Sunday Selections #433

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.

Huge thanks to Cie who gave me this wonderful Sunday Selections image.  
  
The meme was then continued by River at Drifting through life.  Sadly she has now stepped aside (though she will join us some weeks), and I have accepted the mantle. 
 
The rules are so simple as to be almost non-existent.  Post some photos under the title Sunday Selections and link back to me. Clicking on any of the photos will make them embiggen. 
 
I usually run with a theme.  Last week was busy.  The coming week will be busy.  And the week after will be manic.

So I am sticking close to home with my photos this week.  Winter has finally arrived.  A wimpy winter, but winter just the same.  There is not a lot blooming in the garden, but both the birds and I are enjoying what there is.

Remember the tree dahlias?  The next photo shows what happens when the frost hits them.

A neighbour, who has since died, gave me this lovely iris a few years ago.  I think of him fondly each year when it blooms.  I think he would like that.

 I really like this African daisy (Osteospermum).  I like them so much I have bought (and planted) another seven in varying colours.

We have a number of grevilleas.  We like them and the birds love them.  The next photo (not very good) is of a male Eastern Spinebill.  I hope to get better photos of this charmer soon.  He is a regular visitor to the grevilleas but quick and camera shy.

There have been foggy mornings.  The dampness of the fog gave me this beauty.

Finishing with more visiting birds, beauty and sadness.

You know that I love our Sulphur Crested Cockatoos - despite them being noisy and incontinent vandals.

While this bird is healthy we have also been visited by one suffering from Beak and Feather Disease.

This disease apparently can affect all parrots though I have only seen cockatoos with it.  They lose their feathers and their beaks can grow to the extent that they can no longer eat or drink.

 

Heartbreaking isn't it?  In the past we have captured birds with the disease and taken them to the RSPCA for a quick and gentle end.  Sadly this one could still fly and evaded us.  I haven't seen him for a few days and assume he has died.

I will finish on a nicer note, with a healthy happy male King Parrot.

I hope your weeks are packed with beauty.