When I read Pippa’s post yesterday it reminded me of how much I love trees. Sounds silly, but I will often find myself absorbed by them as I’m walking. We really would be in trouble without them after all, with all the photo-synthesis going on. They really are powerful things, it often amazes me to think about how old they are.
Most of the trees in Woodlands Historic Park where I walk most days are eucalypts, various types of Australian Gum trees. There are some amazing specimens. They have the most wonderful grey trunks, with lots of interesting bark features. The leaves smell wonderful when you scratch or crush them. Of course they are home to all the wonderful species of birds I’ve recently fallen in love with, as well as other Australian creatures like koalas and possums.
So, on my early morning walk today I headed out to get a few photos of some of my favourite trees, I hope you like them.
This pretty classic specimen is one of my favourites because it is the usual residence of my Tawny Frogmouth friends. It is right next to the Providence Road carpark.
This amazing specimen looks like it is trying to grow roots from the top down. It is near the Somerton Road end of Providence Road.
Later in the morning Adrienne and I headed out for another walk together. We found heaps of Scarlet Robins near the Providence Road dam, then we met David and Dorothy (fellow bird watchers) in the Back Paddock and spent another hour or so observing some beautiful Flame Robins. My favourite bird picture of the day though was this little Superb Fairy-wren who we saw just as we were walking back to the car.
Breeding male Superb Faiy-wren, beautiful and blue!
You may have noticed that I’ve updated my blog header. I think it matches my current lifestyle and blog content more than the running and riding one. By the way, the weight is still in control and on target, 74kg exactly at Saturday weigh-in.
May 8, 2012 at 1:45 am |
Love your new header! And love every photo. Makes me want to visit Australia even more!
May 8, 2012 at 9:14 am |
I love the new blog header! I love trees too. The way the light shines through the leaves, the sound they make in the breeze, their colours – I love everything about them. I actually wrote a poem called An Ode To Trees when I was a teenager!!! Wish I could find it.
May 8, 2012 at 9:19 pm |
I love trees as well. Going for a walk in the forest, and just spending time among those old trees always gives me a feeling of humbleness and connectedness. Yes, I really love trees.
May 8, 2012 at 9:33 pm |
BEAUTIFUL, Andrew! The trees are majestic! But that little blue mister is my favorite, with his tail all lifted up, cheeky little bloke!
I do think spending some time with trees (and birds) is one of the easiest ways to ground yourself again in this rushed life we lead.
(Love the new header. I see you can easily gave up your day job soon.) =)
May 17, 2012 at 5:04 pm |
Eucalyptus are such generous subjects, they are so evocative.