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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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