Tag: Birds

~ A Little Bit of Everything – 2/8 – 10/8 2026 ~

It really has been a bit of this and that last week. We are now two home opens down and still no takers. The market has slowed down so we have been told. As the old saying goes “you can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink”. I am very much enjoying the less cluttered space we have now and am getting used to the routine every Saturday morning.

Having decided not to cook on a Friday we have been making the most of going out to eat. We had a lovely dinner at a beachside restaurant overlooking the sea and in time to watch the sunset. My daughter and the munchkins came too. My 8yr old grandson went into fits of laughter after he handed me the seniors menu!


Last week it was just us, a romantic dinner for two at the golf club.

The weather last weekend was atrocious, not a good day for our home open. I sat in the car for a while scrolling away and looked up and saw this.

I joined a few friends for a quiz night at a local pub, our group was the oldest by a few decades. Although I was able to answer quite a few questions. I also managed to go to two zumba classes now that I have spare time. I made a cake and slow cooked a pork shoulder for pulled pork tacos. Treated myself to a mani and pedi.

A friend mentioned to me that she had a fantastic photo scanner, which scanned 40 photos at a time. So I went a bit mad and ordered one online. What a gamechanger! I have managed to scan and organise so many photos that have been lying around for decades in boxes. Just the sort of project I enjoy.

As my two boys were very unhappy about not being able to sleep on the couches anymore I bought them two new cozy beds.

We are lucky to see different kinds of birds fly through the garden, sometimes staying for a visit. Unless I sit out there camouflaging myself it’s hard to snap them. I normally stand behind a curtain and peep out.

This week I spotted two wood ducks and several rainbow lorikeet, disguising themselves amongst the lilipili.

I hope you all had a fabulous week too and found something to feel blessed and happy about.

Joining in with Thistles and Kiwis – This week’s small pleasures 😊

~ Birds of a Feather – Monochrome Triptych ~

I have to admit that I looked up triptych – the theme chosen this week by Elke. I also had a look at a few others for inspiration. Whether I’m on the right track or not, who knows! I’ve learnt something new anyway.

Cheeky cockatoos that I took on a walk around Lake Claremont on Saturday. They are quite a nuisance with their raucous squawking and incessant pecking but they are cute to look at.

Black Swans are native to Australia and you can always be guaranteed to see them swimming in the lakes and rivers. The photo of the white swans is from the River Crouch, Essex.

I took these photos recently on a walk along the river beach. An Ibis and Cormorants.

I think this type of photography needs more research from me. It’s not quite right so I’m determined now to work out image splitting.

Any tips would be welcome!

~ Discovering Comporta’s Hidden Gems: Vineyards, Villages and Cavalos ~

Over breakfast on Sunday, we chatted about what the itinerary would be for that day. Graham had been told there were some wineries in the area. I looked a few up and asked the receptionist to ring around to check which ones were open. I was surprised to find out there was only one open, being a Sunday. We booked a tour and lunch and off we went.

As we were approaching Comporta we saw huge birds sitting atop chimneys, lampposts and buildings. Moving closer we realised they were storks. A real treat seeing a stork in the wild.

I tried to get closer, but you can guess what happened.

Before we arrived we stopped and admired the ricefields. At the time not realising they were ricefields.

Flocks of glossy ibis feasting on the rice
with water water everywhere

The winery was called Adega da Herdade da Comporta. It lies with the sea on one side and rice fields on the other. The views around are absolutely stunning. We had arrived at the perfect place for our Sunday lunch. We were given a fascinating tour, visiting the wine cellars and learning about the history. The wine tasting was at our table and the measures were more than generous. We were served lunch with all the wine thankfully.

I was definitely looking forward to tasting this wine.

The view from our guide’s office window

Enjoying a delicious charcuterie board with a variety of wines

We all agreed that this place went above our expectations, although I think our lunch played a big part.

Our guide had mentioned a fishing village not far from the winery, she said we must go. So we did and what a fun find it was.

Cais Palafítico da Carrasqueira is a unique fishing village that sits on a multitude of wooden jetties on stilts. They zigzag along the muddy marshes with weathered huts standing on top. The huts are decorated in a myriad of ways all different. It is still a working village which was surprising, considering how rickety the small plankways looked. We spent quite a while here, all of us walking in different directions, daring each other to walk along the piers.

There was no-one around when we were here and I was wondering how the fisherman actually got to their boats.

A faded mural and some random numbers.

Let’s Pull Up a Seat and enjoy the view

“Is that the time already”

Leaving just before sunset with the golden rays spreading slowly across the sea.

Before returning to our hotel we had another brief stop at an equestrian centre. It was just closing but the manager said we could still walk around. Being a horse lover Colleen was in her element. I’m happy there was fences between us.

I would have liked longer to long around as there were some fantastic memorabilia on display.

A fitting end to a perfect day. Back to the hotel for our last night in Porto Covo.

~ Postcard from Perth ~

It’s been a wonderful week here in Perth with the arrival of the newly engaged couple, Laurence and Maddy. We’ve had family lunches and dinners and days out with them. There’s nothing like having all your family around.

My featured photo is the golf course that I live opposite, I have to say though I’ve never been tempted to take up golf. My Dad used to love coming to visit for their annual three months, where he would take up a temporary membership. Just recently I have been walking to Bridge which is the other side of the golf course. I could walk straight across, but I’m not keen on dodging the balls and also don’t think the players would appreciate a random walker suddenly appearing between holes.

Walking around the golf course is like walking through an aviary. There are so many birds flying around now it’s become warmer. I can hear parrots squawking, kookaburras laughing, crows cawing, cockatoos screeching and magpies trilling.

The red Bottlebrush trees are in full bloom along my street. As you can see there are many trees, so not quite sure why our council has seen fit to plant 1,500 more trees along our street and the surrounding suburbs. Maybe to stop the many golfballs that come flying into our driveway. Only last month Anthony’s back windscreen was smashed. The Golf Club do pay for repairs, but it’s the inconvenience of getting it repaired.

Nedlands Golf Course

These birds are all very tame and quite happy to pose and then fly on their way.

I saw a wonderful mural walking back from Zumba the other day and had to stop and take a couple of shots.

“A Single Act of Kindness, Creates Endless Ripples”

I loved the quote to go with it.

Also last week I went to watch my 5yr old grandson during his swimming lessons. I felt a bit sorry for the teacher trying to stop these little guys jumping up and down, they looked like tadpoles, such excitement. It’s amazing what was achieved in two weeks with the majority now water smart and being able to swim. I remember going for swimming lessons but around aged 8 or 9, not as young as 5. I came away being able to doggy paddle.

Now the house is quiet again as the happy couple have left for Melbourne, so we will have to start planning a trip over to see them.

Laurence and Rufus watching the footy

We had one last family BBQ before they left.

Linking up with Natalie’s Weekend Coffee Share

~ Nature’s Eyes ~

I came upon a new challenge today while reading Becky’s post – all about nature from Denzil Nature. Nature’s eyes are always on us! This week’s nature photo challenge is to capture the beauty of nature’s eyes. Eye wonder if eye’m up to the challenge.

Where words are restrained, the eyes often talk a great deal – Samuel Richardson


“An animal’s eyes have the power to speak a great language”
Martin Buber

All Alone

This week the word for One Word Sunday is reflection. I took a photo of this very lonely heron in Hobart, Tasmania.

Perhaps he didn’t think he was quite alone

Posted as part of OWS

Picture Perfect Philip Island, Victoria

Our trip to Victoria included a one night stay on Philip Island. It’s a place I’ve wanted to see for a while and was intrigued as to why many of the places are named after Isle of Wight towns. I haven’t read anything definitive to explain it, just that the early settlers (1800 or thereabouts) had just holidayed there or saw a similarity.

We travelled from Melbourne with our two intrepid travellers, Laurence and Maddy, with Laurence driving. It’s an easy drive around 90 minutes and you can drive onto the island across the Philip Island Road Bridge from San Remo.

Our first stop of the day was lunch at Saltwater, a restaurant directly on the seafront. After pizzas and fish tacos, we wandered over to see a “squadron” of pelicans awaiting their lunch.

Newhaven

  • Philip Island Bridge
  • Newhaven Foreshore

As it was almost 4pm by now we had to get a move on to check into our accommodation. A little boutique guesthouse – The Castle, Villa by the Sea, located in the North of the island in Cowes.

Cowes was named by Henry Cox in 1865, a land surveyor who had just recently visited the seaport in England. Before this it was called Mussel Rocks.

We were already very impressed by the beautiful scenery on our drive up to Cowes. After checking in we walked along to the seafront. I could imagine how busy this place is in the Summer, such a wonderful island for a family holiday. Calm sandy beaches and grassy areas for picnics.

Cowes

  • Lengthening shadows
  • Cowes Beach

  • Mussel Rocks
  • Cowes Pier

Dinner that night was in a Greek restaurant a short walk from our guesthouse.

The next day we had an early breakfast along the seafront before checking out at 10 am. I had a lot planned for today.

Our first stop was Rhyll, a little fishing port named after the one in Wales.

Rhyll

A beautiful carving by Brandon Lawrence. Brandon created this sculpture from the massive cyprus tree that was blown down in a storm in 2016. It is called The Ferry Captain and depicts all things nautical. It honours all the ferry captains over the years.

Continuing with our tour we drove through Philip Island and down to the South West to Ventor, where we had a brief stop to watch the surfers. This is also where the penguins live and there is a nightly parade on show. We gave this a miss the night before as it was extremely chilly, maybe a visit is on the cards for the summer.

Ventnor

  • Mads enjoying the view
  • Cape Barren Goose

Downwards now to the very bottom tip of the island – The Nobbies. Home to the fur seals of Philip Island. There is a wonderful walk around the cliffs that takes approximately half an hour where you can see the roiling rollers of the sea. It’s quite mesmerising watching the waves.

The Nobbies

There is also an interactive Antarctic museum here which we didn’t visit but looked like a great place for families.

Churchill Island

Driving back now across the island to Churchill Island, where a historic heritage farm is located.

Churchill Island was named by Lt. James Grant in 1801 for the name of the man who had given him the seeds first planted here. There are beautiful well kept historical buildings and magnificent gardens to explore. It is still a working farm where there are many animals freely roaming around. A truly tranquil place to while away an hour or two and soak up the peace.

The Farm and Surrounding Areas


What fantastic murals!

Churchill House and Gardens

A fabulous weekend was had by all on this picturesque island. Below are some links for interest.

Philip Island Historical Society

Churchill Island History

The Nobbies

Cowes

Lastly a map of Philip Island

Touring Tasmania – Low Head, Launceston

For the next few days we would be exploring Launceston and some of the surrounding areas. George Town and Low Head were the destinations for today. We travelled along the East Tamar Highway alongside the Tamar River. Low Head is a suburb of George Town and sits right on the peninsula with a lighthouse at the top.

The above photo is of the Windmill Point Tree Sculptures. Depicting the workmen hauling ashore the telegraph cable that linked Tasmania to the North Island. Carved by chainsaw artist Eddie Freeman from macrocarpa trees.

One of the Tamar River Leading Lights

Low Head

Onto Low Head to have a look at the lighthouse and historic site that is up there. There is a carpark just below the lighthouse and after parking we made our way to the top. Constructed in 1837 by convicts, originally made of rubble with a coat of stucco. It was decided to build a lighthouse after a dozen ships were wrecked over the previous years.

Walking down the hill the to the sea, I could see some black and white birds on a rock. It said there were penguins nesting around so I had a look through my Canon Powershot and sure enough there were a “huddle” of penguins on the rocks.

I had to balance the camera on one of the rocks to keep my hands steady, I was very happy that they didn’t come out blurry.

I felt like I’d had a good workout by the time we got back to the top and into the car. Stopping again in George Town for a delicious lunch in a waterside restaurant called The Crazy Duck. We still had a few hours left before Laurence and Maddy were arriving from Melbourne that evening, I looked at the map to see if there was anywhere worth seeing on our return to Launceston. Deciding on Lilydale Falls we drove half an hour east away from the river.

Lilydale Falls

After parking the car we made our to the first waterfall which was around 15 minutes and then saw a path to the much bigger one. It did have a warning for this part of the walk to say there were no handrails and it was quite a way longer. I’m glad we made the effort though, not that it was an effort for hubby only me! There were huge trees and ferns all around and so peaceful. There were a few other people walking the trail but not enough to hold anyone up.

At the start of the walk

Getting back to the hotel around 5pm, I had just enough time for a rest before Laurence and Maddy arrived and then it was straight out to dinner.

Another walk to the restaurant called Cataract on Paterson. Wonderful lively restaurant with a great menu and friendly staff.


Always a treat to see these two

And then it was back to our prison block as hubby called our hotel! Actually it was a very nice hotel “Balmoral on York” but housed in a plain brick utilitarian building. Conveniently located with a super host and great reception staff. There was a cute breakfast room serving continental and cooked breakfasts. The rooms were perfectly fine with extremely comfy beds.

Tomorrow we would be heading to Cataract Gorge which was going to involve lots of walking!

Dunsborough Days with The Divas, Western Australia

My friends and I had a fantastic three days away for a girls’ long weekend down in Dunsborough, in the South West of WA. The drive from Perth takes approximately 3 hours. It was something we had been meaning to do for a long time, finding the right time for the four of us wasn’t easy.

We rented a beautiful four bedroom house very close to the beach. The most essential thing on our list was a bedroom each! The house was two story with a balcony overlooking the ocean. It had a wonderful deck to sit and have our happy hour each evening.

The Divas

Our Bird Whisperer
Some friendly and not so friendly friends
Views off the balcony

We had a planned itinerary for every day visiting local restaurants and wineries, shopping of course and walking, basically eating and drinking for three days. Evenings were spent playing cards and board games.
It was our first time away together and we all got along famously and intend to do it again sometime soon.

  • Morning Coffee
    Morning Coffee
  • Evening Wine
    Evening Wine
Beach shots
  • Pelican and Seagulls
    Pelican and Seagulls
  • Evening fishing
    Evening fishing

One evening we drove over to Yallingup to catch the sunset which is not visible from Dunsborough.

Dunsborough is the perfect place for families with its sandy beaches and calm shallow water. All types of houses to rent and there are many resorts along the beach.

Reviews of the restaurants and wineries will follow soon

Until next time and thanks for reading