Blackbutts Reserve (Newcastle)

George and I were ecstatic when this little baby koala emerged from it's mum's pouch.  It was very unexpected!  And set up some gorgeous photos.

Birds (Nambucca Heads)

The farm where I spent Xmas abounded in birds.  I was ecstatic to see Regent Bowerbird - a beautiful species with black and gold plumage that I've wanted to see for ages.  Another new bird species for me was the Pacific Baza which was hard at work collecting twigs for a nest.  Dani took a great photo of an Eastern Spinebill - an extraordinary achievement with her 55 mm lens!!  The King Parrots that visited the farm in the early morning were also gorgeous and quite tame.  Colin, Dani's dad, is a great lover of birds and wildlife, and it was great to share his enthusiasm.

Regent Bowerbird

Eastern Spinebill (photo by Dx with a 55 mm lens!)

King Parrot

Pacific Baza collecting twigs

Birds of The Hunter Valley

These photos were taken during a photography weekend to The Hunter Valley.

King Parrots

These are my favourite Australian parrots.  They are large and the male is very red.  The more drab one is the female.  I saw many of them along The Great Ocean Road.

World of Birds, Houtbay (Cape Town)

I spent a very enjoyable morning photographing the birds. I especially loved the owls.

Up close and personal at Bobbin Head

Easter Friday at Bobbin Head

Bobbin Head is one of our favourite spots in Sydney for a walk and to take some snaps. The million dollar boats are always photogenic with their reflections in the Hawkesbury River. The local Kookaburra is always up for a close portrait shot, as are the multi-coloured rainbow lorikeets. The mangrove crabs are also colourful in their green or red armour - though notoriously difficult to get in focus even with good macro lenses while lying on your stomach on the boardwalk. The view from the visitor centre is stunning of the river below and the shady forrests are always restful with their generous shade. Not to mention that the local shop stocks my favoutite icecream and does great coffee. All in all, a wonderful spot for an Easter Friday ramble with Mum and Mike...