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