Autumn at The Briars, Mount Martha, VIC

The following images were taken while I was staying on the Mornington Peninsula for my Mum's 80th birthday, back in May.  This beautiful rural property, only a short walk from my parents house, is steeped in local history, flora and fauna.

The Briars, a beautiful old homestead, is situated at Mount Martha on the Mornington Peninsula on 230 hectares.There are many things to see and do at The Briars including the 1800’s historic homestead & gardens, historic farm buildings, wildlife sanctuary and wetlands.

Last time I was at The Briars (Dec 2011), it was a stormy Summer day and the grass was brown & dry. Since then I have had visions of photographing this historical old tractor on a gorgeous Winter blue sky day when the grass was green & lush. This time I got what I was after.

An old timber cart in the picnic area.

The Briars Homestead was constructed from 1848 to 1851 and was used by Alexander Balcombe until 1876 as he farmed the land surrounding it and tended to 100 acres of vineyards. The homestead houses a world renowned collection of Napoleonic memorabilia, established by Dame Mabel Brooke.

Grape vines.

I'm looking forward to going back "home" to see my family on Boxing Day (Dec 26) for 2 weeks. I may not get many photography opportunities as I probably won't be walking very well by then. I am going into hospital today for knee and foot surgery. I am hoping and praying the outcome of the foot surgery is really positive as I have been in extreme pain walking for the last 3 years.

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As The River Turns Red

From Blue Hour to darkness on the Brisbane River.

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Wild Bird Wednesday: Pied Butcherbird

The Pied Butcherbird (Cracticus nigrogularis) is a medium-sized songbird native to Australia. It grows about 35 cm (14 in) long and has black and white plumage. The juvenile birds are brown and white. As they mature their brown feathers are replaced by black feathers.

Pied Butcherbirds are common in woodlands and in urban environments. Their diet consists mostly of small vertebrates and insects. They are inquisitive birds and can become quite tame, accepting food from humans.

This one came right up to us as we were picnicking at Lake Samsonvale, north of Brisbane. He was enjoying our left over cooked sweet potatoes.

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