Hunter Valley - Pelican

I still get a kick out of seeing pelicans just flying around. They tend not to like city life, so you do have to go 'up the coast' to find them, but hey, I'm not fussy! Pelicans have until recently been birds that I have only imagined. I know that I have seen my fair share of pelican images, but to actually see one in the feather is really quiet surreal. They are about the size of my old dog, and really do have the most impressive jowels I have ever seen! (and this is including the previously mentioned cassowary). I would also say that they are obviously birds that live in windy areas, and I don't think I've seen them fly so much as glide from place to place.

I'm hoping my next visit up the coast will be to a place I've been led to believe have basically tame pelicans. I'd love to get a proper close up look at these lovely birds. :)

Taken August 2010 - Damn (Australian for pond) in the Hunter Valley, NSW

Taronga Zoo - Giraffe

Giraffe are just to darn elegant. Their long eyelashes, and haughty expressions just makes me want to serve them tea and crumpets. (Though I think they would rather have carrots!)

The giraffe enclosure at Taronga is pretty impressive, as these four herbivores have a perfect view of the harbour. It is fantastically easy to shoot great pictures of these lovely ladies here. They stand to the south, down hill from the viewing area.

Nothing quite like putting the Zoo on some of the most expensive real estate in Sydney eh?

Taken August 2010 - Taronga Zoo, Sydney, NSW

Taronga Zoo - Koala and Joey

Can any amount of 'awwww' describe how cute this koala joey is?

It's always nice to get to see koalas at feeding time. Since they sleep 20-22 hours a day, it is pretty much the only time that you get to see them with their eyes open. This mommy spent about 10 minutes going up and down this tree to find a good spot to rest for the afternoon. It was the most active I have ever seen a koala. Their claws must be sharp and their fingers strong as she would jump from branch to branch and never slipped on landing.

Ah, to be a koala... vaguely high on life (or at least what they eat) and able to sleep for a day at a time. *sigh

Taken August 2010 - Taronga Zoo, Sydney, NSW

Australia Zoo - Wombats

What could possibly be better than a hairy nosed wombat? I mean really - with such a perfectly barrel-shapped body perfect for a cuddle.

I am completely enamoured with the Australian wildlife. I have no doubt you'll be seeing more of these beauts posted here in my blog.

Also, are there any requests for certain types of pics? What would you like to see more of? I'm always happy to take requests. :)

Taken February 2010 - Australia Zoo, Brisbane, Queensland, NSW

Ely Cathedral

Nothing quite like a medieval church being light up during deepest darkest winter eh?

If there are country towns and university towns, Ely is very much a Cathedral town. If it weren't for the Cathedral, there really wouldn't be any reason for being there. It's a one hit wonder kind of a place, but what a beautiful wonder! I

f you get a chance, I think Ely really does deserve a day - a grey winter day at that. How else can you be properly medieval?

Taken January 2007 - Ely Cathedral, Ely, England