Jungle Babbler (Argya striata) for Saturday Critter

 

The image, captured many years ago with an early-generation digital camera, may well have been part of an informal experiment with my cherished collection of Pentax lenses. At the time, I was testing their optical clarity and rendering in natural light. The subject—serendipitously chosen or perhaps fatefully encountered—was none other than the Jungle Babbler (Argya striata), a bird of considerable charm and quiet dignity.

Native to the Indian subcontinent, the Jungle Babbler is most often observed in sociable clusters, earning it the endearing epithet of “Seven Sisters.” Its plumage, a soft and subtly variegated grey-brown, carries a fine, layered texture reminiscent of brushed velvet. The bird’s eye, pale and unblinking, holds a gaze both inquisitive and reserved, while its slightly decurved bill—sturdy and dark—is well-suited to its foraging habits among leaf litter and low shrubs.

Though common in its range, the Jungle Babbler possesses an understated beauty, particularly evident in close observation. The photograph, though unassuming in origin, managed to capture the delicacy of its feather arrangement and the quiet expressiveness of its face. It stands now as a quiet testament to the capabilities of those fine Pentax optics—and to the enduring grace of this often-overlooked avian companion.

Pentax K10D

A 300mm f2.8 

Linking Saturday Critter

Grantville Jetty Sunset for Skywatch Friday

 

Grantville lies not far from Tenby Point, and it was this proximity that led Joel and me to visit—drawn, curiously enough, by a singular souvlaki shop, notable for being operated by Greeks rather than the more common Chinese proprietors. The lamb served here is remarkably succulent, richly complemented by a garlicky parsley sauce that lingers pleasantly on the palate.

Just behind the modest establishment stands the town's jetty, offering a quiet vista over the water. Thus, our visit served a dual purpose—culinary and contemplative—allowing us, as the saying goes, to kill two birds with one stone.

Sony A7RV

FE 14mm f1.8 GM

Linking Skywatch Friday

Tenby Point, Gippsland for Water H2O Thursday

 

Tenby Point is but a modest township situated on the fringe of metropolitan Melbourne. Access to the beach lies discreetly beside the rear gate of a local residence, with space for merely two vehicles. The area is best approached during low tide, for the path leads across muddy flats rather than firm sand. The seabed itself is composed entirely of soft, viscous sludge—mud that I invariably carry into Joel’s car. For this reason, we seldom visit during summer. Instead, we favour the winter months, when the weather deters us from venturing far afield, and proximity becomes a comfort.

The aged pylons that rise solemnly from the tide are favoured subjects for photography. There is, I believe, a quiet significance to our collective urge to document them—perhaps a longing to preserve a vestige of a bygone era, or a reverence for the passage of time made manifest in timber and tide.

Presently, I am soon to commence another locum shift in regional Victoria—a favour rendered to a friend. Consequently, my blog may, on occasion, fall silent for a day or two, owing to the unpredictable demands of being on call at a country hospital. I only hope this venture does not once again lead me down the path of indulgence and weight gain, as such postings sometimes do.

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Water H2O Thursday

Martin Place Sydney Signs for Sign2

 

Many of the buildings and interiors bore a striking resemblance to those found in Melbourne. At times, I found myself reflecting on how modern cities, despite their geographic distances and cultural distinctions, often share a uniformity in design and atmosphere. The steel and glass façades, the sleek minimalist interiors, and the ubiquitous presence of international retail chains contribute to a certain sameness that transcends borders. It is as though the identity of place is increasingly shaped by global architectural trends rather than local character. One might wander from one metropolis to another and, for a fleeting moment, forget which city they are truly in.

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Sign2

West Gate Park Melbourne for Treasure Tuesday

 

We had initially set our sights on Sandridge Bridge, intending to capture the city skyline at sunset. Much to our surprise and disappointment, the entire area had been cordoned off, denying us access. Undeterred, we sought an alternative vantage point that might render the excursion worthwhile. We turned our course towards Westgate Park, only to discover that it too was undergoing extensive construction works—an added frustration.

Nonetheless, perseverance led us to a suitable spot from which to photograph the twilight. The gentle hues of dusk, softened by the encroaching night, provided some consolation.

Westgate Park itself, situated along the banks of the Yarra River beneath the West Gate Bridge, has long served as a haven for birdlife and city dwellers alike. Once a barren expanse of industrial wasteland, it was transformed during the 1980s as part of Melbourne’s urban greening initiatives. The park is especially known for its striking pink lake—a seasonal natural phenomenon caused by the proliferation of salt-loving algae under specific climatic conditions.

The current redevelopment seeks to enhance visitor access, restore native habitats, and improve ecological sustainability. Though temporarily inaccessible, it promises to return as an even more vibrant urban refuge.

Our evening concluded at a nearby Japanese restaurant, where we sought comfort in freshly pan-fried gyoza. Joel, in high spirits, treated himself to a small carafe of sake—rounding off a day that, though unplanned in its course, retained its moments of charm and reward.

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Treasure Tuesday

Fitzroy Mural in Melbourne for Mural Monday

 

This mural is situated within a narrow laneway in Fitzroy, Melbourne, now heavily adorned with layers of graffiti and street art. Once a standalone piece, it has since become part of the ever-evolving urban tapestry for which Fitzroy is renowned.

Fitzroy, established in 1839, holds the distinction of being Melbourne's first suburb. Originally developed for the working class, it soon became known for its row houses, bluestone laneways, and bustling community life. By the mid-20th century, Fitzroy had evolved into a melting pot of cultures, attracting waves of immigrants and fostering a rich tradition of activism, creativity, and bohemian spirit.

In recent decades, the suburb has become a vibrant centre for the arts, with its walls serving as open-air galleries for muralists and street artists from around the world. Though once associated with countercultural resistance, the area now walks a fine line between gentrification and artistic preservation. This mural, layered with the marks of many hands, is emblematic of Fitzroy’s ongoing dialogue between history, community, and expression.

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Mural Monday

Chinese Friendship Garden in Sydney for Sunday Best

 

The Garden of Friendship, located beside the hotel at which I was lodging, was conveniently within walking distance, thus meriting a brief but deliberate visit. Though the entrance fee of twenty-four Australian dollars seemed somewhat steep—indeed, one might argue that such a public cultural space ought to be freely accessible—the experience nevertheless offered a serene and aesthetically rich retreat.

Designed in the classical style of traditional Chinese gardens, the Garden of Friendship is a harmonious composition of stone, water, and plant life, arranged in accordance with Taoist principles. The architecture and décor reflect the elegance and symbolism characteristic of Ming Dynasty landscapes: curved bridges, ornamental pavilions, koi-filled ponds, and intricately carved woodwork, all working together to evoke balance and contemplation.

Historically, the garden stands as a gesture of goodwill and diplomatic kinship. It was opened in 1988 as part of Sydney’s Bicentennial Celebrations, a gift from the people of Guangdong Province in southern China to the people of New South Wales. Its very name, the Garden of Friendship, underscores its role as a living monument to the enduring ties between Australia and China. Located in the heart of Darling Harbour, the garden serves not only as a cultural showcase but also as a space for quiet reflection amidst the city’s bustle—a tranquil haven that bridges two worlds.

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Sunday Best

Joel and I went out to visit a cheese factory. No photography but it was really nice to taste a variety of them. 

Red Browed Finches in Mount Baw Baw for Saturday Critter

 

This was taken a long time ago. I did not know this was meant to be rare and protected species. Red Browed Finches do look so lovely. I used to hike in Mount Baw Baw quite a bit.

Red-browed Finches (Neochmia temporalis) are small, vibrant birds commonly found in Victoria, Australia. Easily recognizable by their striking red eyebrow stripe, red bill, and chestnut flanks, these finches thrive in a variety of habitats including open woodlands, shrublands, gardens, and parks. They are often seen in small, social flocks feeding on grass seeds and occasionally insects. Red-browed Finches prefer areas with dense undergrowth or shrubs where they can seek shelter and nest, typically building their nests close to the ground. Their cheerful chirping and lively behavior make them a charming and familiar sight in many parts of Victoria.

Linking Saturday Critter

Piangil Night Sky with light painting for Skywatch Friday

 

Piangil lies approximately half an hour’s drive beyond Swan Hill in Victoria, situated near the threshold of the Australian outback. A modest rural locality surrounded by flat open farmland and distant horizon lines, it offers a profound stillness, especially under the vast dome of the night sky. This particular photograph was taken several years ago, during a period when I was deeply passionate about the art of light painting. At that time, I did not hesitate to rise in the small hours of the night, load the car with equipment, and make the journey into such remote reaches for the sake of a single frame of long-exposure magic.

How times have changed. These days, I find myself lacking the same energy or will to embark on such nocturnal expeditions. Age, it seems, makes its presence known not with fanfare but with small surrenders.

The lens I used then—a Laowa 12mm f/2.8, prized for its rectilinear precision and remarkable field of view—was sold a year later at a price that exceeded its original retail value. I remain mystified by the ways of eBay buyers; why one would pay more for a secondhand item than simply purchase it new from a reputable dealer escapes my understanding. Yet such are the strange economies of online marketplaces.

Sony A7RV

Laowa 12mm f2.8 

Linking Skywatch Friday

Bay of Islands in Blairgowrie Mornington Peninsula for Water H2O Thursday

 

There exist three distinct locations bearing the name Bay of Islands within the state of Victoria, Australia. I have had the pleasure of visiting each of them. Of these, the one situated closest to Melbourne holds a particular charm for me. Nestled along the Mornington Peninsula, this coastal enclave offers a striking interplay of sea cliffs, hidden inlets, and crystalline waters—ideal for moments of quiet reflection or aerial exploration.

When my companion Joel and I are not preoccupied with the pursuit of sunset landscapes, we often retreat to this locale to fly our drone and capture sweeping views of the coastline. The rugged contours and tranquil hues lend themselves beautifully to this form of observation.

The second Bay of Islands lies within the famed Great Ocean Road region, west of Peterborough. This is perhaps the most well-known of the three, celebrated for its dramatic limestone stacks rising from the Southern Ocean—remnants of a landscape carved by centuries of wind and wave.

The third, more remote and lesser known, is found near the shores of Corner Inlet in Gippsland. Here, coastal serenity and the subtle presence of birdlife create a setting marked by calm rather than spectacle. Each Bay of Islands bears its own character, yet all share the same elemental spirit—where land meets sea in timeless conversation.

Linking Water H2O Thursday

Martin Place Signs for Sign2

 

In the vicinity of Martin Place, Sydney, I have observed numerous signs newly installed in alignment with this week's theme.

I am feeling somewhat unwell at present and have endeavoured to perform additional sit-ups in order to strengthen my abdominal muscles. Muscles release good hormones.

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Sign2

Angel Place, Sydney for Treasure Tuesday

 

I paid a visit to Angel Place, a discreet and evocative laneway nestled near Martin Place in the heart of Sydney. My chief desire was to behold the suspended birdcages that grace the alleyway—a haunting and poetic installation known as Forgotten Songs. Conceived by artist Michael Thomas Hill and first installed in 2009 as part of the City of Sydney’s Laneways revitalisation program, this artwork commemorates the songs of fifty bird species once heard in the city before urbanisation drove them away. The empty cages, hanging above the narrow lane, evoke both memory and absence, as recordings of birdsong filter gently through the space, varying between day and night to reflect the natural calls of diurnal and nocturnal species. The experience was as moving as it was visually arresting—a poignant tribute to lost nature amidst the city's towering architecture.

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Treasure Tuesday

Martin Place Sydney mural for Mural Monday

 

As I made my way through Martin Place in search of Angel Place, my attention was drawn to a mural along the way. It bore the appearance of a promotional display—more a commercial advertisement than a work of public art, I believe—though its colours and composition momentarily held my gaze.

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Mural Monday

Mushroom in Lake Sanitarium Lake Mount Macedon for Sunday Best

 

A rather common species of woodland mushroom thrives amidst the shaded undergrowth of Lake Sanitarium, a locale long favoured by naturalists and artists alike. This secluded lake, steeped in quiet history, once served as a convalescent retreat in the early 20th century, earning its evocative name from the health-seekers who once found solace in its restorative air and waters. Today, it plays host to an altogether different form of contemplation: an annual photographic expedition undertaken by Joel and myself, dedicated to the fine art of macro imagery.

Armed with the Sony A7R V and the Sigma 105mm f/2.8 macro lens, we seek out the minute marvels of the forest floor—fungi, insects, textures—all rendered with a distinct tonal quality that has long distinguished the Sigma from its rivals. Although Sony is poised to release a new G Master macro lens, whose technical excellence is already anticipated by the photographic community, we are inclined to retain the Sigma. Its singular character in colour rendition—so vivid, yet subtle—offers a palette that cannot be so easily replicated, a lens not merely of function but of personality.

Linking Sunday Best

Star fish at Mount Martha Melbourne for Saturday Critter

 

While walking along the coast near Mount Martha, I came upon this starfish resting just beneath the water’s surface. Though it is a known marine pest along our shores, I could not help but appreciate the quiet moment when it appeared beside my feet as I was photographing the sea.

The image depicts a sea star—also known as a starfish—positioned upon a bed of green algae and submerged vegetation. Notably, it possesses more than the customary five arms, suggesting it may belong to a multi-armed species such as the Solaster, commonly referred to as the sun star.

These creatures are marine echinoderms, distinguished by their radial symmetry and numerous tube feet, which they employ to navigate the ocean floor. This specimen was observed in a shallow, tranquil coastal pool, where the clarity of the water revealed the richness of the marine flora beneath.

Sony A7RV

FE 70-200mm f4 G

Linking Saturday Critter

Pinnacles Milkyway Cape Woolamai for Skywatch Friday

 

I have not engaged in much astrophotography over the past two years. The notion of spending an entire night outdoors—particularly at such an exposed and windswept location as the Pinnacles at Cape Woolamai—has ceased to hold the charm it once did. What was once a beloved pastime now feels more akin to an obligation. The glow visible on the horizon is the light pollution emanating from the distant city of Melbourne, which has, regrettably, diminished the appeal of this location for many photographers.

Captured using a Sony A7R V paired with the FE 14mm f/1.8 GM lens.

Linking Skywatch Friday

Flinders Blowhole Mornington Peninsula for Water H2O Thursday

 

This photograph was taken during our previous excursion to Flinders Blowhole on the Mornington Peninsula, a destination chosen for its proximity to our residence in Melbourne. At the time, Joel and I favoured locations that required only a short drive. Presently, Joel finds himself occupied with visits from his in-laws, who travel frequently from Sydney—ostensibly, he believes, to spend time with their grandchildren. As for myself, I am presently taking a respite from coastal outings, having developed a growing interest in exploring the urban landscape instead.

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Water H2O Thursday

De Grave Place Melbourne Signs for Sign2

 

The signage around this quarter marks some of my favourite locales—there is something distinctly Melburnian about their character, at least as captured through the lens. Nowhere is this more evident than in Degraves Place, nestled in the very heart of Melbourne’s central business district.

Degraves Place, and its adjoining laneway Degraves Street, take their name from the Degraves family, early settlers and entrepreneurs in colonial Victoria. William and Charles Degraves arrived from Hobart in the 1850s and quickly established themselves as prominent figures in Melbourne’s flour milling industry. Their enterprise, the Degraves Mill, once stood near the banks of the Yarra, a symbol of industrious ambition in the young colony.

Today, Degraves Place is emblematic of Melbourne’s famed laneway culture—an elegant mingling of past and present. Beneath its heritage façades and weathered brickwork lie cafés, galleries, and small boutiques, alive with the hum of conversation and the aroma of espresso. The signs that adorn these narrow passages are not mere markers—they are storytellers of a city that thrives on character, contrast, and continuity.

Sony A7RV

FE 14mm f1.8 GM

Linking Sign2

Vue De Monde Melbourne for Treasure Tuesday

 

Roast Eel 

Smoked cocktail

Picked Oyster

Caviar on pumpkin mesh

Merren 3 eats

Pineapple sorbet with floral crisps

Cured Kangaroo meat 

We are getting older 

Souffle 

Joel’s birthday was celebrated just last week, an occasion for which I had secured a reservation no less than three months in advance. The booking, as expected, was gone within minutes of the reservation page opening—testament to the enduring allure of this esteemed establishment, which has held its place among Melbourne’s finest dining destinations for over a quarter of a century. Indeed, having now dined at virtually every hatted restaurant in the city, it feels as though we are truly savouring the richness of life’s finer pleasures.

For this special evening, we were seated at Vue de Monde, a culinary landmark atop the Rialto. The evening unfolded with an elegant succession of courses—each a thoughtful homage to native Australian ingredients and refined technique. There was the delicate smoked eel with white chocolate and caviar, a bold yet balanced expression of contrasts. The Western Australian marron arrived perfectly poached, nestled in a vivid green sauce of Geraldton wax and finger lime. A course of Flinders Island lamb followed, prepared with such precision that it seemed to melt upon the tongue. Even the bread service—a warm, crusty sourdough with house-cultured butter—was elevated to a ceremonial delight.

The degustation concluded with an exquisite arrangement of petit fours: wattleseed macarons, eucalyptus marshmallows, and a hand-churned ice cream, theatrically frozen in liquid nitrogen at the table. Each dish was presented with care, matched by service that was both attentive and effortlessly refined.

To commemorate the occasion visually, I brought along my new Sony 16mm f1.8 lens. Its compact form and brilliant aperture made it an ideal companion for capturing the quiet drama of the dining scene—the glint of glassware, the sheen on porcelain, the gentle fall of candlelight on plated artistry.

Sony A7RV

FE 16mm f1.8 GM

Linking Treasure Tuesday