Carole's Creative Corner

Quotography-Wildlife

2012-01-30T22:52:00.001+11:00

Solitude, and a quotation...

2012-01-29T13:14:00.002+11:00

Back in Victoria, at Bruno's Art and Sculpture Garden, where I've used photographs of his amazing sculptures in many previous posts. Today's two, seem just right for my chosen quote showing underneath first photograph, and taken from Quote Garden

Credit: Jayne Print font used from SimplytheBest Fonts

More sight-seeing around Sydney Harbour precincts

2012-01-29T11:10:00.001+11:00

Are you still with me on this Australia Day trek? Hope I haven't lost you along the way ....

From Dawes Point, around under the bridge, there is this view of the iconic Luna Park "just for fun" park. Just about everyone my era, has been on the Big Dipper there (and some wish they hadn't .. like me).

Walking up Hickson Road, Walsh Bay now .. and a glimpse between buildings I see marinas ...and a myriad of apartments.

N.S.W. Maritime is the owner of this development. valued at $AUD800 million, occupying a land area of 8 hectares including 3 finger wharves. Quoting: Walsh Bay is one of Australia's most historic waterfront precincts. Its wharves, shore sheds and bond stores were constructed between 1906 and 1922, under the first President of the Sydney Harbour Trust, Mr. Robert Hickson and chief engineer Mr HD Walsh and formed Sydney's main commercial port area.

Domain/belle Property are advertising a marina berth/mooring space here, western side of The Pier, 18.5m x 6.35m, asking for offers above $AUD200,000.

Hickson Road is also home to the The Sydney Theatre, at #22, and there's a creative demonstration of the arts nearby. From the water-views to this! What would you have thought?

I've learnt it's one of the Walsh Bay Sculpture Walk projects, and this one can be attributed to Jimmie Durham.

Moving on, and up ........I count the sets of steps on the way, twenty or twenty-one a-piece x three.

At the top of the steps I glance back to what I was leaving behind, and I loved the look of these renovations on the bay too; in fact I prefer the charm of these to the more modernistic, especially in this setting.

But look what was next, just at the top of those steps.... a bird's nest, I hadn't seen one all day, and what a beauty!! Compliments the late Brett Whiteley, titled Black Totem II.

Coming up next, it's 30 Windmill St, Walsh Bay, one of the historic Bond Store Warehouses, dating back to the early 1900's. This Bond Store 3, has been converted into a modern, four-storey office building according to this real-commercial site. You can see for yourself there, the workable interior renovations effected. Currently, wholly occupied by an international tenant, with a net income approx. $AUD1.82 million p.a. Looking for expressions of interest/for sale.

And yes, there's still more; watch this space, and come with me next, to the historic Rocks area.

Sharing with Weekend Reflections

Sydney Harbour-side; Campbells Cove Jetty on Australia Day

2012-01-28T21:22:00.000+11:00

Closer to the Sydney Harbour Bridge end now, and here I see a sailing boat to investigate down at ...

It's known as the Southern Swan, a 40m (130') 1850's style, Danish-oak timber tall ship. Weighing 200 tonnes, with a mast height of 24m. Quoting from Sydney Harbour Escapes website this is a ship that had been designed to withstand the icy conditions of the North Atlantic before sailing from England to Australia. It is now used for corporate charters in Sydney Harbour with prices ranging from $AUD800/hr. in the low season, to $AUD1250/hr. in the peak season, with a minimum 4 hour charter.

how can can a ship that size have such a tiny rear end?

and as I was taking this photo from the other side.......another sail boat goes by ....

Harbour-side - Australia Day

2012-01-28T18:56:00.000+11:00

Stepping out of the train at Circular Quay station, looking out over the railing for this view of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, officially opened in 1932. Often referred to as the Coathanger, this bridge stands 134 metres above the harbour, and you can walk that arch with a guided tour if you choose to.

The black-front building to the left of the bridge is the Sydney Cove Overseas Passenger Terminal.

Down to ground level now, and just opposite the Circular Quey ferry wharves, these Aboriginal buskers are in their same location as always. Playing the didgeridoo, with an electronic sound-system accompaniment. What does a didgeridoo sound like? You can hear one on this video.

Some had gotten a good vantage point to watch the ferry-races from going up those steps and around to the harbour view, at the Overseas Passenger Terminal.

The buff-coloured awnings behind the crowd along the foreshore, are overhead coverings for various restaurants, eating out. The stand at the bottom-right had live music happening and white tables/chairs are in front of that for those who wanted to sit a while.

Structural rigging complements one restuarant's nautical theme

..and an interesting galley-door, another.

The Opera House is opposite

Yes people had watched the ferry-race from way up there too

Sharing with Scenic Sunday

Friday's Fence, with a gate

2012-01-28T08:18:00.000+11:00

Also known as an arbor, this delightful structure built by the owner, has a certain charm all of it's own don't you think? Sometimes the jasmine vine growing over it is smothered in sweet-scented white flowers.

I'm sneeking this one into Friday's Fences, just because I can. There is a fence on either side afterall, and a bonus beautiful gate I'd walked through to take this photograph, too.

Sharing with Life According to Jan and Jer

for:

Sydney Harbour-side, for Australia Day; the ferries

2012-01-27T23:43:00.000+11:00

January 26 is recognized as Australia Day, a day of celebration. To quote this Australia Day website, "that was the day in 1788 Captain Arthur Phillip, commander of the First Fleet of eleven convict ships from Great Britain and the first governor of New South Wales, arrived at Sydney Cove".

Though the weather forecast hadn't been brilliant, I'd decided late the night before that the predicted 'occasional showers' might only last for the two-hour journey on the train each way. Just take a punt on it, be prepared for an early start ... and go!

To be sure, my collection of photographs will span several posts, so I'll just lead-up with one dedicated to the ferries, and the Ferrython! A popular annual event where the Sydney ferries race from Circular Quay to Shark Island, with the finish line, heading under the Harbour Bridge.

It did shower on the latter part of the train ride, but cleared again before reaching Central, Sydney. Just one more City-Circle line for a few more stops to reach Circular Quay, and the sun was shining, hurray! So I walk around the foreshore and take photos ... by the dozen.

With a glimpse of the Opera House there, and a gloomy horizon too.

this is what happens when the ferry reverses out of Circular Quay (on right-hand side of this photo); this one is maneouvering it's way around

facing the right way now to head out.

The background apartments are at Bennelong Point, and were highly controversial and objected to during the building phase. According to this article in the Daily Telegraph, December 2011, it had been a $AUD600 million project, in the 1990's. Real Estate pricing quoted, Level 12, five bedrooms, cost $AUD16.8m.

The skies are looking ominous now, just ahead of the race scheduled to start at 11 a.m. This tug-boat has something to do with the start of the race

here they come; every floating vessel possible obviously accompanies the ferries

On the hillside, to the left of this photograph, stands Admiralty House, at Kirribilli, home to the Governor General of Australia. There is a brief history for Admiralty House, Sydney, on this government site.

Way in the distance, a cruise-ship is anchored for passengers to watch from the beginning of the race end. A helicopter is overhead to the right; there were several flying over the harbour.

Television news coverage for some, like this one. I can see the camera aimed, underneath.

Friday's Flowers

2012-01-27T20:17:00.000+11:00

According to this Gardening Australia fact sheet, the Pineapple Lily Eucomis, hails from East Africa, a region with summer rains.

This one, growing in my neighbour's garden, is seemingly at it's peak right now. The photo was taken only this morning, and by the time I was leaving after a coffee/chat session, I needed to borrow an umbrella to walk back home. Lucky I got the pics first!

Growing alongside, is this equally spectacular frangipanni.

Sharing with Tina's PicStory for:

and NixBlog for Floral Friday Fotos

Give a tree a hug

2012-01-25T10:38:00.000+11:00

Give a tree a hug; it's o.k., because trees sometimes do that too. Well so it might seem, when I see this one out in the bush-corridor, it appears to me as though the ailing stricken tree, was hugging the robust one for half a chance.

Think it had gotten a touch of lightning-strike some years back, but it still does have green leaves at the ends of some upper-most branches.

Sharing with A Southern Daydreamer for:

...frocklicking, fraternizing, feathered friends

2012-01-25T06:35:00.002+11:00

...all's fine; just looks like a bad diving practice though, doesn't it?!

Since the Noisy Miners are taking up all the room, I'll just ...

try drinking out of this one!

while the Butcherbird waits his turn.

Following, is my first blog video-clip, Noisy Miner, Butcherbird, and the Mapgie. Its making created a 1 a.m. marathon for me last weekend. I'm really glad I ventured there, and I hope you enjoy it too.

Link to original is here for larger screen viewing

Sharing with The Pine River Review for:

Recommended viewing for all animal lovers - Gorillas

2012-01-23T18:13:00.001+11:00

This link had been sent to me yesterday and it is so enjoyable, I thought I should on-forward it via my blog. I'm not going to write more and pre-empt; just enjoy.

Unfortunately I wasn't able to embed the code for a larger-screen viewing, so I'm leaving the You-Tube link here, in case you choose to see it there also.

Titled, Touched by a Wild Mountain Gorilla

Glassy fern fronds

2012-01-23T12:00:00.000+11:00

...I missed having this challenge ready for the last Photo Art Friday at Pixel Dust Photo Art. It was to be connected to the number 3.

a family-gift from Hokitika Glass Studio, New Zealand, symbolizes a native fern-frond.

+

Feathered treasures

2012-01-23T10:04:00.001+11:00

One of two little feather-containers; this is the most elegant, Shelley-teacup model. The other is much more rustic, a little blue pottery jug, and they're both usually sitting on top of the filing-cabinet here in my office, alongwith a little pottery wren. One day I'll post a photo with the other too.

Taken as it was 'set-up' inside a glass-display cabinet, with an overhead halogen-light.

Sharing with Studio Waterstone for

Buddha says

2012-01-22T15:10:00.000+11:00

Sharing with My Third Eye, for:

Attributions:
Quotation from Brainy Quote
Font Ajile, from Simply the Best Calligraphic Fonts

..a visit to the nursery

2012-01-21T13:50:00.000+11:00

Remember my open lotus flower during the week? This is where I'd taken the photo, at Wyee Nursery, alongwith these.

leaves can be oh so beautiful too; the coleus

and the Freckle Plant

sitting having coffee now and who comes along? What a lovely tail you have ..

and face too ... penny for your thoughts.

Sharing with NixBlog for Floral Friday Fotos

and

Tina's PicStory for:

Norah Head - Part Three

2012-01-20T08:29:00.000+11:00

Two former quarters of the Lighthouse Keepers at Norah Head, are nowadays available for holiday rental. See interior photos, and full details here.

From Free Settler or Felon? Norah Head Jen Willetts states: "the hazardous waters continued to take ships and lives and in the early 1900's it was decided to build a lighthouse at Norah Head. It was completed in 1903 and is in the Barnet style complete with a bluestone balcony and large black and white floor tiles..."

This 27m high lighthouse, with 96 steps stands proud doesn't it? If you're interested in the building information related to this tower, it's well documented on this site, Norah Head Lighthouse

Nearer to the ocean pool there is this relic.

According to Jen Willetts there has been a jetty with wharf for boats picking up local cedar-timbers way back in the 1830's. It had been replaced especially to transport building materials for the lighthouse. I guess this is a winch then?

And just to make my day complete, this sweet sea-gull was waiting for me near the ocean-pool before leaving.

Sharing with Life According to Jan and Jer for:

Norah Head, Part Two

2012-01-19T18:13:00.001+11:00

Late yesterday afternoon I decided to get back to Norah Head, 105 klm from Sydney, 55 klm from Newcastle, but just 25 klm. from home. Wondered what photos I'd pick up in a differing light of day, arriving just after high-tide, around 5.30 p.m.

Google Map; aren't they great?!

View from the top of the timber stairway down to the sands. I'll be walking along there soon.

Rock platforms, said to be "ideal for catching salmon, drummer, tailor, jewfish and snapper", according to centralcoastaustralia.com These platforms are believed to have generated during the Triassic/Permian era, approximately 180 - 280 millions years ago. There's a 'channel' referred to as a volcanic intrusion, perhaps eminating from an ancient volcano at Mt. Warrawolong, to the west.

I couldn't help but imagine the 18th-hole down there, see it?

Here I am, down on sand/rock-level!

By now I was just this side of these rocks, walking through the water, to make it to the next little beach

Ooooooops .. !!

Back at Cabbage Tree Harbour ocean/rock-pool again; this time I've walked from the opposite end of the beach to the previous day. By now it's about 6.45 pm and still lots of families enjoying the end of a hot day, in a special place. Now it's up another stairway, a concrete one this time ... maybe 99 steps, or are there one-hundred?

There will be a finale Part Three coming up, tomorrow. Saving the best till last?

Norah Head, N.S.W., Part One

2012-01-18T22:11:00.000+11:00

A popular destination on the Central Coast; it was yesterday morning, at low tide...

a great spot for young families and little toddlers at the rock-pool, in Cabbage Tree Harbour. By the time I was leaving, many more were arriving there.

I'd have loved to venture closer with my camera, but while my eye would be in the view-finder I might get dumped; definately, not a good idea, nor "a pretty picture".

a little differing markings I think, than the locals down at Shingle Splitters Point.

Really interesting rock-pools to look into, with Neptune's Necklace surrounding; isn't that a quaint name?! The data sign-board says: "One of the commonest seaweeds in the pools is Neptune's Necklace. The round beads, which form its fronds, are filled with air, to help keep the plant upright in water. The footlike structure holds the seaweed to the rock and cannot reattach if dislodged. Nutrients are drawn from the water and sunlight used for photosynthesis".

and I can see little treasures of Sea-Amethyst! Never heard of it before? I've just given those colourful stones in the middle, a name then.

Interesting patterns and a clearly etched tracery, no doubt created by some wonderful little sea-creature. And lastly, intruiging design and textures too, in the kelp weed.

Will do a re-visit to Norah-Head again real soon, to capture more photographs, at high-tide. There's way more to explore and share, from Norah Head.

Sharing with Watery Wednesday

and, A Southern Daydreamer for:

Noisy Miner

2012-01-18T05:46:00.000+11:00

It's a shame this bird is so territorial, protecting its location fiercely. In so doing, many of the sweet-natured smaller birds types are driven away

The antics though of the honey-eating Noisy Miner Manorina melanocephala, can be rather comical at bathing time. I'm going to share some of my favourites taken in recent days, especially for those of you who haven't seen this bird before. Sorry birds, that the dipping-bowl is down this day, but not out.

I'm thinking ... if looks could kill.

Sharing with The Pine River Review for

Lotus

2012-01-16T22:19:00.001+11:00

Sharing with:
Ruby Tuesday 2

and with Living Life in PA for:

Credits: Chopin Script font, from Simply the Best Fonts
Background Texture, Kim Klassen's evolve2

Rainbow Lorikeets

2012-01-16T11:45:00.000+11:00

"Please show a pic with the Lori's breakfasting" was a request left this morning, on my Australian Native Grevillea post. More often than not, the rainbows race off when I line them up for a photograph! What follows is some examples of not-so-good quick snaps, with an ambition to achieve better next time. At least they offer those of you with no native Rainbow Lorikeets nearby, the opportunity to see how intensely coloured they are. Mother Nature is so generous at times. So, a serious of my Rainbow photos from differing locations follows ... a smorgasbord of Rainbows.

These set of four were taken recently, within walking distance, on a roadside planting/grevillea.

Then, at full focal stretch, into the tall angophora growing in the rear bushland-corridor. A little curiousity happening towards that hole in the tree. Mind you, I have yet another series of photos which show differing birds checking it out too! Will be interesting to see who eventually claims the rights.

Then, in the golden-hour, just as I was heading out for a walk, the Rainbows had been squabbling in a nearby Bottlebrush shrub and then made it to the house-roof. Aganst a bright sky, but this is what I got ...

Finally, just out the back still, taken a few years ago when there was a feeding-station there. While it attracted various parrots and a sprinkling of other birds, it also unfortunately attracted the Indian Mynah (naturally, they get hungry too!). So, eventually, it was best to do away with the feeder.

Australian Native Grevillea

2012-01-16T06:02:00.000+11:00

Not only native to Australia but (according to Wikipedia), also New Guinea, New Caledonia and Sulawesi; belonging to the Proteaceae family.

This one grew well above my head, amongst a bordering shrubbery of native plants down at the local wetland. You can be sure the rainbow-lorikeets are into the nectar stamens of an early morning.

Sharing with Today's Flowers

When is a jetty not a jetty - part two

2012-01-15T18:32:00.000+11:00

Before too much time goes by and you'll have forgotten all about the jetty post, thought to share this recent find. The unique jetty, wasn't abandoned afterall.

From this:

To this:

A rustic, tranquil setting ...

2012-01-15T12:25:00.000+11:00

Where was I when taking this photo? Coming back home this week on the train for two hours, after sitting with a friend over coffee, and strolling about later, in that decadent Queen Victoria Building, in Sydney.

Instead of burying my head in a magazine, or having music plugged into my ears, I tend to prefer to just browse the scenery through the window (with the constant of mobiles ringing in various tones, and differing conversations in the background). I'm worlds away though, one minute looking at rows of early-suburban Sydney homes, and another, something entirely different.

This service wasn't an x-press with only three stops, so there was time perhaps when the train slowed down to pick up a photo along the Hawkesbury River somewhere near Brooklyn, about halfway into the journey. You know how those windows are often graffiti-etched/shame, but I managed to eye-ball a section that I would be able to lift my camera to, if the opportunity presented itself, and with zoom to stretch across that river.

Along the edges of the Hawkesbury are a spattering of old cottages like this one. Just imagine living there with such a peacful lifestyle, and the salty-oyster-leased river lapping at your doorstep. I think of all the bird-photo opportunities!

Sharing with Murrieta 365 for:

and also, Scenic Sunday

The owl ... and the cat

2012-01-15T10:28:00.001+11:00

A short and sweet post; very sweet.

Have you seen Fum and Gebra yet? Am I one of the last to know? In case you haven't, I knew you'd love to see this video that had been forwarded onto me recently. Sending you here, to the Fum and Gebra website.

A little bit of Q.V.B. decadence - part two

2012-01-14T09:59:00.000+11:00

A little bit of Q.V.B. decadence ...part one

2012-01-14T09:56:00.000+11:00

It was another Sydney excursion day; two hours on the train each way to meet up with a friend from about age nine, ten, when we lived in the same neighbourhood. We used to walk to school together, spend time together after school, week-ends sometimes too. After leaving high-school we lost touch, until there had been a 50-year reunion a couple years back. Although I'd been unable to attend, a list of email addresses of those who did, was forwarded onto me. Was surprised, and delighted to find her name on there, and we've been able to meet up a few times since.

The Vienna Coffee House I think on the third-level, is where we stopped for a kick-start morning coffee (a flat-white, thanks, oh, and a blueberry-muffin). It's back at the Q.V.B. (Queen Victoria Building), where I'd been in December, for the Christmas-Spirit fix Some photos will be reminiscent from that earlier post, but they are different! Hard to pass up more of the wonderful decor from inside this building.

Sharing with Weekend Reflections

Filtering water from catchment areas - a local Wetland

2012-01-13T23:16:00.001+11:00

Our Lake Macquarie City Council diligently protects the environment in various ways. One is by utilizing wetland pockets for filtering water from catchment areas. They are so neatly maintained by council and volunteers from a local Landcare group, and not accessible to the public. A birds-eye view though, over the fence.

Zooming in; this is the early morning photo; I knew I had to come back later to see those water-lilies opened up though.

.. and, three and a half hours later

a sediment-barrier fence in view

Stepping sideways a little now, away from the catchment and beyond the barrier fence. Following a pathway through the bushland; and a special find awaits!

Thanks to Don Herbison-Evans for identifying it for me; he wrote, "that is a female Papilio aegeus", see http://lepidoptera.butterflyhouse.com.au/papi/aegeus.html

I'll find it easier to remember the common-name: Orchard or Citrus Swallowtail Butterfly

Sharing with Life According to Jan and Jer for:

Photo-Art Pines

2012-01-13T22:02:00.001+11:00

The photo of the Norfolk Island pine trees was taken down at the local Shingle Splitters Point, late one afternoon this week. It was towards the end of a very warm/breezy day; here's just a sampler to 'put you in the picture' with not a lot of good lighting left.

Sharing with Bonnies

for Photo Art Friday

Eucalyptus Flowering Gum Trees

2012-01-13T17:04:00.001+11:00

Marketed for the home garden, this hybridised smaller-growing variety of gum tree is looking so beautiful right now. Growing on a nature-strip, it's sometimes dripping with rainbow-lorikeets after their nectar-hit in the early morning.

and a native bee it perhaps is, hovering to the right ...

Here's another, with a touch of the 'golden sunshine' happening. The lorikeets tend to fly off when you get too venturesome with a camera in hand. See one is still peeking to the right; last to flee/sorry to spoil your brekky-time.

Sharing with Tina's PicStory for:

also, NixBlog for:

Floral Friday Fotos

Pelican, for Watery Wednesday

2012-01-11T18:18:00.000+11:00

Could've watched for ages, this pelican fishing in the low tide this morning

Sharing with the Watery Wednesday crew

Sunset for Outdoors Wednesday

2012-01-11T14:21:00.000+11:00

Around 8.15 p.m. last night, looking up the road I live ...

Sharing with A Southern Daydreamer for:

Little Wattlebird

2012-01-11T13:01:00.000+11:00

Having a great time jumping in and out of the birdbaths in my back garden; it's the (noisy), Little Wattlebird Anthochaera chrysoptera.

On an early morning walk, the "golden sunshine" kind of flooded these pics. This Little Wattlebird was getting breakfast from a Strawberry Tree Arbutus unedo.

Sharing with The Pine River Review for

Blue-tongue in my garden

2012-01-08T16:24:00.001+11:00

This blue-tongue has been around the past couple of summers now, and during this summer, I've found it to be very accepting of my walking close by. Here's a photo taken just a short while ago.

He has an escape hatch just down inside the corner cavity of the block retaining wall, not far away from where he's mostly basking in the sun on top of, and right close to my back-door.

I believe he sun-bakes during the day to re-charge the batteries, and that he might then go night-stalking for slugs and snails. The block retainer walls used to be a haven for tiny slugs but I doubt they ever get to grow to 'big slugs'. I've never seen them at least, nor a snail; and I like to think he's out there patrolling of a night.

As the colder weather moves on into Winter, the blue-tongue will disappear back into the wall, or some other chosen place perhaps, to hibernate until around September, October when I'll get to see him again, the next year perhaps.

Sharing with Murietta 365 for:

...a bushland walk

2012-01-07T23:28:00.000+11:00

An early morning amongst the gum trees, and the path ahead ...

and now behind...

wonderful contrasting colours and textures in the barks on trees.

Don't be deceived with the 'green grasses'. It's not a lush pasture grass at all, but more than likely a native known as Blady-Grass Imperata cylindrica. It's characteristically quite nasty to touch with sharp edges to the leaves, spreading via rhizomes underground.

Interesting facts noted on this Australian Seed site, include "the margins are finely toothed, and are embedded with sharp silica crystals". Also, "it is used for thatching the roofs of traditional homes in Papua New Guinea".

Back to the trees which I enjoy so much, each one revealing it's very own character.

It's the wonderful Scribbly Gum again, shedding it's bark. I've blogged about this tree before, telling that the larvae of the Scribbly Gum Moth tunnel under the bark, creating a captivating "bush graffiti".

You've got to love Nature's Bounty.

Sharing with deb duty photography for:

When is a jetty, not a jetty?

2012-01-07T07:36:00.000+11:00

An early morning walk earlier this week, and I stopped for the reflections by this jetty. Had considered it maybe a photo for Weekend Reflections, though after downloading from my camera I thought it's not so special, and left it sitting in a folder.

So what is the definition of a jetty?

First up on Google search tells me, jet-ty is a noun:

1) a landing stage, or a small pier at which boats can dock or be moored

2) a break-water constructed to protect or defend a harbour, stretch of coast, or riverbank.

Then, according to wikipedia I found these equally pertinent suggestions:

1. The forms and construction of these jetties are as varied as their uses

2. The term derived from the French word jetee, "thrown", and signifies something thrown out

So, from the wasn't-so-special photograph, I realized today during a walk along a new route in a differing direction, that it would now, make the grade afterall. A change of heart?

It seemed I was on an almost startling journey of discovery, as around a bend, and near to the mangroves at low-tide, there was this bonanza "Dodgey-Bros" photo opportunity awaiting! I could marry it up to the sleek-model jetty snapshot from earlier in the week, just to compare apples with apples.

[signifies something thrown out] ah, yes, now I've got it!

Remember, [a landing stage], would I be game enough; am I a risk-taker?! And, [a break-water constructed to protect or defend a stretch of coast]?

I'm still considering if it's really a jetty after-all, that maybe I missed the boat on this one? And I believe then ... it must've been, my lucky day!

Sharing with Weekend Reflections

Dollar Bird

2012-01-04T05:41:00.000+11:00

A leisurely breakfast outdoors yesterday, on a beautiful summer's morning. With the plunger caffeine now accelerating a magical sense of calm, the abrupt kak-kak-kak call of the Dollarbird Eurystomus orientalis, suddenly had me dashing indoors for my camera. A feathered visitor from New Guinea, just here for six months, before heading back up the coast.

Focussing now, way up in that big angophora tree again. This tree is a haven for various birds at differing times of year and it grows in the bush-corridor at the rear. Not directly outside of my boundary fence, but that of my neighbour, so the pics I do take are always a wonder, how good or not they will turn out to be ....

This is the first time I've ever tried to photograph the Dollarbird; it's either up so high in that tree, or fast-swooping in the air nearby to catch insects.

A two-catch-snap

...and this morning, again, one was back; just for a short while.

How did they get this name, Dollarbird? According to Birds in Backyards, it is the silvery, circular patches on the underside of the wings, thought to resemble the American silver dollar coin. Now there's a twist; a New Guinea native, visiting Australia, with the U.S. dollar under it's wing!

You can listen to their call, courtesy of Fred Van Gessel, on the Birds in Backyards fact-page for the Dollarbird. Look for the mp3 in the right-hand column, close to the bottom.

Sharing with The Pine River Review for:

Lilium - Leslie Woodriff

2012-01-01T15:30:00.001+11:00

Notation: Re-posting at the invitation of Magical Mystical Teacher, for the all new Ruby Tuesday 2 this year.

Photograph taken yesterday; this lilium is growing as tall as me, and is staked in place next the back fence.

The flowers want to face downwards

Sharing with
studio waterstone for:

and also, The Magical Mystery Teacher for:

Ruby Tuesday 2

Scenic Sunday - Split Rock

2012-01-01T12:52:00.000+11:00

Delving into my archives for this one. Photograph taken from a country roadside, somewhere between Mudgee and Dubbo, Central Western N.S.W.

Sharing with Scenic Sunday

Weekend Flowers: Blackberry

2011-12-31T09:19:00.000+11:00

Crispy white petals and a lovely tuft of stamens within, the Blackberry (Rubus fruticosus aggregate) flower is in itself, to my eye, very attractive. For this reason, it becomes my Weekend Flower contribution.

In Australia though, it is considered "a weed of national significance" as it has over time, invaded bushland, National Parks, roadside verges and pastures etc. According to this governmental site, the growth then creates increased fire hazards, can restrict access to water and land, and subsequently will decrease property values.

Apart from the above, you have to admire the flower don't you? What a shame, there is a positive ... and a negative. What started out as an introduction from Europe to Australia in the mid 1800's as a horticultural plant, was soon recognised to be a serious weed. More reading if you wish on CSIRO site here.

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Eagle Hunt in Slovakia

2011-12-29T12:39:00.000+11:00

Heard about this on the radio this morning; they said see it on Page 27 of today's Daily Telegraph newspaper. Amazing photograph! I hoped it might be available online to share with all my bird-watching friends here.

Brief story attached to the photograph; don't miss it!

Congratulations to photographer Milan Krasula; you're a super-star!

Wangi Point, Lake Macquarie

2011-12-28T15:54:00.001+11:00

Today's little excursion took me to Wangi Point, pronounced Won-gee.

Looking down into the outlet canal, property of Eraring Power Station. Said to have warm waters and sometimes, weekends, I've seen keen fishermen lined up around this area. The concrete pilons I expect are to slow down the water rush.

Next, the other side of the outlet, as it runs out to the lake. It was over this area I saw many Pipers I think they might've been. Similar to a seagull but with a longer, fine-pointed beak. Winging very swiftly overhead; up in the air current and then diving. I tried to get a snapshot in flight, but no luck. Each time I'd raise my pocket-camera I'd lose sight of the bird in the viewfinder, somewhat hindered with a combination of sunglasses and glare. Maybe I'll go back with my 'big-camera' some day with a goal to sit and wait and hope for a better opportunity of nabbing them.

A Willie Wagtail Rhipidura leucophrys. Check out this fact sheet if you wish, and find the MP3 format on the lower right hand side, at Birds in Backyards. A sweet call has the Willie Wagtail, thanks to Fred Van Gessel.

Couldn't resist a little bit of graphic-magic.This stand of native grasses seemed to be just the setting.

Sharing with A Southern Daydreamer for:

also, Watery Wednesday

Pied Oystercatcher

2011-12-28T09:01:00.000+11:00

Back again, at Shingle Splitters Point, only ten minutes from home. Having such tranquil scenery within a short drive, is something special.

One morning visit last week, filled my quota for this World Bird Wednesday post, with a pair of wader birds first seen resting, out on the narrowing point.

...the Pied Oystercatcher Haematopus longirostris.

doesn't look to be any unopened oysters left here

but maybe? How clever, shucking an oyster with your beak

More reading on the Pied Oystercatcher can be found on this fact-sheet link on Birds in Backyards.

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Tropical tongue-twisting, teal, turquoise and tangerine, Toucan Tea-light!

2011-12-27T15:18:00.000+11:00

Sharing with: studio waterstone for:

and also Lisa's chaos for:

Weekend Reflections at Shingle Splitters Point

2011-12-25T23:58:00.000+11:00

Just ten minutes drive and here is destination, Shingle Splitters Point.

Norfolk Island Pines believed to have been planted around 1920 by an early settler, Alfred Sara.

Sharing with Weekend Reflections

Queen Victoria Building, Sydney, for Christmas

2011-12-21T15:41:00.000+11:00

A taste of grandeur with the QVB in the city. The Swarovski Crystal Garden that I posted a little while ago, can be seen in part, on that highest level four.

This stately building commenced in 1893. By 1959 it was in a state of disrepair, and eventually re-opened again in 1984.

This 10 metre clock, is known as the Great Australia Clock.

At this cordoned-off bar named the Christmas Cracker, a sip of champagne $AUD15, with a small selection of treats also $AUD15 was offered. A little bit of a Cinderalla setting...

From my seat for a light lunch, this photo shows in part the 24-metre Swarovski Christmas tree, which takes up three levels of the QVB. Adorned with 144,000 Swarovski crystals and 60,000 lights.

Dripping with Swarovski crystal candles

Sharing with A Southern Daydreamer where the focus is on Christmas decorations for:

Wandering Whistling-Duck

2011-12-21T07:41:00.000+11:00

Wandering Whistling-Duck Dendrocygna arcuata, photographs were taken at the Hunter Wetlands Centre, Shortland, N.S.W. My Birds of Australia book tells me that they have a distinctive, high-pitched twittering whistle.

With lens focal length as far as it would go at 72 mm, and me in a hide, you would think they were looking straight at me. A rather comical experience getting into that hide too, at the end of a long wooden walkway with hessian along the sides, creating a tunnel-like effect, so the birds wouldn't see you entering. However as I started on that walkway, an ibis was already in there, and it decided to make a run for it, down to the hide ahead of me.

I decided to continue at a slow pace so as not to panic the ibis, and when I came to the entrance of the hide I proceeded to walk to the right of the bench next the viewing slot, beckoning and ushering the ibis in a calm voice, to continue around to the left. Something like 'you go that way, and I'll go this'. As it stepped tentatively further to the left to get away, I slow-shuffled further to the right, until it worked out that it actually now had a good escape route to re-enter a freedom opportunity, back up 'the tunnel'. He then kind of made a fast trotting road-runner style, exit. It left me to cool down after quite some time walking in the heat on a 35 deg. celcius day, have a bite to eat and some water, ready then to start photographing the ducks out there.

They were way out in the distance unfortunately, and I didn't really expect to get as good as I got with my camera.

An informative fact sheet is linked here, on the Wandering Whistling-Duck from the Birds in Backyards website.

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St. Andrew's Cathedral, Sydney; the oldest cathedral in Australia

2011-12-20T16:22:00.000+11:00

Last week's visit to the city took a sideways turn, after arriving at Town Hall station with intention to go straight into the Queen Victoria Building. Instead, a glimpse of this stately church beckoned closer inspection. Up a stairway to take a quick snapshot, and my friend suggested why not get up closer? That then had us actually stepping inside. So this post is my pictorial snapshot, to share the wonder of the artisans who made these grand cathedrals just so.

An information brochure tells me that the first foundation stone was layed in 1819 by Governor Lachlan Macquarie, and its subsequent removal and relaying in 1837 by Governor Richard Bourke.

With jacaranda tree at front coming into leaf after the lilac bell flowers have finished.

Interesting reflections of the city surrounds too.

The old, with the new.

We were lucky to be there to hear the organ being played. Quoting from the pamphlet offered, "William Hill & Son built the original 1866 organ, with later additions and alterations by several other makers. Orgues Le 'tourneau Lte's Quebec completed the most recent work in 1998. The organ was restored to display Blacket's original highly coloured decorations, including an unusal wrought iron framework.

And the new, with the old. Sandstone colums with monitors, exhibit todays technology.

This font was "a gift from the children of the diocese in 1868 and is richly carved white stone from Otago in New Zealand, with eight small columns of red granite from Gabo Island off the coast of Victoria".

Santa's Silhouette Fence

2011-12-16T16:27:00.000+11:00

A two hour train journey into Sydney yesterday, to soak up some Christmas Spirit in Queen Victoria Building. Maybe these photos will sneak in as a fence with a difference, for Fridays Fences this week.

The exterior constructed of black wrought-iron, and laser-cut-outs perhaps, between layers of vellum-like material, depicting a spectacular fairy-tale garden.

You maybe can just make out the swarovski crystal chips embedded. Very glitzy, and very eye-catching, the whole wonderful structure. The shadow ... it's Santa sitting on the other side!

Shame I wasn't able to get Santa in the photo; this was a pay to have your photo taken with Santa venue, and I don't think they would've appreciated me poking my camera in there too.

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The Royal Spoonbills

2011-12-14T05:54:00.000+11:00

..back at the Wetlands again, this time sharing the Royal Spoonbill Platalea regia. Such an amazing bill!

with a couple of Magpie Geese Anseranus semipalmata

Full details on the Royal Spoonbill can be found on this Birds in Backyards Fact Sheet.

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Berry-Merry Santa Ornament

2011-12-12T22:47:00.000+11:00

Using Pixel-Dust-Photo-Art "Berry Merry Christmas" Texture twice over i.e. duplicated, flipped horizontally/merged to create revised texture.

Blending Mode: Difference/50% Transparency, to reveal both layers/SAVE.

Placed this (now beautiful black/blue), texture over original photograph, with Blending Mode: Difference/25% Transparency

Quotation from The Quote Garden

Font: Chancery Cursive

The original photograph

Sharing with The Creative Exchange

Christmas Angel

2011-12-12T11:58:00.001+11:00

My 'something' for I Heart Macro this week. Working with a segment from a cropped image of three raffia angels.

Have edited with blending mode Difference, and then adjusted the colour balance with Hue and Saturation; then added an Edge Mask to complete.

Original photo taken at a friend's home....

Another opportunity to sneak in another, Happy Christmas Greetings to all.

Linking to Lori's Studio Waterstone for:

The Shamrock Inn, Little Hartley, N.S.W.

2011-12-11T11:51:00.001+11:00

Stepping back in time at Little Hartley village, situated approximately 150 klms. north-west of Sydney; this charming building of yesteryear.

According to a plaque at this site, this was originally a family home built during the 1840's. With some extensions, it next became an inn during the 1860's, picking up on increasing traffic to and from the Turon goldfields. As the gold depleted, so too did customers to the inn, and it once again became a family home. Imagine the stories embedded in those walls.

Note the felled tree-trunk horse-trough, at roadside.

Wonder what kind of tree this had been? A little history connected to the village of Hartley here.

Sharing with Scenic Sunday

Lunar Eclipse

2011-12-11T02:24:00.000+11:00

It's not quite 10pm as I fill in time, waiting for the total eclipse of the moon. With no idea what my camera is capable of capturing; there's nothing like simply, giving it a go or, "my best shot!"

Have set up the tripod, for the very first time, and taken a couple of early photos. From my side of the world, that moon is on it's way up, high in the northern sky. I've often admired photos of a full moon, set low over the horizon, in the U.S., sometimes taken as early as dusk too.

I've never seen a Red Moon before; and hoping it will be red; that it isn't phased over by cloud. Caffeine is my standby, since the "umbra" when the moon starts to move into the darkest part of the Earth's shadow, is scheduled not until 11.46 p.m. According to Spaceinfo.com.au. it will last only for 51 minutes. Mid-eclipse due 1.32 a.m., and finished by 3.18 a.m. Jonathan Nally from this site said on a radio interview tonight, "it's free entertainment, courtesy of nature". I thought that sounds worth waiting up for!

What settings have I considered? Image size: 5 MP Twilight mode; Flash/off; Spot meter on, are the only criteria I've set in place. Fingers crossed; roll on another three hours!

..an early lining up and test shot in black and white

There was rustling in the dark not far from where I stood taking snapshots. Shone my torch and there was an opossum. Couldn't have managed to pick up my tripod and hold the torch on him too to get a photo though. First time I've seen one here! What happens when we're supposed to be sleeping; I've been clued up.

It's now almost 2.30 a.m., this exercise was fun. I'm surprised really to have gotten this much out of it. At least I have proof of the 'red moon' that I stayed up for this morning.

Flowers to admire, on a morning walk...

2011-12-09T22:55:00.000+11:00

With Weekend Flowers in mind, I saved these photos taken earlier in the week.

The Silk Tree, Albizia julibrissin.

No idea what this one is, but saw several in full bloom like this, in differing gardens.

...and another, unknown.

Linking to Tina's PicStory for:

Fridays 'Fences'

2011-12-09T14:23:00.000+11:00

Closer to home; this is part of the 'bush corridor' behind where I live. It's not much deeper to the road frontage than what appears here. My early morning walks with neighbouring friend take us along this pathway. I thought 'a fence, for Fridays Fences' .... well almost. It's more of a retaining wall, but not much in the way of front fences around here.

and the other side, shows opening up to the main road now, where we cross over.

Love the rustic look to rock-walls.

Sharing with Life According to Jan and Jer

Photo Art Friday: Christmas theme

2011-12-09T12:05:00.001+11:00

Pixel Dust Photo Art Texture, Winter Wonderland, blending mode/lighten, with 60% transparency.

The original here, is this sweet indoor decoration from a friends home, complete with lights.

It's my desktop; it's a little 'out there' isn't it?! Created with parts of photos taken at the Hunter Valley Gardens Christmas Lights last year. A few added home-made twinklers.

Used portion of Music Texture from Bonnies Christmas Pack
Blending Mode: Multiply with 15% Transparency

Sharing with Photo Art Friday

Has been lovely finding your meme not too long ago Bonnie. Wishing all a Happy Christmas and I look forward to joining in again, in the New Year.

Poplars and tin cows

2011-12-08T20:11:00.000+11:00

Ooops, I started putting this post together before reading that we could now be sharing indoor/outdoor Christmas decorations for Outdoor Wednesday posts. I'll work at that one for next week. Sharing now, a visit some time back, to the Tarrawarra Art Museum during mid winter.

The drive lined with bare poplars. In years gone by I believe poplar plantations were used for making matches.

On the way up, had to stop to get a pic of the 'tin cows (and bull). Pretty clever wouldn't you agree, and in the perfect setting. Well done, Mr. Artisan; well I might assume a man created these. Not always a good thing to assume anything though.

Pretty sure they're Dusky Moorhen.

Sculptures in open courtyard before entering the gallery. Close up of a single sculpture in this post, a couple months back.

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"Slow down, unwind" .. more from the Wetlands

2011-12-07T05:47:00.000+11:00

Location: Hunter Wetlands Centre, N.S.W.

With lens focal length stretched to just 72 mm, this was my view from the top of the Egret Tower/hide. Forgot to take a photo of the tower; I was so taken away by what I was seeing up there.

Not only Egrets, but Sacred Ibis too; high in the treetops...

...and Sacred Ibis down below; ground-dwellers and tree-top dwellers in the same species? Guess no different to those of us who live high-rise as opposed to those who live single-level. Seeming they might interact with one- anothers nests too, I wonder?

Finishing now, with a few more, an Egret in a differing pond area, though still at the same location.

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Sandstone Splendour

2011-12-05T18:22:00.000+11:00

There's something quite special to me, about sandstone cliff-faces. So much light/shade, colour-tones and textural exchanges to soak up Gosh, I could sit opposite any of these with a packed lunch, and think about nothing much else.

It's not upside down; was taking the photo from underneath, looking upwards.....

Notation: Within the pages of Journal of Coastal Research, P. T. Hanamgond makes reference to Alveolar or honeycomb weathering of Hawkesbury Sandstone at Bondi Beach (Triassic Age, 190-225 million years).

Would like to know how this creative-art was accomplished; what kind of tools were used. How skilful. Can't help but think about my back.

Sharing with Lisa and others at The Creative Exchange