A Week of Australian Nature
Week 2: November 12–18, 2021
On the first day, I was sitting on the patio having a beer with my partner when I suddenly realized that I hadn’t taken a photo with my camera that day. So I quickly snapped a few from where we were sitting.
I got some Sulphur Crested Cockatoos but they turned away every time I clicked so the photos were useless. The shot I ended up choosing is the view of treetops from my back patio. All those trees have yielded sightings of wildlife but the dead tree has been the most generous. We’ve seen countless species in and around its branches including two endangered species, Powerful Owls and Greater Gliders.
I feel so fortunate to have this in my backyard, especially at a time when we are losing more species to extinction every day.
I just couldn’t choose a photo from Saturday. I narrowed down my shortlist and there were still 10 photos! My daughter and I went dragonfly hunting and I managed to get some very clear shots.
In the end, I couldn’t decide between the Magpie fledgling and the Graphic Flutterer Dragonfly that my daughter and I chased for 30 minutes to get the shot.
The Magpie fledgling is dear to my heart because the local Magpies have taken to introducing their fledglings to us every year which is a sacred trust. These clever birds can recognize human faces! So to be trusted with their young really means something.
On Sunday we took our daughter for a birthday treat. We told the children that they were going to a Plant Fair and it was so hard to get them in the car. When we eventually pulled up at the Camel farm the children were still looking for the plant fair when I told them we were going on a Camel ride. They were ecstatic and had a wonderful time!
On Monday I forgot to take any camera photos so I had to check my phone. Thankfully, I had snapped this shield bug at my workplace. I know, obsessed much!? Yes, yes I am.
Last week I included a photo of the Slender Hyacinth Orchid in bud. Now, it’s flowering and yes, I did write the article that I said I would write! If you’re interested in this “underground orchid”, here’s the link.
I was over the moon to get some shots of Blue Banded Bees on Wednesday. they’re my favorite bee! They are buzz pollinators. I think they’re just beautiful, especially their luminous green eyes! I’ve been waiting since Autumn for them to reappear so that I could use my new camera. The shots aren’t perfect, but they’re the best so far!
On Thursday I had a disaster in a photography sense. I went herping as a part of FrogID week. Before leaving I made sure my camera battery was fully charged. I got to the first viewing site and pulled out my camera. I couldn’t get it to work! I had left the fully charged battery in the charger at home. I had to rely on my almost flat phone to take photos.
All in all, it was a satisfying week in photography. My skills are improving and I’m having some great experiences in nature.
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