Archive | February, 2014

That Looks Interesting…

28 Feb
That looks interesting...

That looks interesting…

That looks interesting…

I’m certain that’s the thought that’s running through the minds of this delightful pair of Kookaburras.

Intelligent, fearless and very vocal, these remarkable birds certainly make their presence felt. Just ask those who picnic among them…

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A Tree Grows at Ramsgate

27 Feb
A Tree Grows at Ramsgate

A Tree Grows at Ramsgate

A tree grows at Ramsgate…

Well, actually, *many* trees grow at Ramsgate, but this beauty has become a focal point in this photo taken overlooking Ramsgate Beach.

For those unfamiliar, Ramsgate Beach is one of many lovely beaches that form part of the Botany Bay foreshores. I used to swim there quite often, until a sign warning me of the potential presence of stingrays seriously deterred me. Actually meeting and speaking with one of its victims put the finishing touches on my decision…

Nevertheless, it’s a delightful place to visit, and for those brave enough to expose themselves to the risk, it’s a wonderful place to swim.

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Read All About Me!

26 Feb

Read all about me! (Well, almost all!)

Exciting news!

I’m today’s Guest Author on the Story Reading Ape’s blog!

So those of you who like to know a little more, please follow this link!

Guest Author Margaret Lynette Sharp

Thank you!

Ducking Ducks!

26 Feb
Ducking Ducks

Ducking Ducks

That's a likely spot...

That’s a likely spot…

I guess these days that an element of luck is involved in photography, especially that of nature, since there is a slight delay between clicking and the capture of the picture.

At any rate, I am delighted to show you these shots of one of my favourite subjects. Ducks!

This delightful pair obviously were in the mood for a bite to eat…

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The View from the Half-Way Mark

25 Feb
Overlooking the river

Overlooking the river

This is the view from the half-way mark. Almost every time we trudge up the hill on the way home from the baths, we sit on a couple of rock ledges and admire the scenery.

There are several delightful aspects, ranging from trees that often shelter magnificent birds such as Rainbow Lorikeets, King parrots and Kookaburras, to an enviable view of the river.

Here is a photograph of the last-mentioned scene.

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More Scenes of the Australian Bush

24 Feb

I know that many of my readers are captivated by photographs of the Australian bush.

Unfortunately my camera is currently out of action, so I must resort to photos taken a while ago.

Here’s one of a delicately-coloured wattle framed by a a quite delightful and typical setting. This is yet another

Wattle in bloom

Wattle in bloom

example of the sights that greet visitors to our local bushland park in suburban Sydney, Australia.

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An Old Tree in the Australian Bush

23 Feb
Impressive example of an Angophora costata

Impressive example of an Angophora costata

We live near an important and delightful area of unspoilt Australian bush.

In addition to the birds, reptiles, marine-life and other animals, there are many wonderful mature trees, and I love to admire them.

This one has the most beautiful coloured bark. It’s called a Smooth-barked Apple (Angophora costata). As you can see, it’s a large, spreading tree.

Just another of the many treasures to be found in the Australian  bush.

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Spring Revisited

22 Feb
Bluebells

Bluebells

Spring revisited!

Here in Sydney the days are shortening, signalling the arrival of cooler weather. Our Maple tree is turning gold, and even shedding some of its bountiful foliage. The last of the summer flowers are soldiering on.

Yet why not re-visit Spring?

I guess that many of my readers actually live in those areas where Spring is just around the corner.

Hope these images of my Spring flowers bring a smile to your face!

Fancy Jonquils

Fancy Jonquils

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A Welcome Visitor

21 Feb
The Egret has landed.

The Egret has landed.

Some months ago I spotted a welcome visitor.

A magnificent white bird had landed in our river baths. This seems to be a rare event, since I very seldom see one of these beauties even though I visit the area very often.

Enjoy this beautiful Egret as it landed in suburban Sydney, N.S.W., Australia.

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What *Is* It?

20 Feb
What *is* it?

What *is* it?

 

What *is* it?

I’m guessing that this Sulphur-crested Cockatoo is considering his next move…

Certainly he’s spied something, but is worthwhile?

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