Wet and Aggressive Corella challenges Magpie

Wet and Aggressive Corella challenges Magpie

Sunday 2 November 2014

Sunday Selections #196

Sunday Selections was originally brought to us by Kim, of Frogpondsrock, as an ongoing meme where participants could post previously unused photos languishing in their files. 

The meme is now continued by River at Drifting through life.  The rules are so simple as to be almost non-existent.  Post some photos under the title Sunday Selections and link back to River.  Clicking on any of the photos will make them embiggen.

Like River I usually run with a theme.  For the last little while I have been largely housebound so yesterday I demanded a small outing to get my fix of kangaroos, pelicans, swans and whatever else was at Weston Park.  So off we went.  It was very changeable weather, windy, cloudy, warm and with rain threatening (sadly the rain only amounted to three spits).  And was still a treat.























120 comments:

  1. I never get over the kangaroos.....so amazing and unique
    and how wonderful you get to see them up close and personal:)
    thanks for sharing,
    Jennifer

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    1. Jennifer Richardson: We do love our roos - and are very, very grateful that they are so close by. And also grateful that they don't visit our garden.

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  2. Pelican and Roos, a marvellous combination, though I don't see them dancing at any balls together. Great photos, and I'm glad you got out and enjoyed some nature dearie *smiles*

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    1. All Consuming: I wonder what dance they would dance, if they could? Something graceful - but energetic. Cossack dancing?

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    2. You've hit the nail on the head there! Hahahaha I'm seeing your pictures animated in a most humorous light now so thank you for the giggles *beams*

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    3. All Consuming: A pleasure. It is tickling my fancy as well.

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    4. the kangaroo hop and the emu bop!

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  3. The first three photos lead one to imagine a fourth, one where the photographer is being chased by the swan :)

    I am still trying to get you a photo of the two yearling deer that live in our neighbourhood, EC. I only see them after dark, but my husband tells me they've been in our back yard in early morning. Maybe I should give him the camera instead.

    Is that a heron? Beautiful.

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    1. jenny_o: The swans are surprisingly aggressive. They were out on the water when first I wandered down to the lakes edge but came steaming in - looking for hand-outs I didn't have.
      The heron is a pelican. But yes, beautiful.
      And I am really, really looking forward to your deer photos in the fullness of time.

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  4. I am glad you got out of the house and got to see something beautiful.
    Sending you love from Florida,
    Caroline

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    1. totallycaroline: It was a treat. It always is a treat. A half hour drive with almost guarenteed peace at the end of it. Returning your love - I will be over to visit shortly.

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  5. Those must make up for being cooped up a bit. You got some great pictures, and five became instant faves for me (2, 3, 5, 7, and 12). :)

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    1. mail4rosey: They did. I do love that spot, and as often as we go I tell myself we should go more often. Much more often.

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  6. It looks like you had such a peaceful time shooting those pictures!

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    1. Stephanie Faris. I did. It is a beautiful spot, and largely unspoiled.

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  7. I feel entirely smitten by pelicans ever since I saw "Pelican Dreams" last month. It's not likely I'll be seeing any kangaroos or black swans in person any time soon, so I sure enjoyed those, too. Glad to know you got out and about, but sorry about the lack of rain. Want some of ours? :-)

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    1. DJan: I would LOVE some of your rain. Our long range forecasts talks about a hot and dry summer. Bleah.

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  8. I love the Black Swan, the Pelicans, but, I really love the Kangaroos............please, send me one, lol.

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    1. Bob Bushell: I think the postage costs might be a bit much. They are wonderful animals though...

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  9. Amazing shots as always. Especially of the pelican.

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    1. Alex J. Cavanaugh: I was pleased that the pelican posed so nicely...

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  10. Out and about with Nature and her friends...a wonderful start to a Sunday!

    Have a great week, EC...I hope The Skinny One isn't hogging the new bathroom! I bet Jewel and Jazz have sussed it out thoroughly and given it a huge purr of approval. :)

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    1. Lee: I am the bathroom hog. And yes, it has been checked out (and moulted in) thoroughly.

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  11. My word those pelicans are big birds. I've never seen one in real life though. I suspect they look even bigger in person.

    Excellent photos. It must have been nice to get out and about.

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    1. Wendy: The pelicans are big. Very big. I often wonder why they can fly. Taking off from the water must use a HUGE amount of energy.

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  12. Black swans, pelicans and roos, some of my fave aussie critters. Terrific shots!

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    1. Karen: We are so lucky to have a spot nearby where we can always see at least one or two of the three - and often more.

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  13. We only have the occasional pelican visit the nearby lake. What fascinating birds they are. I am just wondering what a baby pelican looks like? I must find a photo. I doubt they would be like cygnets that look nothing like the finished product. I won't attempt to guess why there is an almost underwater fence.

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    1. Andrew: That almost underwater fence marks the demarkation line in the toddlers swimming area. And is usually festooned with bird crap, even when the birds themselves are elsewhere.
      I suspect that a baby pelican would be, like many birds, very, very ugly - at least initially.

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  14. I've never seen a kangaroo in the real world. They must be fun to watch.
    I hope you're well and enjoying the weekend.

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    1. Rawknrobyn: Kangaroos are usually very laid back (almost lazy) animals but a joy to watch.
      I am getting there - and I hope your weekend is great. And chocolate filled.

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  15. It is so green and springlike down there. Gives me hope.

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    1. Joanne Noragon: It is, but it is burning off fast. And sadly, in the next state, the first of the seasons bushfires have already consumed houses.

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  16. Kangaroos never fail to make me smile. Same with pelicans.

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    1. Kathleen Cassen Mickelson: Me too. Each and every time.

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  17. my favorite black swans; have a good one

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    1. Linda Starr: I have a soft spot for them too. And a great weekend to you as well.

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  18. Well I'm confident that your outing cheered you up - these shots certainly made me smile!

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  19. I can't imagine seeing kangaroos like you do. I have only seen them in zoos. Our pelicans aren't as colorful as yours. Mainly white. But so interesting. I saw one last summer that caught a fish that was too big. We could see it flopping around in the pouch until he spit it out! I wish I could have gotten a picture. As always thank you for giving us a glimpse of your world.

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    1. Teresa: It doesn't matter how often I see kangaroos (and it is quite often) I never tire of them. Or the birds. I would have lot to have seen the pelican wrestling with a fish that was too big for that incredibly large pouch.

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  20. Such a treat looking at your beautiful land. Wonderful pictures.

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    1. Whisper Mist: Welcome - and thank you. This park is half an hour's drive from our home, in the middle of the city, and a haven of peace and beauty.

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  21. We have a small animal park in our Auburn Gardens always quiet and not many people on a weekday but our kangaroos are alway laying down having a rest yours are up and active, some of ours are fond of bit of a pat too.
    They are very tame and now no children area allowed in their area unless with their parents, in the past they had problems so the staff are usually there too.
    Merle....................

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    1. Merlesworld: Most of the time the kangaroos here are lazing in the sun. They were unusually active yesterday. No patting though. They are definitely not tame. Beautiful, but not tame.

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  22. Made my day - love the birds EC! Isn't it wonderful to get out with nature when one has been a little house-bound/!

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    1. Rose ~ from Oz: I am usually quite happy to be house (and garden) bound, but this park is always a delight.

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  23. Are those oak trees in the last three photos? I love oak trees. The pelican is looking rather magnificent. Good to hear the bathroom has passed inspection, I'm sure Jazz and Jewel appreciate what you had built for them *~*

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    1. River: I am pretty certain that they are a variety of oak - and I loved them. They were big too - all those photos were taken from underneath them looking up.

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  24. How wonderful to live in a land with so much variety in its wildlife so close at hand.

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    1. Delores: You see some wonders I will never see - but I am glad to live in our 'bush Capital'.

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  25. thank you for posting this very varied post today. I loved seeing all the things of Australia. I miss going there at present as my daughter is in Malawi. I feel it is my second home.

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    1. Margaret Adamson: You have seen (and will see) some amazing things in Malawi too.

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  26. Black Swans, pelicans, kangaroos, and all of the beauty of nature. You must be happy to be able to get out and enjoy such sights.

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  27. The birds and roos all look like they're posing for you. :) Beautiful pics as always. Thanks for sharing them with us and I'm glad you're no longer housebound!

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    1. River Fairchild: The swans were intent on mugging us - but I had brought nothing for them. A serious error. And now wonder whether the pelicans would come to be fed as well.

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  28. Always going to love pelican photos but all your photos are lovely. What a lovely place to be able to visit. Thanks so much for sharing. xx

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    1. Kakka: I do love pelicans and am really, really looking forward to your Sunday Selections next week.

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  29. Love your wildlife shots. There were many swans along Lake Garda, all white. One had taken to the streets to beg among the tourists. He looked so much bigger on land. I only saw 2 unusual animals: the common merganser, who is not common in the US, and a chamois, an alpine antelope. Also lots of magpies, not unusual but we don't have any in Michigan.

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    1. Sue In Italia/In the Land of Cancer: We also have lots of magpies - but they are very different to yours. A serious lack of imagination in the avian naming department.

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  30. I love, love that first image. There's a beautiful intricacy of movement there. Thanks.

    Greetings from London.

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    1. A Cuban in London: And those necks are so sensuous in their movement...

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  31. the cat was mine and i find your photos are lovely~~~~~~~~~~~~

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    1. Amandine Durez: Thank you for letting me know - I have a very big soft spot for cats. Big and small.

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  32. Thank you for taking us to the park too! Great pictures...three spits of rain...yep, I've seen that!

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    1. Bookie: What I call incontinent pigeon rain - splat, splat and its gone.

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  33. Your first kangaroo picture made me smile - these two are so cute the way they are standing there and looking over. Just lovely.

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    1. Carola Bartz: They were very comfortable under the trees and not about to go anywhere. Which is lovely.

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  34. Looks like it was a fun outing. Beautiful photos.

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  35. all the photos are gorgeous, but I can't get over the trees in 18. Just elegant and stunning. Inspiring me to paint!

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    1. Raquel Somatra: There is an avenue of those trees - and I love them. Such a muted, but elegant colour and a fascinating shape. If they do inspire you to paint, I would love to see the result.

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  36. I love the pelicans most. It reminds me to add a New Orleans Pelicans hat or jersey to my birthday wishlist. Isn't it time a sports team picked a Pelican as a mascot?

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    1. Eli@coachdaddy: Welcome. What an interesting suggestion. Pelicans are such an unlikely looking bird - and so triumphant in what they do I can see them being a wonderful mascot for the 'underdogs'.

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  37. Even you seagulls look exotic!

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    1. ditchingthedog: And I suspect that our seagulls have never, and will never see the sea. They thrive here though.

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  38. Can I tell you how jealous I am that you can go get a kangaroo fix?!

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    1. Riot Kitty: We love our kanga fixes. And can often see them closer to home as well - though not get as close to them.

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  39. Love the water birds, but seagulls we have tons of here. They remind me of the movie, The Birds, with their haunting screech. Love the lovely black swans. Pelicans too.

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    1. D.G. Hudson: We have plenty of seagulls too, but I still like them. Just not as much as the swans and pelicans. Avian prejudice on display?

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  40. I am always so surprised to see your black swans. They are gorgeous. I have only seen white ones over here. So it is kind of exotic, as are the Roos. How are you liking the new bathroom?

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    1. Furry Bottoms: I am LOVING the new bathroom. And will head off and shower shortly.
      Black swans are native to Oz, but growing up all the books only ever depicted the white ones...

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  41. Lovely shots - I got my fix too!

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  42. Well they're neither exotic or glamourous but I really like the photos of the gulls. I love the way they stand there all nonchalant acting as if they own the place. I also like when you walk towards them they always pretend they're not running away and try to give the impression that they were going to walk in that direction anyway as their steps hasten and they try to look in the opposite direction.

    Beautiful photos, thanks for sharing this little bit of paradise.

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    1. Angela: The gulls have a cheeky charm of their own - and don't attempt to mug people as the swans do.

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  43. I love the black swans...so graceful. In Switzerland, my two-year-old grandson sat on some block very close to the lake, and watched the white swans snatching bread. He pointed at them , saying "Duck, duck...quack..." and clapped his hands laughing. My eyes and heart were on him, soaking in the memory.

    Do you follow Joanne Noragon (cuponthebus)? She is surviving her bathroom re-do.

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    1. Susan Kane: What a wonderful memory to hug deep in your heart. And I suspect the white swans are every bit as greedy as their black relatives.
      I do follow Joanne, and hope that her bathroom re do is nearly done.

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  44. Glad you finally got out of the house. Thank you for sharing your outing. I especially like the kangaroos. What a beautiful park that is. Hope you have a good week!

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    1. Myrna R.: It is a lovely park. Unstructured and beautiful - and I am glad that you enjoyed coming with me.

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  45. What a lovely collection. I adore the animals and birds of course, pretty scenery and trees, gorgeous trees. Those black swans are magnificent, and I do love the markings on your Austrlian pelicans, very pretty.

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    1. DeniseinVA: A pelican by any name (or nationality) is a joy. And the swans are bullies and thugs - and beautiful.

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  47. Gorgeous! Loved Kanga and Roo :)

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    1. Carol Kilgore: Thank you - we love them too. Always.

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  48. Hey Sue,

    Pelicans, swans, kangaroos and trees. I feel, via your wonderful photos, like I'm actually there. Strewth! :)

    Yes, I'm slowly getting the momentum back.

    Hugs,

    Gary

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    1. klahanie: Dear Gary, It is lovely to see that you are finding the time to venture back into the blogosphere. You have been missed, and I so hope the chaos is calming down.

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  49. All the birds seem pretty chill about having you and your camera around! Did it seem like they were thoroughly domesticated? Did any local life get spooked by all the visitors?

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    1. John Wiswell: They are certainly used to humans, and dogs and cars and bicycles. Careful, but not usually spooked. And the swans are muggers. And bullies...

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  50. Oh whoa, your trees are nice, too. And it looks like the gulls and swans and pelicans, they all decided on family outings to the beach for the day. The kangaroos, well I don't know what to say about them, especially after seeing a video online of two male kangaroos street fighting in a subdivision. When I see photos of them now, that video jumps to my brain. It will take awhile....

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    1. Strayer: A kangaroo dispute is quite something to watch. Wincing. Yes, they are very, very violent but their aggression to anything other than themselves is rare. I still treat them with respect, and wouldn't dream of trying to pat them though.

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  51. We are SO lucky to live here with these animals and birds, and our beautiful landscapes...

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  52. Love that black swan! I always wish I could be with you when you are on these outings.

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    1. Lynn: What a lovely thing to say. I wish that you could be too.

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  53. I love your pictures! I wish I could touch one of the kangaroos ...

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    1. Marielle Collins: I am happy to look and not touch, but yes they do look eminently pattable.

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  54. Lovely stuff and ending at Tree Time. Gorgeous.

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    1. Andrew Maclaren-Scott: Tree time is always a winner isn't it?

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  55. Very belatedly, but I've just returned after seeing these a few days ago… I so freaking these pics! Truly. And the beautiful flowers you have since posted for the following Sunday. Always a wonderful little bit of calm and goodness.

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    1. Paper Chipmunk (aka Ellen): You are welcome whenever you can steal a moment. And I am glad to give you a calm interlude.

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  56. I was looking through some of your other Sunday posts, since I am such an animal/bird/nature lover and saw this post! I have never seen a kangaroo in person- and these photos are fabulous. Love to see them in action! I love that you had such a great outing!
    ~Jess

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    1. DMS: We do love our kangaroos. These are at a park less than half an hours drive from home - and it is always a treat to visit them. And the birds are another bonus.

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