Blackbutt Reserve

Bees on a waterlily

Red Skimmer

Blue Skimmer eating a damselfly

I stopped in at Blackbutt Reserve after visiting a photo exhibition in Nobby’s Lighthouse (open to the public for the first time) but it was already very hot, and while Treecreepers, Rosellas, Cockatoos, and Thornbills could be heard, and Kookaburras hovered around hoping we’d put a sausage on the barbeque, I was disinclined to go go walking.

The lily-pond on the other hand was inviting, with a bench in the shade on its bank. There were plenty of Odonata to test my reflexes. I’d love to be able to identify them – must add a dragonfly book to my bird book collection.

Stockton Channel

As the full moon high tide came in the Grey-tailed Tattlers jockeyed for position on the wreck rusting at the edge of the Hunter River, just upstream from the river mouth.

Binu John

I haven’t had a lot of bird photography opportunities lately, but I’ve been looking at some inspirational portfolios, including Binu John’s. I’d love to replicate his bird silhouettes against the setting sun – a lot of organisation and a good deal of luck required!

Soldiers Point

Gave myself an hour down at Soldier’s Point today to check on the waders. Some are starting to develop their breeding plumage, it will only be a matter of weeks before they begin their long journey back to the breeding grounds in the Northern hemisphere. I’ll have to schedule more regular visits over the next month.