Moon ring

The other evening when putting out some rubbish, I was amazed to see this huge ring around the moon. Somewhere along my life's journey I've heard it said that mariners and farmers recognise this as a sign of  coming rain:  sure enough, it rained almost continuously throughout the following day!

This shot shows its relationship to our adjacent properties.

(The sky was actually black, but the ring didn't show up on the auto setting, so I tried some other options and this is the result (apart from slight cropping) straight out of the camera.

Joining Skywatch Friday at http://skyley.blogspot.com.au/

Cornish country

Taken near Lostwithiel in Cornwall, UK.

This ancient gatepost and mossy, bramble-covered fencing caught my eye as we meandered up and down country lanes near our fabulous accommodation in Lostwithiel. It was tempting to explore this rich green grassy land further, but the sign on the tree was a deterrent!

Joining up with Outdoor Wednesday at http://asoutherndaydreamer.blogspot.com.au/

Grebey baby!

(Sorry, couldn't help myself with the play on words! )

I think this cute critter may be a juvenile (baby even!) Australasian Grebe - spotted with the others from my previous post, in the nearby wetlands.

Wetlands outing

Spotted these little gems early this morning in the Greenfields Wetlands:

(Clockwise from top left: Australasian Grebe, Magpie Lark, Intermediate Egret, a small portion of the spacious wetlands, Purple Swamphen, Red-kneed Dotterel and a Black-winged Stilt)

[Apart from some cropping, these shots are straight-out-of-the-camera and remind me I need to persevere with learning proper camera settings, rather than relying on automatic!]

Joining http://camera-critters.blogspot.com.au/

Sailing or fishing ?

Come sunrise recently, this marina mooring hundreds of boats, slowly came to life as sailors and fishermen alike headed out for a pleasant day on the water . . .

Just after this cabin craft passed by, I was captivated by the patterns on the water's surface, made by the distorted reflections of adjacent masts. 

Joining up with James' http://www.weekendreflection.blogspot.com.au/

Another hot day coming!

Joining Skywatch Friday at http://skyley.blogspot.com.au/

Weekend at last!

This guy and his faithful friend seemed to be enjoying a relaxing early start to their weekend on one of our local beaches. The water was "flat as a millpond" and within a short space of time there were scores of fishing boats out there a few miles offshore.

It was another very hot day with temperatures in the high 30sC - still, we are in the last month of Summer here in the southern hemisphere and February, historically, records the hottest temperatures of the season.

Joining http://ourworldtuesdaymeme.blogspot.com.au/

Sign? What sign?

I seem to be on a bit of a roll with Pelican shots, but couldn't resist "posting" these two!

Joining in with http://camera-critters.blogspot.com.au/



A heavy gathering

Captured in the wetlands adjacent to Mawson Lakes several hours ago, these were just a few of the 19 or 20 Pelicans gathered here preening themselves or just "hanging around".  In their midst were ducks, seagulls, stilts and terns, all happily mingling together - none intimidated by the size of their larger friends.

Joining James' http://www.weekendreflection.blogspot.com.au/ 

Goolwa again

Saturday was a perfect day for a drive down the coast to Goolwa for a photoshoot with my photography friend - the temperature was in the mid 20's(C)

 The timber path led the way to the ocean over the sand dunes from the River, on which many pelicans were cause for delight.

The seals basking in the sun on the timber supports beneath the barrage also provided much entertainment as they jostled for the best position... and then a family of swans (I've only captured 2 here) paraded by. All in all, a lovely day out!

Participating in http://ourworldtuesdaymeme.blogspot.com.au/ and

http://camera-critters.blogspot.com.au/

Hindmarsh Island bridge

The bridge above links the southern town of Goolwa with Hindmarsh Island, which leads to the Coorong National Park. (There's quite a view from the top of the bridge, but we were "on a mission" and loathe to stop long - perhaps reason for a return visit!)

The Hindmarsh Island bridge controversy was a 1990s Australian legal and political controversy that involved the clash of Indigenous Australian religious beliefs and property rights. A proposed bridge to Hindmarsh Island, near Goolwa, South Australia (intended to replace the existing cable ferry and service a proposed marina development) attracted opposition from many local residents, environmental groups and indigenous leaders. In 1994, a group of Ngarrindjeri women Elders claimed the site was sacred to them for reasons that could not be revealed. The case attracted much controversy because the issue intersected with broader concerns about Indigenous rights in the Australian community at the time, and coincided with the Mabo and Wik High Court cases regarding Native Title.

"Secret Women's Business", as the group's claims became known, became the subject of intense legal battles. Some Ngarrindjeri women came forward to dispute the veracity of the claims. The Hindmarsh Island Royal Commission found that "secret women's business" had been fabricated. Subsequently, the Howard Government passed the Hindmarsh Island Bridge Act (1997), which allowed construction to go ahead. The bridge was completed in March 2001.

In August 2001, a civil case in the Federal Court of Australia re-ignited the debate. In rejecting claims for damages by the developers, Justice John von Doussa stated that he was not satisfied that the claims of "secret women's business" had been fabricated, although never explicitly stating them to be true. The Ngarrindjeri and their supporters took the decision as a vindication, and many organisations subsequently apologised. Opinion remains divided over the issue to the present day. (Courtesy of Wikipedia)

 

Goolwa reeds

Goolwa is where the River Murray meets the ocean on the southern shores of South Australia and is just over an hour's drive from Adelaide's CBD.  It is a popular spot for locals and tourists to enjoy sailing, jet-skis, fishing, paddle-boat cruises, bird-watching or a journey on the "cockle train" from Mt Barker in the Adelaide Hills.

Participating in James' http://www.weekendreflection.blogspot.com.au/

Another day passes

As Jessie (my dog) was racing around the oval chasing ball and birds, I looked up and enjoyed the sun reflecting on the underside of the clouds ..... another day draws to a close. What excitement will tomorrow bring?!

Joining in with http://skyley.blogspot.com.au/ (with thanks to Alan, its new host, and Sandy Carlson for her past hosting efforts - it's clearly quite a commitment to maintain these sites and greatly appreciated by many)

The Birds & the Bees!

I was woken this morning with much screeching of these Rainbow Lorikeets in my back yard, squabbling over the food supply provided by the palm tree there!

Those black dots are bees and I have to keep alert when letting my dog out, as (despite having been once bitten...) she hasn't yet learnt they're not good playmates!

(These colours haven't been enhanced - they are naturally this vivid)

Joining http://ourworldtuesdaymeme.blogspot.com.au/ and

http://camera-critters.blogspot.com.au/

Phalaenopsis Orchids

While acknowledging that a black backdrop would have better brought out the beauty of these orchids, they were a Christmas gift and the shot was taken on the day "in situ" amid the festivities!.

Participating in Gemma's http://www.mondaymellowyellows.blogspot.com.au and

(belatedly I know!) Nick's http://www.floralfridayfoto.blogspot.com.au/

Wishing all a wonderful week ahead.

Strathalbyn

These are scenes of one of South Australia's delightful country towns - Strathalbyn - some 56km (~ 32miles) south-east of Adelaide CBD.

I'm told these cheeky Corellas (a sub-genus of White Cockatoos) have been progressively decimating trees (such as that near the bridge above) in the pretty local park, despite numerous studies and strategies undertaken by the Council.

Nevertheless, if you are visiting South Australia, this is one stop you should include in your itinerary.

Joining up with James' http://www.weekendreflection.blogspot.com.au/
and
http://camera-critters.blogspot.com.au/