Up with the Birds!

 It was 4.33am this morning, when I  heard the first squawk of the day, of a lone Corella. It was only seconds before he was joined by his mates. Having been awake for the past half hour, I took myself outside to see what the sun was doing. 

I made the decision to dress and sit outside to write this post. The colour had gone when I returned.

I regularly hear the corellas take their early morning ritual of an en mass flight. It can also happen several time during the day. I am always too late with the camera. This morning I decided to stand in readiness, since I was up. It is a fascinating event. One can hear a change in their squawking as if they are all saying, "countdown 1, 2 , 3 and we are off."

These trees are full of the Corellas.

In flight.

Redirecting this post back to yesterday morning, when I was also awake early.

The clouds on the horizon above, are this storm bypassing us.

Now, how my next half hour unfolded. Yes, you will see the Corellas in many of the images.

Walking back inside, I spotted several trying to escape the racket to have a few quiet moments.

This lone fellow, still couldn't keep quiet. 

His sounds are repeated all day by this massive flock. Often loudly. Sometimes just a distant squawk. They are rarely able to settle for long. Always on the move. My writing is being interrupted constantly as a new group take off noisily. They are fascinating. I wish I understood their 'speak'.

These images were taken just in the last few minutes. I got up to take the settled group. Alas, as I clicked, they were off again.

They are now more settled. [5.47 am] Their raucous sounds are now replaced by the roar of the M1 traffic.

Noisy as they are, I love these birds and as you would have gathered, never tire of watching them.

Wishing you all a peaceful and rewarding 2025 with as much time time to enjoy nature's beauty as possible.

I would love to read your comment.

After the Rain

 Five inches over 3 days in our second week of rain. Now we are back to heat and humidity. Christmas won't be a white one, but hopefully under 30 C.

I was surprised to see the groundsman sheltering under the tree from the rain, but even more so, to see him back at work when the rain eased!

Thankfully the Hungry Hikers were able to enjoy their nibbles and wine by the river the following day, after the annual and magnificent 'Spirit of Christmas' concert.

I would love to read your comment.

Festive Hungry Hikers

We weren't at all sure that the weather Gods would be kind enough for our Christmas picnic beside the Brisbane River, after days of heavy rain. It seems that once again, they have come to our rescue and a most fabulous evening, with the best friends, ensued.

Table set

Photo shoot in progress.

Time to relax with a glass of bubbles.

Gift sharing.

Our favourite created by Laurel. 

A star for each of our trees, with a photo of the seven of us, on a recent hike.

Margot's was a bib, as she thinks we now all need one!

The river was brown but tranquil.

We each brought something to nibble on!

It was late when we left.

A sunset surprise after another day of rain this week.

Our friendship sees us through the good times and the bad. At present, that friendship is very important to us all, as life isn't always as easy as it seems.

I would love to read your comment.

Colourful Brisbane

The past week has been incredibly busy with highs and lows. This post was commenced Monday, and this morning is the first opportunity to return to it. The photos were ready to go. The comments will now be brief.

The Hungry Hikers walked 6 kilometres in the city, to discover the Christmas tiny doors. Alas we weren't very successful as many had once again been taken.

A stunning ginger plant in the Roma St Gardens, where we found door 1.

 

The entrance to the Casino, where we searched high and low for a door, without any luck.

We were able to look for the tiny doors on the evening that the Christmas colour and projections at Queens Wharf [Casino and river area] were illuminated.

We were present for the official launch at 7.30, of Sumo Lumo - "an electrifying immersive light and sound experience." There was great excitement when snow began to fall! 

Time for the most delicious gelato ever!

8.30 saw us watching the 2nd showing of Sumo Lumo from Southbank Parklands.

Colour at sunrise from No 16.

Muted morning colour at Coolangatta Beach. I love this spot, but my bliss was high on this morning as I was watching my son Matthew, catching the waves. He had returned home from Austria on the 2nd December and will be staying with us until he finds new work here in Australia.

Colour and song at the Powerhouse with friends. Dami im's Christmas concert was an absolute joy.

The following evening, the corellas put on one of their noisy but spectular flight shows. The afternoon light and cool evening, was just perfect to sit with friends and watch them. Unknown to us at that point, the temperature the following day would reach 38C and you could cut the humidity with a knife. UGH! Definitely no sitting outside watching corellas.

Christmas colour on the 6th green. Someone was very brave in his choice of outfit!

It is thrilling to have Matthew home, and equally so to report that my husband Frank, has finally had a laminectomy on his lower back with excellent results. I collect him from hospital today. The excessive heat lasted 2 days and was broken by more heavy rainfall. 68 ml in 24 hours.

I would love to read your comment.