The Wonder of the Australian Pelican - pelecanus conspicillatus

I love them!

I have always been in constant wonder & awe of these beautiful, very large birds.. I could sit & watch them all day as they interact with their group (known as a pod, scoop or squadron), grooming & feeding, standing together before launching into flight one by one, in a somehow communicated understanding of which one is to be the first (perhaps a navigator, or head of the pecking order) in a well coordinated takeoff. I refer to them as "B-52 Bombers" being so large (1.6 to 1.8mtr in size & weighing up to 7kg!) & the swishing sound of their massive wings (up to 3.4mtr span) as they either lift up & away, or land with an almighty skidding/gliding motion & a huge splash!

I do feel a pang of disappointment when I visit our local river & sanctuary if the pelicans are absent! There is always many other varied birdlife, but is just not the same to me... silly I know!

These photos were taken in winter's morning light as 2 pelicans searched for food on the Barwon River before heading off to work. He saw me at the waters edge, & swam over looking me directly in the eye... no doubt checking out if I had any tasty morsels on offer!

This next photo depicts him (assuming is male here!) as he takes a scoop of water with his large bill which can hold up to 13 litres of water...

This next photo is one I took at Balyang Sanctuary some time ago, but is my favourite showing the magnificent colours of the bill & pouch. I believe it could've been during their courtship period, as the bill and pouch changes colour dramatically.

and of course, the grooming whilst perched on a branch!!

Up close & personal with Pelicans on the Barwon river this morning.... in the winter chill. Was absolute delight to stroll so close, they did keep a watchful eye on me....



Hope you enjoy these, some of nature's perfect wonders at our fingertips to enjoy!!



Autumn... my favourite time of year

I just love this time of year when I feel nature's colours are at its best. It makes me feel like being a child again & running through piles of fallen leaves, scooting my feet scattering leaves or throwing big handfuls of leaves up high, only to watch them float gently down to earth again...

With the cool bracing air of the early morning giving such clarity to bright autumn leaves, as they lose their grip & flutter spiralling downwards in the breeze, forming layer upon layer of coloured carpet at the feet of the tree which once gave them life... 

I just love it!!!

These photos taken at Eastern Gardens, Geelong & Bright, Vic

Fall Ballet

In fall the leaves are dancing
In the newly cool, crisp breeze,
Tumbling, skipping, flipping,
As they throw themselves from trees.

Twirling, whirling dancers,
Give performances each day,
Floating gracefully to earth,
In a circular ballet.

And as they land together,
Making not a sound,
They form a comfy quilt,
For the hardening winter ground.

By Joanna Fuchs



Ballarat Heritage Week

I loved visiting Ballarat during the celebrations of their city's heritage this weekend. Note to self... book accommodation for 2013 so can stay for whole weekend's activities!
Thoroughly enjoyed our steam train ride from historical Ballarat Station to Sulky & back. Must admit, I've an inexplicable affinity with steam engines... puzzling!

We also had a stop over in Ballan....... so, armed with my camera I find some more time to snap away!

I especially like the "Aleppo Pine"

A Mother's Love

I thought I might celebrate the love a Mother (for Mother's Day) with a photo of myself & one of my daughter's during pregnancy...

Being a mother is learning about strengths you didn't know you had, and dealing with fears you didn't know existed. ~Linda Wooten

My Garden Of Eden

It's just amazing what beauty you can find by just stepping out into your own garden if you look! Whether it be on your patio, in a pot, up a tree, or in a garden bed.