Taronga Zoo - Lion in the sun

Taronga Zoo really does everything possible to give each of their animals the best of the best. This lion's enclosure has cool areas, sunny areas and lots of space to both be seen and to hide. On this particular occasion, monsieur le lion decided to be perfectly friendly and basque in the sun just in front of the plexiglass. It was mid afternoon and the early spring sun was wonderfully warm against the still cool air. There were so many people gathered watching the lions that I took this picture from about 5 people back holding my camera above the crowd.

Taken August 2010 - Taronga Zoo, Sydney, NSW

Opera House Glam Shot!

Taking beautiful pictures of the harbour in Sydney is rather like shooting fish in a barrel.

The above was taken from the ferry going from Circular Quay to the Taronga Zoo. Of course, the Opera House is an obvious landmark, but I'd like to draw your attention to two other key harbour staples, namely the Anzac bridge and the channel marker in the foreground. I think of both of these things as being iconic here on the harbour.

Taken August 2010 - Ferry on the Harbour, Sydney, NSW

Cockatoo!

I have never lived in a place with such dominate birds! The sulphur-crested cockatoo is one of the most common sights in the park by my house, as the one pictured attests to. :) It's actually quite entertaining to walk through the park right now. As long as you continually walk towards a predictable point (picnic table, swings, walkway...) the cockatoos will just continue to happily munch on whatever they are munching on. If you deviate, slow or speed up, they kind of run away, at least as much as any bird can run. The only time they squawk is when they are show off to each other or think they can get the food off of another bird.

What's in your pocket?

So I've become rather enamoured with pocket sized stuffed animals. This is Harold. I found him at Kinokuniya, one of the most amazing book shops I have seen in a long time. If you do not have a travelling companion, you really are missing out on something. Basically everyone I've introduced Heales or Harold to have immediately started playing with them. It's really is the best way to bring out the child-like glee in anyone. Also, Harold is soft and fuzzy and all around cute. :) He now lives in my shoulder bag.

Taken August 2010 - Town Hall Station, Sydney, NSW

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