16 February 2012

Some samphire, birds, and skies

..it was only because I'd been watching BBC's  The Camper Van Cook, Martin Dorey,  the night previous, that I was able to recognise that samphire was also growing beside this lake inlet, where I walked sometimes.  I'd never even heard of it before this, and it was quite the surprise to find it thriving locally. How interesting, that it could potentially become a tasty, edible green, especially favoured to accompany a seafood dish.  Sometimes known as Sea Asparagus, samphire is alleged to be high in Vitamin C.

Read here how one young woman has started a business venture harvesting samphire on Kangaroo Island, Sth. Australia, where it's disclosed that samphire is sold fresh at about $AUD80 kilo.  There are though, restrictions in place to prohibit over-harvesting, and a permit/license is required.






Starting to look more like asparagus stems in this close-up.  Not knowing quite how healthy the waterway and what it could be drinking, I'm not prepared to try it out though.  If you know of a reliable source, here's an encouraging article from the U.K. Guardian, with recipes, Join the samphire brigade.


There were a family of the sweet little Willie Wagtails Rhipidura leucophrys racing about, flicking their tails ordering an insect breakfast on the run.



And by the water's edge, this White or Sacred Ibis Threskiornis molucca, with a long-winded croaking call, was not especially keen to have me so near his paradise.  I got my shot and let it be. 

Back at home during the day, a most lovely sky



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14 comments:

Red Nomad OZ said...

Samphire always LOOKS like it'd taste salty!! One day I'll actually try it and let you know!!

Brian King said...

I've never heard of samphire. I wonder how it tastes? Your Ibis photo is beautiful! Grand looking bird!

Laura said...

Love your bird pics! The little "Willie" guy is so cute. And you were able to capture a nice pic of the Ibis! Interesting about the sea asparagus! Love the sky with clouds pictures also!! Thanks for sharing the beautiful views you have had today!

Stewart M said...

Hi there - I think there are a lot of local plants we could eat - if only we knew about it!

I am always reminded of little clock-work toys when I see a Willie Wagtail - back and forth with its tail!

Cheers - Stewart M - Melbourne

NatureFootstep said...

I love wagtails and yours is beautiful. A bit different from ours. :)

eileeninmd said...

Interesting post, I would try the Samphire at least once. Great sighting and photos of the Wagtail and the Ibis. And your sky is looking beautiful. Great post.

Karin M. said...

...amazing, such great natural pictures,
the sky is fantastic.
Best regards, Karin

CameraCruise said...

Great post!
I've never heard of samphire, must be interesting to try.
Love the photos of your birds and sky.
The Ibis looks great.
Greetings Mette

mel m. m. mccarthy said...

Hi Carole,

Your photos are such a fabulous peek into Australia. (My sister's living there for a while & I dream of visiting one day). Way back in September, you asked if a vine image I used was available as a free printable. It is now & I thought of you when I finally put it up, here: http://melstampz.blogspot.com/2012/02/vintage-vine-papers-overlay-free.html Hope you're doing wonderfully! :) mel

Dianne said...

I love the name Samphire ... it adds such texture to a landscape. Your little Willie Wagtail is just gorgeous .. another interesting and lovely post Carole.

theconstantwalker said...

Lovely images Carole... I love seeing your wonderful birds and how I would love to see clouds like those at the moment.

Carletta said...

Love that first shot Carole! You should link it to Friday's Fences. :)
Willie is a cute little bird isn't he and oh my, what a wonderful capture of the Ibis!

Hazel said...

The legs of the sacred ibis remind me of my second grade teacher's boots :) And what lovely skies!

Sharyl said...

The Sacred Ibis looks like something from antiquity. Quite fabulous!