In and around Bendigo II

Heathcote and Bendigo 

This post highlights some features (landscapes) and birds we came across as we explored east and west of our B&B in Axedale. Turns out, while we were enjoying some afternoon tea in Heathcote after exploring the town and surrounds, we had passed through on our way back from Tassie a few years ago - we recognised the unique layout of the local bakery!!

A Heathcote magpie.

A blue-faced honeyeater picnicing in Heathcote.

A crimson rosella in a Heathcote oak tree.

A red wattlebird among Heathcote autumn leaves.

Heathcote autumn trees in Valley of Liquid Ambers.

The next three photos show some of the scenery approaching and at the Pink Cliffs geological reserve. The formations are the remnants of gold mining water cleansing of the ore and another example of how we adversely affect our environment. The degradation is clear in two photos contrasting with the more pristine bush and trees in the other photo.

The next two photos show two similar views near the spillway at Lake Eppalock. The water in the Lake provided a stark contrast to the very dry surrounding landscape. However, a great recreational resource as well as water supply for the region.

A view down the river walk at the B&B in late afternoon.

Early morning eastern rosellas guarding the farm gate.

Same guards, different angle.

The next four photos show crested pigeons and galahs perched with commanding views from branches on dead trees in the landscape. The final photo of the four attempts to show the teasing nature of a cloudy day overlooking the very dry landscape. Stunning colours even so.

The resident lamb not too sure about it's shepherd!

The next four photos I have included because it took me several days to get a decent picture of these elusive fellows! A beautiful call makes them easy to spot, but hearing them and locating them in a light that was not too dark had proven frustrating ... fortunately, patience paid off! I present a new one for me - the white-plumed honeyeater.

During our day exploring Bendigo, after a wonderfully thought-provoking visit to the Regional Gallery to see the Frida Kahlo exhibition, we went wandering around the Botanic Gardens. Below are some examples of what we encountered of interest to this blog.

Pacific black ducks - each perfectly stationary.

Australian wood ducks nestling creek side.

Striking red gumnut flowers contrasting green leaves
and grey branches

As Neil Diamond once sang ... Blackbird 

Monkey puzzle flowers about to bloom

Monkey puzzle flowers post blooming

Galahs grazing on the lawn

Galahs sneeking a peek!

Eastern rosella pair eyeing the tram stop

Bendigo tram conductor
(& shadowy photographers)!

Heading back to the B&B one afternoon we spotted this kangaroo in a lower paddock near a dry creek bed. It looked in total control of its space!

Further along the track a dead tree stands lookout over a watering hole. Perched high in the dead branches were these parrots (one very colourful male and two females). I couldn't get closer without scaring them off ... but a little later the male flew down to the watering hole and the late afternoon light enhanced its spectacular irridescent sheen. I am not entirely sure, but my best research suggest these are red-rumped parrots. Alas, closer views did not happen. Still, you get the idea.

Finally for this post a new holland honeyeater perched proudly in a polygala (my wife knows flowers like I know some birds!).