Some years ago when trees were planted along the banks of Milford Creek, which runs beside our house, we thought the only change would be the loss of the few ocean glimpses we had to the east over the rooftops in the few hundred metres between us and the coast. Instead, as the trees grew, the birds and other wildlife came, and stayed.
The photos below were taken from the first floor deck on our house. They are but a sample of the wildlife parade along and above the banks of Milford Creek.
This Australian summer has seen record-breaking heatwaves across the continent – but not in Apollo Bay. This koala was spotted ambling through the lush mid-summer grass on the creek bank, in search of a manna gum in which to dine and spend the night.This koala is sporting a particularly fine set of ears.Koalas look lethargic and slow when walking on the ground. But they are strong and athletic when climbing – perfectly adapted. They have a surprising turn of speed when climbing, if the need arises.Free solo climbing in gum trees requires careful assessment of each move.Classic koala pose.When the colourful feathers of the laughing kookaburra are seen up close, the kingfisher connection is much more obvious.Striking a pose for the camera.Smiling kookaburra (about to laugh).The beak that strikes fear into snakes, lizards, mice and insects.A female yellow-tailed black cockatoo.Closeup of a female yellow tailed black cockatoo – identifiable as female by the large yellow cheek patch, the grey ring around the eyes and the pale beak.Closeup of a male yellow-tailed black cockatoo – identifiable as male by the smaller yellow cheek patch, the red ring around the eyes and the dark beak.Crimson RosellaThe beautiful plumage of the little wattlebirdWhite-naped honeyeater. These are quite difficult to photograph as they rarely sit still for more than a second or two, and they dart around at high speed.
Satin bowerbird. Gender can be difficult to determine at a glance. This is either a female or an immature male (majority opinion favours female). I have seen these birds often enough, but I first saw the striking blue eyes when I examined this photo. This bird was a bit cranky about a koala who was dining on manna gum leaves just a branch or two away. The koala completely ignored the bowerbird and just kept eating.
I can vouch for the splendour of the sanctuary you abut John, seeing some of your frequent visitors tonight while enjoying Lizzie’s nourishing angel wing pasta.
You and your camera in fine form here.
Cheers
Hunto
We are indeed fortunate to live with such abundance and beauty Peney.
I’m very pleased to hear that you enjoy the photos. Some subjects take more effort and luck than others – photographing honeyeaters is a bit like trying to get a portrait shot of a blowfly on a hot day. Kookaburras on the other hand will sit for 20-30 minutes sometimes; and while the manna gum leaves last koalas will sit long enough to get out the canvas and oils and complete a portrait.
Cheers,
John
South 
I can vouch for the splendour of the sanctuary you abut John, seeing some of your frequent visitors tonight while enjoying Lizzie’s nourishing angel wing pasta.
You and your camera in fine form here.
Cheers
Hunto
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Thanks Hunto. Good to have you dining with us in our wildlife reserve.
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Wonderful photos – as always, John.
Aren’t we fortunate to live in such abundance and beauty.
Always appreciated.
Cheers, Peney.
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We are indeed fortunate to live with such abundance and beauty Peney.
I’m very pleased to hear that you enjoy the photos. Some subjects take more effort and luck than others – photographing honeyeaters is a bit like trying to get a portrait shot of a blowfly on a hot day. Kookaburras on the other hand will sit for 20-30 minutes sometimes; and while the manna gum leaves last koalas will sit long enough to get out the canvas and oils and complete a portrait.
Cheers,
John
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Wonderful camerawork!
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