We went down to the lake again yesterday, on a beautiful clear winter's day.
We then ambled across the road to be mugged by the swans - and a few other birds as well.
We then ambled across the road to be mugged by the swans - and a few other birds as well.
In a rush as QI is on....love the "pocketful" and ...my avatar!
ReplyDeletedinahmow: That is a very full 'pocket' isn't it? They seem to be happy to carry the joeys until they are really too big to fit comfortably. Your avatar is usually down the lake, but is often pushed to the back by the swans.
DeletePerhaps it's just the male offspring that aren't in a hurry to get out... ;-)
DeleteI love your roo pics...always (and animated now too!). And your black swans and other magnificent Australian birds (including Di's avatar). Glad you got to have an afternoon doing something pleasant.
Paper Chipmunk: It was really lovely. And, until Di reminded me I hadn't made the connection about her avatar. Once the connection had been made I kicked myself forcefully for not noticing it sooner.
DeleteWhat a haul! Gems by the bagful! Thanks for a gorgeous post.
ReplyDeleteDave King: Thank you for enjoying my self indulgent post.
DeleteQuite a menagerie you have there!
ReplyDeleteJ Cosmo Newbery: Thank you.
DeleteOh, my, my, my, what wonderful sights you have.
ReplyDeleteStarting Over, Accepting Changes - Maybe: Aren't they a treat?
Deletei have always been fascinated by kangaroos. i've never seen one in real life. are they nice? they are so flippin cute!
ReplyDeleteSherri: Kangaroos are mostly quite gentle and lovely. People have been hurt by them - but less often than people are hurt by dogs.
DeleteIt's Kanga! and Roo! Thanks for sharing them from your part of the world. We only see them in zoos around here.
ReplyDeleteDJan: It is a trip (and is only twenty minutes or so away) that I often take when I want some peace, and/or beauty added to my world.
Delete:-)
ReplyDeleteIt makes me smile, knowing that these are out there, just running around. I suppose seeing a kangaroo in the wild is akin to me seeing a deer or a bear, but still, I find it thrilling!
Pearl
Pearl: I would find your deer or your bears thrilling, but never tire of our kangas or swans either.
DeleteYour wildlife is so much more interesting than ours. Kanga's instead of squirrels. Lovely.
ReplyDeletemybabyjohn/Delores: I would find squirrels exciting too - but do love our kanga's.
DeleteSwans and kangaroos, oh, my. Great pictures; thank you.
ReplyDeleteJoanne Noragon: Thank you.
DeleteHow delightful it must be to see kangaroos out and about, just doing their kangaroo thing! We see deer out and about here all the time, but like you I love them and never tire of them.
ReplyDeleteBlack swans - so elegant and mysterious looking! And is that Australia's version of a raven - or of a crow? (Love them both!) Look how those feathers shimmer in the sunshine!
But the black and blue bird with the red-orange head - I've never seen anything like him! What kind of bird is that? Exquisite coloring!
Beautiful photos and fun videos, thanks so much for sharing your precious wildlife with us!
laloofah: It is lovely to see them enjoying the sun, just as we are without cages.
DeleteThat was a bearded raven, and yes, the gleam on their feathers is amazing. They are devoted to their families as well.
The black and blue/purple bird is a moorhen. Gorgeous colours they have.
Kangaroos are such amazing animals! I wish we had them here in the states. All the videos and photos were so tranquil - good for the soul. Glad you got a chance to get out there and witness God's beauty! :)
ReplyDeleteDeb: Tranquility is good for the soul - and when beauty is added to the mix the benefit is doubled. At least.
DeleteOh, i love them too! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteKaren: It would be hard not to love them I think, but no that some people really don't like kangaroos and others are indifferent. I think they are missing a lot.
DeleteThese are fun. Kangaroos are so damn cute. My husband just got back from a conference in Cairns and had some fun photos of all kinds of critters. He was disappointed that he couldn't get a photo of the bats that came out every night!
ReplyDeleteOne Minnesota Writer: I hope your husband had fun (and a productive conference too). Sometimes you can catch the bats leaving their roosts just before sunset, or returning at dawn. That said, I have never been able to persuade the skinny portion that it is worth the trip.
DeleteI LOVE the black swans. They looked dressed for a fancy occasion. The kangaroos also are so interesting and graceful.
ReplyDeleteStrayer: Swans in tuxedos....
DeleteThis is such a wonderful collection of wildlife to lift the spirits! It seems that no matter how black one's mood or heavy one's burdens of the moment, seeing animals always brings a smile. How lucky you are, EC to have this feast for the eyes and soul always available - and how lucky we are that you share it with us, from so far away. Many thanks.
ReplyDeleteTwo Tigers: Seeing a cat lounging in the sun, or birds on the feeder does it for me too. Thank you.
DeleteGreat pictures. Well, I just added another entry to my blog about Ms. Williams. It is an intercessionary prayer to Ms. Williams sent to me through a daughter of a former schoolmate.
ReplyDeletekathydobbs: Thank you.
DeleteI can't tell you how excited I would be to see kangaroos in their natural habitat. I was surprised to learn (watching a doc.) that they are often considered pests by farmers and shot at! Poor luvs.
ReplyDeleteCarrieBoo: Sadly it is true that kangaroos are considered a pest and shot at, far too often. And recently their numbers were culled here too - which made me sad and a tad angry.
DeleteOh no. :(
DeleteCarrie Boo: Scowly face, not just a sad one from me.
DeleteBlack swans! Black birds really are something else, aren't they. Don't go out at night, if you stumble over them they'll certainly nip you.
ReplyDeleteFriko: The gleam and shine on the feathers of black birds is almost always amazing. A distinguished bird.
DeleteSo amazing and lovely! I am greeting
ReplyDeleteZielonaMila: Welcome and thankyou.
DeleteAt least you have sunshine. Haven't seen sunshine down here for three days only chilly wind, hail and rain Brrrr.
ReplyDeleteWindsmoke: It has turned grey here this afternoon, with a chilly wind as well. We have had some beautiful bright sunny days though.
DeleteLove the roos!
ReplyDeleteA Scattering: What's not to love about roos. They have a lot of charm.
DeleteI love the Roos and the Black Swans! Are the black birds Currawongs? I absolutely love the calls of Currawongs.
ReplyDeleteMia McPherson: The black birds here are bearded ravens - more commonly called crows. You are right about the currawong call. It is lovely.
DeleteHappy sigh! These are gorgeous. I know you can't really hug a roo, but I SO want to do just that right now. I'll content myself with this fabulous series. So glad you took us along with you on your adventure. Can't wait to see more.
ReplyDeleteCarmi Levy: They are very gentle as wild animals go, and their fur is soft as well. I so understand wanting to give them a big hug...
DeleteAmazing that you live near those cute guys!
ReplyDeleteRiot Kitty: They are right in the centre of town, happily doing their own thing. Which is marvellous.
DeleteSuch an amazing place!
ReplyDeleteAloha from Honolulu
Comfort Spiral
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> < } } ( ° >
cloudia charters: Thank you.
DeleteLovely roos - and joeys!! so nice to see them in the wild. i am always so sad when I see a dead one by the side of your roads...
ReplyDeleteHere the swamp hens are called Pukekos - and they are close to becoming pests in some areas. I love them though - gorgeous colours, and I enjoy their perky gait.
Another fantastic post. Thanks, EC.
Alexia: Road kill is sad. In town or in the country. I like that you too have a weakness for things which are considered a pest by some.
DeleteBlack swans and kangaroos - amazing. You truly live in an enchanted place.
ReplyDeleteLynn: They are a joy and a delight.
DeleteSuch a lovely lake area. Is it possible to picnic there? Or would you find yourself surrounded by roos and swans begging for a bit of your sandwich?
ReplyDeleteRiver: There are lots of picnic areas, including some that have barbecues. The kangaroos are not beggars on the whole (being content with grass) but the swans, the bearded ravens and the sea gulls would all be vying for your attention. As would the magpies. It is still a lovely spot for a meal though.
DeleteEC, I have not stopped by in such a long time, but I'm so glad I did today! I love kangaroos, too, and had no idea they lived in a park-like area so close to humans! I imagined them "out in the wild." I've been fascinated by them for years. We didn't learn much about Australia when I was in school, in fact, probably nothing more than it was another continent! Thank you so much for always sharing such beautiful photos! I love all of them, and makes me feel a little bit closer to you....all the way "down there"!
ReplyDeleteBECKY: Welcome back. The kangaroos are indeed to be found in the outback - but are also more than happy here in the bush capital. Some of the foreign embassies and consulates have regular visits from kangaroos, which I think would be a lovely introduction to Australia.
DeleteDearest E,
ReplyDeleteI just called my son in the computer room to watch that video and we were OOOing and Ahhing and laughing.
I can't believe those guys are in the wild! That cracks me up! Do you see them often? Are they nice? Can you pet them?
WOW. Xxxx
My Inner Chick: Those photos and videos were taken at a lake about twenty minutes drive from home (though there are kangaroos closer than that as well). We love them, and visit quite often. They are not tame enough to pat, but are quite tame enough to mostly ignore people - which is lovely.
DeleteAnd the swans and other birds mug people demanding food. The swans have serrated beaks and can be rough - though have never drawn blood on me.
---Dear E,
DeleteI cannot imagine seeing a Kangaroo in the wild & it thrills me.
How are you, dear? Xx
My Inner Chick: I have been better - but I have also been worse, so not many complaints. How are you doing?
DeleteDear EC, as others have said, the gleam of the feathers of the black swans and the crows is a wonder to behold. Irridescent. I always so enjoy your photograhs and the three brief videos brought all this beauty you found in nature right onto my computer. Thank you. Peace.
ReplyDeleteDee: I am so glad that you liked them. I love them, and it is wonderful that other people enjoy them too.
DeleteBlack swans, and not an admittance fee. Life can be very good. Especially wildlife. Beautiful. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteAustan: The barbecues are free as well. It is a lovely spot, and is close to the centre of town as well.
DeleteThere are more swan-muggings than kangaroo-muggings, but I guess that's for the best given their relative kick-strength.
ReplyDeleteJohn Wiswell: You will get no arguments from me there. I have never seen a kangaroo kicking a person, but they can get quite aggressive to each other, balancing on their tails and letting some ferocious kicks fly.
DeleteA swan once grabbed my entire sister and flang her in a lake. We have no particular kangaroo stories. Only that once I asked the party question: if you could have any kind of tail you wanted, what would it be? and two of my company said "kangaroo." Whyever? I queried. And they both said you could hop around all you wanted, but when you wanted to stop a spell you could just SPROIK out your tail and sit down. I thought it was brilliant.
DeleteMurr Brewster: Were you able to get your sister back? And had she deserved this dastardly act? I know my brothers would have.
DeleteIf I could have any tail I wanted it would be a tigers tail for the lashing of.
Very short sister, even shallower lake. After cleanup of swan spit and lake muck she was none the worse for wear.
DeleteMurr Brewster: None the worse for wear with an amazing story to tell. A win.
Deletecool! what kind of swans are these?
ReplyDeleteWhitney Soup: Welcome. The swans are Cygnus atratus and are often found on waterways in the south and south east of Oz. We have a couple of man-made lakes, and they seem to be more than happy with them. Which is wonderful.
DeleteThank you! i will see wild kangaroos someday - this i know! and i adore the black swans, too!
ReplyDeletedaisyfae: If/when you are planning your trip to Oz, you would be more than welcome here.
DeleteLooks like you have been having glorious winter sunshine over your way as well. Thanks so much for lifting my spirits with these beautiful photos (and your special comments on my newest blog). You are one wonderful and very special lady. xxx
ReplyDeleteKakka: Thank you.
DeleteStunning stuff, you have such a wealth of flora and fauna it never ceases to amaze me. Thanks for this, it's brilliant to see, and to know you are out there looking at it all too x
ReplyDeleteAll Consuming: We are very lucky to have these joys so close to us, and for me at least, it is healing to wander down and look at them. Thank you for your good wishes.
DeleteOH WOW!!! the Kangas are wonderful!!! And the black swans too, despite their nasty temperament!!! The moorhen too! I'd never seen that one before. Thank you so much for posting!!! I know you have other things to do....
ReplyDeleteNicole Haller-Wilson: A week of your busy life would have me in bed for a month. And yes, it was wonderful to see them and wonderful to know that they are ALWAYS just a short drive away.
DeleteAs always, your photos never fail to inspire awe!
ReplyDeleteSusan Kane: The ability to inspire a dynamic and talented woman like yourself is high praise. Thank you.
DeleteI never tire of looking at your photos...I enjoy them so much
ReplyDeleteIsn't it amazing how many people have " MS" and know Edward Meese?
ReplyDeleteDo you think he's a handicapping kind of fellow in Sapop?
And Elephant's Child?
You with the " ears"?
You with Sessecte?
Hilary Melton Butcher is.
And she's got a club called Chersco & Sculls.
SC.
Ask Ntscrea or Rozzybee.
You can even ask Rooty 009.
Anon: Huh? Sorry, these people are all strangers to me.
DeleteAh- what an uplifting and beautiful series of shots! I never tire of them either.
ReplyDeleteladyfi: From a photographer of your calibre this is high praise. Thank you.
DeleteI saw these beautiful photographs when on here the other day and realise I forgot to leave a comment. I just wanted to say thank you for sharing. They are truly beautiful creatures. We in the suburbs miss seeing a lot of wildlife and even the birds are becoming scarce with so much clearing going on for new residential suburbs.
ReplyDeleteI meant to mention that in Northam (a town 100km north-east of Perth there are white swans on the Avon river there. Obviously they are an introduced species that are thriving in that location. They too are very beautiful and somewhat different in build to our own black swans. Our Swan River is named after the black swans that were seen in large numbers by the first settlers here. I have tried to find who was actually responsible for the naming of the river but have been unable to do so.
ReplyDeleteMimsie: Welcome back. The kangaroos and the swans are delightful creatures and I am always happy to see them. I have been so well indoctrinated that I would find white swans exotic, and I love that the call the Avon River home both in Perth and in the UK. Thank you for this information.
DeleteEC, your world of Oz is a delight for my ole eyes. I'm glad you enjoy visiting the beautiful black swans and kangaroo families at the park.
ReplyDeleteBe well and happy :)
Pam:): Thank you - I love seeing the residents at this part of the lake. We are trying very hard on the being well and happy fronts - and the same to you.
DeleteTerrific photos. I loved seeing the kangaroos on my morning walks in Kambah. The way they freeze and look at us, while we freeze and look at them is enchanting.
ReplyDeleteThe exhibition about Napoleon in the National Gallery of Victoria includes quite a lot of information about the French exploration of Australia, and includes a lot of botanical art depicting the flora and fauna of Australia. It seemed better to me than much of the english representations. Apparently Josephine had a lot of Australian plants at Malmaison and they also had kangaroos and black swans there - that they survived the journey is remarkable.
persiflage: Thank you. Surviving a trip of that distance by ship is amazing I agree. One of the English monarchs (and I forget which) had quite a menagerie including kangarooos. The kangaroos bred so well he was in the habit of giving them to current court favourites - who then had to house and look after them.
DeleteI love seeing ALL of your critters down there. Most of them seem so exotic to me.
ReplyDeleteRon Dudley: Thank you - but your critters seem equally exotic to me. And I never tire seeing them.
DeleteThese are great pictures. I have nothing like this where I live so I really enjoy your nature shots.
ReplyDeleteBirdie: Thank you.
Deletewow, wow and then some more wow! how utterly incredible and amazing to have kangaroos so close, in their natural habitat. utterly exotic to a northener, and enviable. i remember how exotic it was with penguin crossings and do not feed the monkeys-signs in south africa. this falls into the same category. love it!!! (i could write lots of exclamation marks here, but i will settle for three, alright?)
ReplyDeletePia K: Thank you. We love them, despite seeing kangaroos several times each week on average on our way into one of the town centres. A privilege. Penguins (which I adore) and monkeys are pretty exotic to me too. Magic everywhere.
DeleteThanks for stopping by. Have a blessed day :)
ReplyDeletePam:): My pleasure.
DeleteThese are amazing Sue. I just love seeing the wildlife from down under. So different from here...
ReplyDeleteMarcie: Welcome, and I am glad you liike them. I certainly do.
DeleteWonderful photos and I always delight in seeing the indigenous plants and wildlife of a land so far away. Evidently, there are wallabies in the wild near where I live in Staffordshire.
ReplyDeleteYou take care and thank you for this.
Kind wishes, Gary
klahanie: Thank you so much. Wallabies in the wild near Staffordshire? Tourists who stayed...
DeleteI love those Kangaroos, great photos.
ReplyDeleteI was right, my blog list was hiding you!
Good to be back in the blogosphere and hoping things are improving for you both. Love sent to you both x
bugerlugs63: I love the kangaroos as well. Thank you for your love and best wishes.
DeleteLovely lady you live in paradise or something? Or is your camera magic? Astonishing images, lovely shade of green in the grass....just lovely :). So many kisses for being there for me...
ReplyDeleteunikorna: It is a truly lovely spot - and the kangaroos and swans know that too. No magic in the camera, just a wonderful (and rare) reality shot.
DeleteWishing you and SP a lovely day.
ReplyDeleteBe well and happy :)
Pam:): Megathanks.
DeleteOh I love those kangaroos, the black swans are awesome. What an interesting bird with the red head and blue body. Great photos, great videos.
ReplyDeleteDenise: The moorhens are very pretty, and quite low in the pecking order which is a shame.
DeleteHope you and SP are taking it easy, Elephant's Child. Thanks for taking the time to post your pictures and videos. Do the kangaroos make any sound? We have deer that roam through town at night, as well as skunks, porcupines, and raccoons. The deer are really my favourites, as they are shy - and no threat to life, limb, or nose :)
ReplyDeletejenny_o: Kangaroos are not all that noisy. SP described the most common noise as a glottal tsk, tsk although I understand that the males can grunt. Kangaroos have (very rarely) hurt people but they are much more typically gentle animals. Your deer, skunks, porcupines and raccoons sound very exotic from here.
DeleteYou made me smile, because exotic is so far from the word I would use to describe skunks :) They have a very pungent, acrid spray which they let loose if they are startled, upset, cornered, or run over. One of many reasons our cats are kept totally indoors!
Deletejenny_o: I did/do know that skunks can be unpleasant if they feel threatened in any way, but so can many animals. I suppose I use exotic to mean that they are something of foreign origin.
DeleteSo true - and it's so interesting to see what is ordinary to other places but unusual to our own.
DeleteI was once lucky enough to see a baby skunk up close at a vet's office. It had been found by a kind-hearted young couple who brought it in for de-scenting. It was an adorable baby. I often wondered if they had any luck raising it, or if it had to go to a wildlife park when it got older.
jenny_o: Seeing a baby skunk! Oh wow. I hope they did either raise it successfully or find the appropriate care for it.
Delete