I haven't posted for a few days because I've been outdoors enjoying what is probably the best Spring I can remember. There are signs of new life everywhere, and I can't help but feel enthusiastic about it. One of my greatest joys of course, are the birds that we see breeding in close proximity to our house. At last count we notched up six different species, with a possible one to come yet. The magpies seem to have babies already, the noisy minors are still waiting, as are the butcher birds, mudlarks, crested pigeons and plovers. Yesterday I was so pleased to see the Tawny Frogmouth sitting quietly in one of the trees in our houseyard. We haven't seen them for quite some time, and hoped they'd return for their nesting/breeding time. Here she is trying to be 'invisible'.
The bottlebrush is flowering well, and being enjoyed by numerous birds and butterflies. It won't be long and it will be literally covered in red. It's almost impossible to get a good photo of the butterflies, they just keep flitting here, there and everywhere. This one sat for a little while, the sun almost shining through it's wings.
After the most recent fall of rain, we spotted this little guy sauntering quietly across our backyard. Echidnas are such cute little creatures, and I never tire of watching them waddling along minding their own business. I also managed quite a good shot of this lizard making his way up one of the trees in the houseyard. He didn't seem to mind me at all.
We've also noticed a spur-winged plover has a nest not much more than 60 metres from our house, just out in the open paddock. It's really strange to see her sitting out there in the open, not an ounce of protection whatsoever. I must confess to having to disturb her for this photo, but she was back in no time at all. For some reason she doesn't seem to dive-bomb us, perhaps because she's so used the movement around the houses.
And, now, last but not least, more new life. This little fellow was born over a week ago but I didn't have a moment to post his photo. He will be a stable mate for little Zara, and is her half brother. His stable name will be Zac.
It is such a privilege to live in a place where we can see and appreciate all that Nature has to offer. I am constantly reminded of life's pleasures here, and thankful that my life is relatively safe. As the world remembers Sept 11, and lives are lost in today's conflicts, what better place is there to be thankful for life.
