Dear Reader
As I park car in the shade of some Plane trees, I notice a small group of Rose-breasted Cockatoos (Galahs) feeding on the fruits. They are manipulating them with their claw-like feet to get at the seeds inside.
I am spending the morning at Karkoo Plant Nursery in the hills’ town of Oakbank, about a half hour drive from Adelaide’s CBD. This charming nursery has been developed around the old Johnston Brewery. It is a blend of indoor and outdoor plants, clothing and gifts as well as old buildings and artefacts complete with informative signage.
Nurseries are often great places to find insects, even at this time of year. Honeybees are feeding on many different blossoms. It takes a while but eventually I discover a Blue-banded Bee, a native species, feeding on a Salvia.
Near front of the nursery there is some old farm machinery. A Magpie lands on the woodwork providing a characteristically Australian image. Several Sperb Fairy Wrens are flitting around the grassy paddock behind the Magpie.
As the Magpie flies into a nearby Eucalyptus Tree another bird flies out. I scan the tree carefully with the powerful lens of the Nikon P900 and quickly locate a nest. I focus tightly on the nest and wait. Eventually a head pops over the scruffy bundle of twigs.
In a nearby tree an Adelaide Rosella perches on a dead branch. These beautiful birds are a regional version of the Crimson Rosella.
It is time for a bite to eat in the rustic-styled dining area and there is a comprehensive menu ranging from light snacks to gourmet lunches complemented with a wide selection of beverages including wines, ciders, beer and cocktails.
Cheers
Baz
Additional notes
Other animals seen, heard but not photographed: Sulphur-crested Cockatoos, treecreeper species, small skink
The camera used for this post is a Nikon Coolpix P900
This is an easy drive and walk which is quite suitable for families and seniors with, restaurant, gift shop, public toilets, parking and other facilities on site. It is dog friendly.
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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
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