make the most of it

blossom in autumn

mysteries of climate change

enjoy the nectar

In Melbourne and across most of Victoria we have experienced a very dry summer with the lack of rainfall extending into Autumn. Our local resident Ringtail Possums with no natural food supplies left have defoliated a Cherry Plum tree in the backyard. The poor tree struggling to survive has produced fresh buds and blossom in April (the middle of Autumn). In turn the new blossom has attracted nectar feeding birds including this beautiful male Eastern Spinebill. These amazing little birds have a long bill, (as seen in the images) that is dipped deep into flowers to extract nectar. In the top image he has finished feeding and below is drying out after taking a dip in the birdbath.

 

sky canvas

 pink and yellow streaks

across a fading blue sky

pop up evening scene

Autumn sunsets across Port Phillip Bay are a spectacular way to end  the day, especially in April as the weather is usually mild. If there is any cloud in the sky sunset displays cannot be predicted. All you have to do is choose your spot on the Southern side of the bay and wait with camera in hand or on a tripod. No two nights are the same.