Osprey

While the parent is off hunting
The young one waits
Periodically giving a plaintive call
It's fierce demeanor belying it's venerability

Colours and textures in my garden

This Border Rose is the most beautiful golden colour and it seems to be in flower most of the time which has been a surprise for me as it is the first rose that I have ever had, what a delight!

This Ivy Geranium with it's beautiful variegated leaf has the most vivid red blossoms and planted next to the Gazania the assorted shapes, and colours make an interesting display.

This succulent growing in the rockery is especially pleasing to me, I love the way the sun brings out the deeper orange on the edges and the way it contrasts with the rocks.

Kings Beach, Caloundra.

Off to Kings Beach for a few hours of fishing. It is the most glorious Winters day, sun shinning brightly, immaculate deep blue sky. The slight cold breeze unable to compete with the sun's warmth.

There are people making the most of the fine day, children climbing around on the rocks, joggers, walkers, and others with their dogs.

A group of children spot a fish being caught, they are instantly filled with curiosity and race over eager to join in the excitement of the moment.

They aren't the only ones filled with curiosity, a sea bird is keeping a beady eye on proceedings ever hopeful for a tit bit or two.

The sound of a ships horn draws attention to a tanker making its majestic way slowly up the channel between the island and the main land to the port of Brisbane.

At the end of the day a long walk to a point on the headland where it's possible to see the Glass House mountains in the distance.

It was still quite dark when I went down to the shore and I did not at first see this pelican in the half light. When I finally laid eyes on it with it's head tucked out of sight I was thrilled at my good fortune.

Seeing this beautiful creature in such an unspoiled setting slowly waking and preening itself, preparing for the new day has made the awful footage of the disaster in the Gulf even more heartbreaking to watch.

A bank of burnt orange lights the horizon
in sharp contrast to the dark sky
my heart lifts with expectation as warmly I dress
there's no shelter on the headland overlooking the beach

my senses are thrilled by the chill breeze that blows
all exposed skin begins to tingle with cold
I thrust my hands deep into my pockets
reveling in the delicious contrast of warmth and cold

Salt air in my nostrils is pure delight
I am mesmerized by the light of the approaching dawn
it plays on the waves as they thunder over the rocks
muting the sounds of stirring sea-birds

Low cloud on the horizon becomes tinged with electric pink
excitement fills me as the tip of the sun slowly appears
bursting forth bathing all before it with wondrous golden light
pinking the edges of nearby purple cloud

I am blessed to have received this gift of beauty
and spend a moment in silent gratification.

The beautiful Rainbow Lorikeet
their flocks large and noisy
more aptly named they couldn't be
with multi colours flashing
as across the skies they sweep

Darting between flowering trees
in an endless search for nectar
mumbling and grumbling softly when they feed

To the canopies of tall tress they return
at the end of each and every day
the very air filled with their noisy chatter
the branches alive with their fussing
as dusk falls finally settling down to sleep