Magnetic Island

Having hopped the Pacific Ocean and being within a few hours of the Great Barrier Reef meant I had to ditch Sydney for a bit and head up to Queensland for a little diving. Before we hopped on the boat, we spent a few days on Magnetic Island, a short ferry ride from Townsville. Of course, Magnetic Island is known for their beaches and is a popular destination for backpackers and tourists alike. The scenery there was beautiful, and we lucked out as we had great weather while we were there. Only one or two downpours, and sunshine the rest of the time!

Of course, being the good biologist that I am, I found some nice critters to snap some photos of. I was determined to take a picture with a koala, and the place we found offered a nice little walk that took us past some cool turtles.

 Of course, there were kangaroos. Of course, I looked, and two joeys were boxing. Of course, as soon as I got my camera out, they stopped and absolutely refused to resume boxing. Thus, you will have to take my word for it and be satisfied with a picture of a mobile kangaroo's rump instead.

 In Oz, they call bats 'flying foxes.' It took me awhile to realize they were one and the same, but they are all over Australia and like to come out at dusk.

 And of course, some birds. The top is an osprey (or so I was told). I still haven't picked up an Aussie bird book yet. The next one is the burrow or nest of a kookaburra. Did you know kookaburras are the largest of the kingfishers? I didn't. The last is found all over Oz and can make a very loud call. Loud enough you can't sleep if you are camping outside! And another kookaburra.

 Some insect was digging a burrow or covering up something. Maybe it committed a crime and was trying to bury the evidence?

 I mentioned how I was determined to get my picture taken with a koala. For some bizarre reason, I felt nobody would believe I spent four months in Australia if I didn't have a picture of me and some cuddly marsupial. So, I met Barney the koala at a small sanctuary-like place on Magnetic Island. Not only did we get to cuddle koalas, but birds and reptiles, as well.

Around Sydney

Some random shots including myself at the Opera House and some juvenile moorhens.

Canberra: The Good Food Society

In a previous post, I mentioned Hana Kokko. She is a co president of the Good Food Society (GFS) where a theme is picked, recipes are printed, and everyone gets together and makes the recipes. The common saying is too many cooks spoil the broth, but in this case, it yielded a scrumptious feast of a variety of Spanish food. Highlights included an octopus tureen and wonderful seafood soup. It was a great way to meet people who work and study at ANU, and a good time was had by all.

Canberra: Lake Burley Griffen

One of the main sites in Canberra is the artificial Lake Burley Griffen. You can wander or bike around the entire lake, and there are several neat things to see along the way.

Sandra noticed that yachts were enjoying the beautiful, breezy day. We didn't know enough about sailing to know if they were racing or being recreational.

There was a parade of flags of nations, so Sandra and I identified as many was we could. Between the two of us, we've seen a good portion of the world, so I think we did better than average in identifying flag.

And of course, two biologists walking around.... that means pictures of organisms!

There were some black swans with their cygnets at one point. Unlike their white swan counter parts, there are these curled feathers on their backs. They vary in size and shape, and a lot of work is done one what causes the variation and what their purpose is....

And I'd never noticed the beautiful blue breasts of moorhens, but the sun was shining on them and it was quite striking!

Canberra: Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve

About 1/2 hour outside of Canberra is the Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve. My friend and I were accompanied by the brilliant scientist (and birder!) Hanna Kokko. On the way, I mentioned I would love a coffee, and Hanna knew of a great place that offered not only wonderful views, but excellent coffee.

The weather held out for the most part, and we explored some trails that took us near enormous rocks. Hanna and Sandra did their best to move it, and I think it moved a fraction of a millimeter.

And of course, we saw some beautiful birds.

We even found a nest of juveniles that were much more interested in getting fed than having their picture taken.

We were also on a quest to see a platypus. At dusk and dawn (platypus are nocturnal) is the best time to see them, but we were lucky enough to catch two of them swimming around. Not the best picture, but it is proof I saw one. Oz has the coolest animals!