Geoff Thompsons Blog: galahs

Showing posts with label galahs. Show all posts

Tuesday, March 31, 2020

Birds and the Bees in times of Pandemic.

In this time of social isolation because of the Pandemic, if we are photographers and have a garden, there are things to encourage us.
We can still practise photography in our backyard.
I took these pics in our front garden a short while ago.
Bees in Daisies.
Bees around the world have been under threat from viruses but that does not stop them continuing their daily lives.
Perhaps they innately know how to trust their creator.
Something we have trouble with when we are under threat.
Notwithstanding we have a role in protecting nature and should also take notice of what the Medical people and Governments are telling us.
Stay isolated and stay well everyone.

Likewise the birds know who is looking after them.

The Apostle Birds are still meeting in groups of 12 or more.

These Galahs are not isolating either.

Thursday, October 18, 2012

Murray Sunset National Park

My late father in law ,Dudley Foweraker, was an amazing self taught naturalist.
He was an expert on Australian native trees and plants,Australian Birds,Conversation and The River Muurray.
For many years he ran his own successful Nursery business.
He lived in Renmark South Australia all his life.
There is a plaque in Renmark on the bank of the Murray River recognising his services to the community ,particularly in the conservation work, and as a consultant to many on trees and birds and plants of the Riverland.
As a keen photographer and birdwatcher it was always a pleasure and education to go out bush with Dud, sometimes just him and me, and other times with our family and friends.
We didn't use four wheel drives just ordinary vehicles , but we covered a lot of territory.
I would often have a small tape recorder running while we drove through the bush as Dud would give a running commentary on everything we saw.
I usually took photos and sometimes movies.
There are some pictures here from some of these trip.

The Murray Sunset National Park is a very large National Park in Victoria.
We were in the area near the Lindsay Creek not far from the South Australian border.
This particular part of the park had once been a sheep station.
See also my recent post on Mallee Tracks.

The power of a storm

This tank is similar to some on the Park but they did not have water in them where we went.

Dud reckoned this was a very impressive mallee tree

The other side of the above Mallee tree

My flash brings out the rich colour of the tree trunk

This shady spot with hollows in the sand was a place where kangaroos had obviously been sheltering from the noonday sun.

These trees had been uprooted by strong wind gusts

Red Kangaroo

Venturing off the track,can be dicey if you get bogged.

Galahs in flight

There are deadly snakes in this region

These long tracks criss cross the park

Old Pine Tree

Monday, July 30, 2012

Australian Wildlife and Landscape Photo Safaris

I have for many years been photographing Australia's outback and Riverland.
Birds, Animals, Landscapes etc.
Also Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide,Canberra and Darwin.

Below are some suggestions for a photographic and/or just relaxing holidays in Australia.I would take you on such tours but am not licensed to do so. if you need guidance on these places please email me.

1. Riverland South Australia and Broken Hill 1 week
The South Australian Riverland is 3 hours from Adelaide by road and consists of a number of country towns where Fruit, Wine, Vegetables, Almonds etc are produced in large quantity.
The towns are all based on the River Murray, Australia's iconic river.
It is a gateway to the outback.

2.Broken Hill is a large inland outback town known as the Silver City.
It has its origins as a major mining town and is in rich in history and home to great Australian Artists.
The historic town of Silverton is nearby with it's ghostown appearance and quirky art galleries.

3. The Flinders Ranges South Australia 1 week
One of Australia's premiere outback holiday destinations. Rugged mountains and incredible landscape and wildlife and wildflowers.

4. Kangaroo Island South Australia 5 days
One of Australia's best kept secrets. A popular destination for overseas tourists. Kangaroos, wallabies,seals, birdlife and amazing coastal scenery. Amazing wild flowers in season and a large part of South Australia's beginnings as a settlement.

5. Barossa Valley or Mclaren Vale. 2 days or 1 day. Close to Adelaide and premiere wine growing and tourist areas.
Gourmet dining.

5. Adelaide Hills 1 day.

Wonderful scenery and quaint country towns with many attractions including the World's Largest Rocking Horse.Good country meals and bakerys.Hahndorf is an historic town originally settled by German Immigrants and rich in German heritage as is the Barossa Valley..

6. Central Australia 1 week.
Take in Ayer's rock, The Olgas, King's Canyon,Coober Pedy, Alice Springs.Magnificent colour and desert landscapes and wildlife.
7. Darwin Northern Territory. Ideally you need 2 weeks in and around Darwin to get an appreciation of the "Top End".
Darwin is about 4 days drive from Adelaide.You can catch the luxury train the Ghan from Adelaide or you can fly. Litchfield National Park,Adelaide River Crocodile Tours, Bathurst Island,Darwin Harbour,Daly River,Cullen Bay, Mindle Beach,Palmerston Markets, are some places to visit. Magnificent scenery,wildlife,rock pools and waterfalls but be careful it is Crocodile Country.

8. Canberra is Australia's Capital Territory and the home of the Australian Federal Parliament.
100 years old in 2013.