Last weekend we went on a bush walk and saw an echidna out in the open. Usually we hear them before we see them but this one was in the middle of a path through some bush. The varied gold, brown tones of its spikes were in their full glory so it took me some seconds to realise what it was. I’d never seen one with the light of the sun shining on it. We weren’t quick enough to get better photo before it moved to the shelter of a tree stump but here it is trying to hide from us:
Little Wattlebird – I finally caught one on camera! They’ve been frequent visitors to our garden in the past year but I took this one near where my older daughter lives.
In the garden the Azaleas are in flower, the Camellia Japonicas have finished flowering and the Camellia Sasanqua’s are about to begin.
Today’s nature outing and driving lesson took us to a reserve about 30 minutes away and we spent some time watching these beauties – Australian Wood Ducks!
I bought this book by John Muir Laws in 2016, not really sure if we’d get much use out of it, but there are many general topics that apply wherever you live – what equipment to have on hand, drawing instruction, using different media, how to draw animals, wildflowers, trees and landscapes. A great book for budding naturalists and long time amateurs like me.
journey & destination 
“Miss M” has talent! it’s so interesting to see animals and birds from down there: truly a different place!
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We certainly have some unique creatures here. 🙂
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That horse is absolutely stunning!
I just watched a fabulous documentary (American masters series): John Muir in the New World. Loved it!
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Will see if we can watch that here. Thanks, Emma.
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I got it from my public library on a DVD. Actually, it’s online for free here (Vimeo): https://vimeo.com/185430445
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Thanks so much, Emma!
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I loved my “walk” through the Australian Bush with you. One day, maybe I can get over there. Australia (and Antarctica) are the only continents I haven’t visited. I just wanted to grab a baby duckling and hug it to my chest.
And that horse!! I mean, it’s not just that it’s well done, but she has captured so much power and expression through her use of perspective and colors.
Really excellent, Ms. 16!!
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She did say at one time that she just couldn’t draw horses (and hands) but she’s painted both recently and they look pretty good.
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Spitfires were the bane of my childhood on the Central Coast, dropping suddenly from trees, curled up in piles on park seats and the benches we ate our lunches on at school. Ugh!! I know they have a role to play in a healthy ecosystem, but I’d not much rather spot an echidna!
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I don’t remember seeing any since I was a kid. We’d come across great big piles of them writhing around. Pretty gross – would really put you off your lunch!
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Lovely photos and drawings. I love autumn but spring in Oz looks quite wonderful too!! I still plan to commission something from your daughter at some point. I’m still trying to figure out what I’d like! Take care!
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Hi Cleo, yep, the best two seasons. Although today we had a sudden change & now it’s raining and the temperature has dropped over 10 degrees.
🙂
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