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Houseboat Reflections Kings Billabong, Mildura part 1

21 Aug

Dear Reader:

With the houseboat safely secured and lunch over; it is time for a walk into the bush.

Camouflage
Australian Painted Lady
Australian Plague Locust

I scan the dry leaf litter for signs of life. A locust moves just enough for me to locate it while a colourful butterfly lands amongst the leaves. It is well camouflaged when still with wings upright, easily seen when it spreads them.

Male Red-rumped Par

Following the track across an open space I hear the call of Red-rumped Parrots up ahead. They are gathered around a depression filled with water from recent rains. As I approach, they fly into the trees.

Classic channel in Kings Billabong wetland

The track meets one of King Billabong’s many channels then branches along the waterway in both directions. I turn right scratching a marker into the soft earth. It is easy lose direction in this kind of environment.

Brown Treecreeper

A Brown Treecreeper moves quickly along the branches of a nearby tree probing the bark for insects. The little bird scurries down the trunk and peers at me for a few seconds before taking flight.

White-plumed Honeyeaters

I sit for a while and watch the grassy scrub. There is a small group of White-plumed Honeyeater flitting around between the branches and I manage to catch one feeding a juvenile while another watches from the trees.

Pied Cormorant
Darter, Anhinga, Snakbird

There is enough water in the billabong for both Anhingas (Snakebirds, Darters) and Pied Cormorants to fish for Carp, Frogs and other aquatic prey. Both species must leave the water periodically to dry out their wings as they do not have the protective oils that many seabirds possess.

Native flower along the track (Wahlenbergia species)

Along the edge of the track there are a few native flowers blooming and I stop to photograph a small purple blossom which I later identify as a Wahlenbergia species………………….to be continued

Cheers

Baz

Additional notes

Other animals seen, heard but not photographed: Raven, Laughing Kookaburra, Bronzewing

The camera used for this post is a Nikon Coolpix P900

This is an easy walk 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

Around Myponga Beach…….Part 1

13 Jul

Dear Reader:

Welcome Swallow at rest

As I drive along the unsealed road, I notice Welcome Swallows hawking for insects in the fields. Several birds are resting on the strands of barbed wire between their sorties. I slow the car, drop the window and take a quick shot.

Driving towards Myponga beach

I am travelling along Myponga Beach Road towards the little township of the same name. Australian Magpies are sitting on fenceposts and a flight of Rosellas takes flight from the fringing scrub as I pass by them.

Myponga Creek and Beach community

From the road I notice that the tide is receding exposing a sandy beach and rock-strewn mudflats on either side of the little estuary where a small creek empties into the ocean. A mixed flock of Silver Gulls and Common Terns are camped on the beach and I can see a pair of Cormorants fishing further out to sea.

Tidal pool and surrounding hills

Today, I am just making a preliminary drive through the area but I do stop to photograph an extensive tidal pool which stretches back towards the surrounding hills.

Gully crossing Sampson Road

After exiting the town on Sampson Road, which will eventually take me back to the Main South Road, I stop at the foot of a steep climb where are gully traverses the road. River Gums mark the path of this ephemeral watercourse and as I slow the VW Tiguan and engage 4WD to splash through some muddy water.

White-throated Honeyeater probing gum tree for insects and grubs

I hear a variety of bird calls and park the vehicle where I can easily scan the trees for birds with the telephoto. It doesn’t take too long to spot two species of parrots; a Galah and Adelaide Rosella, as well as White-throated Honeyeater.

Marbled Gecko

Birds are not the only animals in this fertile section of scrub. There are several ant species on the trees and I spot a Marbled Gecko in a hollowed out branch.

After the creek, the road starts to climb steeply…………to be continued.

Cheers

Baz

Additional notes

Other animals seen, heard but not photographed: Grey Kangaroo

The cameras used for this post is are Nikon P900,  

This is an easy drive which is quite suitable for families. 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_blog

Mount Compass School Swamp Part 2

11 Jun

Dear Reader:

Brown Goshawk (final ID)

A raptor flies low across the swamp, landing carefully amongst the branches of a Tea Tree. It scans the area quickly then takes off again. I capture a quick image. Review it briefly: realising that I must do a little more research to make an accurate identification.

Boardwalk merging into a nearby pine plantation

I am revisiting the Compass School Swamp and carefully moving along the boardwalks in search of more animals living in this unique environment.

New fronds emerging

The intense colour of the ferns coupled with the contrasting shades of Tea Trees and grasses create truly beautiful images as well as a fertile food source for numerous animals in this important Fleurieu swamp.    

Superb Fairy Wren
Red-browed Finches

Where branches protrude from the sea of ferns, small birds perch and call to announce territory and as a sighting point to hunt for flying insects. On this walk I spot Red-browed Finches, Superb Fairy Wrens and New Holland Honeyeaters.

European Goldfinch shot at extreme distance

Further along the boardwalk, I notice a brightly coloured bird atop a dead branch. At first, I think it is a honeyeater species,  but closer examination through the powerful telephoto of my Nikon P900, reveals a European Goldfinch. An introduced species.

Southern Grass Skink

As noted in my last article, Southern Grass Skinks often bask on the path  and there are Kangaroos and livestock in the adjacent fields as well as small groups of Sulphur Crested and Red-tailed Black cockatoos flying overhead.

John Lacey (flue season) studio
Part of gallery display

Today, my final destination is not the bakery nor a nearby hotel for lunch; however tempting that might be. Instead, I have arranged to visit the studio and gallery of a local artist, John Lacey, who lives on the outskirts of the town. Much of his work features the Fleurieu Peninsula and I know he sometimes uses photography as an initial part of his artistic process.

Silvereye

On leaving his studio, I make one final image of a Silvereye perched in the dormant branches of a tree in John’s yard. A lovely way to finish my day at Mount Compass.

Cheers

Baz

Additional notes

Other animals seen, heard but not photographed or mentioned: Cattle, sheep, Magpies, Mudlark

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 parking 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/

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/

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/

Monarto Conservation Park….Wildlife and Wildflowers

24 Oct

Dear Reader:

A small group of medium sized, black, birds are foraging near the track which leads deeper into the Monarto Conservation Park. I zoom in on them using the full range of the Sony lens. Bright red eyes and white flashes on the wings identify them as White-winged Choughs.

White-winged Choughs
Park entrance

As I walk further into the park, it is hard not to notice the variety of flowering shrubs and wildflowers blooming in the understory. The blossoms are supporting a wide variety of wildlife including: native bees, honeyeaters, lizards and possums.

Erect Guinea-flower
Fringe Myrtle
White-browed Babbler

The birds in this area seem to be quite wary. I find myself shooting at long range and having to use a ‘sit quietly and wait’ approach. My first reasonable result is an image of a White-browed Babbler perched on a branch; a species not often seen around the Adelaide area.

Red Wattlebird
Thornbill species

There are eucalyptus blossoms high in the canopy and with a little careful stalking and patience I photograph a Red Wattlebird as well as the outline and faint detail of a Thornbill; both perched amongst the leaves.

White-tipped Brown Bee Fly

I am unable to spot any reptiles so I try to diversify my day’s captures by searching for some unusual insects. Flies, mosquitoes, hoverflies and some wasps are abundant. However, it is a rather unusual White-tipped Brown Bee Fly that catches my eye as it lands on a sandy clearing amongst the matt of twigs and leaves.

Native Pine and Eucalypt trees
Emerging Everlasting Daisy flower

My walk is almost over. I stroll down a wide track of Mallee and Native Pine searching for one last image. I’m hoping for a roo or some interesting stock in the adjacent paddocks. However, it is a strange domed flower head set amongst a collar of sharp white petals that intrigues me. Later, at home, I identify it as an Everlasting Daisy, with its central yellow mass of disc flowers about to be unravelled.     

Cheers

Baz

Additional notes

Other animals seen, heard but not photographed: Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Striated Pardalote

The camera used for this post is a Sony RX10 Mark 3

This is an easy walk and 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/

Normanville’s Big Gorge Walk Part 2

24 Jul

Dear Reader:

(30/6/25,12.05, Clear sky and around 18, light wind)

Numerous aged River Red Gums line the watercourse. I remove a few strips of bark to investigate the different animals that shelter there. A Marbled Gecko scuttles out and freezes relying on its camouflage to escape detection.

Marbled Gecko and Pie Dish Beetles

In part 1 of this story (June 7th Post) I had just passed the ruins and was nearing the end of this short but fascinating trail. I will pick up from there and relate the walk to the end of the trail and back by referring to my field notes. Conditions were recorded on my Apple watch.

End of the walk with information about Colonel Light’s exploration of the area

(30/6/25,12.13, Clear sky and around 18, light wind)

Amongst a tangle of branches I can just make out the shape of a large dark bird. I zoom in and pick up the white fringes to its tail and prominent yellow eye…A Grey Currawong.

Grey Currawong

(30/6/25,12.14, Clear sky and around 19, light wind)

Scanning further into the trees, I pick up the distinctive red breast and blue wings of an Adelaide Rosella. The rosella is not the only parrot in the area. There are small groups of Short-beaked Corellas in the canopy and an occasional Galah flying past.

Adelaide Rosella
Short-beaked Corellas

(30/6/25,12.25 Clear sky and around 18, light wind)

I leave the trail and walk closer to the creek and try to capture essence of this beautiful Gorge with a couple of scenic images.

Yankallila River
Surrounding hillsides with sheep grazing

(30/6/25,12.42 Clear sky and around 18, light wind)

I am almost back at the trailhead when I notice a small group of Silvereyes in a bush. They are probably the same birds I photographed earlier (7th June post). To my surprise, considering the season, I notice a Monarch Butterfly perched on a small branch near the track.

Late season Monarch Butterfly

(30/6/25,12.55 Clear sky and around 20℃, light wind)

I reach the Norm Garnet Park, pack up my gear and head back to the city. I have been surprised by the lack of Western grey Kangaroos, as I know they are prolific in this area. However, the gods of wildlife photography decide to rectify the problem and I come across a dozen or so ‘roos’ grazing in a fenced paddock, just a few kilometres shy of Normanville.  

Western Grey Kangaroos grazing on farmland

Cheers

Baz

Additional notes

Other animals see, heard but not photographed

The camera used for this post is a

This is an easy walk/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/

Just Cruising 2 King’s Billabong to Mildura

6 Jul

Dear Reader:

As we back the houseboat into the current and point it downstream a Snakebird or Anhinga perches gracefully on an overhanging branch, the perfect farewell to King’s Billabong.

Snake-bird or Anhinga

In the next hour, I photograph numerous scenes and animals from my vantage point on the upper deck. None of the images are quite as clear as the initial shot as the boat is moving, the engines vibrating, and the riverbanks are a between 50-100 metres away.

Classic red earth riverbank scenery

Because birds fly, it is a challenging task to capture images of them in flight. Dainty swallows hunt insects in the boat’s wake and Whistling Kites circle high in the air using their extraordinary vision to locate prey.

Welcome Swallows resting on the river bank
Welcome Swallows hunting in the houseboat wake
Whistling Kite hunting above the river

Because of their size, shape and slow flight pattern, Australian Pelicans are one of my favourite waterbirds to photograph. Whether hunting, flying, landing or taking off, they are both endearing and elegant.

Australian Pelican in flight
Ancient tree and Pelican composition

The river is used by numerous types of craft which tell a variety of stories. There are old barges from the time when the river was a major transport route. Paddle-teamers, both new and old, rekindle the more romantic days of river travel. Tour boats, houseboats , ski and fishing boats are the most common vessels of the modern era.  

Classic paddle-steamer still in use
Derelict barge

It is a relatively short trip back. As we bring the houseboat into the wharf at Mildura, I notice a Great Cormorant watching us from the bank as a flotilla of Maned Ducks slide past on the port side. Settled snuggly into our mooring I watch a Rakali or Australian Water Rat foraging amongst lily pads: a nice way to finish the week.

Rakali foraging amongst lily pads

Cheers

Baz

Additional notes

The camera used for this post is a Nikon P900

This is an easy excursion which is quite suitable for families and seniors with public toilets, barbecues, parking and other facilities nearby. River bank areas that are not part of national park are 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/

Normanville’s Big Gorge Walk…….part 1

17 Jun

Dear Reader:

Tiny birds are feeding in the canopy of a massive Red River Gum on the edge of the river bed. Scanning the area with the telephoto of my Nikon P900, I spot a diminutive Thornbill.

Thornbill species

Garnet Kelly Park on the southern side of Normanville is the start of the Great Gorge Walk. This charming track of around 3Kms return follows a path walked by explorers and traversed by later settlers.

Park entrance near the old bridge
Alongside the river

River Red Gums, Sheoaks and Acacia bushes are part of a complex and varied flora.

Sheoaks on hillside, private property bordering the walk

Information placards at the start of the walk and along its route tell the story of the bridge, pathway and the local soldier which the park is named after.

One of numerous informative signs on the walk and in the park

Small birds seem to be prolific in the first kilometre of the walk and I manage to photograph Fairy Wrens, Silvereyes and White-browed Finches. Most of the shots are taken at distance and emphasise the need for a good telephoto lens in this area.

Silvereye feeding on reed-like grasses near a pool in the river bed

I notice small groups of Sulphur-crested and Rose-breasted (Galahs) Cockatoos flying overhead. A few land to feed on the ground while others perch in nearby trees. They advertise their presence with a screeching, almost prehistoric, call.

Sulphur Crested Cockatoo

The weather is too cold for reptiles and I see only a few rather tattered looking butterflies. However, there are sheep with lambs in tow, on the hillsides. A closer look on one ridge reveals a lone Western Grey Kangaroo grazing alongside a couple of sheep.

Hilltop grazers

Glancing at the distance reading on my Apple watch, I realise I am almost at the half way (1.5 Km) point of this walk. Though the wildlife and scenery have been both interesting and varied, my writer’s mind wants a little more variation for an article. It comes in the form of an old ruin.

Remains of a once substantial building
Historical placard near the ruins

The exact nature of the ruin is a little unclear and an information plaque provides some different alternatives. Nevertheless, this old structure and its history provides yet another reason to take this truly beautiful walk on the Fleurieu Peninsular………….to be continued.

Cheers

Baz

Additional notes

The camera used for this post is a Nikon P900

This is an easy walk which is quite suitable for families and seniors, Dogs must be kept on a lead.

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/

Murray River Cruising part 1

28 May

Dear Reader:

As we release the mooring ropes and pull away from the dock, I notice an Australasian Darter or Anhinga, stretching its neck out to mimic the branch it is perched on.

Anhinga or Australian Darter or Snake Bird

I am taking my annual houseboat trip on the Murray River from Mildura which is just over the South Australian border in Victoria. The trip from Adelaide takes around four hours and on this occasion I was lucky enough to sight emus on several occasions.

A wheat field of Emus

While we are cruising at a leisurely 6 kph I am scanning the banks for interesting images that capture different aspects the river.

Entrance to a billabong

A wide variety of boats use the river, ranging from rebuilt paddle steamers to ski-boats, fishing craft, canoes and houseboats. Most of the ‘boaties’ give a casual wave as we pass them.

Reproduction of a classic Murray Paddlesteamer design
Fisher working the snags near the bank

Numerous bird species inhabit the Murray’s banks, billabongs, reed beds and open water. I spot a Pied Cormorant perched in a long dead tree and quickly focus before the moment is lost.

Pied Cormorant

We search for a place to tie up and carefully manoeuvre the boat into the shallows then secure the ropes to large trees on the bank. There is little current near the bank and I watch dragonflies and damselflies trace their erratic flight paths over the water.

Red and Blue Damsel (Xanthagrion erythroneurm)

After disembarking, I walk quietly through the scrub then sit on a fallen log to search the leaf litter and fallen branches for the small creatures inhabiting this understory environment.

Fence or Snake-eyed Skink found under bark and in leaf litter and fallen branches

As evening approaches I make my way back to the boat photographing a pair of Black Swans under the mooring ropes as I climb aboard. They are probably looking for scraps from houseboaters. However attractive, feeding native birds is not a good idea as many processed foods can be damaging to their health.

Black Swans by the houseboat

My day cruising the river is done and I am rewarded with the most appropriate of endings; a spectacular sunset over the river.  

Murray River sunset

Cheers

Baz

Additional notes

The camera used for this post is a Nikon Coolpix P900

This is challenging but wonderful experience which is quite suitable for families.

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/