Tag Archives: photography

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/

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/

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/

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/

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/

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/

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/

The tip of the Fleurieu

28 Apr

Dear Reader:

The school of Silver Drummer and Banded Sea Sweep mill around the rocky outcrop off Cape Jervis SA.

Silver Drummer (top centre) and Banded Sweep

I am exploring the southern tip of South Australia’s Fleurieu Peninsular using images that show a few of its many features and attractions.

Australian Pelicans Goolwa bird reserve

Cape Jervis is the transit port for the Kangaroo Island Ferry as well as being an interesting wildlife destination in its own right.

Kangaroo Island ferry at Cape Jervis with KI in the background

Numerous seabirds live in this area including: terns, gulls, cormorants and various birds of prey. At different times I have observed Sea Eagles and Nankeen Kestrels.

Nankeen Kestrel hovering

Just before Cape Jervis, a dirt road leads to Fishery Beach where an undersea cable crosses beneath Investigator Strait to KI. I spend a little time snorkelling close to the shore where I photograph a school of Zebra Fish.

Zebra Fish

Range Road Curls around the foot of the peninsular passing through pasture, scrub and grazing country. Near the beginning of the road there is an entrance to the old Talisker mine. Numerous small birds inhabit the dense scrub around this area and the old buildings and machinery provide some historical context.

Crusher house and boiler
Crescent Honeyeater

One of the main attractions of the southern Fleurieu is the Deep Creek Conservation Park; a wonderful place to photograph Western Grey Kangaroos and the occasional Echidna.

Lone roo Deep Creek Conservation Park
Roos in the mist Deep Creek CP

My next stop on this trip is Victor Harbor, where I watch a succession of recreational fishing boats head out to sea while I enjoy a tasty seafood lunch at Whalers Seaside Dining.

Setting out from the Victor Harbor boat ramp

Having reached Victor from the city via South Road and Range Road I decide to return to Adelaide along the B37 (Strathalbyn Route) after a 4WD run along iconic Goolwa Beach towards the mouth of the Murray River.       

Entrance to Goolwa beach

Cheers

Baz

Additional notes

The cameras used for this post are Sony RX, Nikon P900 and Nikon Coolpix AW100  

This is an easy drive which is quite suitable for families and seniors with the exception of the 4WD section which can be tricky depending on tides and wind.

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/

Wirrina Foreshore Reserve

25 Mar

Dear Reader:

The Western Grey Kangaroo stops feeding and looks at me, twitches its ears then hops deeper into the bushes where it is joined by a second roo.

Western Grey Kangaroo
Then there were two

I am driving along the access road to Wirrina Cove marina, where I will walk along the Wirrina Foreshore Reserve. It is a rather overcast day which adds a few extra photographic challenges.

Beginning of the walk

Like other parts of the Fleurieu the story told by the rock formations is fascinating. The areas geoheritage includes: deep sedimentary basins, massive plate tectonic collisions, glaciation and mountain formation.

Rock formations along the shoreline

At low tide the rocky foreshore is a maze of rockpools. Within each of these ecological niches lives a wonderful variety of marine organisms such as anemones, sponges, seasnails and crustaceans; to mention just a few.

Shore crab species on the edge of a rockpool
Turban Shell

Banks of seaweed cover some parts of the shoreline and I am amazed to see an Australian Magpie probing the weed. Closer observation suggests it might be gathering nesting material.

Australian Magpie in seaweed pile

After spending some time exploring the edges of the pools, I move back to the trail to capture a few images of the typical birdlife. There are White-faced herons stalking the shallows, Pied Cormorants and Masked Lapwings resting on the rocks and a pair of grebes further out to sea.

White-faced Heron

Having captured images of molluscs, birds, crustaceans and marsupials, I turn my attention to plants, insects and other life forms. Butterflies and native bees are feeding on flowering Scabia blooms, lichens coat the rock formations and Cushion Bushes colonise niches in the rock formations.  

The weather closes in and it is time to leave the walking trail. However, I am determined to return on a warmer, sunnier day with some snorkeling gear to further explore this fascinating area.

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. 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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