Dear Reader: As we walk around the waterhole, I notice a large spider clinging to the corner of a fallen branch. Closer examination reveals it to be the shed carapace of a large Huntsman Spider. We are continuing (see previous post) our walk around the Pangarinda Botanic Park in Wellington East. We have reached a ..read more

Dear Reader: There is a beautiful European Goldfinch perched in the top of a Casuarina. Though I came to look at native plants and fauna, this introduced bird is far to pretty to ignore. A little further along the pathway, I notice a low spreading gum with pale roundish leaves and brilliant red flowers. The ..read more

Dear Reader: Two Mallee Ringneck Parrots are perched high in a spindly eucalypt. Bracing the camera against a tree, I focus on the nearer bird to better illustrate its glorious colours. The Ferries McDonald Conservation Park is in the Monarto area about an hour’s drive from Adelaide’s CBD. It is a ‘dryland’ park dominated by ..read more

Dear Reader: A trio of elegant Mute Swans glide effortlessly across the river. They are accompanied by both male and female Mallards. English Mute Swans are a sharp contrast to the usual Black Swans that I encounter at home in SA. I am taking a rainy day walk around the outer London village of Barnes ..read more

Dear Reader: At first glance the little creek appears lifeless but on closer examination I spot a Blue Damselfly and a juvenile Eastern Water Skink on the overgrown stonework. Hahndorf is a tourist town of German heritage about a forty minute drive from Adelaide’s CBD. Best known for handicrafts, galleries, food and souvenirs; it also ..read more

A preliminary note: When I am not enjoying the natural wonders of South Australia I sometimes cross state borders and enjoy the wildlife of our close neighbours, Victoria and Tasmania. This post is about one of my favourite Victorian destinations. Dear Reader: There is an old fencepost on the edge of the creek trail. The ..read more

Dear Reader: Against a clear blue sky, a Nankeen Kestrel hovers above wheat stubble in search of rodents, lizards and other small animals. I am driving into the village of Bethany in the Barossa Valley about 70 kms from Adelaide. Founded in 1842 by German Lutheran settlers it was originally called Bethanian: German for Bethlehem ..read more

Dear Reader: There is an Adelaide Rosella perched amongst the bare branches of a fruit tree in the garden of the old ‘Mine Manager’s House’. Adelaide Rosella I am taking a walk around the Kapunda Mine site situated on the southern edge of the mid north town of the same name. It is an easy, short walk. Despite the rather overcast conditions, I am hoping to get a few good shots of the site and local wildlife. Black-faced Cuckoo Shrike (credit Debbie Simmonds) Before my walk I spoke to several people at the Visitor Information Centre and the local hotel. They mentioned a mob of Western Grey K ..read more

Dear Reader: There is an avenue of trees shading the footpath. A small group of Sulphur-crested Cockatoos are using both beaks and feet to feed on something growing or living on the branches and leaves. Sulphur-crested Cockatoos enjoying a winter feast I am in the small town of Mylor in the Adelaide Hills. It has a village atmosphere with a general store, small restaurant and craft shop and a football oval. Some lovely heritage homes adorn the main street and a small creek runs along the back of the oval. One of many heritage buildings in the area A quality range of goods on display at Ve ..read more

Dear Reader: On entering the forest of eucalypts, native pine and acacias we hear the bellowing grunts of a male Koala. Within a few minutes we find the perpetrator of this solo cacophony hanging upside down in a gum tree. An unusual Koala pose Looking more carefully, we notice a second, smaller animal; probably a female. The story becomes clear as the male rights himself then clambers across the gap towards his intended. Lady in waiting On my way We leave the Koalas to their mating rituals and move further along the narrow trail. The weather has been dry this autumn and the wildlife is ..read more