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. River is having some computer issues so I do hope she can join us today. 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 next few weeks I am reverting to the theme I was using this time last year - Home and Away.
Starting with home.
The progression of a sunset.
A splash of colour from the garden.
And some of the birds which have been visiting.
The king parrot (like most birds) is sadly lacking in patience. While I was hanging the apple for them she perched on the dish I carry seed out in, and shortly afterwards dived right in.
The Eastern Rosellas are also very partial to apple.
I adore Bearded Ravens and feel very privileged when they visit. They are skittish and hard to photograph but I think the final shot shows the 'beard' really well.
Photobombed...
A grubby corella.
A much sprucer version.
Then to more exciting places. HImself is still loving his trip. He is in Urumqi (link attached) at the moment before heading to Kirghistan and the Silk Road in a few days.
Knowing my love of street art he is very good and takes photos of statues on his travels.
I do love dragons.
This one surprised me a little - but made me smile. I am not a Maccas fan, and wonder whether the food is the same here as it is in other venues. And how it is received by the locals.
This is the very luxurious bed (or Kang) he was given at one of the Youth Hostels he stayed at.
He tells me it was firm but very comfortable.
And finishing with the air quality in his current location. Sigh.
The meme is now continued by River at Drifting through life. River is having some computer issues so I do hope she can join us today. 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 next few weeks I am reverting to the theme I was using this time last year - Home and Away.
Starting with home.
The progression of a sunset.
A splash of colour from the garden.
And some of the birds which have been visiting.
The Eastern Rosellas are also very partial to apple.
I adore Bearded Ravens and feel very privileged when they visit. They are skittish and hard to photograph but I think the final shot shows the 'beard' really well.
Photobombed...
A grubby corella.
Then to more exciting places. HImself is still loving his trip. He is in Urumqi (link attached) at the moment before heading to Kirghistan and the Silk Road in a few days.
Knowing my love of street art he is very good and takes photos of statues on his travels.
I do love dragons.
This one surprised me a little - but made me smile. I am not a Maccas fan, and wonder whether the food is the same here as it is in other venues. And how it is received by the locals.
This is the very luxurious bed (or Kang) he was given at one of the Youth Hostels he stayed at.
He tells me it was firm but very comfortable.
And finishing with the air quality in his current location. Sigh.
Good pictures. I like the ones of the birds.
ReplyDeleteJamie Ghione: Thank you. I spend a LOT of time each and every day watching the birds.
DeleteFrom the amazing sunrises, to the birds, to your travelling man sharing his photo's too, this really is a super selection for us again.
ReplyDeleteThank you.
All the best Jan
Lowcarb team member ~Jan: Thank you.
DeleteWhat can I say? I agree!!
Deletefishducky: And a big thank you to you too.
DeleteAmazing photos. I love the birds. I have mockingbirds who rule my house and vicinity. They chase away other birds. But I would like to create a small bird haven as you have.
ReplyDeleteI am so envious of your husband's travels. I do believe I may be a direct descendant of Marco Polo. I feel the wanderlust when I read about places almost as much as I want every plant in a garden catalog.
Cheers, I hope your day is well. Your friend Ann.
Ann Bennett: We love the birds too. Noisy, incontinent,destructive and welcome. Himself loves travelling so much that he might have been Marco Polo in a previous incarnation.
DeleteGarden catalogues? Garden porn - to which I often succumb.
I think I would be much happier staying home and watching those birds than travel and see a McDonalds! Just sayin’ :-)
ReplyDeleteBirdie: In fairness I would be very, very surprised to hear he went into the Maccas.
DeleteI like how the sunset leads into flower explosion!
ReplyDeleteStumped by the bronzes shoes in front of McDonald’s.
Sandi: Did you notice that the shoes lead away from McDonalds and not into it?
DeleteNice sunset.
ReplyDeleteSome of your bird shots are amazing. Like they should be in National Geographic or something.
Alex J. Cavanaugh: Thank you. It was a lovely sunset and I was glad to be outside revelling in it.
DeleteI love the bird photos. The parrots are incredible. The bearded ravens are smallfer than the unbearded ones we have here.
ReplyDeleteHimself is taking lots of great photos too.
Marie Smith: The bearded ravens are one of the biggest birds which visit us. And rare (and welcome) visitors. The parrots are always a joy.
DeleteI would LOVE to have a dragon bowl like that one!(I may be wrong, but I think the slips of paper floating in it are supplications.)
ReplyDeleteThe shoes in the MacD picture may be indicative of hamburger quality?
Fabulous pictures and I'll plague the poor chap with questions when he returns!
dinahmow: I would love that dragon bowl too. I suspect you are right about the supplications too. Love the comment about hamburger quality. I have some questions for him too. And will bend his ear when he returns. Feel free to add yours.
DeleteWait! I forgot to mention that raven! How remiss! Lovely images, especially as they tend to take off so suddenly.
ReplyDeletedinahmow: They are skittish aren't they? And easily spooked.
DeleteDo you suppose the grubby corella is just old? Like cats, I've noticed birds I know are older are more unkempt.
ReplyDeleteWe have ravens here. I love them, even their loud disagreements with sunrise.
Joanne Noragon: I hadn't thought of that, and you could be right. We have had a little rain and I assumed it had got grubby grovelling for feed.
DeleteI also love the corvid family. Intelligent, family minded birds. We have a small family which visits occasionally and the male (I assume) will not allow the others to land and eat until he has thoroughly scoped out the area.
Love that picture of the bearded raven. And I've been to Urumqi myself, and remember it fondly. I am so glad to see pictures of the place after all these years. And glad to know that he is still enjoying his travels. :-)
ReplyDeleteDJan: I think you are the only other person I know who has visited Urumqi. He loved the museum. And has headed off again...
DeleteWhat is that brilliant splash of pink in your garden? Looks like a cross between pigface and portulaca.
ReplyDeleteLove the bearded raven, it's the first I've ever seen outside of a book.
I'm enjoying the overseas photos and hope he brings you back some silk fabric.
River: It is a pigface. Which thrives in that spot. Cockatoos shredded some others we had planted but fortunately left this one. I have absolutely no idea what he will bring home with him, and don't even know whether silk is still manufactured on the silk road.
DeleteThe birds are beautiful...and I love the raven. My feathered family has been very vocal these past few days...regularly serenading me throughout the days. I love hearing them.
ReplyDeleteAn interesting range of photos from both home and abroad.
I hope you have a great week, EC...cuddles to Jazz. :)
Lee: Bird song is common here too. And I love it.
DeleteI hope you and the furry overlords have a wonderful week too.
It's like having a two-in-one blog! His shots were most interesting. Yours were delightful. I don't know what we'd get if we hug fruit in the trees--- probably ravens and crows. I'll think about doing it next spring.
ReplyDeleteBill: We were surprised by which birds will and won't eat apple. For some reason green apple is MUCH better than red. Thank you for your kind words about both of our photos.
DeleteReally loved your pictures, especially your sunset ones, which are stunning. I really like the statute ones too and have seen some awesome ones in India and China. The shoes in front of the McDonald's Arch was pretty cool too. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteNatalie Aguirre: Thank you. Statues are fascinating aren't they? When were you in China and India?
DeleteBeautiful pictures! I can not imagine myself taking pictures of those gorgeous birds in my backyard. A dream!!
ReplyDeleteAnd I am running out of superlatives ... : )))
Himself is having new experiences... I am sure he is loving this trip.
Be well and have an excellent weekend.
Caterina: We are so very lucky with the birds who visit. So very lucky.
DeleteHimself is having a lovely time, and is in his element.
I hope your week and weekend are lovely too.
Ohh I love the little dragon in the bowl - I am a dragon fan too, EC, and have a collection of beautiful hand-made pottery ones.
ReplyDeleteLovely skies and of course gorgeous birds. Corvids are beautiful; sadly our two native ravens both went extinct when humans arrived, and we only have introduced rooks to represent the group.
Alexia: I am not at all surprised to learn that you are a dragon and corvid lover. I am sorry that NZ lost its native ones. They are incredible birds.
DeleteBeautiful sunsets EC I love looking at sunsets, the birds are also gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteJimmy: Thank you. I am addicted to both.
DeleteCould a sunset be more beautiful? Not likely.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Janie
Janie Junebug: We are lucky, and often get glorious sunsets (and sunrises too).
DeleteEver so pretty are those parrots.
ReplyDeleteCan say I don't recall seeing a bearded raven.
Margaret-whiteangel: The bearded ravens are skittish and don't hang around people for long. And yes, the parrots are lovely.
DeleteMy favorites are the close-up of the beard, the photo bomb, and the dragon in the small pond. What a variety! The birds have obviously spread the word far and beyond about the free food in your garden. ;)
ReplyDeleteI don't know if I'd find that bed very comfortable. It looks like a plank of board.
River Fairchild: Thank you. You have picked some of my favourites too. I agree with you about the bed, but he is a luxury loving soul so if he says it was comfortable I have to accept that it was.
DeleteNice sunset photos. I don’t know why but I love to see them. They always give me great pleasure.
ReplyDeleteTreey: Thank you. I watch the skies often, and sunset (or sunrise) always please me too.
DeleteLove love love all the pictures, including those the traveler sent. Thank you for allowing me to visit your world through photos.
ReplyDeleteI love to sleep on firm surfaces as long as I have enough pillows. Growing up I slept on the floor a lot because I slept better there than in my bed.
Anne in the kitchen: I like firm surfaces too. And that bed looked luxurious as well as firm.
DeleteThe sunset photos get me like nothing else! Loved the birdie and apple one..and the birdie and beard one too...the air quality is not good anywhere on the planet I guess, but the away photos as as good as home. As always! Have a wonderful week!
ReplyDeleteNilanjana Bose: Sunset is approaching as I type, and I am already watching the sky. I am a beauty addict, and often find it looking up...
DeleteHi EC – lovely lovely sunset … while the mesembryanthemums are gorgeous; while seeing the King Parrot, the Corellas and particularly the bearded raven – he has a wonderful beard – great photo …
ReplyDeleteWhile Himself’s photos are wonderful … what an amazing part of the world to visit … incredible tales he’ll have to tell … that is a delightful dragon …
Wonderful sculptures … and yes Macs … ghastly … but it’s life … so glad the bed was comfortable, if firm … Air quality is another matter …
Thanks for sharing with us – cheers Hilary
Hilary Melton-Butcher: I am really looking forward to hearing the travellers tales. And so grateful that technology allows us to stay in touch.
DeleteFascinating pictures as always. The birds are so colourful where you live. We don't have bearded ravens here, common ones I think. Are the bearded ones intelligent as well? Your husband's shot were equally fascinating. The dragon in the fountain was interesting, but then, I have a soft spot for dragons. I wonder what the story is behind the three statues in the rain?
ReplyDeleteCarolyn McBride: The bearded ravens are VERY intelligent. And family minded. Isn't the dragon in the fountain charming? I could find a home for that one in a heart beat. And yes, the statues in the rain definitely have a story. A story about power I suspect.
DeleteLove the sunset photos. Your photos always make me smile
ReplyDeleteMason Canyon: Thank you. That is a truly lovely thing to say.
DeleteDragons rule. So do the ogres who love them.
ReplyDeleteAuthor R. Mac Wheeler: Are you calling me an ogre? Ah well. Possibly true, though not something I advertise.
DeleteYour photos are so delightful, as always. Love those birds. You live surrounded by such variety of color. I envy that. Your hubby's pics are so interesting. I like that he travels to exotic, interesting places. Thanks to you and to him for sharing.
ReplyDeleteMyrna R.: His yearning for the different has caused his family some grief over the years. His sister lived in the UK for a long time, but he refused to visit much preferring 'the road(s) less travelled'.
DeleteI enjoy your bird photos. You have introduced me to Corellas, King Parrots, Eastern Rosella's and bearded Ravens. I can see, from the last photo, how the Bearded Ravens got their name. As for your partner's travels, my goodness, the street art is beautiful. But that bed, might be a bit hard for me and all my bad joints. Himself seems to be enjoying himself immensely.
ReplyDeleteStrayer: Thank you. That beard is impressive isn't it? I think the bed was softer than it looks - he said it was very comfortable. And he is indeed enjoying himself.
DeleteLove seeing all the birds that are visiting you. So beautiful! Those flowers in your garden are also popping with color. I am always a fan of sunset or sunrise photos. Every second the colors change and more beauty is seen. :)
ReplyDeleteLooks like Himself is having a good trip. Hope the air quality gets better there!
~Jess
DMS ~Jess: He has changed countries and says the air quality is MUCH better, and that he no longer feels he could carve it.
DeleteI am always amazed at how fast the light changes at dawn and dusk - and how beautifully.
Yay! It's Sunday Selections!! I have to admit that I've become hopelessly addicted to visiting your place on Sunday. I find out all kinds of neat stuff, admire things in nature that I've never normally noticed and find new friends. I had no clue that birds eat apples, and thought they all just ate birdseed! The birds are all so lovely and the street art is phenomenal! Hugs...RO
ReplyDeleteRO: Thank you. A surprising number of our visiting birds are very fond of apple. Including a couple who are more commonly noted for liking meat. The currawongs for one...
DeleteMmm, I love an EC sunset!
ReplyDeleteJohn Wiswell: Thank you. Over the years you have seen a lot of them.
DeleteThis was the essence of a post that just keeps getting better.
ReplyDeleteOoo, a sunset. Pretty flowers. Oh! Pretty Parrot! OH MY GOD, BEARDED RAVEN! ARE YOU AT A BUDDHIST TEMPLE ON THE SILK ROAD?!?!
Robert Bennett: Himself is indeed on the Silk Road. And loving it. I am ensconced at home - but loving the bearded raven. And envying his dragons.
DeleteThis was wonderful love the photos especially of the birds.
ReplyDeleteRasma Raisters: Thank you.
DeleteI love the birds, especially the bearded raven! Our ravens don't have beards. It's getting colder here...
ReplyDeletemshatch: It is (mostly) getting warmer here. With a few cooler days thrown into the mix.
DeleteSunsets, flowers and birds, a lovely combination for your Sunday series. Very pretty! The birds always intrigue me, only seeing them in these awesome photos. I also enjoyed seeing the photos from Himself on his travels. Thanks for sharing all EC and I wish you a very happy week.
ReplyDeleteDenise inVA: Thank you. I so often post much the same things for my Sunday Selections that I feel a bit guilty. His photos always add variety though.
DeleteAbsolutely stunning EC. I love the birds, and the Buddhish temple.
ReplyDeleteBob Bushell: I wish I could have captured my black bird's plumage as well as you did yours.
DeleteI love the sunset . . . we haven't had a nice one here in quite awhile, so it was lovely to see yours, especially with the two sisters trees in the foreground. You have captured the busy nature of the birds very well. And I had no idea the bearded raven actually had feathers on its neck like that - how interesting!
ReplyDeleteThe "away pictures" are also excellent; my favourite would have to be the dragon, but there is a great deal to be seen in the rest also. I don't think I could sleep on that bed without some kind of padding!
jenny_o: Lots of our sunsets recently have been less than amazing, so that one was a treat. Bird names often leave me scratching my head (lesser this that and the other) so it is nice to find one which makes sense. I think the dragon is most people's favourite - which I told him last time I was talking to him.
DeleteThere are so many magnificent pictures here, especially the sunsets and birds, but I must say that the pictures of the shoes outside McDonald made me smile. I guess someone wanted to get out of there quickly.
ReplyDeleteStarting Over, Accepting Changes - Maybe: That is a wonderful explanation for the shoes - and one I can totally understand.
DeleteMy favorite of Himself's is the statue under the dragon - so lifelike.
ReplyDeleteAs always, I'm in awe of your ability to capture birds (and flowers, etc.) in such sharp detail.
Take care, EC.
Rawknrobyn: Thank you. I will have to ask him about the story behind that grouping. It might just be me, but I don't think it is an entirely happy tale.
DeleteI’m forever lost in the clouds.
ReplyDeleteRick Watson: I hope I never ever lose my cloud watching drive. Beautiful things.
Deletewow...I enjoyed the pretty burst of colors :)
ReplyDeleteSmall Kucing: I am glad.
DeleteYikes on the air quality. And the bed looks so firm! It's nice to see his travels. :)
ReplyDeleteLove your birds. I've never seen a Bearded Raven but you definitely got a great shot that shows how they got the name!
mail4rosey: Someday I hope to capture a really good photo of the bearded raven. In the interim I am just glad to see them.
DeleteI might be jealous of ‘himself’ if it were not for the wonderful pictures from your home. On balance, I would rather visit your garden than Urumqui just so that I could marvel at the birds and sunsets.
ReplyDeleteThe picture outside Maccas made me smile too! Hugs Barbara
Barbara Fisher: Isn't it lovely that the blogosphere allows us to do both? Armchair travel at its best.
DeleteOh my gosh, what a treasurer trove of photos. I love them all.
ReplyDeleteHave a day as colorful as your photographs.
x
Sandra Cox: Thank you. It is indeed bright and beautiful here - and I hope for the traveller too.
DeleteTwo vastly different worlds, each one a marvel! Loved seeing all of the color, design and drama from both parts of the globe.
ReplyDeletecleemckenzie: We live in a beautiful world don't we?
DeleteDear EC, such a surprise today to learn that "Himself" is away on an adventure. in China????
ReplyDeleteI so enjoy your Sunday photographs. The sunset is almost more beauty than my heart can hold. And . . . I've never before heard of a bearded raven. That final photo really did show his glorious beard.
Finally, I want to thank you always for your steadfastness in sharing with us the birds and flowers and parks and sunsets of Australia. And sometimes, there is woven within all this the sweetness that is, I think, basic to who you are. The sweet acceptance of life as it is lived. Thank you. Peace now and always and ever.
Dee: Thank you. Blushing, shufffling my feet, and thank you. He has moved on from China now and is exploring the Silk Road. Back to China for his flight home in a couple of weeks.
DeleteDear EC, is the Silk Road the road that was traveled between China and the Near East so as to sell the silk? Peace.
DeleteDee: It is. It should be completely fascinating.
DeleteThese pictures brighten up my cold monochrome world. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteJono: I am glad. When we move completely into the sweaty season I will cool down ogling the chilly beauty you share.
DeleteBirds have been on Earth far longer than man, their eyes have witnessed events from another time - we, as humans can only imagine. The Eastern Rosella looks so defiant standing like that it must be planning something! Have a great week
ReplyDeleteSpacer Guy: The Eastern Rosellas are low on the pecking order. I suspect it's stance was largely wishful thinking 'this apple is mine, all mine...' I hope your week is wonderful too.
Deletei am still so excited that there are parrots in the wild! in my corner of earth, they are exotics, kept as pets! it would be glorious to see them out and about in the garden! Lovely sunset photos, too!
ReplyDeletedaisyfaeL: Some people keep them as pets here too, but I much prefer the incontinent vandals to fly free.
DeleteI love the sky pictures!! The bird pictures are adorable! Love the bearded Raven! It is so special to see parrots in the wild! Photo bomb made me laugh! LOL! Himself took some amazing pictures! I don't know if I could sleep on a "kang"! LOL! Big Hugs!
ReplyDeleteMagic Love Crow: It is a joy to see the birds who visit us each and every day. And I am glad you enjoyed the photo bomb - it made me laugh too. He has indeed sent some wonderful photos, and I am looking forward to seeing many more when he returns.
DeleteSuch lovely photos. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteNasreen: My pleasure.
DeleteFabulous sunset shots - and how fascinating to see shots from the Silk Road.
ReplyDeleteLady Fi: There is a real romance just to the words the Silk Road isn't there? He is continuing his journey and loving it.
DeleteThat sunset is glorious.
ReplyDeleteHope your day is as well.
Sandra Cox: Thank you. And yours.
DeleteI love the way he sends you all those photos, almost as good as being there. I'd love to travel more, but I'm on my own and too nervous to go very far by myself. Plus I'm hobbling a bit and I'm scheduled for another hip surgery soon.
ReplyDeleteYour garden birds are such fun. And so colourful. And so naughty!!! I was fascinated with them when I visited Australia.
Shammickite: I hope your next hip surgery works wonders. Sadly I don't think that women can travel safely in the way he does.
DeleteIt's very kind of you to supply apple treats to your feathered friends.
ReplyDeleteAnd I love the photos he is sending. My favorite is the sculptures with the umbrella carrying people in the background.
Lynn: Green apples (which the birds prefer) are a staple on our shopping list.
DeleteI too love the photos he sends and look forward to them each time I open my email. None this morning. Which made me most unreasonably sad.
Lovely and the Skinny eye has an excellent eye too
ReplyDeleteSue in Italia/In the Land of Cancer: He does doesn't he?
DeleteGosh! Just fascinating birds and skies and travels!
ReplyDeleteCloudia: I am so grateful that the world is full of beauty and wonder.
DeleteI'm not a fan of Micky "D's" either.
ReplyDeleteI think my favorite sculpture pic was of the dragon fountain. I'd love to have one of those in the yard.
Bad air quality :(
Rick Watson: Join the queue. I think a lot of us would love to have that sculpture.
DeleteThese pictures are stunning, all of them! The sunsets. The birds. The travel pictures from Urumqi. My husband and have traveled to Braga, Portugal, and we noticed McDonald's has appeared there, too, in the heart of the historic district. (Sigh).
ReplyDeleteElizabeth Varadan, Author: Thank you. McDonalds do seem to be everywhere. Which I think is sad.
ReplyDeleteYour sunset pics are gorgeous, and so are the exotic shots your hubby sent you. The one with the McDonald's in the background intrigued me, but not because of the restaurant. (And yes, I DO use the term lightly.) I'm fascinated by the sculpture of the shoes in the middle of the walkway. Very interesting!
ReplyDeleteHave a super weekend!
Susan: I was intrigued too. And liked the various reasons for those shoes which readers here speculated about...
Delete