Wet and Aggressive Corella challenges Magpie

Wet and Aggressive Corella challenges Magpie

Sunday 14 August 2016

Sunday Selections #289

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.  This week has been a bit 'more of the same'.  I have been marvelling at the sky, the birds, the garden.  Which is where most of this week's photos come from.  Next week (depending on today's outing) will be different.


Jewel bless her black heart also features.  Not only does she love boxes, the laundry basket is one of her favourite spots too (full or empty).


Then to some birds I don't often feature.


A Magpie Lark - which I previously knew as a pee-wee.



Silver-eyes gorging on pieces of the apple that bigger birds had discarded.  Silver-eyes are tiny, and move faster than greased lightening.



 And some Currawongs - who delight in apple and can scoff one in a very, very short period of time.
 Currawongs might not be the most beautiful bird who visits but I adore their song.  This link will take you to a brief recording of it.

And back to the sky.


And finishing off in the garden again.


A lachenalia


Remember those two daffodils which were in bud last week?



Wall flowers.


More of the wattle comes out each day.

 I hadn't noticed until I looked into the centre of this very grubby cape daisy how many colours it contains...

118 comments:

  1. Wow....love the bird photos...
    and the flowers are gorgeous, but being a cat lover myself, I must say my favorite image is the fur baby!! Beautiful golden eyes.

    I'm here visiting from your comment link you left at Cloudia's

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anni: Welcome and thank you. I am obsessed with birds, cats, gardens and books - among other things.

      Delete
    2. Cloudia: And the sky, how could I forget that...

      Delete
  2. great photos. I love the magpie different from Polish one. Greetings from Europe

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gosia k: Welcome to you too, I have often seen you visiting Andrew. Our magpies are indeed different to yours, and both are different to the American ones.

      Delete
  3. Ahhh...currawongs.I miss them. Love your wallflower, too.All of it!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. dinahmow: We have a very large family group visiting at the moment. Up to a dozen at a time. Which can be deafening, and is lovely.

      Delete
    2. dinahmow: When the whole family is here they are camera wary, but I will see what I can do.

      Delete
  4. The cat in love with her washing, ha ha. And the birds, love them.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Bob Bushell: Boxes or bags, Jewel loves them all. And would like a bird of her own too.

      Delete
  5. Nice mixed theme in your SS today EC. I have always called pee wees such. I hope it is still PC to do so.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. carol in cairns: We still call them pee wees as well. And magpie larks. I also gather in some part of Oz they are mud-larks. Which we don't call them.

      Delete
    2. Are they what we call piping shrikes?

      Delete
    3. River: I gather in your state they are Murray magpies.

      Delete
  6. Gorgeous! Love the plants and animals in your garden. You have such a variety of birds there. I would be in heaven!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Marie Smith: We spend a LOT of time watching the birds. Each and every day. As I type there are four or five species visiting, most of them native.

      Delete
  7. You're very chirpy this bright Sunday morning, EC!
    I still call pee-wees "pee-wees"....I've never known then as any other name...so for me pee-wees they shall remain.

    Nice to see Jewel is your laundry lady!

    I hope you have a great week...cuddles to your two Js. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Lee: Jewel does no laundry, other than her own. Which she considers more than enough.
      A great week to you and your furry overlords too.

      Delete
  8. Jewel was a real sow stopper. Then I got to the last picture and I thought, "Well composed."

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Martin Kloess: Jewel thanks you. She is usually in the shadow of Jazz who is bigger, meaner, and likes the camera. He is also beautiful.

      Delete
  9. My guess she never actually lifts a paw to help with the laundry.

    Those birds are loud! How often do birds wake you up in the morning?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Birdie: Currawongs are loud. And when you have a group of up to a dozen singing, they are very loud. The birds wake me less often than the cats though. You are right about Jewel's paws staying away from actually helping...

      Delete
  10. I love all your photos, but especially the one of Jewel and the sky. Hope you have a lovely weekend.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mason Canyon: Thank you. And Jewel thanks you too.

      Delete
  11. You have such a tremendous selection of birds in your yard! I'd say count yourself fortunate but I know you already do.
    It's a good thing it was Jewel giving you that baleful look. I'd be stepping back if it were Jazz glaring at me like that. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. River Fairchild: If Jazz was giving me that look my blood would be shed. Soon. And in quantity. While he purred.

      Delete
  12. Wish you could have seen my Frankie pup when she heard the Currawongs song.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Grannie Annie: I would have love to have seen Frankie when she heard a currawong for the first time. I am guessing she wasn't impressed.

      Delete
  13. That first sky picture is stunning.
    Currawongs resemble ravens or black birds just a bit.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Alex J. Cavanaugh: They do, but their song takes them to a class of their own.

      Delete
  14. I saw a cute cat video about the Cat Olympics where they try to get themselves in smaller and smaller boxes. Jewel might be a candidate. And I will now go back to listen to that Currawong song. :-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. DJan: Jewel would be a gold medal contender. At least. I do hope you like the Currawong song.

      Delete
  15. Your kitty is adorable and it seems as if you caught him off guard.
    And the sky picture is PERFECT!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sonya Ann: Jewel, like me, HATES having her photo taken.

      Delete
  16. Jewel and the song of the Curr- a- watsis are my faves today. You are in great form with this excellent post!

    ReplyDelete
  17. Dear EC
    For such a malevolent looking bird, the Currawong has a wonderful song. Your garden is looking very Spring-like and Jewel is looking simply beautiful!
    What a lovely mix of things in this post.
    Best wishes
    Ellie

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ellie Foster: The currawongs are carnivores, who here at least, LOVE apple. And guard it from other birds. And isn't their song a joy?

      Delete
  18. Jewel has the prettiest eyes, windows of the soul and all that. Enjoyed your birds also, and those pretty flowers.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. DeniseinVA: Jewel is a very pretty and gentle girl. Mostly. She is an earring thief though, and death on acorns.

      Delete
  19. My cats are big laundry basket fans, too. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Snoskred: Only one of ours is, but she is a big enough fan for both of them. He bats at her from the outside.

      Delete
  20. Thank you for the link to the currawong's song - lovely! Yet another bird which hasn't made it across the Tasman. We do have silvereyes, though - Heaps of them. It's interesting to see a lachenalia, too, as I haven't seen one for many years.

    Happy week to you and yours, EC!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Alexia: My garden is full of 'old-fashioned' flowers. I am not a follower of fashion in any arena. Isn't it interesting that the tiny silvereyes have made the trip and the currawongs, who look more capable, haven't?

      Delete
    2. It is - although it may mean that they have been around since both countries were part of one continent...

      Delete
    3. Alexia: And it is still interesting that such a tiny bird survived, when bigger things didn't...

      Delete
  21. Oh, goodness, EC - that beautiful shot of the twin sister trees and the pink sky - you could frame that, it's so lovely.

    And I so enjoyed the different birds - especially the tiny silver-eyes.

    Jewel is a sweetheart. I'm glad she does not like to attack you like someone else with a J name does. She is probably well protected from his claws when she's in the basket, I'd guess.

    Beautiful shots all around. Your late winter is much different from ours.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. jenny_o: Spring is muscling in fast. I don't think it will be long now. Jewel isn't safe in the basket. Jazz attacks through it. And knocks it over. She runs fast though (and hides behind me). And, as I have mentioned is skilled at taking his ear in her mouth, biting down hard and shrieking 'he is hurting me' until someone rescues her.

      Delete
    2. It's good that she has some recourse!

      Delete
    3. jenny_o: She is not helpless by any means. And in a low key way has drawn his blood before now.

      Delete
  22. Currawongs I never heard before. I could mistake them for blackbirds. Surprising to me is the richness of flora and fauna.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. rosaria williams: How are you feeling? Better I hope. Currawongs could be mistaken for blackbirds I suppose - until they burst into song.

      Delete
  23. Birds are natures chatterboxes, but their light hearted squabbling and birdsong is always welcome in my garden.
    Merle..........

    ReplyDelete
  24. We don't have much of the golden wattles out yet, the paler lemon ones are always first. I'm reminded now that I keep forgetting to buy wallflowers for my garden.
    Angel used to love sleeping in my smallest laundry basket, but he doesn't go near it now. He prefers the mat by the front door, which means I have to leave the door open so he can see out, even on freezing days :(
    The currawong is a lovely sound. I had a magpie sing to me Friday morning on my way to the bus stop. That lovely lilting tone which I hear so rarely. Are they related? Currawongs and magpies?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. River: They aren't (as far as I know) related, but both sing beautifully. And when I went to Antarctica I knew I was home when I heard a magpie.
      We don't have many of the lovely lemon wattles. Most of ours are the Cootamundra wattle which is an emphatic gold.

      Delete
  25. It is so beautiful to see all the wattle coming out across so much of the country. I love this time of year.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. CountryMum: I do too. And hope that you (and we) get some more rain as well.

      Delete
  26. It's nice to see different birds which are there. Although I do not even know so well all the birds that are here :)
    Currawongs looks very angry.. :)
    The sky is a charming looking.
    Nice, there will be flowers, which we already have bloomed out. We look forward to the autumn, and now it has been raining all day long two days.
    Have a nice week.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. orvokki: The appearance is deceptive. The currawongs are devoted family minded birds, and love their apple.
      Have a wonderful week.

      Delete
  27. Not only great birds visit your garden but you have lovely flowers growing. You cat is gorgeous Sue. Have a wonderful Sunday.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Margaret Adamson: Thank you - and a wonderful week to you.

      Delete
  28. As Wikipedia says, we know the bird as a mudlark but I have also heard it called a mud jay. Silver Eyes are wonderful to watch and the call of the Currawong, second only to the warbling of magpies. Jewel really has such beautiful colouring.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Andrew: I can never decide whether I prefer the magpie warble to the currawong song. Luckily we get both.

      Delete
  29. Hi EC - wonderful to see .. the little Silver Eyes, then the song of the Currawongs - beautiful to hear: though that Currawong wasn't that happy about the rain apparently!

    The flowers and plants and nature - fun to see and to appreciate ... cheers Hilary

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hilary Melton-Butcher: I get a lot from nature. Healing, solace and delight.

      Delete
  30. You do good work. The cat we had after we married many years ago would hide in the clothes dryer if we left it open. We made it a point to chech before turning it on.
    R

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Rick Watson: We have never had a cat who hid in the dryer, but there are a number of hidey-holes here. The wardrobe is a prime favourite. Which contributes to the patina of cat fur which decorates all of our clothing.

      Delete
  31. All those fascinating birds - like opening a box of chocolates that I've never tasted before:)
    And it's Spring where you are! Delicious,cool Spring:)
    Thanks for sharing the beauty from your window in the world,
    Jennifer

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jennifer Richardson: This box of chocolates fills me with joy on a regular basis. No calories either.
      Spring is indeed pretty much here.

      Delete
  32. Another reason I do NOT believe in Noah and the flood. HOW did so many beautiful birds end up in one place? Why is it, I wonder, that Australia has for free what so many cruel people purchase elsewhere and keep in a cage.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. lotta joy: Sadly some oxygen thieves here cage birds too. Greed. And ignorance. You have some birds I would dearly love to see as well. There is feathered enchantment all over the world.

      Delete
  33. Actually, the laundry basket is one of my favorite hangouts, too! Jewel had the right idea. Beautiful flowers!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. cleemckenzie: I much prefer the laundry basket empty. Which it rarely is.

      Delete
  34. What a beautiful picture of Jewel. :) Cats are so much fun.

    Love all the photos! The birds are so interesting and the flowers too. Thanks for sharing!
    ~Jess

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. DMS ~ Jess: Thank you. I am very fond of both of our rescue cats.

      Delete
  35. Love the Currawongs song! And the wallflower is beautiful :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. mshatch: Isn't that song a joy? We hear it often, and always smile. The wallflower has plans for world domination, but is so pretty it stays.

      Delete
  36. My hub and I are really getting into birdwatching, so I really love seeing your birds! So different from those around here!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dawn@Lighten Up!: Birdwatching has become an obsession here. And I love being able to ogle birds world-wide through the magic of the blogosphere.

      Delete
  37. I want to hang out at your house and see birds and flowers.

    ReplyDelete
  38. I just love your area and I must admit that I want to pick up that cat and hug it!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ginger Dawn Harman: She is huggable, but you would have to be quick. She is very shy.

      Delete
  39. The names of birds, animals and places in Australia are curious and mysterious and exotic sounding to me. Like the Currawong. I love that name.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Strayer: It is a musical name isn't it? And a musical call.

      Delete
  40. I listened to the currawong recording, what a musical sound! Could you catch a currawong for me, please, parcel it up and send it to me? I'd like to have it singing in my back yard every day.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Shammickite: At the moment we have a large family group of currawongs visiting - up to a dozen at a time. The choir is spectacular. And a joy.

      Delete
  41. The silver-eyes have *the* most beautiful, green feathers!

    ReplyDelete
  42. What sweet shots of your cat and of nature.

    ReplyDelete
  43. Robins are cousins of the Silver-eyes. What amazes me is how easily these creatures trust humans, especially gardeners and will hop right up to you so they can catch a bite to eat. I've seen it happen dozens of times.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Spacer Guy: And isn't it a privilege when a wild thing trusts you that way...

      Delete
  44. I am so glad that you marvel at nature. I marvel at the diversity of birds and flowers that love your garden. And Jewel is a jewel no matter where she cuddles up. Thank you for these pictures. They really do brighten my da.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Myrna R.: You always say the nicest things. This morning we were blessed to receive a visit from two birds we virtually never see. Despite the fact that they ripped significant parts from a tree we are both still smiling broadly. Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoos!!! If any of the photos turn out they will feature next week.

      Delete
  45. Our cat (way back when) used to love making herself comfortable on the newly dryed and warm laundry - in the basket too.

    I love your colorful pictures.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Rawknrobyn: Cats are supreme opportunists. Warm laundry is theirs by right. Just ask them.

      Delete
  46. Wow...Love all the birds and flowers here, brighten my viewing considerably after an active weekend that has left me a bit tired and physical therapy which always does...this is the only way I have of taking a walk with you, so thanks! How are you?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. e: Physical therapy IS tiring isn't it? But so is pain. I hope your back issues are easing. I am glad to brighten your day. I am a bit overwhelmed but starting to see glimmers of light at the end of the tunnel.

      Delete
  47. Always happy for another glimpse of your sky. It's almost like you got a better one than I did, even though we share the same planet.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. John Wiswell: Nah, the sky is a joy everywhere. I hope you are having a wonderful time at the Con.

      Delete
  48. I didn't know there were really wallflowers. I guess I should have though, most nicknames or sayings have drived from something real. :)

    Love the photos. The kitty in the hamper made me smile. They do find little secure places, don't they? Our cat can find the most amazingly samall places to curl up in when we have company over. He's learning to trust people (we got him old and injured...he has only one eye) but we love him so. And slowly, he's coming about. I had my granddaughter for the weekend and he even came out a bit for her to love on him, which she did delightfully and very gently (her mama taught her well, they have a cat of their own). ;)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. mail4rosey: I am so glad that your rescue cat is learning to trust people. Ours aren't, but we love them anyway. As I type one of them is sitting beside me, peacefully napping. Which isn't fair since he got me up.

      Delete
  49. ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

    I love those currawongs. Cool birds. I want some here in Florida.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Author R. Mac Wheeler: Isn't their call special? I will feature another delightful bird call in the coming weeks.

      Delete
  50. I love Jewel looking up at you like that. My kitty Cleo used to love the laundry hamper. I kept the litter box in the laundry room when I had cats. One day she jumped into the full laundry basket and proceeded to pee into it - with me standing there watching her with my mouth open. I was so aghast I couldn't talk for a moment. She did it a couple more times - all I could think was, keep that litter box very clean.

    Beautiful flowers - spring has sprung there or is about to, seems like.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Lynn: We have had cats who used their bladder to chastise us. The late lamented Medlyn used to march down to the bathroom, pull the towels from the rail and piddle on them if he thought we were talking on the phone too long. And he defiled visitors suitcases if they left their bedroom door open.
      Spring is well on her way.

      Delete
  51. That first picture of the bird - is it a pigeon?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Haddock: While we get pigeons (by the dozen) that first bird is a pee wee or magpie lark. Smaller and less numerous.

      Delete
  52. Beautiful blossoms! It's so lovely to see such colour in your pictures EC, sprinkled with birds. I shall take a much closer look at daisies from now on, thank you for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim: Thank you. I am so glad that blogger allowed you to comment today.

      Delete
  53. That maggie lark is magnificent :) as is that amazing sky

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Optimistic Existentialist: I am very fond of them both.

      Delete
  54. I nearly missed this post. Love the animal shots.

    ReplyDelete