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. On Thursday of this week the morning was foggy and fairly chilly.
Our restrictions are easing now so several hours later we headed down to the lake. A long awaited trip to the lake. It was wonderful (though I could have done without the strange and fairly needy woman who bent my ear albeit at a socially safe distance). Like me, she loves that piece of the lake's foreshore but I was not ready to discuss the meaning of life with a perfect stranger in that beautiful space. I did, however, enjoy being introduced to her canary Chloe. Chloe didn't like the lockdown either, so my new acquaintance took her down to the lake for an outing.
In my usual minimalist fashion quite a lot of photos follow.
An Australian Straw-Necked Ibis which I 'think' are different to bin chickens which are typically our white ibis.
The kangaroos (and there were several mobs) were totally 'laxed and pretty much ignored us.
I am (of course) a fan of both our black swans and the Australasian Darter which had its wings spread to soak up the last of the sun.
This silver gull (often referred to as a seagull) has almost certainly never seen the sea.
It really is a lovely place, and the wildlife is a bonus.
I hope all of you find peace and beauty in the week to come.
Very interesting wild life over there. Like the kangaroos.
ReplyDeletegigi-hawaii: Quite a lot of our wildlife is definitely interesting (and unusual). We like the kangas too and I quite often demand a roo fix.
DeleteIt is wonderful to be able to go to a park again, preferably one with a body of water.
ReplyDeleteThe marsupials were having a relaxing time… as usual!
Have a great week!
Caterina: It was definitely wonderful to be able to go down to the lake again. Kangaroos relax really, really well - but can spring into action astonishingly fast.
DeleteI love a good foggy morning!
ReplyDeleteThe walk there looks gorgeous, but those kangaroos take me back over 60 years to my first visit to a zoo, when I got quite upset that the kangaroos were just sitting about and not bouncing around as they ought to!
John "By Stargoose And Hanglands": You would often be upset at these kangaroos. We rarely see them 'bounce' and when they do it is usually short lived. I am a fog fan too. It is still dark here, but the early signs suggest it will be foggy today as well.
DeleteIt did turn out to be a nice day.
ReplyDeleteWas the canary in a cage? I was expecting a picture of it.
Alex J. Cavanaugh: Chloe was indeed in a cage, though I was assured that she has the run of the house. It didn't occur to me to get her picture (sorry).
DeleteDear EC
ReplyDeleteThe plumage colours of the Australian Straw-Necked ibis are beautiful. The kangaroos look so chilled and happy and it's always lovely to see them. Thank you for sharing your visit (though unfortunate to have had your ear bent by the strange woman...)
Best wishes and have a good and safe week
Ellie
Ellie Foster: I was very glad that the photo captured some of the irridescence of the Straw-Necked Ibis. They are a bit camera shy and I rarely get a 'keeper' photo of them.
DeleteIt really was lovely to go back down to the lake.
I hope that your craft and your gardens give you joy this week, and that you stay safe and well.
Beautiful images, the Iris, Kangaroos are special, and the Silver Gull, everything was superb EC.
ReplyDeleteBob Bushell: Thank you.
DeleteLooks like a lovely day at the lake. Cute roos, and that ibis has beautiful colouring. Love the black swans, such regal looking birds. We are still on pretty strict lockdown as the covid cases in my province are still over 300 new cases a day. Have a good week.
ReplyDeleteKaren: I hope that your corvid cases are declining. We are having ten or twelve new cases a day in Australia but so far the feared second wave has not arrived.
DeleteReturning to the lake was really, really uplifting.
Thank you for wonderful pictures, Mysteriously foggy mornings, lots of totally relaxed kangaroos, beautiful and funny birds AND a black swan - what more can you want? It's a bit like a fairy tale.
ReplyDeleteCharlotte (MotherOwl): I am endlessly grateful that the door to this fairy tale is open to me.
DeleteGood morning, EC.
ReplyDeleteSadly, lot of people are lonely and in need of the company of others...of their ear to bend at times. Most of the time within the silence of their loneliness they're are invisible to others. You, of course, deal with many similar cases during your volunteer work, too.
Thanks for another lovely group of photos shared with us today.
I hope you have a happy and healthy week ahead, EC/ May the sun shine brightly and warmly upon you...cuddles to Jazz. :)
Lee: You are right of course. Loneliness is a killer, which is why I spent forty minutes or so chatting to this woman.
DeleteI hope that you and the furry overlords have a delightful week.
I feel a tinge of envy when I see your photos. I love these. How wonderful to visit a lake and see wildlife so beautiful. In this sense you are lucky. Where I am it is lovely too, but in such a different way. The desert does have its charms.
ReplyDeleteIn my county we are slowly reviving "normal" life. I have only been to a supermarket in the last months. This week I may eat at a restaurant.
Sadly my country is enduring a virus plague, but also one that is created by people who can hate.
Hope you stay healthy and well.
Myrna R.: I am very certain that the desert is indeed beautiful, probably particularly at dawn and dusk. I am sorry to say that the haters thrive here too, a virus I think more dangerous than Covid 19. Much more dangerous.
DeleteStay safe, stay well - and thank you.
The black goose looks like it's in attack mode.
ReplyDeleteMike: This swan was checking me out to see if I had any food. I didn't and it wasn't impressed. If I had food for it would have been snatched from my hand without a please or a thank you.
DeleteThose kangaroos look so at ease and the lake is like a mirror. It all looks so peaceful.It will be nice when things will return back to normal but it might take a while longer. Of course, the animals are not under that distancing rule.
ReplyDeleteStay well and safe.
Hugs, Julia
Julia: I think the birds and animals have enjoyed the lockdown (though the swans have had less inappropriate food than they would like). I am happy to wait and see what normal looks like as it evolves. Stay safe, stay well - and stay happy.
DeleteAny day with a lake, 'roos and beautiful birds in it is an excellent day. I quite like foggy mornings too, especially as they are nearly always followed by blue sky and sunshine.
ReplyDeleteOur Red-billed Gulls, which look identical to your silver gull, are on the endangered species list here.
Please could you explain the term "bin chickens"?
Alexia: It was indeed an excellent day. Like you, I am fond of foggy mornings and they are often followed by blue sky.
DeleteI don't think our silver gulls are endangered - which is lovely.
The white ibis thrives in urban areas. Their eating habits (which I suspect are bad for them) have led to them being known as bin chickens, and sometimes at tip turkeys. I don't remember seeing the white ibis very often here and the straw-necked ibis seem to be quite happy grazing on the foreshores of the lake rather than in/around the bins.
Thank you - I thought that must be the answer, but the ibis seems a very exotic bird to be fossicking in bins. If they are occasionally seen here, it's because they have been blown across the Tasman.
DeleteI hope you have an enjoyable and interesting week, EC.
Alexia: I find it a big sad. I wouldn't have thought of them as fossickers, but some of them do so very successfully it seems. With less effort than it would take to find more normal/wholesome food. I can't get my head around being blown across the Tasman - though I know it happens.
DeleteI hope you have a wonderful week.
Like you we had a couple of very crisp and cold starts to days and then lovely sunshine. It must have been so good to be out. Was Chloe in a cage? The ibis is very interesting.
ReplyDeleteAndrew: It felt very, very good to be out. Chloe was in a cage - and had been left in the car, though she was perched on the dashboard where she could see out. My new friend insisted on walking me up to say hello.
DeleteDoesn't seem like much of an outing to be left in the car! hah
Deletejenny_o: I wondered about that too, but suppose that Chloe got a different four walls to gaze at, and different views from the windows.
DeleteI'm a sucker for Roos as well. None to be seen here in my suburb but The Golfer says there are plenty on the golf course at Healesville.
ReplyDeleteNo straw neck Ibis either - but plenty up in Bowen (our winter hideaway). Don't think I'll be seeing any this year though.
Cathy: We get the occasional roo in our suburb but I haven't seen a mob of them. They do seem to thrive on golf courses though.
DeleteSadly, it does look as if Bowen might be too far this winter. Perhaps the border restrictions will be lifted, but so far there is no sign of it.
Hello my dear friend Sue!
ReplyDeleteLove all photos!
I like so much kangaroos, but I nevee see one in person.
Thanks for your visit and comment.
I have been very sad and alone on my house, because the Covid19. I am very scary.
This situation looks like a nightmare! An horror movie.
I miss my husband more and more. I wish he was here at my side
But I can't do nothing about this. Only much pain and solitude. I wish that Carlos was at my side, but it is impossible.
I hope all is well with you and yosr family.
Stay well and Stay safe, my dear friend.
Lots of hugs!
Sonia.
sonia a. mascaro: It is lovely to see you here but I am sorry that you are still missing Carlos so much. That would make a hard situation even harder.
DeleteI am sending oceans of caring flowing your way.
I loved the visit to the lake. Our lake visits don’t come with kangaroos after all.
ReplyDeleteMarie Smith: As I love all of your excursions. You see things I can only dream of.
DeleteWe only get the bin chickens here but we do get lots of the smaller birds, nice to get out and about.
ReplyDeleteMerle......
Merlesworld: We get quite a lot of birds (thankfully) and yes, it is lovely to get out and about again.
DeleteI think you and I would communicate a lot with few words in that setting. Such magical animals! Strawberry Ibis glows! And kangaroos always blow my mind and then black swans!
ReplyDeleteCloudia: We don't say a lot while we are down there either. It really is a lovely, lovely place (which I would happily share with you and rather a lot of other bloggers).
DeleteWhat a beautiful day.
ReplyDeleteJoanne Noragon: It was. An absolute stunner.
DeleteI was waiting for a photo of the canary! Someone maybe was in isolation too long. I like the black swans, but maybe its the name that draws me. In the heat of summer, it might be very hot to have black featherage.
ReplyDeleteStrayer: I didn't even think of taking Chloe's photograph. I suspect you are right about the black plumage, which given our summers must be uncomfortable.
DeleteYour selections are wonderful, as always - that fog! those kangaroos! the water birds! All much appreciated. It must have been a relief to get to the lake after being unable to go for quite some time.
ReplyDeleteHope you have a good week - one where you can relax like a roo :)
jenny_o: It was lovely. There were some schools of thought which said that we 'could' still go to the lake, but we hadn't.
DeleteThis week, like the parson's egg is going to be good in parts. Wouldn't it be nice to be able to relax like a roo? Or a cat?
Gorgeous...Thank you!
ReplyDeletee: Thank you. We think so too.
DeleteThat's a gorgeous lake and puts me in mind of going to see my ocean again soon. I love the fog too, I haven't seen any since last winter when I woke up to find I could see my building and yard plus the one across the driveway, but looking down the driveway and down the road all I could see was fog. It didn't last long, but it does make you feel as if the world is less crowded when you can't see the neighbours.
ReplyDeleteI saw some of our bin chickens on my long walk last Monday and they had the straw necks too.
River: We often have fog, but I do like it.
DeleteI didn't realise that the straw-necked ibis were also bin chickens. I have never seen them rummaging here.
All beautiful photos of around your area.
ReplyDeleteLove the foggy ones, makes me wonder what's beyond.
The roos are wonderful and rather big too.
Margaret D: While we are still drought declared we have had some rain and the roos look better than they did in summer. Much better.
DeleteAnd yes, I am a fog fan too.
Fog is so unusual up here that I spent half an hour one morning, taking photos before it dissipated!
ReplyDeleteBut I am very glad I don't have to drive in fog!
Gorgeous sheen on the Ibis!
dinahmow: We get lots of fogs, and I still delight in them. And can well remember travelling in some shockers (not delightful). Isn't that sheen wonderful? I was so glad to have captured it.
DeleteI enjoyed my wander to the lake with you. Sorry I wasn't really there to take a turn with the canary lady.
ReplyDeleteKim: She would have been very happy to have another bird loving vegetarian to earbash.
Deletewhoops, I did something wrong with the url, just need to retest it...
ReplyDeleteKim: All fixed.
DeleteBeauitiful kangooro.. Beautiful birds...
ReplyDeleteI pray Someday..I will see Kangooro in Australia.. may my dream will come true
Justcherry: I hope that your dream does come true. They really are delightful animals, and I am very grateful to have them so close to home.
DeleteWell that certainly was a well worth trip to the lake Sue. that Kangaroo look VERY relaxed. Love all the bird images of course. There is a beautiful sheen of the feathers on the Straw necked Ibis. Thanks for all your comments, stay safe and have a great week ahead.
ReplyDeleteMargaret Birding For Pleasure: Thank you. We always love that trip, and it was particularly welcome this time.
DeleteI hope that you too stay safe and enjoy interacting (at a safe distance) with a few more people
Oddly enough, the kangaroos have the aura of cats. Like they really can't be bothered by silly humans. Great pictures.
ReplyDeleteBill: The roo/cat comparison is one I have often made. They relax as well as cats, can launch into action as swiftly, and really don't consider us very important at all. They may well be right.
DeleteSo nice to be able to enjoy the beauty of the lake despite a talkative neighbor.(lol) I suspect she was probably happy to get out and talk with whoever showed up.(lol) Very cool to see all those kangaroos up close and personal. Don't get to see things like that here in NC! Sending some air hugs, RO
ReplyDeleteRO: We go down to that part of the lake often and always feel better for it. I think you are right and she needed to talk - so I was happy to listen (despite us not being kindred souls). Hugs are flowing through cyber space to you too.
DeleteIs this at Lake Burley-Griffin, Sue? If so, I remember it well from my visit to Canberra, which I have to tell you I found a very appealing city, and I say this as someone not overly fond of cities. As for the term "seagull", it drive me mildly crazy! As you say those Silver Gulls will in all likelihood never see the sea.
ReplyDeleteDavid M. Gascoigne: It is indeed Lake Burley Griffin. I like Canberra but am more than a little concerned at our current government's ambition to make it more like other cities - including making the lake 'more accessible'. Which essentially means putting apartments and businesses on the foreshore.
DeleteYou are very right about the silver gulls. They have never and probably will never see the sea.
You do have beautiful critters and I live the scenery.
ReplyDeleteI would love to visit you country.
Rick Watson: I hope you can.
DeleteHi EC - love the straw-necked Ibis ... special to see as are the other critters. Glad you were able to take advantage of the release and get to the lake ... I'm joining up with a couple of local friends (individually) for a walk - usually along the prom ... I've almost forgotten how to talk!! But just off now to see the sea - your red-legged gull (silver one at that) is pretty special ... amazing colour. Bin chickens poor white ibises! Lovely selections ... especially the Darter catching the last of the evening sun. Enjoy the week - and take care - Hilary
ReplyDeleteHilary Melton-Butcher: I am so glad that you can get out and about. I hear you on the forgetting how to talk/interact as well. It doesn't come naturally to me any time.
DeleteEnjoy your walk along the prom - it is tooooo long since I have seen the sea.
Stay safe, stay well.
I'm such a fan of fog and my need is satisfied regularly here as we are on the ocean and the mix of cold and warm air brings it in. We are not known as "Fog City" for nothing. I honestly would hate living in sunny and warm all the time.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely love those kangas lounging about, owning the world.
XO
WWW
Wisewebwoman: We get a lot of fog here. I suspect an inversion factor is to blame, and I really like it. Quiet and beautiful mystery. And of course a roo fix is always a winner.
DeleteA walk to the lake is always enjoyable and relaxing. Sounds like the lady missed talking to others. Love your photos, thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteMason Canyon: That part of the lake is heart balm for me. It is always the same, always different, always lovely.
DeleteHi Elephant's Child!! :)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos! I just love those kangaroos! We have a lot of foggy mornings here too and yes, the days turn out nice and sunny. I'm loving it! I guess you are heading into winter now. Oh, I'm not a social person and I'm very uncomfortable when strangers try to strike up a conversation! The birds are gorgeous, you have a great spot there to visit!!
Rain: I am not social either, though apparently I can fake it well.
DeleteWe are indeed heading into winter (which officially started today). It is a season I enjoy. Pared back, elegant beauty.
I hope your unpacking/settling is going well and your poor back is feeling better.
I love to see the roos chillaxing! Too bad they can't impart their techniques to the rest of us. Glad you got to go out and enjoy the day. Stay safe and well rested.
ReplyDeleteRiver Fairchild: Don't they 'lax superbly? Jealous thoughts though just seeing them calms me down.
DeleteI hope that you too can stay safe and well.
Australian Straw-Necked Ibis. Wow. Your images are beautiful. That lake looks like paradise. Thanks for sharing. Be safe. Jo
ReplyDeleteJo: Isn't that ibis a beauty? I was so grateful that this one stayed still long enough for me to take a photo.
DeleteYou stay safe too.
There's a lot of people coming back out that just want to talk to someone right now. Some of the people around here are like that too. I love the pictures.
ReplyDeleteMary Kirkland: As an introvert I found the lockdown less challenging than many people. Much less challenging. And thank you.
DeleteMe gustan las fotos de los animales, que parecen que posan para tus fotografÃas.
ReplyDeleteEs apasionante el reino animal.
VENTANA DE FOTO: Thank you. The birds and animals in this park are not tame, but certainly used to people. I do love seeing them. All of them.
DeleteOoops, got here late and am lucky to be able to thank you for your lovely pictures. I guess I needed a Roo fix and didn't know it. :-)
ReplyDeleteDJan: I am very happy to provide a Roo fix. The world over.
DeleteLovely photos as always! You captured the iridescent plumage on the ibis beautifully, and the laid-back kangaroos gave me a smile.
ReplyDeleteI was captivated by your photo of the Australasian Darter - its pose reminded me very much of an American Anhinga hanging itself out to dry after diving. And sure enough, when I looked it up on the internet, it turns out that they're closely related. I learn something new every day!
Diane Henders: I hear you on the learning something new every day - and wish I retained it better. I did know that the darter and the anhinga were related - but had forgotten.
DeleteThe darter is also known as a snake neck. When they are swimming their bodies are very low in the water and you can often only see that sinuous neck above the water level - which I find fascinating.
Australian wildlife in its full glory.
ReplyDeleteI still can't get over the kangaroos.
:o)
Cheers
PM
Plastic Mancunian: I do love that the kangaroos are perfectly at home in my city. The park I took the photographs in is very close (as the crow flies) to the city centre. These same roos also make themselves comfortable in the Governor General's residence - just around the corner.
DeleteWonderful! Thank you again for hosting this, i am enjoying it, i do have a grand good time walking with you this way.
ReplyDeletemessymimi: Thank you. I always enjoy your selections too (and this week is no exception).
DeleteWot a lotta roos. Interesting bird that Ibis, never seen one before. that I recall anyway, I've never heard of taking one's canary out for an airing!!!
ReplyDeleteJo: There were two separate roo mobs (not far apart) that day. There would have been well over 50 in the combined mobs.
DeleteThe canary on an outing was different wasn't it? She said that her partner had taken the dogs out and she was taking Chloe. Chloe did appear to be totally unphased by the car trip.
I've never seen kangaroos lounging like that! In the U.S. our videos and images are always of them upright, often highly active. This was a treat.
ReplyDeleteJohn Wiswell: They lounge beautifully. Indeed I have often said that I cannot think of anything (other than a cat) which relaxes as well.
DeleteYou always take the most beautiful pictures! Stay safe and healthy everyone ☺
ReplyDeleteNatalia: Thank you. I hope you and yours are also safe and well.
DeleteBellissimo il cigno nero.
ReplyDeleteUn sereno inizio settimana per te.
Giancarlo: The black swans are beautiful - but also aggressive.
DeleteHave a wonderful week.
Oh how wonderful your photos are!!
ReplyDeleteI really love these, from those amazing ones of the fog...to the kangaroos and birds.
Such a treat...and thank you so much!😊😊
Stay safe, my dear friend!
Sending much love and hugs ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
Ygraine: You are always so nice to me. Thank you. I hope your day/week is filled with you - and hugs.
DeleteGracias por compartir tan lindo paseo. Es un lugar como tu bien dices encantador y que invita a pasear sosegadamente, si no fuera por los canguros que me dan algo de miedo.
ReplyDeletePor aquà decimos un refrán "Mañana de niebla, tarde de paseo", y se suele cumplir ya que por Sevilla, son muy pocos los dÃas de niebla que tenemos.
Un abrazo, y que tengas una buena semana.
Manuel: I like the saying about foggy morning, afternoon walk. It is very often true here too.
DeleteThe kangaroos are not aggressive. Which is just as well, because they are very powerful animals.
As we are here at the beginning of winter,
ReplyDeletethere is fog every day;
Certainly the soil conditions are very difficult
that's why I like to photograph the garden; Thanks for
appreciate;
Here in Brazil I only saw ganguru at the zoo, I think one
grace that animal;
Your images were beautiful thanks for posting.
Good entry in June.
janicce.
A Casa Madeira: I also love to photograph the garden - and have been blown away by the beauty of yours.
DeleteStay well, stay safe as your country and the world goes through this difficult time.
I sense the Ear Bender and her Canary were starved for Human Contact. How gracious you listened, just being Heard might have brightened her day considerably. I do find that I often run into people, during my preferred Quiet Time, that crave Human Contact and conversation. It was a lovely spot you were in, to be left Alone or to be a good Listener to a complete Stranger. And I Love the bounty of Imagery you Shared in this Post!
ReplyDeleteBohemian: Welcome and thank you. I am not only an introvert but I am also shy. I was well outside my comfort zone but it meant a lot to her and I am not sorry that I did talk to her. And yes, it is a beautiful, beautiful spot. In all seasons and in all weathers.
DeleteGlorious. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteStay safe. Stay healthy.
Sandra Cox: It is my pleasure. You stay safe and well too.
DeleteThank you for the weekly fix of peace and beauty! Your photos always soothe whatever ghastliness I may be experiencing.
ReplyDeleteNilanjana Bose: Thank you. I am really, really glad to hear that - and thank you so much for telling me.
DeleteI love that Needy Stranger brought Chloe the Canary on an outing...as long as Chloe was safe.
ReplyDeleteAnd speaking of safe. Stay safe. Stay healthy, my friend.
Sandra Cox: I was tickled by her taking Chloe out with her too - but wish that she had taken her out of the car as well.
DeleteYou too stay safe.
Thanks for the moments of peace!
ReplyDeleteNeedy Strangers can be a LOT - glad she didn't stay the whole day! :)
Jemi Fraser: I am pretty certain that she would have been happy to spend the day with me. Forty-five minutes or so was enough for me. I hope that it helped though.
DeleteA really beautiful foggy morning! I love foggy mornings :) Your kangaroos are scene stealers, I adore them! Your Australian Straw-Necked Ibis is an interesting one. I enjoy ours that I have seen on vacation and now I can add yours to my list. Your other bird shots are lovely, as was the pretty scenery. I have been struggling with laptop issues, but the old dear seems to be working for the time being :) Good to be catching up again.
ReplyDeleteDeniseinVA: I am glad that your laptop has decided to play nicely today. Thank you, for your kind comments. I am a big fan of fog, and the natural world - as you know.
DeleteBuona serata.
ReplyDeleteGiancarlo: Thank you. And to you.
DeleteSo often the morning fog (or mist) clears and we enjoy a wonderful day.
ReplyDeleteI certainly enjoyed looking at your photographs, it truly is a lovely place with some wonderful wildlife.
Take care, my good wishes.
All the best Jan
Lowcarb team member~Jan: I am hoping that today is also bright and beautiful. Have a wonderful weekend.
DeleteI loved the black swan picture. It reminded me of a book I had as a child with the black swan and was very exotic to me. Loneliness is not nice and I am very lonely too. I know what it is like. Thank you for your blog which I read but don't comment much.
ReplyDeleteRachel Phillips: Thank you. Loneliness is awful isn't it? I do hope that you have people to reach out to. Growing up the only books with swans in them were white swans - I would have loved to have seen one featuring our black beauties.
Delete