The Market Comes...

The market comes to the lake once per month, last month as I set off for a morning walk around the lake the stall holders were just setting up.

 I didn't go back after my walk, although it's market day at the lake this Saturday and I intend to stay and catch up with a couple of friends who have stalls at the market.

It's was nearing the end of April when I took these photos, and frustratingly there had still not been much rain. 

This time of the year I love how the sun highlights the webs of tiny money spiders the dwell on the shoreline of the lake and along the pathways.

They really are spectacular webs which sparkle in the sunshine, especially when droplets of dew are dangling on the silky constructions. 

Birds were aplenty, and all going about their days. A grey fantail sat still on a branch giving me a good chance to take a photo. These small birds are rarely still, so I was thrilled about the opportunity. Actually, this little one came so close, at one point I thought it was going to land on my shoulder.

Seed pods and canopy scapes and various other views prompted me to pause and indulge myself further into the mysteries of nature, especially the minute world of lichen and moss. 

Always makes me think of sprites fairies and elves.

At the end of my walk I came across an amorous purple swamp hen attempting to woo a mate. I thought he seemed to be doing a pretty good job of it. Unfortunately, his advances were not received as he intended. He did make a last effort lunging and trying to subdue the smaller female. 

She however had other ideas and soon dashed off...