came across a mob of emus on a farm set up especially for them. Whether in the wild or in captivity, emus are extremely curious birds so it wasn’t long before the birds came over to where I was standing – on the other side of the fence. I like to keep a safe distance from these creatures – one kick from their powerful legs can break a man’s leg and their beaks are at face height – well my face height anyway.
Back in my 20′s I worked for a time on a hobby farm, and there was a pet emu, that often used to ambush me. It was my first experience of dealing with emus, and I have to say I didn’t handle it very well……..give me wild horses in preference any day!
Emu oil is becoming more widely used these days, although Aboriginal people have long known the benefits.
This image can, as with many others I post here, be purchased from my RedBubble site 
as a postcard through to a framed print.
Time for a laugh
Well, a laughing jackass……another name for Australia’s bird, the Kookaburra.
A friend and I visited an area with many trees and a better rainfall, and as we sat under some trees, were visited by three kookaburras. The light under the pines was terrible, but at least I managed to slowly move into a better position and get a few images of this bird before it flew to the other side of the creek. I know where to go to next time:-) Perhaps I’ll even take them some ‘payment’ for their photos…….
Lessons from Nature
The area in which I live is not subject to flooding and recent rains virtually bypassed my locality. However, I noticed the ants near my front fence were not taking any chances. Also, the night before the rain of 14mls did fall, the bees were still out gathering nectar from the gum trees as the sun was setting. Usually they are back in the hive well before that time.
Do you notice the shape of this ant mound?
Salute to the sun
A pair of willy wagtails have built their nest just down my road a little, and finally I managed to get a decent shot of the young, which hatched out a few days ago. The parents, who are familiar with me, fussed around so I didn’t stay close for long in respect to their wishes. They are great little cheeky birds. 
