Queen Alexandra's Birdwing for Saturday Critter

 

The Ornithoptera alexandrae, more commonly known as Queen Alexandra's Birdwing, is a magnificent butterfly species native to the tropical rainforests of Papua New Guinea. This remarkable butterfly holds the title of the largest butterfly in the world, with females boasting wingspans of up to 25 centimeters (almost 10 inches) and males slightly smaller but equally striking.

Linking Saturday Critter

This past week has been relatively calm for me, though I have found it quite challenging to regain my focus on work. My exercise routine has also suffered as a result. Curiously, I have yet to make a New Year's resolution for 2025. I have resumed reading a Chinese novel in the science fiction genre, despite my usual preference for science fiction in English.

The weekend promises to be quite warm. Joel and I are planning a visit to the National Gallery of Victoria for some bokeh photography. However, Joel's primary objective is to visit the Vietnamese dessert shop in North part of Melbourne's CBD afterwards—such a typical move on his part.

Childer's Cove for Sunday Best

 

Childers Cove is a small, crescent-shaped beach framed by rugged cliffs and dramatic rock formations. The towering limestone cliffs, reaching up to 70 meters (230 feet) above the turquoise waters, create a natural amphitheater showcasing the raw beauty of the coastline. The beach itself is low and flat, with a shallow bay floor, making it ideal for a leisurely stroll or beachcombing.

The cove holds a poignant history as the site where the wooden barque "Children" was wrecked after striking reefs close to shore in 1839. Despite its somber past, the cove exudes a unique charm, inviting visitors to explore its untouched serenity.

Childers Cove is not just a beach; it's an ecosystem teeming with life. Keep an eye out for inquisitive penguins waddling on the shore, listen to the melodic calls of seabirds soaring overhead, and spot playful dolphins dancing in the waves. The diverse flora, including coastal shrubs, wildflowers, and native grasses, adds to the vibrant backdrop of this scenic sanctuary.

From the golden hues of sunrise painting the cliffs to the dramatic silhouettes at sunset, Childers Cove is a photographer's dream. Capture the raw power of the ocean crashing against the rocks, the playful frolicking of dolphins, or the serene atmosphere of the secluded beach.

Childers Cove is accessible via a well-maintained gravel road located off the Great Ocean Road, near Nullawarre. Limited parking is available near the beach, and toilet facilities can be found at the nearby Murnanes Bay car park. Remember to be sun-safe and bring appropriate footwear for exploring the rocky terrain.

Escape the crowds, breathe in the fresh ocean air, and immerse yourself in the tranquility of this unspoiled paradise. Whether you're a history buff, nature enthusiast, or simply seeking a relaxing retreat, Childers Cove offers something for everyone

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Sunday Best

Galah for Saturday Critter

 

The Galah, also known as the rose-breasted cockatoo, is one of Australia's most beloved and recognizable birds. With its striking pink and grey plumage and playful personality, the Galah captures the hearts of bird enthusiasts and casual observers alike.

Galahs are easily identified by their bright pink chests, pale pink crowns, and grey wings and backs. These medium-sized cockatoos are known for their strong, curved beaks and expressive crests, which they raise and lower depending on their mood. Galahs are highly social birds, often seen in large flocks, and are known for their acrobatic flying and playful antics.

Galahs are widespread across Australia, inhabiting a variety of environments including woodlands, grasslands, and urban areas. They are highly adaptable and can thrive in both rural and suburban settings. Their ability to find food and shelter in diverse habitats has contributed to their success and widespread presence.

These birds have a varied diet that includes seeds, nuts, berries, and insects. They are often seen foraging on the ground in open spaces or in trees, using their strong beaks to crack open tough shells and extract seeds. In urban areas, Galahs may also visit bird feeders and parks, where they enjoy a range of treats provided by human admirers.

Galahs are known for their strong pair bonds and often form lifelong partnerships. They nest in tree hollows, where they raise their young together. Outside of the breeding season, they gather in large, noisy flocks that can be seen and heard across the Australian landscape. Their playful nature and social interactions make them a delight to watch.

Linking Saturday Critter

Gecko for Saturday Critter

 

On my trip to Traralgon several years ago

Panasonic G9

FA 100mm f2.8 macro

Linking Saturday Critter

Macro of Spider for Saturday Critter

 

Taken by my old gear Pentax K20D + A 200mm f4 Macro

Linking Saturday Critter

Monfort Beach for Skywatch Friday

 

For a change, no long exposure shot.

Some purists prefer shots like this

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4

Linking Sky Watch Friday

Hoverfly for Saturday Critter

 

A pink tone for the shot

Linking Saturday Critter

Bridgewater Bay Long Exposure for Water H2O Thursday

 

Another visit to the region. Joel and I had fun snapping here

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Water H2O Thursday

Kilcunda Sunset with a pink glow for Water H2O Thursday

 

The colour I prefer

Sony A7RV

Sigma 14-24mm f2.8

Linking Water H2O Thursday

Critter Macro for Saturday Critter

 

This was taken a long time ago. You can imagine how small this critter is

Pentax A200mm f4 Macro

Linking Saturday Critter

Butterfly macro for Saturday Critter

 

This was taken a long time ago. Love the energy I had at the time.

Linking Saturday Critter

Grasshopper for Saturday Critter

 

Sheer green bokeh is a delight 

Linking Saturday Critter

Chironomids for Saturday Critters

 

Found this on wiki 

Chironomids as a group are very diverse in their life histories and exhibit a variety of behaviours during their development. Due to their species ambiguity and this diversity of behaviours, there is much controversy in research on their feeding habits, particularly as adults.

Many reference sources in the past century or so have repeated the assertion that the Chironomidae do not feed as adults, but an increasing body of evidence contradicts this view. Adults of many species do, in fact, feed. The natural foods reported include fresh fly droppings, nectar, pollen, honeydew, and various sugar-rich materials.

Linking Saturday Critter

Some more Forest Mushrooms for Treasure Tuesday

 

Right thigh is feeling much better. I think it is muscle tear healing up. Now contemplating on swimming instead. Less toll on muscular injury. 

Sony A7RV

Sigma 105mm f2.8 Macro

Linking Treasure Tuesday

Black-kneed Conehead for Saturday Critter

 

I saw this critter in Taiwan. Next to a street joint selling rice snack.

Linking Saturday Critter

I got my CT lumbar spine and pelvis back. No malignancy of any sorts. But I have extensive moderate arthritis affecting multiple levels including foraminal narrowing. I am depressed by the result. These are incidental findings not to my liking. I will work on my fitness routine once muscle tear heals. 

Lake Tyrrell Topdown for Sunday Best

 

Due to the injury, I just make do with drone out here on Wednesday. A lovely pattern.

DJ Mini Pro4

Linking Sunday Best

Sheep in Qing Jing Farm Taiwan for Saturday Critter

 

They were spotted along the mountain trail I took a hike in the last trip. Quite relaxing to see them in the barren hills

Sony A7RV

Sigma 105mm f2.8 Macro

Linking Saturday Critter

I found an old photo of Joel when we got together in university time

Kilcunda rock arch Gippsland for Treasure Sunday

 

I have been here a few times over the years. It was a lowest tide ever while everywhere on the back beach of Mornington Peninsula was actually high tide. 

This is probably the moodiest shot I have taken this winter.

Sony A7RV

Sigma 14-24mm f2.8

Linking Treasure Tuesday

Lake Tyrrell Victoria for Water H2O Thursday

 

I will need to go back to it again

Always looking different every time I visit

DJ Mini Pro4

Linking Water H2O Thursday

For American friends, Happy 4th.

I am taking Joel out to celebrate his birthday in a city restaurant. 

Seagulls at Lake Tyrrell for Saturday Critter

 

They are rather noisy. But makes a good view

Sony A7RV

FE 70-200mm f4 G

Linking Saturday Critter