Wet and Aggressive Corella challenges Magpie

Wet and Aggressive Corella challenges Magpie

Sunday 31 July 2016

Sunday Selections #287

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.  We have had a lot of grey days recently.   Some of them have brought welcome rain, and some have just been grey.  Very grey.  So when the sun appeared towards the end of the week we headed off on a very common mini outing.   We weren't the only ones revelling in the sun.   


There were lots and lots and lots of kangaroos.  And most of them were lying down.






I included this shot because I don't think I have ever captured a roo with all its feet and its tail off the ground before.


The swans were out in force too.  Despite having a whole lake at its disposal the swan in the last shots preferred to swim in a puddle beside the road.







And the lake itself sparkled in the sunshine.








We enjoyed our outing so much we went out again the next day.  A bigger outing.  Just as well - the grey days are back.

135 comments:

  1. Your roos wear collars? Telemetry or fashion statements? :-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. dinahmow: The collars identify the roos taking part (not by choice) in a fertility trial. This link explains it.

      Delete
  2. I don't think I've ever seen kangaroos doing that! Weird, huh? I mean, they are always bouncing around in photos and we don't have any around here. They kind of lounge like dogs.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Love the photos of the water. It's so nice to see serene photos like this and just...breathe.

      Delete
    2. Sandi: I often think (and say) that they relax as well as a cat. Like a cat they can reach warp speed very quickly though. That particular park by the lake is one of my 'happy spots'. It never fails to soothe.

      Delete
  3. Replies
    1. Joanne Noragon: It did shine that way didn't it? And is more valuable than diamonds to me.

      Delete
  4. For a moment, I thought you were at the SF zoo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Martin Kloess: No zoo. A park in the suburb I grew up in. It is now less than half an hours drive. A drive we often take.

      Delete
  5. I love seeing the roos any time. And what beautiful black swans you captured. Glad you had a couple of days out to enjoy them and the sparkling lake.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. cleemckenzie: We often see roos, and love it. And the swans. And the lake. Luckily they are all close by and a regular treat.

      Delete
  6. Looks like you had a fun outing!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. fishducky: We did. And the next day was also good. Photos to follow.

      Delete
  7. Such a gorgeous place. I looks unusual to me to see the leafless trees in such a summer looking setting. Love the roo pictures!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Marie Smith: It is mid-winter here, though there are signs that spring is just around the corner. We usually have bright blue skies, the grey days of this winter are unusual.

      Delete
  8. Roos rue-ing the day. Swans swanning around while enjoying a milkshake by the lake.

    I hope you have a wonderful week, EC...cuddles to your two furry rascals. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Lee: There were gulls too. And ravens. And a few people.
      A good week to you and your furry overlords.

      Delete
  9. I don't think I have ever noticed that some of the kangaroos have identity tags on their necks. What do they capture and release them for?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Birdie: The collars are a relatively new addition. Those with the tags and collars are part of a fertility trial, designed to ensure that they don't breed for at least three years. If it stops the obscene culls are local government indulges itself in I am in favour.

      Delete
  10. Oh yes EC, the Kangaroos have so beautiful coats, and were there the Black Swans, fabulous.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Bob Bushell: It doesn't matter how often I see the roos or the swans, I always smile.

      Delete
  11. It is bad enough here with a succession of grey days. Imagine Europe and Brittain with weeks of them. The swan in the puddle is like a dog choosing puddle water instead of the clean water in its bowl.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Andrew: We are lucky aren't we? Grey days are fairly rare, and a succession of them even rarer. You are so right with the dog and puddle water simile.

      Delete
  12. I know it's winter there, but it doesn't look like winter.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Alex J. Cavanaugh: This is the way our winter often looks. Here we start the day with frost (and sometimes fog) and move to bright clear days. Chilly, but bright and clear. The grey winter we have been having is an aberration.

      Delete
  13. I keep hoping to catch a good shot of the fox which has joined the cast of characters here; thought it would be something you'd enjoy. =)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The Cranky: I WOULD enjoy your fox. I know they are widely regarded as pests and I love them.

      Delete
  14. Yes, it has been such a strange Winter ~ rain, wind and many grey skies. It has made me think how lucky we are to live where there is plentiful sunshine. The glistening lake captures the subtle sunny days of Winter well. It would be very different light and photo in Summer. Good for you for catching that roo.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. carol in cairns: You have had a grey winter too? It has been most unusual. The rain has been welcome, but the 'wasted days' when it is just grey but not wet do my head in. I am very grateful for our bright days.

      Delete
  15. Lucky you, having bright blue skies and sunshine, even if only for a day or two. We have had weeks of northwesterly storms with gales and heavy rain, with only an occasional half hour of sun before the next spurt of downpour. A really strange winter this is; usually our winter weather comes from the south - rain and then bright clear days and frosts. Of course we blame you-know-who for sending their weather across the Tasman...
    And weirdly, all of my freesias are out :0

    I always love seeing the roos, the swans are gorgeous, and your beautiful sparkling lake cheered me up immensely. Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Alexia: I don't have any freesias out yet, but the ranunculas are. And there is an orchid in copious bud. Weird indeed. We love the roos and our sparkling lake too, and I am glad to share the joy.

      Delete
  16. Wildlife is always a treat to watch and be amazed at. Love the lake photos. Living on a lake myself, I find the water so relaxing.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mason Canyon: If ever I come into large amounts of money (most unlikely) I will live on the water. Moving or still I agree, it is relaxing. And healing. And beautiful. In the meantime I will continue to enjoy our lake - which is less than half an hour away.

      Delete
  17. I find it so amazing that you have roos everywhere. Nothing so interesting here maybe a chipmunk and a squirrel.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sonya Ann: My city is known (among other things) as the bush capital. I am very grateful for the roos. Farmers are not. Chipmunks? Squirrels? I would be interested. Very interested.

      Delete
    2. You don't have chipmunks and squirrels?
      My bestie from England flips out over squirrels. I guess they don't have them there. She thinks its barbaric that we have "rats with fluffy tails" running around and no one thinks a thing of it.

      Delete
    3. Sonya Ann: We don't have chipmunks or squirrels. The UK does have squirrels though. And the grey ones are considered a pest.

      Delete
  18. Can't believe all those kangaroos! Looks like a beautiful day. I don't think I have ever seen a black swan either. Great photos! :) Glad you got to enjoy some sunshine.
    ~Jess

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. DMS ~ Jess: Black swans are native to Australia, and they thrive here. Which is lovely. It was a really lovely day, and so was the outing we took the next day. Photos of that one to come. Soonish.

      Delete
  19. You might as well be showing me moon monkeys! Such strange wonders!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Cloudia: You show me exotic (to me) wonders on a regular basis. I would be happy to see moon monkeys too.

      Delete
  20. I'm guessing that swan was warming up in that puddle.. much warmer than the lake I would think.. some great photos.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anna: I hadn't thought of that, but you are more than likely right. The lake is on the chilly side at the moment.

      Delete
  21. It is so nice to see the sun!! Today we have some too, but tomorrow back to rain and grey days.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. CountryMum: Has your winter been greyer than usual too? The rain has been lovely though.

      Delete
  22. btw I've picked up Sunday Selections and have linked back to your blog and that of River.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anna: I have been, I have seen, I have commented. I am so glad that you are joining us. The more the merrier.

      Delete
    2. can't promise to join in every week but its a nice way to use some of those extra photos :)

      Delete
    3. Anna: You will be welcome whenever you can join us.

      Delete
  23. I love your pretty roos, and I don't think I've ever seen one completely airborne before. And your sparkling water is really lovely! Hope you have a few more days like that one again. :-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. DJan: The lake in full sparkle is spectacular isn't it? More days like it will come. And I will be grateful.

      Delete
  24. I love your sparkly lake.
    Always nice to see kangaroos lying around as if they hadn't a care in the world, so peaceful.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Roos!! Black swans! Thanks for making my night. I needed that mental health break!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Paper Chipmunk (aka Ellen): You will be unsurprised to hear that they make my day whenever I see them.

      Delete
  26. I am so disappointed I have never seen a wild kangaroo. I guess I am just not looking hard enough, right? We did see a couple of cute fox kits today but that is our only adventure with the wild kingdom.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anne in the kitchen: Fox kits? Magic. I hope you got photos of their charming selves. I suspect if introduced roos would do surprisingly well in your area.

      Delete
  27. Hi EC - wonderful to see the Kangaroos - perhaps they were just having a better lie-down and zizz ... as we do in cooler weather. Wonderful to shots ...

    Then the swans - I am going to mention my swans this morning .. but then I scrolled down and saw yours were the Black Swans ... lovely to see them again though. 'My' 3 swans were swimming in the sea ... just not a usual sight ... lovely day today too ...

    Cheers and so glad you were able to get out and share your time with us ... Hilary

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hilary Melton-Butcher: Without question the roos were totally 'laxed in the sun. Which they do really well.
      Swans in the sea? That would be lovely on so many counts.

      Delete
  28. Kangaroos always look so relaxed!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. J Cosmo Newbery: I think that only cats relax better.

      Delete
  29. Dear EC
    Beautiful photos. I really enjoyed seeing the kangaroos and swans. Thank you for sharing your visit.
    Best wishes
    Ellie

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ellie Foster: Thank you. I am glad you enjoyed coming with us. It is very close to home, and close to our hearts too.

      Delete
  30. love the joy the roos and swans brought. Maybe the roadside pond as warmer than the big lake.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sue in Italia/In the Land of Cancer: That puddle was only a couple of inches deep, and was certainly warmer than the lake.

      Delete
  31. The Roos look like deer lying there, without my glasses on. I don't know how I imagined they rested but it didn't look like that. Fascinating creatures, are they strokeable? Glad you both had a couple of nice days out xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. bugerlugs63: These are not tame roos and I wouldn't even attempt to pat them. They are no doubt very soft (over the muscles) though.

      Delete
  32. Thank you so much for taking us along on your outing. All so beautiful. I've not seen a roo up close for ages and ages nor a black swan for that matter.
    Perhaps the swan that preferred the puddle had fallen out with his/her mates....been sent to Coventry maybe.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mimsie: I like the idea of the swan being sent to Coventry. There was another one near by, but the puddle belonged to that one, and that one alone.

      Delete
  33. There is an old wives tale here that says something like, "If the cows are laying down in the sun, the fish are biting." Jilda took that and ran with it. Any time we see any animal lying in the sun, we'll say "The fish must be biting."
    So I guess the fish are biting where you live :)
    R

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Rick Watson: Love that phrase. In this particular part of the lake the fish must be biting any time there is sun though - roos are very, very laid back critters.

      Delete
  34. I am always fascinated by kangaroos. Thanks for sharing. Did you see the recent video of the rescue of the young kangaroo caught in a street drainage grate?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Grannie Annie: I missed that video, and will track it down shortly. Like all youngsters (whatever the species) their impetuous nature can get them into trouble. I am glad that one was rescued.

      Delete
  35. The roos appear happy as does the swan who likes the mud puddle. Maybe it was warmer being shallower than the lake. Maybe I'll go back to the lake today myself. We finally got some warm days for our summer, two of them, then a cooler day yesterday.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Strayer: We were all happy. The roos, the swans and us. I hope you do get back to the lake - I know it is your happy place.

      Delete
  36. I love roo pictures. Thanks for sharing.
    Silly swan. I guess it wanted to be a big swan in a little puddle:)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sandra Cox: Love that line. And it was a very big swan in that little puddle.

      Delete
  37. I love the way the kangaroos sort of lounge, like bored divas. So funny.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kathleen Valentine: Kangaroos have lounging and 'laxing down to a fine art.

      Delete
  38. A beautiful, sunny respite to all the grey. Getting rain is one thing, but just having a lot of grey sucks the energy from me. Always love pics of roos and swans. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. river Fairchild: I am so with you on the unproductive grey day front. Rain I welcome. Lack of light without it peeves me. And I am glad to hear that I am not boring people to sobs returning to my roo and swan obsessions.

      Delete
    2. This comment has been removed by the author.

      Delete
  39. I hope to see someday the lovely flora and fauna of your country up close & personal. I have never seen a black swan on the west coast of the US (wish I had), and, certainly, have never seen a marsupial outside of a zoo!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Bea: I would love to see rather a lot of your flora and fauna too. The blogosphere has enriched my world, but fills me with longing too.

      Delete
  40. Oh Roo:) I love a baby kangaroo:)
    They're so much more muscular than the fluffy toys i grew up seeing and thinking I knew:)
    Powerful looking creatures. So beautiful and strong. Thanks for letting me lean over the ledge and peer in at them with you,
    Jennifer

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jennifer Richardson: They are powerful. And strong. And beautiful. And make my heart smile.

      Delete
  41. You got some nice pictures. I love when the lake sparkles like that from sunshine.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. mail4rosey: It outsparkles precious gems doesn't it?

      Delete
  42. Love those kangaroos! They just make me happy.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kathleen Cassen Mickelson: And me. We see kangaroos four or five times a week at least, and they make me smile.

      Delete
  43. Black Swans! I think the only time I've ever seen on was on Sanibel Island at a bird sanctuary. Pretty :)

    And the Kangaroos!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. mshatch: We don't see the white ones here. And yes, I think the black ones are lovely. Even when they apply their serrated beaks to fingers seeking food.

      Delete
  44. So the weather warmed up for you? Have a great week.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Author R. Mac Wheeler: It isn't precisely warm (just into double digit temperatures) but the sunshine is lovely.

      Delete
  45. The grey days may make the sunny days sparkle brighter. Thank you for these photos and also for your lovely comments on my blog.

    ReplyDelete
  46. It looks like the kangaroos do not all have the same colour of fur - that surprises me as I expected them all to look alike ... silly idea when I think about it :)

    Thanks for sharing, EC. I love to see your wildlife (and your plants and trees, too). Great catch on that roo in mid-air. Not an easy shot!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. jenny_o: The kangaroos are variations on a theme. As we are. The roo in mid-bounce was a lucky shot wasn't it?

      Delete
  47. Loved the shimmy shaking sunlight on water! Your post reminded me of Longfellow's classic -

    Be still, sad heart! and cease repining;
    Behind the clouds is the sun still shining;
    Thy fate is the common fate of all,
    Into each life some rain must fall,
    Some days must be dark and dreary.

    Where I live, it's glaring sun all year round, so I quite enjoy the grey days when life occasionally sends them my way :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Nilanjana Bose: Thank you - Longfellow's poem was spot on. I also like the grey days, but we have been having a lot of them. The sunshine was a welcome change.

      Delete
  48. As always, your pictures are beautiful. I showed my husband the black swans, and he figures they like the puddle because they might munch on the grass.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh, and what is the name of the lake?

      Delete
    2. Webster: Your husband could be right, though they were munching on grass beside the lake too. The lake (man-made) is Lake Burley Griffin.

      Delete
  49. The 'roos are amazing creatures, like a cross between a dog and a hare!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. lynners: They are, but I don't think they are as peculiar to look at as the platypus. I understand that when the first platypus specimum was sent back to the UK, scientists there thought it was a hoax.

      Delete
  50. I am surprised to see that the wild animals just sit there and allow you to take pictures of them. They must have no fear of humans (not always wise).

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Starting Over, Accepting Changes - Maybe: While not tame, the roos and the swans are certainly accustomed to people. The roos will hop away if you get too close or are noisy. As will the swans. Who mug picknicking people for hand-outs.

      Delete
  51. Happy August. Hope it's the best month ever.

    ReplyDelete
  52. I totally get it about random sunny days stuck in the midst of gray ones. I love the swan in a puddle. On some old camera someplace, I have a shot of a roseate spoonbill swimming in a ditch - just feet away from a huge bay.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Carol Kilgore: Our winters are usually bright and clear. This grey one has been an exception. It is still dark here, but I can hear the rain, so it will be grey again. Love the rain though.
      Chuckling at your roseate spoonbill - which I would love to see. Nice to hear that humans haven't cornered the market on perversity.

      Delete
  53. Oh, what amazing shots of kangaroos and those lovely black swans.

    ReplyDelete
  54. Something I have never seen is a kangaroo. I never knew they were that large. Great photos.
    Lisa

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Lisa: Some are very large, standing well over six feet tall.

      Delete
  55. Roos have their own built in Pogo sticks don't they?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sandra Cox: They do, and manage them better than I ever could.

      Delete
  56. Sunshine does wonders for the spirit, doesn't it? Looks like a beautiful day there. I've always been fascinated by black swans. Lovely. And love that relaxed kangaroo!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Lynn: It was a lovely day. Really lovely. White swans featured in books when I was growing up, but we never saw them. They still seem 'exotic' to me.

      Delete
  57. Whenever I see a kangaroo or hear the word "kangaroo," I start singing (in my mind, at least) "Tie me kangaroo down, sport. Tie me kangaroo down..." Smiles. I especially like that you caught one in mid-hop. Great timing.
    Be well, EC.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Rawknrobyn: Rolf Harris is not flavour of the month here, so it will be a long time before we hear his ditties again. Some places have ripped out his paintings too.
      The mid-hop photo was luck rather than management - but made me smile.

      Delete
  58. A great Sunday Selection. Loved the Kangaroos and those gorgeous black swans, pretty water scenes too. Thank you for your very kind comments regarding my father-in-law. So very much appreciated by all our family.

    ReplyDelete
  59. The kangaroos just lying around made me grin. How cool they look there just chilling. :D

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. LL Cool Joe: They 'lax really, really well don't they?

      Delete
  60. I've been watching a very interesting TV series about this thoroughly lovable man: https://kangaroosanctuary.com/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Snowbrush: He a very, very long way from me here. There are wildlife carers all over the country who look after the roos and other animals which are brought to them. Often as a result of collisions with cars. Occasionally runs in with hunters or fences or traps.
      I am in awe of the work done by carers and rehabilitators. And contribute funds to a couple of them.

      Delete
  61. Kangaroos and black swans... wonderful. The first one I cannot see here, and the black swans are quite rare. Your photos are so lovely.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. orvokki: Thank you. We love both of them - no matter how often we see them.

      Delete
  62. That's so funny about the swan paddling in the puddle, I wonder if it was warmer than the lake

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim: It had to be warmer. Probably a LOT warmer. I hope you and your daughter are doing better.

      Delete
  63. Such a great post, Sue! I am mesmerized by the kangaroos, enchanted by the black swans, and longing for the sparkly lake and sun-drenched hills. In the parlance of baseball, you knocked one out of the park!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. rhymeswithplague: Thank you. We too are enchanted and mesmerized.

      Delete