The introduction of the blueberry grenade was revolutionary. Screwed onto the railway, it invited the birds to pick out their favourite fruits up close and personal.
It also proved to all birds, that it’s safe to eat here. No one would be willingly harmed.
Chester has his moments.
But is generally pre-occupied.
This proved vital for female bowerbirds, who were particularly shy.
Now they compete freely with other birds.
However, the patio became overdecompopulated as tension grew. It turned into a birdy roundabout and I had to think outside this square.
180 degrees to be exact. This is the angle of the sun shining through the photographic sphere.
My directors camp chair followed accordingly.
And Action.
The front porch catches the very first sunlight, which glows in colours.
With the sun came early morning guests.
This frontier was the start of my photographic adventure here.
The whole patio makes photographic sense.
Various plants and pots compete with blooms of colours.
The brown hardwood is outlined in grey and white.
Original rustics are still pinned to the wooden structure.
They may have been purposely added for that reason a century ago.
Birds are most active early mornings. It was a long night for parents, their young ones are hungry.
A healthy breakfast is a great start to any day.
I was waiting and took full advantage of the circumstances presented.
After a coffee break and evaluation of appearances, my focus points follows the side porch to three objects glaring in the sun;
The Golden Triangle.
Many hours were lost here, this one is tricky.
Focusing on all three domains at the same time is impossible.
But I have done my homework.
The outstanding feature though is the Bumpy Ash, or ‘Magic Tree.
It’s not only the tree’s perfect location in the shire but the presentation of its statue couldn’t be constructed any better. The short stump veers into four equal and diagonal trunks, running parallel to each other.
Stable limbs branch into umbrella-like beams, which spread out flawlessly, yet bizarre.
A wooden maze that keeps amazing me.
And just like that, the tree is loaded with colourful feathers.
A leaf oasis offers shade and shelter.
Better holy leafs than no leafs.
The branches that had no leafs will eventually leave.
Dead limbs twist and turn into a perfect opera hall.
Until then, they will be well used and photographed.
They offer all spectators equal vision over the spectacles.
It’s easier to screech at someone from up here when you’re little.
And nicer to cuddle up.
Morning routine anyone?
How is this for social distancing?
The early morning sun shimmers softly from eastern horizons.
While the afternoon sun returns the favour in the opposite direction. It’s truly magical.
From here, Frodo observes the breakfast offerings on the veranda.
Damn, the early morning beak-hour has already started.
Beakaboo, and who are you?
The fruit bowl is already loaded with juicy blueberries, just the way he likes it.
Birds, that have been spooked off the rail, often rush to the nearby barrel sticks.
It is a quick escape route for a hasty retreat.
Originally, these sticks were safety measures to avoid bird drownings.
It turned out to be more than this.
Lorikeets in particular like to warm up here early mornings.
Rosellas respite for a refreshing drink.
Wild ginger edges in lush greens behind.
It hadn’t been me if there weren’t any fruits presented. Local flowers decorate delicately. Perfect.
Even though our bohemian tree has lost its vibrant flowers, the bowerbirds often halt in this bare tree.
The Bauhinia Tree and its flowers attracted the bowerbirds and my attention initially.
Earlier posts detail this specifically.
As they do in regards to the D.I.Y. bower.
It was busy as always, but temperatures increased during spring.
The midday sun is at its highest and hottest.
I had to relocate the bower for the bird’s sake.
Appreciative to move the bower’s location into the shade of the mouldy tree was very welcomed by birds and animals.
One could rest on peas.
But the tree itself became a feather magnet for several reasons.
From up here, they had a birds-eye view directly over the bower. Quick escapes got even quicker.
Longer sticks shorten the distance to the swaying branches of this fascinating tree.
I don’t know the name of this tree, but its shredding bark just adds flawlessly to the frame.
Black mould lines enhance the surreal structure.
As do palm trees along the distant edges.
The afternoon sun glares through green leafs but not through mould infected ones.
So, what else do I need?
Participants come in all shapes, sizes and colours.
Sunlight reaches all of the hotspots and either background is captured picturesque in 180 degrees.
Some people may understand my photo obsession around here. Many may not.
It was impossible to take a bad photo. It’s as simple as that.
My late afternoon emphasis returns towards the golden triangle.
Just like the early morning golden hour, the afternoon glow is just as spectacular.
Everyone rushes by for a nightcap before darkness falls.
A gap within the eucalyptus forest allows soft light to shine through.
The full circle of sunlight is almost completed and bases are loaded.
If I am lucky, I may hit a home run.
It’s a trifecta. The triangle has done it again.
Not a bad day today, not bad at all.
What do I do on rainy days you might ask?
I play with water.
Travels with Ben 