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Springton’s Wildlife Wonders part 2

12 Apr

Continued from Blog 254

Magpies grouped in a tree

Dear Reader….

……Looking further across the field I notice a long dead tree with a small flock of Australian Magpies perched along a skeletal branch. A rather picturesque and haunting image.

I use the GPS for location confirmation when writing notes and taking photographs

Climbing back into my car I scan the GPS for the next intersecting road which happens to be French’s Road. This in turn leads on to Potts Hill Road where there is a green section indicating a park, wetland or other natural feature.

Typical farm dam in the Adelaide Hills

On the way to the junction, I pass a small dam typical of those found on hills’ properties. Using the extreme range of my P900 I recognise Maned Ducks, Eurasian Coots and a single Hoary-headed Grebe on the water.

Angus variety of cattle
A roadside bouquet

For the next kilometre the road has wild roses growing on the verge while curious Angus Cattle meander towards the fence-line. I slow to a stop and enjoy their inquisitive company.

Adelaide Rosella a variety of Crimson Rosella
Unexpected change of environment

The green outline on the map marks a dip in the road where a creek cuts through the pasture creating a quite different environment characterised by dense scrub and bracken. The sound of wrens and other small birds fills the air and several Adelaide Rosellas land in one of the larger eucalypts.

Farmed Red Deer, they are also an introduced pest species

My final stop on this exploratory drive around the Springton area yields the most interesting images of the day. In a high-fenced paddock, a herd of Red Deer sit quietly in the long grass. Introduced wildlife, they are bred for venison and the velvet on the stags’ antlers.

Family grouping of Western Grey Kangaroos, the male is not necessarily the parent animal

In stark contrast, a trio of Western Grey Kangaroos; male, female and half-grown joey, huddle together as I move within camera range. Large herbivorous grazers they occupy the same Australian ecological niche that deer inhabit in Europe, Asia and North America. A nice biological footnote to end my day around Springton.

Cheers

Baz

Additional notes

Other significant animals seen, heard but not photographed: Kestrel, Brown Snake

The camera used for this post is a Nikon Coolpix P900

This is an easy drive which is quite suitable for families and seniors with public toilets, barbecues, parking and other facilities in Springton. It is dog friendly unless a national or conservation park is signposted.

Please pass on this blog title and or contact information (URL) to any person or organisation with an interest in taking walks and enjoying wildlife in SA.

Click on these links and see more South Australian stories and pictures in my Weekend Notes articles as well as locating similar blogs on Feedspot’s top 20 Australian wildlife blogs

https://www.weekendnotes.com/adelaide/writer/452/

https://blog.feedspot.com/australian_wildlife_blogs/

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Mount Pleasant ….. A Natural Experience ….. Part 1

12 Apr
Grey Fantail, probably a juvenile

Dear Reader:

There is a solitary Grey Fantail hunting alongside the bridge. It perches on a branch then makes quick aerial sorties to catch insects in mid-air.

Bridge over the Torrens on Talunga Road

I am at the first bridge in Mount Pleasant, on Talunga Park Road, after entering the town on the B10 from Birdwood in the Adelaide Hills. This delightful little town sits near the source of the River Torrens and reflects colonial history as well as lovely, rural scenery. A Saturday farmers’ market is yet another attraction.

Adelaide Rosella

Climbing down a path next to the bridge, I reach a long pool. I sit on the bank and scan several large River Gums. An Adelaide Rosella lands in one and calls to its mate somewhere further down the river. After a few minutes the parrot flies down to a fenced riverside property to feed in some bushes. Close enough for a hurried, shady shot.

Strange little shed

I drive a little further along the road and stop by the entrance to a park and follow a dirt pathway. There are tennis courts, a bowling green, club houses and a strange little shed which advertises the Men’s Shed project.

Cockatoos in flight

Walking along the track, I spot a small group of Sulphur-crested Cockatoos feeding by a fenceline. They are nervous and I set the camera to Sports Mode, to use my preset shutter speed of 1/1250th of a second. Birds in flight are always an interesting and challenging target.

Mosaic styled couch for reflection

The path skirts the facilities then turns right, past a children’s playground, reflection couch ending at another bridge leading to a small park. The cockatoos have flown off and squawked loudly enough to alert all other birds in the area to my presence.

Painted Lady butterfly

I decide to focus on smaller animals and search the leaf litter and fallen branches for insects, skinks and spiders. I am not disappointed as I photograph three butterflies belonging to different families: a Cabbage White, small blue grey of unknown species and a Painted Lady.

Blue/grey butterfly of unknown species

I decide to cross the little footbridge and continue to investigate the town and river from the other side…to be continued in my next post…….

Cheers

Baz

Additional notes

Other animals seen, heard but not photographed: Superb Fairy Wren, Silvereyes, dragonflies

The camera used for this post is a Nikon Coolpix P900

This is an easy walk and drive which is quite suitable for families and seniors with public toilets, barbecues, parking and other facilities nearby. It is dog friendly.

Please pass on this blog title and or contact information (URL) to any person or organisation with an interest in taking walks and enjoying wildlife in SA.

Click on these links and see more South Australian stories and pictures in my Weekend Notes articles as well as locating similar blogs on Feedspot’s top 20 Australian wildlife blogs

https://www.weekendnotes.com/adelaide/writer/452/

https://blog.feedspot.com/australian_wildlife_blogs/

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Springton’s Wildlife Wonders

10 Mar

Dear Reader:

Bearded Dragon taking a look around, probably sussing out his territory (Credit Sandra Gray)
Springton Hotel one of the state’s earliest pubs

As I drive into Springton my passenger shouts, “Stop and back up.” To my surprise, she points out a lovely Bearded Dragon perched on an old fence post. We pull into the old pub for a refreshing drink before motoring on.

Classic hills backroad
Local dam with Eurasian Coots and Maned Ducks around the edges

In the northern region of the Mount Lofty Ranges, the area around  Springton is a spider’s web of unsealed roads. They pass by small properties and cut through open pasture, forest and scrub. A wonderful place to explore by car with frequent stops to take in the rural scenery and search for wildlife.

One curious sheep
Rose-breasted Cockatoo or Galah near vines
Moving stock

Driving along the well graded unsealed road I stop to photograph a flock of sheep sheltering in the shade of massive Red Gum while a flatbed truck passes with sheep in the back and a dog in the passengers seat. To my left a pair of Galahs are feeding next to a vineyard. The scene is quintessential rural SA ……to be continued.

Cheers

Baz

Additional notes

Other significant animals seen, heard but not photographed Kestrel, Brown Snake, Adelaide Rosellas

The camera used for this post is a Nikon Coolpix P900

This is an easy drive which is quite suitable for families and seniors with public toilets, barbecues, parking and other facilities in Springton. It is dog friendly unless a national or conservation park is signposted.

Please pass on this blog title and or contact information (URL) to any person or organisation with an interest in taking walks and enjoying wildlife in SA.

Click on these links and see more South Australian stories and pictures in my Weekend Notes articles as well as locating similar blogs on Feedspot’s top 20 Australian wildlife blogs

https://www.weekendnotes.com/adelaide/writer/452/

https://blog.feedspot.com/australian_wildlife_blogs/

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Williamstown to Springton SA……. a Nature Drive

18 Feb
I’m in the right lane. What’s your problem

Dear Reader:

A lttle more to the left please.

Coming off a bend at around 100 KPH, in a predominantly rural area, the last thing I expect to see is a Koala casually strolling down the road. Brakes on. I leave the vehicle and usher it off the road.

Vine, pine and bush

I am driving between Williamstown and Springton in the northern part of the Mount Lofty Ranges. This lovely stretch of road passes through open pasture for grazing, vineyards, native scrub as well as olive and pine plantations.

Curious cows
Galahs taking off

A little further along the road I sop to watch a herd of beef cattle in a paddock where Rose Breasted Cockatoos are pulling up roots and tubers from the well irrigated pasture.

Portuguese Bridge
View from the bridge of River Gums
Early cottage near Williamstown turnoff

Early farmers and rural pioneers have left their mark in many ways. The Portuguese Bridge spans the South Para River and an old, abandoned cottage marks the passing of families and dreams long gone.

Heath Teatree
Matted Bush Pea

There are significant patches of native scrub alongside the road and I briefly stop to explore them. Grasstrees, Teatree bushes, stunted eucalypts (possibly Mallee) and a variety of flowering groundcovers make for a diverse short walk.

Australian Monarch

There are numerous birds and insects in the scrub alongside the road. The birds are small and hard to photograph as they flit around in the dense bushes and trees. At a glance, there are Silvereyes, Grey Fantails and an unknown honeyeater species.

A reminder of days gone by

After numerous stops, I reach Springton and stop at the old-fashioned General store where I grab a bite to eat, a drink and fill up the car with petrol. Suitably refreshed and with the rest of the day ahead I decide to head back to the city by way of the many unsealed roads indicated on my navigation system……..to be continued.

Cheers

BAZ

Additional notes

Other animals seen, heard but not photographed: Ravens, Grey Kangaroos, Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoos

The camera used for this post is a Nikon Coolpix P900

This is an easy drive which is quite suitable for families and seniors .

Please pass on this blog title and or contact information (URL) to any person or organisation with an interest in taking walks and enjoying wildlife in SA.

Click on these links and see more South Australian stories and pictures in my Weekend Notes articles as well as locating similar blogs on Feedspot’s top 20 Australian wildlife blogs

https://www.weekendnotes.com/adelaide/writer/452/

https://blog.feedspot.com/australian_wildlife_blogs/

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Around Williamstown 2

7 Jan
A mob of Western Grey Kangaroos near Williamstown

Having explored the backroads around the Williamstown in my previous post ; I am now driving along the main street where I am enchanted by the many colonial buildings that have been repurposed to suit a modern township.

Williamstown Hotel was established just 18 years after the settlement of South Australia
View from the bridge
Maned Ducks

A bridge crosses the Victoria Creek at the T junction where the road from Adelaide intersects the B31/B34. From the bridge, I can see a small lake created by a weir. There are Eurasian Coots and a pair of Maned Ducks paddling near the bank.

New Holland Honeyeater

New Holland Honeyeaters and Silvereyes are feeding in the foliage of several large gums adjacent to the river.

Part of the mural
The weir looking back towards the bridge

The wall alongside the path by the lake is decorated with a mural depicting Williamstown’s unique features such as: buildings, landscape and historical events.

Australian Reed Warbler

As I walk along the path, the characteristic call of an Australian Reed Warbler rings out from the plants bordering the lake. Unusually, the call is coming from the wall of the weir not the reeds. And, as luck would have it, I spot the little bird foraging on the dam wall.

Too much choice at the local bakery

Williamstown has proved to be an interesting place from both an historical and natural perspective. All that remains is to enjoy a croissant and vanilla slice for lunch.

Cheers

Baz

Additional notes

Other animals seen, heard but not photographed: Adelaide Rosellas, Pottybonk Frogs, Masked Lapwings, corellas and Galahs

The camera used for this post is a Nikon Coolpix P900

This is an easy walk and drive which is quite suitable for families and seniors with public toilets, playgroun, barbecues, parking and other facilities nearby. It is dog friendly.

Please pass on this blog title and or contact information (URL) to any person or organisation with an interest in taking walks and enjoying wildlife in SA.

Click on these links and see more South Australian stories and pictures in my Weekend Notes articles as well as locating similar blogs on Feedspot’s top 20 Australian wildlife blogs

https://www.weekendnotes.com/adelaide/writer/452/

https://blog.feedspot.com/australian_wildlife_blogs/

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Around Williamstown Part 1

12 Dec

Dear Reader:

A bit of history
Rose-breasted Cockatoo or Galah

The old, rusted plough sits in a field of waving wild oats. In one of the  massive eucalypts on the edge of the field a Galah watches me as I frame my image. A lovely start to my drive around Williamstown in the Adelaide Hills.

Historic town buildings

I am exploring the backroads around Williamstown then finishing up in the main street for coffee and cake at one of two equally fine bakeries. Although my focus is on the natural features of the area there is a printed heritage trail available from some of the shops.

Australian Raven and Crested Pigeon on an old building’s roof

Driving into the main road, Queen Street, I turn right into Margaret Street which skirts the town on its northern aspect. I pass a farmer ploughing a hayfield and an old, dilapidated dwelling. Australian Ravens and Magpies are foraging alongside the road and Welcome swallows hawk for insects disturbed by the tractor.

Masked Lapwing
Vines and local dam

There are vines and a sizeable dam to my left and a pair of Masked Lapwings are strutting along the fence loudly proclaiming their territory with their Kek Kek call.

Dairy farm

The road takes a sharp bend and its name changes to Fromm Street. A dairy farm sits on the corner and curious cows move up to the fence as I stop the car to take in this charming rural image. Fromm leads back onto the Lyndoch Road and into Queens Street where there are many old, colonial era buildings………to be continued.

Cheers

Baz

Additional notes

Other animals seen, heard but not photographed, Sulphur Created Cockatoos, Brown Snake, Raptor species probably a kite.

The camera used for this post is a Nikon Coolpix P900

This is an easy drive which is quite suitable for families and seniors with public toilets, caffes, parking and other facilities nearby.

Please pass on this blog title and or contact information (URL) to any person or organisation with an interest in taking walks and enjoying wildlife in SA.

Click on these links and see more South Australian stories and pictures in my Weekend Notes articles as well as locating similar blogs on Feedspot’s top 20 Australian wildlife blogs

https://www.weekendnotes.com/adelaide/writer/452/

https://blog.feedspot.com/australian_wildlife_blogs/

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Williamstown’s Wildlife…..The Drive

11 Nov
Koala observing photographer

Dear Reader:

A Koala suddenly appears on the edge of the road then runs across both lanes. I check my mirrors and pull off into a small recess. Walking back along the edge of the road, I scan the trees until I spot the Koala high in the branches looking down on me.

Classic grazing area with remnant eucalypts
Goat herd feeding near the reservoir

Further along the road, I stop again to photograph classic open pasture dotted with sizeable eucalypts.  A nearby fenced off paddock is home to a small herd of Angora Goats. As I stop to photograph them a lone Emu pops its head up from a ditch by the side of the road.

Surprise

I am driving to Williamstown to explore this historic little town and document the wildlife around the area. However, I am more than a little surprised to have encountered so many interesting photo-subjects before I even reach my destination.

Bridge over the reservoir

Crossing the bridge over the South Para Reservoir, I notice the water level is quite high, a good sign for the approaching summer. Nearby, the extensive vines, which are a more recent feature of this landscape, contrast starkly with the adjacent scrub-draped hillsides. Clearing bushland for vines is always a contentious issue in South Australia.

Vines, pasture and bushland

I am on the outskirts of Williamstown and decide it is time for a break at the local bakery before traversing some of the backroads and exploring other features of this historic township………..to be continued.

Too much choice

Cheers

Baz

Additional notes

Other animals seen/heard but not photographed: Western grey Kangarooos, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Australian Magpie, Blackbirds, House Sparrows, Rabbits

The camera used for this post is a Nikon P900

This is an easy drive which is quite suitable for families and seniors with public toilets, barbecues, parking and other facilities in Williamstown. It is dog friendly.

Please pass on this blog title and or contact information (URL) to any person or organisation with an interest in taking walks and enjoying wildlife in SA.

Click on these links and see more South Australian stories and pictures in my Weekend Notes articles as well as locating similar blogs on Feedspot’s top 20 Australian wildlife blogs

https://www.weekendnotes.com/adelaide/writer/452/

https://blog.feedspot.com/australian_wildlife_blogs/

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One Tree Hill Road Roundabout to Kersbrook Part 1

20 Sep

Dear Reader

After leaving the One Tree Hill Road roundabout for Kersbrook Road, I expect to drive a few kilometres before making my first roadside stop. Two Western Grey Kangaroos and a small herd of cattle put pay to that plan as they appear a mere hundred metres from my starting point.

Western Grey kangaroo and joey amongst the tall grasses
Murray Grey Cattle

Leaving the roos and cattle behind I start to climb the winding road towards Kersbrook stopping at a convenient roadside layby after 2.3Kms.

Roadside scrub

After clambering over an old fence, I catch a brief glimpse of a Grey Fantail and some small parrots in the thick scrub which makes them impossible to photograph. Luckily, a decorative, Common Brown Butterfly settles on a fallen branch providing a nice image.

Common Brown Butterfly

I fossick around in the undergrowth moving fallen branches and bark and unearth a Piedish Beetle and a large Garden Centipede. It seems that invertebrates might be the flavour of the day.

Piedish Beetle
Garden Centipede species

At the 3.7 Km mark Karwin Road leads off to the left with a sign for Minya Sanctuary. I park on the corner where there’s a small patch of scrub and a panoramic view of open farmland as well as an earthen dam for sheep and cattle.

Local dam for stock

Following a small path through Sheoak sapplings, I am lucky enough to encounter Honeybees feeding on Scabia flowers as well as a native Blue-banded Bee and a Mud-dauber Wasp.

Blue-banded Bee
Common Honey Bee

Although I have only covered around 4kms of the 11Km drive to Kersbrook it has been a revealing and fascinating look at this part of the foothills and I am sure that the next 7kms will be equally enthralling.

Mud-dauber Wasp

Cheers

Baz

Additional notes

Other animals seen, heard but not photographed: Mistletoe Bird

The camera used for this post is a Nikon Coolpix P900

This is an easy drive which is quite suitable for families and seniors.

Please pass on this blog title and or contact information (URL) to any person or organisation with an interest in taking walks and enjoying wildlife in SA.

Click on these links and see more South Australian stories and pictures in my Weekend Notes articles as well as locating similar blogs on Feedspot’s top 20 Australian wildlife blogs

https://www.weekendnotes.com/adelaide/writer/452/

https://blog.feedspot.com/australian_wildlife_blogs/

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Kenneth Stirling Conservation Park SA Wotton’s Scrub

28 Aug

Dear Reader:

For once, my first interesting sighting is not an animal but a delicate orchid known as a Parson’s Bands because the two delicate petals resemble a clergyman’s white collar.

Parson’s Bands Orchid

I am walking along Wottons Track from the gate 3 entrance to the Kenneth Stirling series of Conservation Parks near Carey Gully and Uraidla. The drive up Greenhill Road towards the park has taken me through some beautiful hill country adorned by vines, native forest and orchards.

Autumn vines near Uraidla

It is early winter and I am not expecting much wildlife and it is quite a surprise to see an ornate Common Brown Butterfly amongst the leaf litter. With wings folded it is remarkably well camouflaged.

Effective camouflage
Female Common Brown (same animals as above image)

Late blooming flowers seem to be the order of the day and far easier to photograph. Hills Daisies and Common or Pink Heaths dot the lush green undergrowth.

Hills Daisy
Common Heath

There are the twittering calls of wrens in the bushes alongside the path but they are wary and hard to spot. Eventually a pair appear on the trail some fifty metres ahead of me. I steady myself and fire off a couple of frames trying to catch both male and female together. They are a perfect example of sexual dimorphism in birds.

Male and female Superb Fairy Wren
Superb Fairy Wren, Image shot at similar location by author

I have walked around three kilometres and spotted a few Grey Fantails, Adelaide Rosellas and Rainbow Lorikeets, all too far away to photograph.  

BGrey Fantail. Image shot at similar location by author

Near a fork in the trail leading to Fern Gully I can hear the rasping calls of Spotted Grass Frogs and assume there must be a creek or wetland area there. However, as this trail appears to have more steep sections my ‘not so young knees’ suggest it is time to turn back and head for home.

Spotted Marsh (or Grass) frog, Image from my collection

My drive home takes me back through Uraidla where I stop off the local caffe which incorporates a fine bakery and micro-brewery. Always a good way to round off any trip to this part of the Adelaide Hills

A bite to eat and a refreshing brew

Cheers

Baz

Additional notes

The camera used for this post is a Sony RX10 M3

This is a moderate walk with some steep sections

Please pass on this blog title and or contact information (URL) to any person or organisation with an interest in taking walks and enjoying wildlife in SA.

Click on these links and see more South Australian stories and pictures in my Weekend Notes articles as well as locating similar blogs on Feedspot’s top 20 Australian wildlife blogs

https://www.weekendnotes.com/adelaide/writer/452/

https://blog.feedspot.com/australian_wildlife_blogs/

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Giles Conservation Park near Norton Summit

15 Feb

Dear Reader:

I can hear small birds in the undergrowth and scan the leaf litter and low bushes with my telephoto. Nothing at first then just a glimpse of a wren but it is a beautiful Milkmaid Lily that Catches my eye.

Milkmaid Lily

The Giles Conservation Park is a twenty-five minute drive up Magill Road from Adelaide’s CBD to Norton Summit; then a further five minutes along Lobethal and Woods Hill Road. I park opposite the park entrance and enjoy the view of green undulating farmland. There are Australian Magpies and a few Ravens in the fields.

Farmland opposite Giles CP

After leaving the wrens and Lilies my next surprise is a rather unusually marked Koala in a tree just a few metres along the clearly marked Ridge Trail.

Koala

Being late Spring, there is a proliferation of blooms along the trail including: eucalypts, wattles, lilies, peaflowers and native primroses. And, there are also an introduced weeds, one of which is quite intriguing the aptly named Rattlesnake Grass.

Red Parrot Peaflower

Forester Moth on Native Primrose

Rattlesnake Grass

Some animals give away their location with a subtle shuffle in the grass, not so the Kookaburra. Midway up a tall Stringybark a Laughing Kookaburra perches and calls to its mate deeper in the scrub.

Laughing Kookaburra

Koalas and kookaburras are relatively easy to spot but there is a myriad of smaller animals that live amongst the foliage, flowers and leaf litter which are much harder to detect. Insects, spiders, skinks and beetles are just a few examples of this lower but critical part of the food chain. Unfortunately the number of these creatures is becoming dangerously low because of pesticides, habitat loss and other human induced threats.

Common Garden Skink

Plague Locust

Having walked several kilometres and taken many photographs, it is time to head back to the city. However, I would never consider leaving the Norton Summit area without enjoying lunch with a view at the Scenic Hotel.   

Scenic Hotel Norton Summit

Cheers

Baz

Additional notes

The camera used for this post is a Nikon Coolpix P900

This is an easy walk and drive which is quite suitable for families and seniors with limited parking.

Please pass on this blog title and or contact information (URL) to any person or organisation with an interest in taking walks and enjoying wildlife in SA.

Click on these links and see more South Australian stories and pictures in my Weekend Notes articles as well as locating similar blogs on Feedspot’s top 20 Australian wildlife blogs

https://www.weekendnotes.com/adelaide/writer/452/https://blog.feedspot.com/australian_wildlife_blogs/

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