Pimpama Koalas

 Tuesday 10 October 

This week the Gaiter Girl hikers put on our 'Wildcare' caps and went searching for a possible sick Koala, in a tree, near a shed, between 2 busy roads, at Pimpama. This was the succinct brief for finding the said sick koala.

After 2 circuits of the said area, the shed was found, but a car park was more difficult. Another circuit and the car was parked. As luck would have it, almost below Koala No 1! Loads of photos were taken before we set off through the bush, craning our necks to spot another, but for no reward.

As we returned to our starting point, Koala No 2 was spotted just 30 metres away from our first find. He wasn't easily photographed, as he was lying, awkwardly to us, under a canopy of leaves.

A path opposite beckoned, giving us 6km of walking for the day and the discovery of an amazing children's playground. Mary [NY Grandies] and I, bemoaned the fact that our darling grandchildren are too far away for them to ever enjoy it. Thses photos don't do it justice.

The photos of the koalas were sent to Wildcare. We were thrilled to hear that both these beautiful creatures are in good health. Wildcare, however, are still concerned that a third koala may be unhealthy. Rachel will have to return.

My drive back from Kyogle last weekend had the bonus of spotting and helping this little fellow off the road to a safer place.

And today on Instagram's Visit Brisbane, this little fellow had been snapped at sunrise. Beautiful!

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Spiders, Birds and Flowers

Down on the Afterlee farm, late September.

Part of the enjoyment of this visit, was the early morning walks to watch misty sunrises, which were enhanced by the loud symphony of the many winged, early risers.

The rain of the previous day had left sparkling droplets on the spider webs clinging to fences, grasses and plants. 

My small point-and-shoot camera lens tried its best to record all that I was delighting in.

Spider Webs

A web within a wild raspberry bramble.

A raspberry feast was had.

I managed to snap and identify just a few of the birds that had been joining in the morning chorus.

I would love to be able to name these tiny birds, but alas, googling and thumbing through my Australian bird book, has just left me perplexed.  In fact, except for the Superb Fairy Wren, the names written could all be incorrect.

Figbirds

Brown Honeyeater

Possibly a Wompoo Fruit Dove. [?]

Black Faced Cuckoo-shrike

Friar Honeyeater.

Superb Fairy Wren

Dawn chorus compilation.

Final morning chorus.

The farmhouse is surrounded by an amazing treescape. Many of the Jacarandahs were planted by our grandmother in the early 1920's. There are Hoop Pines, Norfolk Pines, Camphor Laurels, and Rainforest trees. So many of the trees were planted for special occasions or remembrance of family, friends and pets. Huge Staghorns, Elkhorns and Bird Nest Ferns adorn the thick branches of the Jacarandahs. Beside the driveway, the empty field has been allowed to return to its natural forest state. Here the birds and wallabies relish the protection of the thick canopy. I have photographed this often, so on this visit, I recorded the eye-catching, potted colour, planted by my cousin.

Above and below - one of the farm's original cream separators and cream can.

A colourful invitation to sit and relax.

Another spot to enjoy colour and a cuppa.

The house entrance path.

A delightful spot to read.

Next three - beside the pergola.

In the background is a century-old plus, Moreton Bay Fig Tree. In the foreground is one of its seedlings determined to take root.

I was too early for the full beauty of the Jacarandahs - a lone blossom opening.

Nature will always find a way - Bird's Nest and other fern.

A farmer's pest, but in the early morning light, the Scotch Thistle has a dramatic beauty.

When I travelled down to Afterlee last week, I hadn't realised that the Kyogle Show was this weekend. Having seen the extensive program guide, I made the decision to return tomorrow.

Watch this space.

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