The Three Sisters at Katoomba in The Blue Mountains of New South Wales

The spectacled flying fox is a megabat that lives in Australia's north-eastern regions of Queensland. It is also found in New Guinea and on the offshore islands including Woodlark Island, Alcester Island, Kiriwina, and Halmahera.

The spectacled flying fox was listed as a threatened species under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. They were considered vulnerable due to a significant decline in numbers as a result of loss of their prime feeding habitat and secluded camp sites. It has also been reported that spectacled flying foxes skim over the surface of water to drink and are sometimes eaten by crocodiles. The species was classified as endangered by the IUCN in 2020.

Spectacled flying foxes are forest dwellers and rainforests are their preferred habitat. They prefer to roost in the middle and upper canopy strata in the full sun. Colonies of the spectacled flying fox can be found in rain forests, mangroves, and paperbark and eucalypt forests. There is evidence of increasing urbanisation.

The spectacled flying fox's natural diet is rainforest fruits, riparian zone flowers, and flowers from Myrtaceae (primarily Eucalyptus and Syzygium species) and fruits from the Moraceae (figs) and Myrtaceae (primarily Syzygium). (Wikipedia)

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We came across a huge tree filled with Flying Foxes - quite a noisy spectacle. The one in front with the tan circles around its eyes is the Spectacled Flying Fox, while the other two appear to be Black Flying Foxes.

Yungaburra, Queensland, Australia. October 2022.

Eagle-Eye Tours - Eastern Australia.

In Australia's remote Kimberly, dusk was upon us and a couple of the ship's zodiacs were circling waiting to be hoisted onto the ship. Meanwhile ours lights lit up the turquoise sea as well as drawing a bevy of meter long sharks looking for a quick meal.

The largest of Australia's treecreepers.

Bowra Sanctuary, Cunnamulla, Queensland

The Great Dividing Rangei is Australia's most substantial mountain range and the fifth longest land-based range in the world. It stretches more than 3,500 kilometres (2,175 mi) from the northeastern tip of Queensland, running the entire length of the eastern coastline through New South Wales and then Victoria. Its mountains are small compared to those in many other parts of the world.

This was taken from the air in the early morning near Paluma about 80 km northwest of Townsville, Queensland, Australia. It is on the eastern edge of the Great Dividing range which receives high rainfall. The vegetation here consists of rainforest and tall Eucalypt forests. The sky is hazy from smoke.

The rock type is granite. The area is quite rugged with deep gorges.

Thank you for visiting. I appreciate the faves and kind comments very much.

The scenic mountain range runs over 600 km in central Australia. The MacDonnell Ranges, a mountain range and an interim Australian bioregion, is located in the Northern Territory and has an area of 3,929,444 hectares. The range is a 644 km long series of mountains in central Australia, consisting of parallel ridges running to the east and west of Alice Springs. The mountain range contains many spectacular gaps and gorges as well as areas of Aboriginal significance. 300-350 million years ago a mountain building event created the MacDonnell Ranges. Since that time, folding, faulting and erosion have shaped the range and created numerous gaps and gorges. The ranges are composed of many rock types, but are most famous for their red quartzite peaks and gorges.

Simpsons Gap is one of the gaps in the West MacDonnell Ranges in Australia's Northern Territory. It is located 18 kilometres west from Alice Springs, on the Larapinta Trail. The gap is home to various plants and wildlife, including the black-footed rock-wallaby. It is the site of a permanent waterhole. The area is an important spiritual place for the Arrernte people, who have inhabited the Arrernte area since before European discovery. Simpsons Gap is known to the Arrernte as "Rungutjirpa". It was later visited by surveyor Gilbert Rotherdale McMinn in 1871 while he was searching for a better route for the Overland Telegraph Line. 16188

Medium-sized songbird that produces one of eastern Australia’s most familiar rainforest calls. Olive brown above, with white throat patch contrasting strongly with black face, crest, and breast. Juvenile lacks white patch. Feeds on the ground, most commonly in dense vegetation of rainforest and other wet forests. Very vocal. Male sings “oooooo...doo-doo-doo–whipp!” and female responds “pew pew.” (eBird)

Duet - listen to recording 1: xeno-canto.org/species/Psophodes-olivaceus

(xeno-canto)

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Heard frequently in rainforests of eastern Australia, we quickly learned the song. At O'Reilly's, they are very tame and would come to people for food. In fact, a few times they were too close to photograph, even with the 100-400mm lens. The main problem is that they love the deepest, darkest parts of the forest, so very noisy and dark originals. This photo has been significantly edited to bring out the bird from the gloom.

O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat, Queensland, Australia. October 2022.

Eagle-Eye Tours - Eastern Australia.

The Australian magpie (Gymnorhina tibicen) is a medium-sized black and white passerine bird native to Australia and southern New Guinea. Although once considered to be three separate species, it is now considered to be one, with nine recognised subspecies. A member of the Artamidae, the Australian magpie is placed in its own genus and is most closely related to the black butcherbird (Melloria quoyi). Currawongs have yellow eyes, whereas Magpies have red-brown eyes and Butcherbirds have very dark brown, almost black eyes. It is not, however, closely related to the European magpie, which is a corvid. The adult Australian magpie is a fairly robust bird ranging from 37 to 43 cm in length, with distinctive black and white plumage, gold brown eyes and a solid wedge-shaped bluish-white and black bill. The male and female are similar in appearance, and can be distinguished by differences in back markings. The male has pure white feathers on the back of the head and the female has white blending to grey feathers on the back of the head. With its long legs, the Australian magpie walks rather than waddles or hops and spends much time on the ground. Described as one of Australia's most accomplished songbirds, the Australian magpie has an array of complex vocalisations. It is omnivorous, with the bulk of its varied diet made up of invertebrates. It is generally sedentary and territorial throughout its range. Common and widespread, it has adapted well to human habitation and is a familiar bird of parks, gardens and farmland in Australia and New Guinea. This species is commonly fed by households around the country, but in spring (and occasionally in autumn) a small minority of breeding magpies (almost always males) become aggressive and swoop and attack those who approach their nests. 6966

The Australian magpie (Gymnorhina tibicen) is a medium-sized black and white passerine bird native to Australia and southern New Guinea. Although once considered to be three separate species, it is now considered to be one, with nine recognised subspecies. A member of the Artamidae, the Australian magpie is placed in its own genus and is most closely related to the black butcherbird (Melloria quoyi). Currawongs have yellow eyes, whereas Magpies have red-brown eyes and Butcherbirds have very dark brown, almost black eyes. It is not, however, closely related to the European magpie, which is a corvid. The adult Australian magpie is a fairly robust bird ranging from 37 to 43 cm in length, with distinctive black and white plumage, gold brown eyes and a solid wedge-shaped bluish-white and black bill. The male and female are similar in appearance, and can be distinguished by differences in back markings. The male has pure white feathers on the back of the head and the female has white blending to grey feathers on the back of the head. With its long legs, the Australian magpie walks rather than waddles or hops and spends much time on the ground. Described as one of Australia's most accomplished songbirds, the Australian magpie has an array of complex vocalisations. It is omnivorous, with the bulk of its varied diet made up of invertebrates. It is generally sedentary and territorial throughout its range. Common and widespread, it has adapted well to human habitation and is a familiar bird of parks, gardens and farmland in Australia and New Guinea. This species is commonly fed by households around the country, but in spring (and occasionally in autumn) a small minority of breeding magpies (almost always males) become aggressive and swoop and attack those who approach their nests. 66462

Known and loved by Australians and gift-shop-visiting tourists alike, Superb Fairywrens may be one of Australia’s most well-known birds. This charismatic species is as likely to be found in back gardens and botanical gardens as it is on vegetated roadsides throughout south-eastern Australia.

This was taken at the Hunter Valley, just north of Sydney in New South Wales, which is one of Australia's major wine-growing regions.

This is our final look at the Low Head Lighthouse. It stands here in all its glory showing off the red stripe that was added in 1926. As I've indicated before, this Victorian lighthouse was built in 1888 to replace the 1833 convict built tower that was in danger of collapsing. It is Australia's third oldest continually existing lighthouse.

For those who haven't seen the entire slideshow I have posted it below with the accompanying song "Let Your Light Shine on Me".

The Murray River (or River Murray is Australia's longest river, at 2,508 kilometres in length. The Murray rises in the Australian Alps, draining the western side of Australia's highest mountains, and then meanders across Australia's inland plains, forming the border between the states of New South Wales and Victoria as it flows to the northwest into South Australia. It turns south at Morgan for its final 315 kilometres, reaching the ocean at Lake Alexandrina. 1142

The Australian magpie (Gymnorhina tibicen) is a medium-sized black and white passerine bird native to Australia and southern New Guinea. Although once considered to be three separate species, it is now considered to be one, with nine recognised subspecies. A member of the Artamidae, the Australian magpie is placed in its own genus and is most closely related to the black butcherbird (Melloria quoyi). Currawongs have yellow eyes, whereas Magpies have red-brown eyes and Butcherbirds have very dark brown, almost black eyes. It is not, however, closely related to the European magpie, which is a corvid. The adult Australian magpie is a fairly robust bird ranging from 37 to 43 cm in length, with distinctive black and white plumage, gold brown eyes and a solid wedge-shaped bluish-white and black bill. The male and female are similar in appearance, and can be distinguished by differences in back markings. The male has pure white feathers on the back of the head and the female has white blending to grey feathers on the back of the head. With its long legs, the Australian magpie walks rather than waddles or hops and spends much time on the ground. Described as one of Australia's most accomplished songbirds, the Australian magpie has an array of complex vocalisations. It is omnivorous, with the bulk of its varied diet made up of invertebrates. It is generally sedentary and territorial throughout its range. Common and widespread, it has adapted well to human habitation and is a familiar bird of parks, gardens and farmland in Australia and New Guinea. This species is commonly fed by households around the country, but in spring (and occasionally in autumn) a small minority of breeding magpies (almost always males) become aggressive and swoop and attack those who approach their nests. 59940

Australia's most haunted beach on a beautiful spring day. If I were a ghost, this is the sort of place I'd hang around, not some foggy dreary old place, it's boo-tiful!. I mean ghosts should be able to have fun and enjoy themselves too hey. They would probably be good at surfing and scuba diving and stuff because they can hold their breathe a long time, like forever. And they would never need to worry about suncream because they can't get sunburnt. I think I've just got my afterlife sorted!

Hope everyone is having a great week !

Tasmania is brimming with so many places of natural beauty. This little gem is Dove Lake, which I have been lucky enough to visit twice now. I asked Chat GPT to tell me about it and here is what it said:

Dove Lake Walk, located in the stunning Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park in Tasmania, is considered one of Australia's most beautiful nature walks. It offers a 6-kilometer, 2–3-hour circuit around the glacially carved Dove Lake, nestled directly beneath the towering Cradle Mountain.

The walk takes hikers on a journey through diverse landscapes. As you navigate the undulating path, the walk offers both intimate and epic views of Cradle Mountain and immerses you in the surrounding vegetation. The track undulates around Dove Lake, traverses beneath the mountain, then returns through magnificent rainforest taking you through some of Tasmania's special vegetation, from buttongrass ​to myrtle, sassafras, fagus and King Billy pine.

Sound tempting? I must correct the narrative though, taking a camera with you extends the time from 2-3 hours to "how long am I allowed to spend taking photos before my companions leave without me"

Australia’s largest gull, the Pacific Gull (Larus pacificus) occurs only along the coasts of southern Australia. Despite its name, they are seldom seen on the Pacific coastline, and are more common on beaches bordering the Southern and Indian Oceans.

The Pacific Gull is a very large black-backed gull with a massive yellow bill, broadly tipped with scarlet on both the upper and lower mandible. Juvenile Pacific Gulls are mottled dark brown with a pale face. I took this shot in 2012 at Swansea in Tasmania.

Uluru is probably Australia’s best-known natural landmark. It is about 3.6 Km long and 1.9 Km wide, with a circumference of 9.4 Km. The climb to the top is 1.6 Km, much of which is at a steep angle, while the summit is generally flat. The surface is made up of valleys, ridges, caves and weird shapes that were created through erosion over millions of years. Surface oxidation of its iron content gives the would-be grey Uluru a striking orange-red hue. Uluru changes colour during sunset, making it a photographer's dream come true.

Uluru Kata-Tjuta National Park, Northern Territory, Australia. You'll never never know if you never ever go.

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Australia’s largest salt lake, Lake Eyre/​Kati Thanda has a catchment area from three states and the Northern Territory. The north lake itself is huge, covering an area 144km long and 77km wide, and at 15.2 metres below sea level, it is the lowest point in Australia. The south lake is 64km long and 24km wide. Flood waters cover the lake once every eight years on average. Howver, the lake has only filled to capacity three times in the last 160 years.

You may feel a sense of isolation standing on the dry lake edge and seeing nothing as far as the eye can see – yet with heavy rains and the right conditions the lake comes dramaticaly to life. When there’s water in the lake, water-birds descend in the thousands, including pelicans, silver gulls, red-necked avocets, banded stilts and gull-billed terns. It becomes a breeding site, teeming with species that are tolerant of salinity.

Australia’s most familiar nocturnal bird. Note bright yellow eye and very large ‘frog-like’ bill with whiskers above only slightly banded. A master of camouflage, its shaggy plumage blends in with rough bark when roosting. Usually gray but some subspecies appear more rusty-colored. Present in a wide variety of habitats and common in suburban areas. (eBird)

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These strange-looking birds might be the most familiar nocturnal bird in Australia, but they were far and few between. In fact, we saw them only once, but very well indeed. There's a face-on shot with open eyes in my Australia album.

Mt. Carbine Caravan Park, Tablelands, Queensland, Australia. October 2022.

A rock fisherman north of Bingie Point. Fishing quite a bit higher than it looks and waves at times crashing right there where the man is fishing. Thirty rock fishermen have drowned in NSW since July last year. They are supposed to wear a life jacket but as is the case here, many do not bother and it is not always guaranteed safety. However, this man was probably safer than those at the notorious Hill 60 Beach. www.abc.net.au/news/2021-02-12/rock-fisherman-drowns-at-n...

Australia's immigration policy and no housing

Australia’s largest salt lake, Kati Thanda, is huge, it covers an area 144km (90 miles) long and 77km (48 miles) wide, and at 15.2 metres (50 feet) below sea level, is the lowest point in Australia. Flood waters cover the lake once every eight years on average. However, the lake has only filled to capacity three times in the last 160 years. 2011 was my lucky year, there was water in the lake.

This shot taken through the windscreen as we flew above the salt, the desert on our left with a line of water to the horizon in the distance; absolutely amazing.

After this flight there was just one thing to do, we drove out to the lake to experience the vast expanse of salt for ourselves. The glare was intense, the salt crunched beneath our feet, the radiant heat was surprising and the salt plain seemed to consume us. Standing in that white vastness with not a single landmark was a sobering experience. We saw no water nor any landscape to compare with the view from the sky, and still it was magnificent.

Many thanks for the visits, faves and comments. Cheers

Grey-crowned Babbler

Scientific Name: Pomatostomus temporalis

Description: The Grey-crowned Babbler is the largest of Australia's four babbler species. It is dark brown-grey above, with a distinctive grey crown stripe and a dark face mask that contrasts with a white eyebrow. The chin and throat are white, running into a pale grey lower breast. It has a long, curved bill, short rounded wings with cinnamon brown wing patches and a long tail tipped white. The eye is pale yellow in adults. There is a darker-coloured subspecies, rubeculus, in north-western Australia (often called the Red-breasted Babbler), that has a rufous lower breast and darker crown stripe. The Grey-crowned Babbler is a noisy and gregarious bird, usually found in small groups of four to twelve, and is often seen on the ground or in low trees. It is sometimes called the Yahoo, after one of its calls.

Similar species: The Grey-crowned Babbler lacks the dark crown of other babblers and has a yellow rather than a dark eye.

Distribution: The Grey-crowned Babbler is widespread throughout north-western, northern, central and eastern Australia. It is also found in Papua New Guinea.

Habitat: The Grey-crowned Babbler is found in open forests and woodlands, favouring inland plains with an open shrub layer, little ground cover and plenty of fallen timber and leaf litter. May be seen along roadsides and around farms. In south-east Melbourne, small populations survive on golf courses.

Seasonal movements: Sedentary.

Feeding: Grey-crowned Babblers feed on insects and other invertebrates and sometimes eat seeds. They forage in groups of two to fifteen birds on the ground among leaf litter, around fallen trees and from the bark of shrubs and trees (they tend to use trees more than other babblers).

Breeding: Grey-crowned Babblers live and breed in co-operative territorial groups of two to fifteen birds (usually four to twelve). Groups normally consist of a primary breeding pair along with several non-breeding birds (sometimes groups may contain two breeding pairs or two females that both breed). Most members of the group help to build nests, with the primary female contributing the most effort. Two types of nest are built: roost-nests (usually larger and used by the whole group) and brood-nests (for the breeding females), and often old nest sites are renovated and re-used from year to year. The large domed nests are placed in a tree fork 4 m - 7 m high and are made of thick sticks with projections that make a hood and landing platform for the entrance tunnel. The nest chamber is lined with soft grass, bark, wool and feathers. The brooding female (sometimes more than one) is fed by the other group members and all help to feed the nestlings. Larger groups tend to raise more young, and two broods are usually raised per season.

Calls: Loud scolding and chattering calls: 'wee-oo'. Also distinctive 'ya-hoo' duet by breeding female ('yah') and male ('ahoo') repeated six to eight times.

Minimum Size: 25cm

Maximum Size: 29cm

Average size: 27cm

Average weight: 81g

Breeding season: July to February

Clutch Size: Usually two to three, up to five if more than one female.

Incubation: 23 days

Nestling Period: 23 days

(Source: www.birdsinbackyards.net)

© Chris Burns 2023

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All rights reserved.

This image may not be copied, reproduced, distributed, republished, downloaded, displayed, posted or transmitted in any form or by any means, including electronic, mechanical, photocopying and recording without my written consent.

Western Australia's Wellington Dam on the Collie River with its magnificent mural. The mural was painted by Guido Van Helten, who is also known for his painting of the Brim silos in Victoria flic.kr/p/25UMu12

One of Australia’s most elegant birds, the snowy-white Eastern Great Egret is often seen wading in a range of wetlands, from lakes, rivers and swamps to estuaries, saltmarsh and intertidal mudflats. They usually feed in shallow water, standing and waiting for fish, frogs, insects and other small aquatic creatures to appear before stabbing them with its long, yellow bill. They also walk slowly through the water, on the lookout for prey. Large fish are eaten with difficulty, and are often snatched from the bill of the egret by raptors.

I have been for a little roadtrip through some of Australia`s Alpine areas for a few weeks . This was one of the few days I locked in as I was meeting Tony Brown from Canberra to explore some more of Kosciuszko NP around the Main Range and Ramshead . My brother in law accompanied me on the journey so we headed up Mt Kosciuszko first as he hadn`t climbed it before and then headed over to North Ramshead to the semi frozen tarn and tors .We had a beautiful clear morning but the wind was picking up as we climbed Mt Kosciuszko , the rime {ice build up into the wind } was amazing .We could hardly stand in the wind on top of Kosciuszko , I found myself being tripped by my leg being blown into the other numerous times . As we arrived here the weather changed and we had to wait for breaks in the cloud as we were flat out seeing the tor at this distance most of the time in the whiteout but it did contribute to the wintery mood . We were certainly well looked after with timing and conditions here .As the light started breaking through I shot a couple of panos and it all disappeared again .This day capped a great trip .We were planning to stay for sunset and some night shots but shortly after this we didn`t see the sky again so we wisely started heading back in some challenging navigational conditions . We were planning to hike the main range track the next day but it started raining the next morning .

We ended up hiking about 30 klms that day, we did about 160 klms on the trip many with laden backpacks to explore and photograph some areas and reached many peaks.

We drove a little over 5000 klms also

This is a seven shot stitch

A foggy dawn in the Lower Flinders ranges in South Australia's mid north. (Location data is approximate)

Happy Wonderful Tuesday Clouds!

Taken at Hervey Bay, Urangan Pier.

Australia’s most common gull; It has been found throughout the continent, but particularly at or near coastal areas. It is smaller than the Pacific gull - also in Australia. And not to be confused with the herring gull, common across European countries which is also called "silver gull" but which is a much larger, robust gull with no overlap in range.

However like the herring gull it has adapted well to urban environments and thrives around seaside resorts and garbage dumps. Their successful adaption to urban habitats have seen their populations increase in areas of human activity, with the availability of nesting grounds the only limiting factor on population growth.

The Sydney Masonic Centre; one of Australia’s great Brutalist masterpieces.

Designed by Joseland Gilling and constructed between 1975-9 (with a tower completed in 2004), the SMC stands audaciously on the corner of Sydney’s Castlereagh and Goulburn Streets with not a care in the world. For many years, the SMC fronted the public with a barren concrete façade, but a glazed-in cafeteria was added later to soften the building at street level.

July, 2019

Watco Australia's GML10 passes over the Swan River in Fremantle with 7142 Watco Container Train from Forrestfield to North Fremantle. 07/01/23.

Patagonia has always held a special place in my heart. The vast landscapes, imposing mountains, serene lakes, and diverse wildlife leave me breathless. It was in this magical region that I experienced one of the most thrilling moments of my life: a face-to-face encounter with a puma.

On the second day of the W Circuit trek, I was hiking solo from Central Mountain Hostel towards Francés Mountain Hostel (a roughly 17 km/10.5-mile, 6-hour trek) when I spotted a figure in the bushes. My heart raced – could it be a Lesser Rhea ( flic.kr/p/2mw23tV ), the ostrich-like bird I'd been hoping to see?

Cautiously, I started taking pictures. To my surprise and delight, the creature emerged from hiding. But it wasn't a Rhea – it was a puma!

I never imagined seeing a puma so close. Its beauty and imposing presence left me speechless for a moment. I watched it, mesmerized by its reddish-gray coat and piercing eyes.

Torres del Paine National Park is estimated to have a puma population between 50 and 100. These magnificent animals are the second-largest cats in the Americas, after jaguars, though considered "small" globally. While Patagonian pumas are Chile's largest feline, males typically weigh between 150 and 220 pounds (68-100 kg), while females weigh over 100 pounds (49 kg). Their length can range from 5 to 9 feet (1.5-2.7 meters) from head to tail. (For reference, I'm 5'8" tall and weigh 140 pounds – 1.73 meters and 63.5 kg).

Fear quickly replaced my awe. I was alone in a wild environment, facing a top predator. What should I do?

Safety leaflets from the park entrance came to mind – make eye contact, stand tall, and don't run. Generally, staying calm is key around wild animals, as they're unlikely to attack unless threatened. Additionally, in a park with abundant food sources like guanacos, rheas, huemuls, Patagonian gray foxes, and culpeo foxes, the pumas likely wouldn't see me as prey.

Carefully, I put my camera away and gripped my trekking poles tightly. If the puma attacked, I'd defend myself with everything I had.

A Happy Ending and Unforgettable Lesson:

Thankfully, the puma showed no interest in me. With the same calmness it displayed upon arrival, it retreated back into the forest.

Trembling with a mix of emotions, I stood there for a few minutes. Adrenaline still coursed through my veins, but overwhelming joy and gratitude filled me. I had just witnessed a spectacular display of nature's power.

This encounter profoundly impacted me. It instilled a deep respect for wildlife and their habitat. It also revealed the awe-inspiring power of nature and the importance of connecting with it.

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If you have Netflix, check out a documentary called "Our Great National Parks," narrated by Barack Obama. Season 1, episode 2 focuses on Chilean Patagonia. This breathtaking region boasts 24 unique national parks and is quickly becoming one of the most protected areas on Earth.

The series showcases the stunning beauty of the natural world, from the beaches of Africa and the islands of Japan to Australia's Great Barrier Reef.

Bonus fact: The episode featuring Chilean Patagonia even won Barack Obama an Emmy Award for Outstanding Narrator!

One of Australia's best known mural artists painted this mural of a smiling and happy Australian Cattle Dog in Moura, Queensland in 2019. They are always happiest when working.

Our only granddaughter is a "red" brown haired deaf Cattle Dog named Bella and those who follow my photos will have seen her previously. The one portrayed in the mural is a "blue".

Now here's a trick to confuse even an Aussie. It was traditional years ago to nickname anyone with red hair "Blue" or "Bluey" but you just can't get away with that if you have a red Cattle Dog as they will know their black (or blue) mates are the real thing. Get it?

Kew Gardens

Green and gold are Australia's national colours. As one of the oldest little towns in Australia, it is fitting that I use this Evandale garden to create some photo art that captures these colours. The double sun star is actually the same one at the point the zoom begins and ends. On the right you can catch a glimpse of the old house through the leaves.

PHOTO NOTE: This photograph is produced manually in camera through a photo zoom (and in this case also without a tripod). While this would not be considered "pure photography" by Ansel Adams (what digital photography could?), I want to remain true to the spirit of his dogma: I do not believe in the use of apps to create effects, replace skies or do anything other than to enhance the information already present in the RAW files. But what others choose to do is their business and fine with me.

Australia 108 - Australia's 2nd tallest building (only because the Q1 in Queensland has a taller aerial on top). Australia 108 has the tallest roof of any building in Australia.

This is a handheld 3 image bracketed HDR - no tripod. It was taken mid-morning on a super bright day. The sky was so bright, and the bottom of the building was in complete shadow, I had to use 2 stops of difference between exposures.

K'gari (Fraser Island) is a heritage-listed island located along the southeastern coast of the state of Queensland, Australia. It is approximately 250 kilometres (160 mi) north of the state capital, Brisbane. Its length is about 120 kilometres (75 mi) and its width is approximately 24 kilometres (15 mi). It was inscribed as a World Heritage Site in 1992. The island is considered to be the largest sand island in the world at 1,840 km2. It is also Queensland's largest island, Australia's sixth largest island and the largest island on the East Coast of Australia.

Fraser Island (selten auch Fraser-Insel, früher Great Sandy Island) ist eine zum australischen Bundesstaat Queensland gehörende Insel. Mit einer Fläche von 1840 Quadratkilometer ist sie die größte Sandinsel der Welt. Sie liegt etwa 190 Kilometer nördlich von Brisbane vor der Ostküste Australiens. In der Sprache der Aborigines heißt sie K’gari, was so viel wie „Paradies“ bedeutet. Die Insel gehört seit 1992 zum UNESCO-Weltnaturerbe.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fraser_Island

Australia's smallest rock wallaby (Petrogale burbidgei) (30cm, 1.3kg) high on a remote cliff on the Ord River at the edge of the Kimberley in the north of Western Australia. A rare sight.

Australia’s only species of pelican is the Australian Pelican. They can be found in almost every part of Australia where there is some form of water. Even small farm dams can be a possible place to find one. At Lake Brou which sits right next to the ocean there were several pelicans that swam up close to me while I was photographing shorebirds.

Milky Way over Australia's Uluru after sunset last June. Bonus detail: on the lower right sky, notice the Magellanic Clouds, two dwarf galaxies only visible in the southern hemisphere. Quite a surprise to see!

tech details: 4 image pano created using PTGui, with each frame created from 5 frames merged using Starry Landscape Stacker

Neighbours is Australia's longest-running drama series. Neighbours is celebrated 30th birthday this year...The words are the lyrics of the theme song. I am not a great fan but the song is in my head for a long long time

Have a great weekends everyone

Tree and fence lines bisect this South Hummocks farmland at the top end of South Australia's Yorke Peninsula.

Following a long and complex overhaul, Australia's super-star loco., no. 3801, is firmly back in action!

Between 22nd and 27th September, she ran daily test trains along sections of the 'Main South' between Sydney and Melbourne (some days to Goulburn, others to Moss Vale). No passengers were carried - the purpose was purely crew training and to run the loco. in after further boiler work.

Here she is seen on 27th September blasting over the viaduct across the Wingecarribee River on the return from Moss Vale.

_IMG5653_Step6SpotSMALL

Australia's smallest bird, the Weebill (Smicrornis brevirostris), at Woodlands Historic Park, Victoria, Australia. These birds are only 8-9 cm long, and this one was in a small group moving through the low trees looking for food. Several ants are also visible on the branches.

This is one of the prettiest of Australia's nine brown snake species and is restricted to the barren black-soil plains of the Northern Territory and Queensland. They actively hunt these desolate landscapes during the morning and afternoon, navigating the deep cracks as they search for their lizard prey.

On a recent trip to the Barkly Tablelands we saw a half a dozen of these snakes in their two colour variations of speckled and banded, with this one allowing me to lay in front of its path for a photo.

Mandurah, WA’s largest regional city and less than an hour from Perth, is set against a backdrop of magnificent beaches and an estuary twice the size of Sydney Harbour. Originally known as Mandjoogoordap, Mandurah means ‘meeting place of the heart’. And once you arrive here, it’s easy to see why it was crowned Australia’s Top Tourism Town 2023.