Dear Reader:
Against a clear blue sky, a Nankeen Kestrel hovers above wheat stubble in search of rodents, lizards and other small animals.
Nankeen Kestrel
I am driving into the village of Bethany in the Barossa Valley about 70 kms from Adelaide. Founded in 1842 by German Lutheran settlers it was originally called Bethanian: German for Bethlehem. This charming hamlet has numerous points of historic interest starting with a Lutheran church constructed in 1883 and located on the site of an original mud, thatch church built in 1843.
Bethany, Lutheran Church
Further along the road, there is a local cemetery. I wander around reading the inscriptions which gives some perspective into the lives of our early settlers. Several Crested Pigeons are perched in one of the many trees and bushes that give the cemetery a garden-like quality.
Crested Pigeon
I take a few images of: homes incorporating original stonework, farm machinery, old fencing and other features that characterise this colonial village. In one front garden, a Monarch Butterfly perches on a shrub while Australian Magpies call (referred to as carolling and warbling) from nearby eucalypts.
Monarch butterfly, credit Debbie Simmonds
Near the town’s exit and heading further into the Barossa there is a ford crossing the Tanunda Creek. An unpaved pathway runs along the waterway. Massive Red River Gums tower above the creek and I spot: Galahs, Adelaide Rosellas and a lone Sulphur-crested Cockatoo high in the branches.
Galahs (Rose-breasted Cockatoos
Walking along the trail I meet a young couple exercising their dogs and ask them about the wildlife. They mention that Western Grey Kangaroos are common and the occasional Echidna.
Echidna, photographed in nearby woodland
Several of the biggest eucalypts have quite a lot of bark peeling off their trunks and I lift it carefully searching for: centipedes, roaches, gecko lizards and termites. All of which frequent this micro-habitat. I discover none of these. Instead, a myriad of half-grown Huntsman Spiders scatter in all directions. Instinctively, I jump back and fire off a couple of shots. I am not arachnophobic, but spiders are far from my favourite form of wildlife.
Juvenile Huntsmen Spiders head for cover
Close up of juvenile Huntsman to show features
After crossing the creek, I walk back towards my car which is parked near the ford. I will return to Bethany in the Spring and take a longer walk along the creek. However, today I’ll finish my day by visiting the nearby Bethany Winery and pick up a bottle or two to remember a good day exploring this iconic South Australian destination.
Bethany Winery
Cheers
Baz
Additional notes
This is an easy walk and drive which is quite suitable for families and seniors with public toilets, shelter, 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
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