Queens Gardens......

Queens Gardens was the first of three places I visited yesterday. The gardens named after Queen Victoria and opened in 1899 is a beautifully kept natural oasis, particularly for the waterbirds. It was so serene and peaceful walking in the warm morning sunshine and observing the private lives of the birds.

All seemed somewhat oblivious to my presence, perhaps inner city bird folk are more tolerant of humans being around. There were many families looking after their chicks. The doting parents ever attentive to the demands of their offspring. I did though have a peek into the intimate moments of building a nest. A pair of eurasian coots were completely absorbed as the male kept disappearing under the water to search for suitable material for the nest. The female tending to the eggs under her, I couldn't get a good look in the nest to see how many eggs she had. Watching this was extremely fascinating and at times I felt like I was intruding. 

So many life forms surround us and like us they all have families and struggle to get through each day. Birds in particular do have a lot to contend with from the moment they arrive in the world. 

Not all make it as life in the wild is dangerous. 

With humanity distracted constantly to what the humans need and continue to demand of the planet these other beings that share our world become somewhat invisible. Some viewed as pests and maimed as the unconscious among us disregard the connectedness of life. 

Here though I was surprised that these inner city birds were so contented. 

Their lives appearing completely peaceful and food abundant. 

Most importantly though, their environment is a safe and well protected haven......