Seagulls at Stingray Bay, Warrnambool for Saturday Critter

 

I am uncertain as to why a flock of seagulls has gathered, seemingly intent on feasting, despite the absence of fish in the shallow waters. I am simply awaiting the sunset, yet these creatures have chosen to accompany me in this moment.

Sony A7RV

FE 70-200mm f4 G

Linking Saturday Critter

Stingray Bay, Warrnambool for Skywatch Friday

 

This secluded part of Stingray Bay lies sheltered from the main expanse. The tide is steadily rising. I wandered through the shallows with bare feet, seeking a reflection, yet found none.

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Skywatch Friday

Lake Tyrrell Topdown for Water H2O Thursday

 

Lake Tyrrell, located in Victoria, Australia, is one of the country's most stunning natural wonders. This vast salt lake, spanning approximately 208 square kilometers, is famous for its mesmerizing pink and red hues that attract tourists and photographers from around the world. The lake's striking coloration is a result of unique natural processes involving microorganisms, salinity levels, and seasonal variations.

Why Does Lake Tyrrell Appear Red?

The red and pink hues of Lake Tyrrell are primarily caused by a combination of high salt concentrations and the presence of specific microorganisms. The key contributors to this phenomenon include:

1. Halophilic Algae (Dunaliella Salina): This microscopic algae thrives in extremely saline environments and produces carotenoid pigments, particularly beta-carotene, which gives the lake its reddish or pinkish hue. The more concentrated the algae, the deeper the red coloration appears.

2. Halobacteria (Salt-Loving Bacteria): Certain types of bacteria, such as Halobacterium, also contribute to the lake's coloration. These microorganisms contain red and purple pigments that intensify the lake’s vibrant appearance.

3. Salt Crystallisation: The high evaporation rates in the region lead to the formation of salt crusts on the lakebed. As sunlight reflects off these salt deposits, it enhances the red and pink hues of the water.

4. Seasonal Changes: The color intensity of Lake Tyrrell varies depending on the season. During summer, when water levels decrease due to high evaporation, the lake becomes saltier, leading to a more vivid pink or red hue. Conversely, during wetter months, when fresh water dilutes the salt concentration, the lake may appear paler or even clear.

DJ Mini Pro4

Linking Water H2O Thursday

More Melbourne Signs for Sign2

 

Some more signs spotted on my photo walk. Spellbox Cauldron sounds very supernatural. 

Sony A7RV

FE 50mm f1.2 GM

Linking Sign2

Heavenly Queen Temple, Footscray for Treasure Tuesday

 

The Heavenly Queen Temple suffered damage during the flood two years prior. When we visited, the majority of the structures were still under construction. Situated on the bend of the Yarra River, just near the border of Melbourne City, the temple remains secluded from the surrounding urban environment.

Joel, desiring to sample the Pho in Footscray, selected this destination for us to explore with our prime lenses.

Sony A7RV

Laowa 9mm f5.6 

Linking Treasure Tuesday 

Melbourne Murals for Mural Monday

 

Some more murals discovered during the photo walk

Sony A7RV

FE 24mm f1.8 GM

Linking Mural Monday

Nyah West Murray River for Sunday Best and Scenic Sunday

 

In Nyah, Victoria, the Murray River often remains undisturbed by visitors. I relish the earthy aroma that permeates this serene part of inland Victoria.

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Sunday Best and Scenic Sunday

Hyaline Grass Bug in Melbourne for Saturday Critter

 

📸 Macro Marvel: Liorhyssus Hyalinus in Melbourne! 🦟

Captured this stunning macro shot of the Liorhyssus hyalinus, also known as the Hyaline Grass Bug, on the wall in Melbourne. The intricate details of its body and the vibrant colors are truly mesmerizing. 

Liorhyssus hyalinus is a fascinating plant bug, often found on various grasses and plants. Its transparent wings and distinctive markings make it a favorite subject for macro photographers.

Pentax  K20D

Voigtlander 125mm f2.5 Macro

Linking Saturday Critter

Having completed the final season of Cobra Kai in one uninterrupted viewing session, I observed that the young characters' movements are rather slow, and the fight sequences appear somewhat amateurish. Nevertheless, the show possesses an undeniably captivating quality that renders it irresistibly addictive.

Flinders Blowhole Sunset, Mornington Peninsula for Sky watch Friday

 

One might find it peculiar that recent posts lack actual images of the blowhole jet. This absence stems from the jet’s current lack of impressiveness or photogenic qualities. Given the coastline's name, it is not feasible to use an alternative title for the post.

The attached image was captured after Joel ascended the stairs and headed back to the car, intending to procure chicken nuggets en route homeward.

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Skywatch Friday

I recently viewed the Netflix documentary chronicling the fraudulent activities of Belle Gibson. The narrative was, indeed, profoundly disturbing. When faced with a diagnosis of cancer, one finds that a regimen of natural diet and exercise often proves insufficient in altering the course of the disease. Truly, the unpredictability of human behavior remains a constant source of astonishment.

Flinders Blowhole, Mornington Peninsula for Water H2O Thursday

 

Here are additional photographs captured at Flinders Blowhole, Mornington Peninsula, where I experimented with varying exposure times to capture the sea's motion. The previous week, the weather was rather unsatisfactory, prompting us to venture into more urban settings. Regrettably, we discovered that most abandoned sites had already been transformed into uninviting concrete structures that nobody desires to inhabit.

Joel is planning to attend yet another concert this Friday. His affinity for death metal has been unwavering, despite his persistent attempts over the years to convert my musical preferences to align with his own. Alas, he has not succeeded, as I remain partial to pop and country music, which does not sit well with him. Consequently, our journeys to various photographic locations often descend into silent disputes, with discussions revolving around politics or science.

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Water H2O Thursday

Kaminarimon Sign at Asakusa, Tokyo for Sign2

 

"Small vessel township"

"Bridge" 

Asakusa is a bustling district in Taitō, Tokyo, known for its rich cultural heritage and vibrant atmosphere. One of the most iconic landmarks in Asakusa is Sensō-ji, an ancient Buddhist temple and the oldest in Tokyo, dating back to 645 AD.

The entrance to Sensō-ji is marked by the imposing Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate), a magnificent structure that serves as a grand portal into the temple grounds. The Kaminarimon gate features a gigantic red lantern with the kanji characters "雷門" (Kaminarimon) boldly inscribed on it, symbolizing thunder and lightning. Flanking the lantern are statues of the Shinto gods Fujin (god of wind) and Raijin (god of thunder), adding to the gate's awe-inspiring presence.

Fujifilm Pro2

16-50mm f2.8 

Linking Sign2

Abandoned Bradmill Factory, Yarraville, Melbourne for Treasure Tuesday

 

The Bradmill factory, located in Yarraville, Melbourne, has a storied history that spans over seven decades. Established in 1927 as Bradford Cotton Mills in Sydney, the company expanded its operations to Victoria in 19402. By the late 1950s, a new factory was built on Francis Street in Yarraville, and the company rebranded as Bradmill.

At its peak, Bradmill was the largest producer of textiles in Australia, known for its innovative denim production. The factory produced an astounding 36 million square meters of cotton denim annually, enough to wrap the globe. Bradmill's products were renowned for their durability and strength, finding their way into various products, from fire hoses and deck chairs to tents and tarpaulins.

The factory was a hub of ceaseless activity, employing thousands of workers and integrating cutting-edge technologies. Despite facing challenges such as increased competition and inflation in the 1980s, Bradmill thrived on innovation. The company ventured into new export markets and developed pioneering products, attracting global attention.

Bradmill's success was not just due to its technological advancements but also its inclusive and vibrant community. The factory employed a diverse workforce of over 30 nationalities, fostering a culture of unity and warmth. Employees shared lunches, participated in music, sports, and outings, creating cherished memories and lifelong friendships.

However, the rise of global competition and changing market dynamics eventually led to the factory's closure in 2001. Despite its closure, the legacy of Bradmill lives on through urban explorers, artists, and reunions that keep its spirit alive. The site has now been transformed into a new community, Bradmill Yarraville, built on the foundations of this iconic Australian institution.

The Bradmill factory's history is a testament to the power of innovation, community, and resilience. It remains a cherished part of Melbourne's industrial heritage, inspiring future generations with its story of excellence and togetherness.

Sony A7RV

Laowa 9mm f5.6

Linking Treasure Tuesday

The rest of the photographs are in this album Abandoned Bradmill

After enduring several hectic days at the clinic, Joel, too, faced a particularly challenging Monday. Consequently, we engaged in an extended conversation before retiring for the night, which proved to be an excellent opportunity to alleviate our frustrations.

Bambi and Finch murals in Footscray and Melbourne for Mural Monday

 

Off Elizabeth St

Hopkins St Footscray

There are sometimes pleasant mural arts to admire on Melbourne Streets. 

Sony A7RV

FE 35mm f1.4 GM

Linking Mural Monday

Flinders Blowhole for Sunday Best

 

Joel and I spent a considerable amount of time attempting to capture the waves on the rock. It was a time-consuming endeavor. Achieving a long exposure for the initial shot posed significant challenges. If there was an abundance of waves, the white section would become entirely overexposed. Additionally, the fast aperture click for the second shot was often hindered by latency, causing us to miss the golden moment. Nevertheless, it was an enjoyable experience, as we were engaged in the art of photography.

On Flickr, I received an invitation to contribute to the Planet Earth project. Selecting images to submit to the group is quite challenging. The majority of images that I favor are cherished not because of their excellence, but due to the memories and experiences associated with each weekend adventure.

Recently, I received the land tax statement via email over the weekend. Quite an inconvenience!

Sony A7RV

FE 70-200mm f4 

Linking Sunday Best and Scenic Sunday

Silver Eye for Saturday Critter

The silvereye (Zosterops lateralis), also known as the white-eye, is a small, distinctive bird with a ring of white feathers around its eyes, hence the name. This petite bird, measuring just 11 to 13 centimeters in length, is a common sight in Melbourne's gardens, parks, and bushlands. Its adaptability and varied diet make it a resilient and successful species in urban environments.

Natural Habitat and Distribution

The silvereye is native to Australia and New Zealand, with its presence widely noted across the southeastern regions of the Australian mainland, Tasmania, and the islands of the South Pacific. In Melbourne, the silvereye thrives in both natural and urban landscapes, from dense forests to suburban backyards. Their adaptability to different environments is key to their survival, allowing them to coexist alongside human populations.

Physical Characteristics and Behavior

Silvereyes are easily recognizable by their olive-green upperparts, grey underparts, and the conspicuous white ring around their eyes. They have a slender, slightly curved bill, which aids in their varied diet. These birds are highly sociable, often seen in flocks, which helps in foraging and protection against predators.

During the breeding season, which typically runs from August to January, silvereyes build small, cup-shaped nests in dense foliage. Both parents share the responsibility of incubating the eggs and feeding the chicks, which fledge about ten days after hatching. This collaborative approach ensures high survival rates for their offspring.

Diet and Foraging

The silvereye's diet is diverse, consisting of insects, fruit, nectar, and small seeds. Their feeding habits play a crucial role in the ecosystem, as they help in pollination and seed dispersal. In Melbourne, silvereyes are often seen flitting around gardens, feeding on native plants like eucalyptus and bottlebrush, as well as exotic species such as berry bushes and fruit trees.

Adaptability and Urban Living

One of the remarkable traits of the silvereye is its ability to adapt to urban environments. In Melbourne, they have adjusted well to changes brought about by human development. They are often observed in public parks, gardens, and even city centers, taking advantage of the food sources provided by ornamental plants and residential gardens.

The presence of silvereyes in urban areas also highlights the importance of creating bird-friendly environments in cities. Planting native flora, providing water sources, and ensuring safe nesting sites can help support these birds and enhance biodiversity within urban settings.

Sony A7RV + FE 200-600mm f5.6-6.3

Linking Saturday Critter

Flinders Blowhole Sunset for Sky Watch Friday

 

The suggestion to capture the splash against the backdrop of the sunset was Joel's, given the paucity of intriguing foreground elements at our location

Sony A7RV

FE 70-200mm f4 G

Linking Skywatch Friday

Nearly all the time, it falls upon me to devise new photographic destinations during the weekends. Joel, however, anticipates that I shall undertake the arduous tasks. Nonetheless, he consistently volunteers to drive, thus achieving a semblance of equilibrium in our efforts.

Joel tells me that he is a bit sick of seaside adventures in the heat. So, we will be changing our efforts to metropolitan locations. 

Flinders Blowhole, Mornington Peninsula, Melbourne for Water H2O Thursday

 

For over fifteen years, Joel and I have been endeavouring to pinpoint the exact location of Flinders Blowhole. My initial discovery of this location was through a local photography club, in an era preceding the advent of the digital age. Our reliance on traditional maps often led us astray in the region, resulting in many fruitless excursions devoid of any photographic success.

Last weekend, we embarked on an exploration of a seldom-visited segment of the Mornington Peninsula. Utilising the marvel that is Google Maps, we managed to navigate our way into this region.

However, it was only upon our arrival that we realised we had ventured to an incorrect section of Flinders Blowhole. There exist two other similar tracks leading to different parts of the same shoreline.

Owing to my demanding travel schedule and work commitments in remote Victoria, I have been unable to process all the photographs. Nevertheless, I shall endeavour to share a few with you in due course.

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Water H2O Thursday

Joel suggested to me that there will be two new Sony lenses coming out. 500-800mm zoom and 16mm f1.8. I want them badly too. 

Springvale Fair for Sign2

 

There were really simple snaps as I was carrying a lot of shopping for mum. So framing was a little off. 

Springvale, Melbourne, is a veritable melting pot of cultures. Traditionally, it has been one of the trios of renowned Asian street grocery regions, providing access to a plethora of Asian goods and produce. Remarkably, Springvale is one of the few suburbs that remains open during Easter weekend, Christmas, and indeed, every day of the year. However, the area is plagued by a dearth of parking facilities, an abundance of outdoor smokers, and the conspicuous presence of drug addicts loitering in the streets during broad daylight.

Some of these Vietnamese street foods were exotic and lovely

Sony A7RV

FE 35mm f1.4 GM

Linking Sign2