Wild Bird Wednesday: Common Blackbird

While holidaying on Melbourne's Mornington Peninsula over the Christmas/New Year period, we had some regular visitors to my parent's yard; a bird we don't see up in sub-tropical Queensland.

The Common Blackbird was introduced to Melbourne, Australia in the 1850s. The male is the 'black' bird, with deep orange to yellow bill, a narrow yellow eye-ring and dark legs.

The female is a brown bird, with some streaks or mottling, and has a dark bill and legs. Immature birds are similar to the female with lighter underparts.

The Common Blackbird, was originally confined to Melbourne and Adelaide, but has gradually expanded its range throughout south-eastern Australia, both on the coast and inland, as far north as Sydney, and including Tasmania and the Bass Strait islands.

It is most often found in urban areas and surrounding localities, but has successfully moved into bushland habitats. It is often seen in orchards, vineyards and gardens, as well as along roadsides and in parks.

Linking with Stewart's meme:

            

"A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Words"

For me, one of the beautiful things about photographing nature is that an image, or series of images, can evoke a feeling or make a statement without the need to utter words.
The old expression "A picture is worth a thousand words", refers to the belief that a complex idea can be conveyed with just a single still image, or that an image of a subject conveys its meaning or essence more effectively than a description does.

I have titled the above image "Where Power Meets Serenity". My hope was to convey an idea without any further explanation.

There are times I feel compelled to share some of my personal thoughts or revelations on life with my image/s...

Sometimes we encounter "storms" in our lives, and we may have absolutely no power to alter or improve the situation. It is at these times that my photography has been a welcome source of therapy; my "happy place", as I like to call it.
Being surrounded by nature and photographing its beauty has the ability to instill peace, soothe my soul and calm my mind... My focus switches from the difficult circumstances of life, to the gratitude I have for life itself, for the wonderful people I share my life with, and the blessing of God's creation.

There are other times when I enjoy the challenge of seeking out a quote that may convey the message of my image...

"Happiness cannot be traveled to, owned, earned, worn or consumed. Happiness is the spiritual experience of living every minute with love, grace, and gratitude." ~ Denis Waitley

Linking with the following memes:

                        

S E R E N I T Y

Serenity

(noun)

The state of being calm, peaceful, and untroubled. 

To me, the word serenity means maintaining peace within, even when circumstances are difficult.

I am convinced that sense of peace comes from being grateful for what we have, and knowing that we can trust God even in the difficult times.

Capturing serene moments of His creation...

Linking with these memes:

Skywatch Friday: Cudgen Lake

Just near the coastal villages of Cabarita Beach and Bogangar on the Tweed Coast, Cudgen Lake is a hidden wetland treasure surrounded by floodplain forest and rainforests. Looking out over the calm waters, you'll see majestic Round Mountain to the south and striking views of Mount Warning to the west.
Cudgen Lake's pristine water is perfect for canoeing, which is how I got these photos.

Mount Warning in the distance, zoomed in...

We weren't sure if the sky would colour up much, due to cloud on the horizon. But then, we saw a golden glow beginning...

And then, this happened...

Linking with the following meme:

Skywatch Friday: A Rural Sunset

"Happiness cannot be travelled to, owned, earned, worn or consumed. Happiness is the spiritual experience of living every minute with love, grace and gratitude." ~ Denis Waitley

Out in rural Cedar Grove (2012), surrounded by green pastures, grazing cattle and distant mountain ranges. The golden sun setting, amongst a sea of clouds catching colour... It was a beautiful, serene sunset. And in that moment I was aware, that this day like every other day, was a gift to be cherished...

I am grateful for this day!

Linking with:

                        

Wild Bird Wednesday: Bar-tailed Godwit

Bar-tailed Godwits are quite large waders, with females being bigger than males. The Bar-tailed Godwit is mainly mottled brown above and lighter and more uniform buff below. It has dull white underwings, and a long, slightly upturned bill. 

As the name suggests, the white tail is barred with brown. This is the non-breeding plumage of the Bar-tailed Godwit and is the main phase seen in Australia. The breeding plumage is darker and more rufous, with females duller than males. Young birds resemble non-breeding birds. 

Bar-tailed Godwits arrive in Australia each year in August from breeding grounds in the northern hemisphere. Birds are more numerous in northern Australia.

Linking with these memes: