This was taken at Mindl Beach just on sundown. We had been sitting on sand-consequently had it all over us.
I was also very lucky(?) that we had had a processor breakdown at work, so I was able to take some days off. I had warned them about the warmth...I don't think they really believed me!!!!It is getting warmer+humidity makes things a little uncomfortable. I hired a car with air-con, mine has no such luxury, and we went through overnight to Jabiru- centre of Kakadu National Park.
This is Yellow Waters- we did a sunrise trip on a boat to see crocodiles, and birdlife on the river.
We were not disappointed.
These birds are Brolgas- part of the Crane family. They have a ritualistic mating dance which is unique-but this morning they were too interested in breakfast.
This fellow is a Comb Crested Jacana who has enormous feet to enble him to walk on lily pads or soft water weed.
This is a Mangrove Heron- he spends hours quietly sitting just above the water- just waiting..........and watching................
We also had some very close encounters with these amazing reptiles.!!!This fellow just relaxing, trying to cool off by letting cooler air/and water into his mouth. They have no way of temperature control, than to use water.
This one cooling off too, but I am sure with all senses awake.
Crocodiles have 4 senses- smell, sight, hearing, and nerve endings near surface of skin to detect any vibrations nearby. This is a salt water croc- fresh water crocs are a different shape, and don't grow as long. There are no alligators in Oz.
This very cute fellow is an Azure Kingfisher-very small- (sparrow sized), but exceedingly fast at darting into water for a morsel.
The waterlilies are just comng into flower...they look beautiful in mass over the water.
This is a Jabiru- of the Stork family. A large bird- 1.5m tall, with a fabulous deep blue iridescent neck and head.Spends his time in swamp lands chasing fish, frogs etc.
This is a young Jabiru- still waiting for the beautiful colours to come with his adult plumage.
This would have to be the most unusual bird of the day-a Southern Cassowary up to 2m tall.
The trip into the National Park was so special- to see so many birds, so easily was a joy.We spent a lot of time also sightseeing around Darwin- this will be a later blog post.
A mugshot of mother and daughter at dinner on Friday night.
Work is still going very well, and I am still enjoying the challenge it presents.The year is winding down,and before long I will be home for the Christmas break.
Take care......
