Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Looking for Beauty


During my married life I've been called upon to do some pretty unlady-like tasks, and have done the best I could at the time.  Saturday night was one such time.  My hubby asked me [very nicely] if I would consider being his off-sider on a feral pig hunt.  Well, what could I say.  Much of the time I am able to do my own thing, so I didn't like to say no.  I'll spare you all the nasty hunting details, but suffice to say it wasn't for the weak of stomach!!  We spent almost five hours driving around a large property, only going back over our tracks twice - around almost 2,000 acres of wheat and half as much grazing oats.  We even took a picnic.  Now, don't go getting too excited - there was nothing glamorous about this picnic, no Michael Bublé playing in the background, no chilled champagne, no cucumber sandwiches, or cherry pie.   But, I refuse to allow myself to only see the negative part of this.  We arrived at our destination some time before sunset, and there was the prospect of seeing wildlife other than aforementioned feral pigs!!  I was told about a large dam, with resident swans.  I am sure the producers of our 'reality' show, The Farmer Wants a Wife would have made this scene look so much more romantic, but I still found it pleasant enough to share.

My husband does a lot of work on this property, mostly mustering cattle.  He has told me often about 'the swans that live on the big dam'.  Well, I finally saw them, and they have a family.  This is not the best photograph, zoomed in to the hilt, but I'm sure you will see what I'm talking about.  The water birds were there in their droves, so lovely to see, after all the dry years.

We managed to get to another small dam just before sunset, so I couldn't resist a few more shots.  There is always something magical about the coming up and going down of the sun!  During the night we saw lots of other birds - bustards [plain turkeys], tawny frogmouths, but sadly, it's not brolga country.

I know much of what I see is rather dull compared to the beauty others have, but it's amazing how much you appreciate the little things.  Just recently we've had the privilege of the company of this Ibis.  He seems to have taken a liking to the area just outside our immediate houseyard, wandering around each day without a care in the world.  I have named him Ivan [I don't really know if it's a male or a female to be honest], and perhaps in time he'll bring a mate to meet us, Irene maybe??  We've also noticed a lot of activity high up in one of the trees, as Maggie and Magnum [our magpie couple] start to make preparations for another family this season.  Each afternoon about 5.00pm [like clockwork] they swoop down waiting for the handful of dog biscuits I throw on the ground for them.

I hope you enjoy seeing some of the things I've seen in the last few days, despite their simplicity.

12 comments:

Karyn said...

There is nothing simple or ugly about where you live Linda. It is filled with the most amazing beauty. I am filled with envy that you get to see these things all the time. Swans on a dam; magic!

DIAN said...

Linda, I agree with Karyn, the country around you is beautiful. They say beauty is in the eye of the beholder and like you I see beauty all around us. One thing I have considered amazing as long as I can remember is the ear of wheat when it is ready to harvest. Now I know this is something you see often but I am sure you will agree it is beautiful.

Thanks for the pics of the birds an the dams - I never tire of them. Our black swans really are fabulous as is a dam full of water after years of drought.

Stitching Lady said...

Linda, I love your writing and telling stories about what you were seeing. It is simply beautiful to watch those birds and everything else. I am glad to know about your blog.

shirley said...

The phots of the sunsets are magical. Our outback sunrises and sunsets have to be seen to be believed. You are a very good wifey going on a pig hunting expedition. At least you did the ladylike thing and took a picnic...:)

Radka said...

LOL, what can I say? How many of us will ever be asked to go on a pig hunt picnic! Thank you for sharing your day with us :)
And great shots of sunset! We get some great sunsets where we live, but they are so difficult to take a picture of, so well done. I must have a go.

Anonymous said...

Such beautiful photos and its great that you can make the best of a revolting job! I don't mind dealing with meat once the skin or feathers have been removed but the actual killing etc totally turns my stomach

michelle said...

Linda the photos are fabulous you are blessed to have such beauty around you ! You are so brave doing the pig hunt i don't have the stomach or the guts to do something like that . Thanks for sharing your wonderful pics and stories LInda ! have a fabulous weekend !

Anonymous said...

Such wonderful photos of the sunsets, I just had to say "WOW". The great wide skies of Australia are unforgetable.

Also at night, I have never been able to see so many stars either, here in the UK we have too much light pollution where I live. Your country is a beautiful part of the world.

Anne

fabriquefantastique said...

thats exactly why I like your blog...a taste of your life

Jenny said...

Linda, there is beauty all around us if we take the time to look and I am so glad you did. Your section of Oz certainly has it's own beauty and I am so glad you saw it in amongst the pig hunting. Sunset over water is fabulous anywhere and to see it with wild life is even better. Thanks so much for sharing.

Jen said...

Hello Linda, An exciting weekend for you.I do love the photos of the sunset and wildlife
.It is true how Dorothea Mac Kellar describes in her poem My Country about our blue skies and sweeping plains.

Dianne said...

Hi Linda. Love your story about the feral pig hunt. There seems to be so many of them throughout Qld. On our recent trip we saw many that met their fate on the road. Like others, I don't think I could do the hunt but know that it is necessary. Hope you didn't make ham sandwiches for the picnic??:-) Di