Skywatch Friday - Limestone Coast (Part 4)

On the way back from the Limestone Coast I noticed a flock of Pelicans circling above a lake in the Coorong National Park. When I stopped and looked properly, there were waves of Pelicans circling, gaining height, and then peeling off, all heading north. I estimate that there were at least 600, in groups of 75-100. I don't know where they were going, but they all seemed to know! It was a wonderful sight.

Limestone Coast (Part 3)

The beaches on the Limestone Coast area are fantastic, and here are a few close-ups of some of the things we saw along the tideline.

Limestone Coast (Part 2)

While we were in Beachport, we took a drive through Beachport Conservation Park. The park consists of Limestone cliffs, secluded sandy bays all backed by dune systems. The cliffs have some wonderful shapes carved into the limestone by centuries of erosion due to the wind blown sand and salt. This looked like it may have been a fossilised root And this one possibly a shell This one reminded me of a giant turtle's head, complete with eye and mouth.

Limestone Coast (Part 1)

This weekend, Maryann and I were on the Limestone Coast. This area is around 350 Km (220 miles) South East of Adelaide, and has wonderful coastal scenery, with sandy beaches and rugged cliffs. We were based at Robe, a lovely little town nestled around a small harbour. The weather was mixed, very wet at the beginning, then windy, but clearing nicely at the end. On the way, photo opportunities were very few and far between, but I did snap this Spotted Pardalote whilst stretching my legs in the Coorong National Park. Just outside Robe is a small lake, and here I spotted a Little Egret standing patiently. The Australian race (nigripes) differs from the nominate race in that it has yellow only on the soles of its feet. There was also a Pied Cormorant here. Nearby in a tidal channel were a distant group of Royal Spoonbills, and a Black-fronted Plover. (the plover is cropped at over 100% so is not very clear - sorry!!) The coast is king here and try as I might I couldn't capture the full majesty of the views. Sheltering on one of the cliff faces were a large group of what looked like pure Rock Doves, but according to my list they are not included in the Australian List except as feral pigeon. We also visited Beachport, which has this impressive 775 metre (2550 feet) long jetty.

ANZAC Day

Today is the 95th anniversary of the battle of Galopoli which claimed the lives of many thousands of Australian and New Zealand soldiers. There have been dawn services and parades in cities, towns and villages throughout Australia. These photos show the war memorial at Robe in on the Limestone Coast.

Skywatch Friday

2nd Severn Crossing at sunset.

Skywatch Friday

Wedge-tailed Eagles over the Painted Desert, South Australia.

And here is a slightly closer view......

Happy Anniversary

Today marks a year since my first blogging post. I am still amazed that there are so many people around the world that take as much enjoyment from my photos as I do. Thanks especially to Jenny for encouraging (nagging!!) me into starting my blog, and also to my 34 followers and all my other regular commenters. I have selected some of my favourite photos for this special post. some you have seen before, and others you have not. I hope you enjoy them. Thanks once again, and please keep the comments coming. As you know, birds are my main photographic interest. But I am fascinated by all fauna and flora. I also love to travel. Amongst my less ecologically sound interests are motorsport and aviation

Warrawong Sanctuary

Maryann and I headed up into the Adelaide Hills today, where we met a couple of friends for lunch at Warrawong Sanctuary. This small privately run sanctuary preserves local wildlife for the enjoyment of the public. Before we had lunch we took a short stroll around the sanctuary. Just inside the entrance is a large feeding station, and here there were a few Rainbow Lorikeets, and some Common Bronzewings. The sanctuary has a variety of habitats, with a few pools and areas of eucalyptus forest. One on of the pools was a very confiding Little Grebe. I noticed later that a turtle had swam past during this time. There are also some kangaroos and wallabies here, and some bandicoots all protected from introduced predators.