Monday, November 16, 2026

After The Rain...

After the rain I decided to take my camera out into garden, to breathe in the freshness. Although it hadn't been too long since the thorough downpour had ended, all the puddles had already been sucked up by the thirsty soil, raindrops on plants, mostly gone.
Still, I was lucky in capturing some flowers with droplets still sitting upon their delicate petals. There is for me, an exquisite beauty in seeing flowers sprinkled with rain, they way the water glistens, like crystals when the sun catches it.

Two wood ducks watching my meanderings from their vantage point on the fence, it seems to be the favoured roost this year for many of the ducks who visit each day. As the temperature rises, so does the number of ducks who come.

There were a few corellas in the trees, and sitting elsewhere in the garden. Their noisy protests when I approached became so loud that I didn't linger long in that corner it the garden. They are quite curious birds, although not as brave as their pink and grey relatives, of which they tend to flock with. There was a rather bedraggled rose chested cockatoo waltzing across the garden, its sodden feathers made her look rather forlorn. 

As always there were plenty of bronzewings around the garden, they are very nervous birds, and take flight at the slightest of noises. Some though, are a little braver and will tolerate my wanderings. 

I also noticed one of the quenda joeys out having a nibble on tasty tidbits laying freshly disturbed after the rains. They are so adorable, and tend to provide hours of stimulation for my kitty kids as they dash past the windows. It is a far safer way of them using their stalking and hunting skills. From the safety of the cottage, or from their enclosure. 
Quendas don't have the best eyesight, and are supposed to be more active at night. For some reason, my quendas can be seen hopping around the garden anytime during the day. Mind you, in the morning there is always evidence of a communal digging event, with their  freshly dug little holes all over the garden each morning. 

As I was heading inside, I noticed a new holland honeyeater on lookout duty. It had put out the alert call, which all birds know, even the chickens. Interestingly, all of the birds know the alert signal, and it doesn't matter which species of bird puts out the alert, every bird takes heed and heads for cover.
Normally, the bird that puts out the call, is the one that will stay as guard until the danger is over.

There is always so much going on in my little realm of happiness, which brings me endless moments of gratitude...
















































 

Sunday, November 15, 2026

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...