As The Patter...

As the patter of rain began to fall creating a luscious melody, a soaking, respite for the parched earth. One bronzewing settled down to bathe in the soft rain. Another younger one was near the fence and also came out to enjoy this long awaited downfall.  

Bronzewings open their wings in the rain as part of their preening ritual, they do this to distribute a powder down that helps keep their feathers clean, silky and waterproof. 

This unique wing opening in the rain gives me a great opportunity to see the glorious bronze colour of their inner wing feathers.

 Luckily, this chap was so enthusiastic with his bathing that he was rolled over on his side, wing high. This behaviour is crucial for bronzewings in maintaining feather health. 

And I have to say it is a pleasure to watch.

In fact, as I edited my photographs it almost seemed like a dance.

It was also easy to see the joy he was obviously feeling. 

Around half an hour after this, thunder roared and rain pelleted down and sent every bird flying for cover as huge puddles finally cover the ground...

 

Dramatic Views...

Dramatic views greet me this morning. 

The tickle of misty droplets of rain teasingly drifting in the cool morning air.

I can smell the tantalising scent of rain.

There's a silent anticipation.

The sense of a downfall feels imminent.

The wind building.

Gusts of wind whisking through my hair.

Leaves dancing in a frantic manner.

Then the hush returns.

Silence.

Stillness.

Waiting...

 

A Stroll...

A stroll along the Swan River at Garvey Park was a peaceful experience, although slightly unsettling as there was a serious lack of bird life.

The raised walkways above the wetlands gives a good view of the normal nesting sights. 

Yet, back in August when these were taken the water level in the wetlands was extremely low.

I keep hoping that rain that is forecast actually does show up, it amazes me how wrong the weather forecast always is.

Praying that summer rains are on the way...

 

I Went For...

I went for a drive to Toodyay, which is the next little country town northeast from Chidlow all the way back in September. 

For some reason, I completely forgot to post the photos.

I stopped at a nature reserve on the outskirts of the little town, and spent most of the time sitting on the granite outcrops soaking in the energy of the land. 

From memory, it was quite a warm day, perfect weather for quite contemplation.

Pink everlastings were mingled with the happy yellow of capeweed which looked exquisitely beautiful under the canopy of wilting trees. There was a sadness mingling with the burst of springtime flowers as dried skeletal trees stood stark against the drifting clouds.

Also adding a touch of happiness were the yellow blooms of the silver cassia, a hardy evergreen native to arid and semi arid regions of Australia. The seed pods known as senna, are primarily used as a laxative, they are also untilised in traditional medicine to detoxify the liver and improve eyesight. Who'd have known such a pretty shrub could be so useful.

The blue Leschenultia flowers made for a vibrant carpet in one area, this plant is native to Western Australia. I do love seeing blue flowers and these are so delicate. Interestingly they do not have a scent detectable to humans, yet as with all flowers pollinators seem to know when they are in bloom.

The information boards about the area were interesting, and I have thought about driving out here one clear night to see if I can make out emus in the sky...