Charlie My Ginger...

Charlie my ginger imp absolutely loves outside time, and soaks up as much warmth as possible, in-between bird and quenda watching.

Miss Bear prefers the shade and tends to meow to come inside sooner than Charles.

We should take life lessons from cats.

Because felines always know exactly what they want, and have no trouble telling you!

They also embrace all the luxurious things in life, be it sunshine, fluffy cushions or comfy places to sleep...

 

Public Telephone Boxes...

Public telephone boxes have been decorated with these colorful signs advertising free phone calls for everyone.

Apparently, this began way back in 2021. 

I expect there are those unexpected emergencies where one might not have credit, the phone has no battery life left or no phone at all. 

Although I expect that later is fairly rare this day and age.

It did make me wonder whether this is offered in other places around the world...

 

A Walk At Woodlake...

A walk at Woodlake in Ellenbrook last week has skipped a very long queue of waiting posts, because of how special this day was.

I simply had to share these photos.

I always feel incredibly privileged witnessing private intimate family moments in nature.

For any wild chick to make it to adulthood is quite something.

Actually, for the eggs to achieve hatching is also a feat, because someone is watching the nest, waiting for a moment to attack.

Eurasian coots are very aggressive and diligent parents. Their chicks are adorable and tiny and independent from a young age. 

Mum was attempting to get the chicks tucked in for a nap. Watching the antics of the chicks was really funny. Having five wayward children is a test for any mother. 

After about 20 minutes all were snuggled under mum fast asleep.

I encountered another family of Eurasian coots on the far side of the lake, these had just woken from a nap and had begun chasing their parents frantically across the water for feeding.

There were a few ducks out and about enjoying the sunshine. And much to my delight three ducklings paddled into view. I stopped to watch this beautiful family for about half an hour. Ducklings are so fragile, and like other birds surviving the first year is not easy, I truly hope these precious babies make it through.

Next I happen to notice a Willy wagtail nest located in a branch hanging out over the water.

Willy wagtails create wonderful nests, and each time I have seen one, they are always over water. I am assuming they do this to protect their chicks from predators. Really clever if you ask me.

Getting photos was quite difficult, but I got a couple, the two chicks heads can be seen popping out from under mum.

Then suddenly I was back to where I started, and the coot chicks were awake and on the lake with their parents feeding. 

And once again I stood transfixed for the longest time...