Wet and Aggressive Corella challenges Magpie

Wet and Aggressive Corella challenges Magpie

Sunday 6 August 2017

Sunday Selections #339

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?  Some photos (with more to come later) from a day-trip we took last week.  Himself often complains (with some justification) that we never go anywhere.  So we headed some 200 kilometres (124 miles) away to the Japanese Gardens at Cowra.


In my usual restrained fashion I took literally hundreds of photos.  This week I am going to mostly focus on ducks and koi - and will put up a post about the gardens themselves next week some time.  (We haven't forgotten Tidbinbilla and will get back there soon.)




Even in winter, with very little in bloom the gardens are beautiful.  Sculptural.  Architectural.  Lovely.


The 'fruit' in this tree is Crested Pigeons.






The koi were enormous.  And challenged the ducks (and each other) quite forcefully for food.





Many of our native birds are not particularly musical.  The magpie (and the currawong) are exceptions to that rule.


See what I mean about the sculptural quality to the gardens?




A red-rumped parrot (aka bum bird) showing how it gets its name.





And the serenity of 'more typical' Japanese gardens. 

It really is a lovely place and we were lucky with the weather too.  Clear skies, no wind and cool enough for walking to be pleasant but by no means cold. 

149 comments:

  1. I love your photos mainly Japanese garden

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  2. Beautiful, beautiful pictures and park!
    I keep forgetting it is winter there. When you mention it is winter I am always expecting to see 10 or more centimeters of snow on the ground!!
    Summer here, winter there!!! Hope I will not forget from now on.
    I liked the fruits of that tree!! And the fish (which in one picture looked like they have a human face) are quite impressive and intimidating!

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    1. Caterina: We very rarely get snow which sticks. Nearby (60 miles away) is expecting a big dump in the next day or so though. I can hope.
      I hope summer is treating you well.

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  3. Fabulous place, EC! And those koi are definitely huge. The gentle Japanese gardens are very peaceful, too. I love visiting your part of the world. :-)

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    1. DJan: As I do yours. My ambles are much less energetic than your hikes though.

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  4. Japanese gardens are always such a treat to see. Beautiful pictures, EC!

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    1. Birdie: They are soothing aren't they? I hope you and your husband are doing better.

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  5. Hi EC, how wonderful is the gardens, so ducks and fishes. I love them all.

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  6. The ground cover is lovely. When the ground cover in my garden is that fine, I could walk away in peace.

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    1. Joanne Noragon: I suspect it takes a small army to keep the gardens going. Even in winter there was a man waist-deep in the ponds pruning the overhanging growth.

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  7. Well, that was a nice outing!
    Is that first duck an amputee, or just resting a leg?

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    1. dinahmow: We weren't sure. It didn't stop 'resting' that leg while we watched. But appeared totally unbothered by it.

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  8. Lots of birds there. Is that first duck one-legged?

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  9. Replies
    1. e: It is lovely and almost all of it is wheelchair accessible too. There are some parts where the path is wide enough but the angles may be too steep.

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  10. It is so manicured and beautiful, EC. Agreat place to visit and take hundreds of photos.

    If I get a few good photos out of hundreds I take every excursion, I am happy.

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    1. Marie Smith: I don't do manicured gardens myself - but love looking at them. Aren't digital cameras a boon? Take a kazillion photos and discard the rubbish.

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  11. My landlords have a couple of large water lily= covered fish ponds up at their end of this property and the wood ducks love them.

    I hope you have a wonderful week ahead, EC. Cuddles to Jazz. :)

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    1. Lee: We have wood ducks nearby too. I love them. Such pretty birds.
      I hope that you and your furry overlords have a much better week. Last week was a shocker and the pain will probably linger.

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  12. Looks like a lovely place to visit. The duck shots are so pretty. The koi look very big! Glad you were able to make the trip. :)
    ~Jess

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    1. DMS ~Jess: We were glad we went too. And won't leave it so long before returning.

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  13. Beautiful gardens! Very peaceful and restful looking. I'd be expecting hordes of people there. The koi are huge!

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    1. River Fairchild: On weekends I expect there are lots more people there. And when the spring blossoms come out. We went mid-week and thoroughly enjoyed the dearth of humans.

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    2. "...dearth of humans." Love it. You could even leave out the "r." ;)

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    3. River Fairchild: Don't tempt me.

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  14. Stunning photos, and beautiful to see, thanks for sharing.

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  15. I do love a zen garden, contemplating the peacefulness as I sit here.

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    1. Linda Starr: It emanates peacefulness doesn't it?

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  16. Peacefulness is the perfect word! Someday, the tide will turn and Koi will defeat the ducks.

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    1. Susan Kane: I am not certain that the tide hasn't already turned. The koi were doing very well for themselves.

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  17. A stunning photo exposay. (the adventures of two duck in a Japanese garden)

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    1. Martin Kloess: Twenty-two ducks, 222 koi. And a few people.

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  18. What a wonderful place and brilliant photos. I want to there......now!

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    1. Andrew: It is a lovely place and there are many, many more photos to come.

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  19. Replies
    1. Bill: It is a wonderful place. Even in winter.

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  20. Really lovely. japanese gardens are always a delight - calming and peaceful.

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    1. Alexia: They are - and we all need some calm and peace in our lives.

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  21. 124 miles?? that's a heck of a day trip! And worth every mile. I always enjoy Japanese gardens, they're usually so peaceful. We have one here in Adelaide, but I haven't been there in years.

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    1. River: It was a long day - and made even longer because someone refused to stop for so much as a cuppa. It was also lovely.

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  22. I'm with River - that's a hefty day trip! But I can see why you went. Such unusual and beautiful landscaping and critters. I'm glad to hear you took lots of pictures and will share more with us in due time. I would love to know how they rake the gravel and get no footprints in it!

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    1. jenny_o: I assume that the rake for the gravel is very long - and admire the skill of the wielders. It is a lovely place and there is a part of me that thinks that winter, when the bones of the garden are on display is one of the best times to visit.

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  23. Wow the ducks did seem to fight koi for the food! Btw I love your restrained photo taking lol

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    1. Kim Standard: I am always restrained. Except when I am not. The ducks and the koi behaved as if they were starved. Both were strangers to the truth.

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  24. So glad you took that trip and shared with us. At first I thought the koi had a human face until I saw more of them. Such beautiful gardens and so peaceful.

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    1. Glenda Council Beall: They did look human in some shots didn't they? I am glad I wasn't alone in thinking that way.

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  25. It's great that you took such a rewarding day trip, Sue. These gardens are gorgeous. Japanese gardens are always so zen. Love the raked gravel and the overall sculptured quality. Love the ducks, too. Altogether a wonderful Sunday selection.

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    1. Denise Covey - Author: The gardens are lovely aren't they? I couldn't grow or maintain anything like them, but bow to the masters.

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  26. I went to the Japanese gardens at Cowra over 20 years ago and remember wondering why I had wanted to. I suspect I was not mature enough to fully appreciate them. It looks lovely!

    I'm glad you made the effort for that day trip, maybe next time you can get a cuppa :)

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    1. kylie: Twenty years ago they may have been quite different. I suspect that they will continue to improve with time.
      If I had the brains I was born with I would have taken lunch and something to drink. His aversion to eating away from home is not new. Sometimes he will make exceptions - reluctantly.

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  27. It looks like a good battle between the ducks and koi for the food, just goes to show how the koi grew so large.

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    1. Jimmy: At first I thought there were no koi there. And then the food appeared and they materialised. It was a moot point which of them were hungriest...

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  28. Such good photographs. People will often stare and wonder why anyone takes so many pics. Welcome to the world of the snapper!

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    1. Treey Stynes: People can stare all they want. Indeed I will usually not notice them. Mind you, when I went to Antarctica I took less photos than many people (though still a lot). I made a conscious decision to put down the camera and savour the moment.

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  29. Lovely shots , a nice quite place to spend o few hours.
    Merle.................

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    1. Merlesworld: It is a very peaceful spot to let the world go by.

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  30. Hi EC - I had a quick look a the history of Cowra - and thus learnt the origins of the Gardens and how they're now ceded to Japan. They do look stunning ... so I'm not surprised you took a trip to visit them - and then had a glorious day being able to wander around taking in the gardens, their beauty and serenity and peacefulness ... those Koi are huge aren't they - the pond must be fairly large ... cheers Hilary

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    1. Hilary Melton-Butcher: The ponds must be deeper than they look, because the koi have grown to a huge sizes. I will talk more about the origins of the garden in the next post, but love that out of tragedy beauty was created.

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  31. Ducks versus fish. Is that a first I wonder?
    Sometimes the male species leaves a lot to wonder about? I know I do about the one I live with 😊

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    1. Cathy: I suspect the ducks versus fish battle goes on in one form or another world wide. You are right about the male of the species but he would say that females are also guilty.

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  32. Dear EC
    While I really admire the time, effort and knowledge that a Japanese garden needs, it isn't a style I am drawn to(not enough flowers for me!). I do love the hummocky shapes in your photos though - perhaps elements are starting to grow on me!
    Looking forward to the next photos.
    Best wishes
    Ellie

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    1. Ellie Foster: I suspect that those hummocky shapes would delight you later in the year. Quite a lot of them are carefully shaped azaleas and in bloom they would be a very dramatic sight.

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  33. Hurrah for good weather when we're out and about. I'm surprised the duck and koi are so together like that when they're both aggressive for the food!

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    1. mail4rosey: I don't think that the ducks or the koi were going to let the other one get a 'free ride'.

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  34. This is a garden I could spend hours. Thank you for sharing all these super photos EC.

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    1. Denise inVA: We did spend a couple of hours happily wandering - and will go back.

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  35. It looks like a lovely place :)

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  36. I don't think I can ever get over all the birds you have where you live. I ADORE birds and all I've got are sparrow, pigeons, and a scattering of ducks.

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    1. Robert Bennett: I have an avian obsession and see them everywhere. We also have sparrows, and pigeons. Ducks I have to leave the house to see.

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  37. Replies
    1. Sue in Italia/In the Land of Cancer: It is. Given how much I enjoy them, I really need to visit more gardens.

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  38. So beautiful. I enjoy that you take us along on these trips through your wonderful photos. Thanks for sharing. :)

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    1. Mason Canyon: I am very happy to take my blogging friends along with me. And thinking of you all helps me focus on the beauties which fill our world.

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  39. So serene and calming. I wonder if the koi ever try to bite the duck's legs.

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    1. Shammickite: I suspect the koi do nibble on duck leg and am certain that the ducks gobble up baby koi when they can.

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  40. Beautiful pictures. I've never heard of the red-rumped parrot until now. Very interesting.

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    1. Jamie Ghione: The red-rumped parrots are fairly shy birds and not as well known as many of our species. They are lovely though.

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  41. You certainly travelled a few miles, but, I so enjoyed seeing all of your photo's.
    Thank you.

    All the best Jan

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    1. Lowcarb team member ~Jan: It was a long (and tiring) day but worth it. So very worth it.

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  42. What beautiful gardens and the weather looked perfect.I love the close up shots of the ducks in the green coloured water. They look like they are sitting on glass.

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    1. LL Cool Joe: The weather WAS perfect. Last time we visited the gardens it was summer. They were still beautiful but I was a sad, soggy and grumpy mess before we had seen a fraction of them.

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  43. Wonderful photos. Love the gardens and the birds.

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  44. Those are big hungry coi! I love the meticulous sand sculpting in Japanese gardens. Looks like a nice place to spend time!

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    1. Strayer: The koi and the ducks insisted they were starving. The evidence suggests they were liars.

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  45. Once again your photos are beautiful. We have many many birds here with beautiful voices, but they are nowhere near as beautiful to look at as your birds. I guess I should be glad I at least have a feast for my ears, but I do find myself looking at the birds here and comparing them to your gorgeous creatures.

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    1. Anne in the kitchen: I drool over rather a lot of birds from your side of the world. And waking at four oclock to the sound of an asthmatic wattle bird cough is not a joy. I love seeing them, but...

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  46. Hello, Day trips are wonderful and we try to take as many as possible. This is a lovely place, nature, critters, what more could you ask for. I'm a tree person too, and those groomed shrubs (?) not sure what they are but they are beautiful! Enjoy your week.

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    1. Karen S.: I prefer shorter day trips than this one - but am glad we went. And couldn't have asked for more.

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  47. I took a walk this evening and I stopped to admire some ducks. I have been watching the ducklings grow. I have always been intrigued by Japanese Gardens.

    How are you EC?

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    1. Truedessa: Watching ducklings grow would be a treat. I am ok - thank you for asking. Still in a dark place, but I can see some light again.

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  48. I love the styling of Japanese gardens. Such intricate designing and attention to detail goes in it.

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    1. Nas: I love them too. I couldn't/wouldn't attempt it but love to look.

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  49. I loved this post, thank you so much for sharing the photos. I’m a bit soft on ducks so photos of them always make my day. :)

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    1. Barbara Fisher: I love ducks too - and am not surprised you do. There are some really lovely ones in the UK.

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  50. All lovely. I could sit in that Japanese garden for hours.

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    1. cleemckenzie: It was delightful - and there were lots of seats to just sit and soak in the beauty.

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  51. So lovely! Could have stayed there for hours drinking in all that beauty EC. Thanks for such great pics! Hugs...RO

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    1. RO: There is more to come. Much more. A place to drown in the beauty.

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  52. Oh my, EC. These were wondrous. I felt like I was right there with you and loved it!

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    1. Sandra Cox: I am glad that you enjoyed our outing. Very glad.

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  53. Dear EC, I'm so glad you captured the duck standing on one leg/foot. He/she looked like a sculpture. A lovely piece of architecture in the garden. Thank you for all--those koi love to eat don't they! Peace.

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    1. Dee: I hope the duck did have two feet, but didn't see the other. It did look sculptural didn't it - which fitted the gardens.

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  54. Hello EC, may I please ask a favour of you?
    I've tried to put comments on Delores blog but they don't seem to be going through!!!
    Can you try and comment on my behalf and ask her to check her spam folder please.
    With many grateful thanks.

    All the best Jan

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    1. EC ... I saw your comment on the low carb blog and have since managed to successfully comment on Delores blog,
      Many thanks for your help with this.

      I think our blogging community is great.

      All the best Jan

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    2. Lowcarb team member ~Jan: It was my pleasure and I am glad you can comment again. The warmth and support of the blogosphere blows me away.

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  55. Wow. I think I'm more impressed by the landscaping and man/woman-made works that took great thoughtfulness. But yikes! Those koi are enormous.
    I enjoyed it all.
    Have a pleasant week, EC.

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    1. Rawknrobyn: I was super impressed at the landscaping too - and will devote a post to it.

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  56. Just beautiful. I'm so glad you're a fabulous photographer and share your work here. Hope you have a great week :)

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    1. Carol Kilgore: Thank you. I hope your week is wonderful too.

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  57. So many beautiful birds. Love all of your photos. Your pictures remind of two things. I watched a YouTube video of fish who wanted physical interaction with the human--as in it wanted to be touch. It looked like a Koi, but might have been a Cichlid??? or something. So amazing. The other thing is your picture of the pigeons in the trees. I love buzzards (vultures) for some reason. My sister snapped a shot one morning of a few trees filled with turkey buzzards. So cool.

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    1. T Powell Coltrin: I know the theory is that fish have no memory, but it is so very wrong. I have read of fish ringing a bell to call to people to feed them. And love the thought of them wanting closer interaction. We don't have buzzards or vultures but they are fascinating birds - with an important job to do.

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  58. Those gardens are beautiful - as are your photos.

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    1. Lady Fi: Thank you. There will be many more photos from here.

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  59. oh wow.. I was there just after it opened and have thought about going back... maybe next spring would be a good time to go.. thanks for your great photographic reminder

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    1. Anna: It would be lovely in Spring. Or when the myriad of azaleas are in bloom. Last time we went it was summer - and hot.

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  60. Your photos compose a meditation in themselves. Thanks so much for bringing us along. I really needed it. You are remarkable.

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    1. Geo.: Thank you. I think we all need an oasis of peace and calm (and beauty) from time to time. I know I do.

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  61. Beautiful Japanese garden. There is serenity and peace.
    Hugs

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    1. orvokki: Thank you. There were definitely both of those things.

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  62. All so beautiful. Love the Koi pond and always wanted one in my yard.

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    1. Granny Annie: I would really, really like a water feature in our yard too. I suspect it won't happen.

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  63. That looks like a nice somewhere to go!

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    1. Lynn: It is. Very nice. Hopefully we won't leave such a long gap between visits.

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  64. Wow! Gorgeous photos! The ducks and birds are lovely! And the japanese gardens are really wonderful!

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    1. sonia a. mascaro: Thank you. We really did have a lovely day.

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  65. Great images as ever. Wish I could ask a bird about that standing on one leg thing. Looks awkward and precarious for little if any benefit to me, but then I am not a bird.

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    1. Andrew Maclaren-Scott: I couldn't do it, but the bird in question looked totally 'laxed. I am not certain whether it had another leg - I never saw it.

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  66. That Red-rumped Parrot is gorgeous.

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    1. Sandra Cox: They are. Small birds, but very, very beautiful.

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  67. Seems like you go to an awful lot of lovely places. I would buy your photos, they are that good.

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    1. Riot Kitty: We don't go out anywhere near enough (by his standards) but do go to some amazing places. A kite festival this weekend.
      And thank you re the photos.

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  68. As in the first couple of pics, I tried the one- legged stance in my morning yoga routine. I didn't have nearly the success:)

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    1. Sandra Cox: The one legged stance I can perfect - so long as I have something to hold on to.

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  69. Do koi typically grow that large? I don't think I've ever seen them get so big (or bright) in person. I love how they contrast against the water.

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    1. John Wiswell: They can get very large, but I don't often see them this big. Perfect conditions for them I suppose.

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  70. They look like gardens that would be worth visiting even from Melbourne!

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    1. Kim: I suspect they would be. A long drive, but worth it. And there were lots of birds too. Including superb fairy wrens.

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