A Gold Coast Day (2019)

This first photo is a nice clear shot of a spotted (turtle) dove perched on a branch showing it's plump breast and pastel browns and greys on which sit the black and white spots of the neck that illustrate the name. Often skittish, this one was kind enough to be cautious and allow me to get quite close in a good light. A wonderful natural setting. 

This remainder of this post captures a day out in early August while visiting my dad in hospital at the Gold Coast. These first several shots are from our accommodation balcony and capture some wonderful behaviours.

This first one is a brahminy kite is full glide with the morning sun gilding the back edges of its wings. The beautiful copper of the feathers and black wing tips are clear as is the white breast head and shoulders. This captures neatly the images in my bird books that invariably show the underside views of birds of prey as they circle and soar on high. Even as high as we were on our balcony, this one was using its keen eyesight beyond our powers!

The next two capture a pelican trying to mind its own business but being harrassed by swooping seagulls! I enjoy how the first one shows the gulls and the pelican tensing in a "crouch" ready to "snap" a response ... and then in the second one (a slightly wider angle), the "snap" in full voice and the gulls out of sight 😃 ... who needs magpies! Great balance for a such a big bird too!

The final shot in this sequence was later in the day and coincidentally the same lamp pole as the pelican was using above. The osprey's patience was rewarded as it swooped toward dinner ... alas, that part I did not capture! Nonetheless, a clear sense of the talons in readiness to grasp its prey is seen and the powerful thrust from the wing beats is there.

 

The photo above was taken after we returned home from a very interesting afternoon exploration of parts of the Coombabah Lakes Conservation area. This is another excellent example of the conservation value afforded land preserved around sewerage treatment facilities throughout the country. 

The first series of photos were taken along a canal boardwalk on the northern perimeter. It was good to capture some (black) birds we take for granted ... a crow with the striking white eye and all glossy black plammage; the very playful young magpies (under the watchful gaze of the parents who were never far away) including some stiking poses from one very curious youngster (thank you!); and the currawong with the distinctive yellow eye and white tail feathers (challenging the kookaburra in the "old gum tree" for a striking pose, I reckon!).

On the return journey we took another entrance to the Conservation area opposite the Southport Airfield (who knew!!) and came across the magnificent sight you see a sample of ... a herd of kangaroos, many grazing with joeys (in and out of their pouches). And, as you can see, they were quite comfortable with people appraoching them ... quite the sight in the afternoon sun and the yellow glow of the fireweed (yes, not birds, but our Australian nature in all its glory).

Never know what awaits when we explore things not quite on the beaten track 😅.