Eagles (above) and hawks are a common sight in rural areas and Woodgate Beach appears to be no exception. I snapped this fellow early one morning above the beach. The only other birds I saw on the beach itself were gulls - many were doing high speed dives into the water and some sort of sea bird could be seen bobbing out in the waves most mornings having an early feed.
There are many other birds just back from the shore though - butcher birds, minahs and kookaburras were seen frequently. Others seen occasionally were bush hens (black with red) and ibis'. Heard, but not seen was the storm bird. Apparently it is an all black bird similar to a crow with a mournful call - that often rings out at night when its quiet, so its hard to miss. Obviously, as its name implies, its supposed to be warning of coming storms.
The kookaburras were in full song at times throughout our stay as well. I'd heard as a young child that a kookaburra's song meant rain was on its way and was informed by a local that this prediction was more accurate should the kookaburra laugh before dawn. I taught my girls the "Kookaburra Sits in the Old Gum Tree" song that I recall learning in kindergarten at school back in the late 60s. Their talent is definitely not in singing in tune, but we had a good turn at singing in rounds - something they apparently don't do in school any more!
Before I go, I must say a huge thank you to Annie at My White Homestead who visited this blog and bestowed upon me a Stylish Blogger Award! Thank you so much Annie :)
As part of this award I need to reveal seven things about me and pass this award on to three other stylish bloggers :)
OK, to the "reveal":
*I find our holidays at Woodgate Beach totally energising. I'm up early every morning, I exercise every day and I love the quiet that only the beach can bring. Hubby on the other hand, collapses into a heap and either sleeps or reads all day ;)
*I eat far too much chocolate ... in any form. Its best if it's expensive and rich. But, really, I'm not THAT fussy. If its chocolate, it's usually good!
*I hate gardening. I love nice gardens and I wish it happened by magic. Unfortunately it doesn't and every rose and fruit tree in my garden is hardy, drought tolerant and obviously really wants to live (despite my apparent disregard).
*I have a soft spot for Matt Damon. He reminds me of hubby... honestly!
*I have no vision bigger than about the size of a table. Sad but true. Hubby has the grand/big visions and he could picture our house and its style perfectly. I couldn't and was thankfully thrilled when it came out beautifully :) My vision on a smaller scale is great though - rather fortunate considering I make jewellery!
*I left the nest at 17 1/2 when I'd finished high school. My dad gave me $500 cash, organised an apartment for me to rent and a part time job, patted me on the back and wished me luck. Sounds like tough love, but it worked!
*My first apartment was in a block of art-deco flats and the whole building had an air of faded elegance. My next door neighbour had lived there since the 1940s and rarely stepped out of her door. I used to go there and listen to her stories regularly. She was quite the woman about town in the 40s and had the most amazing collection of hats - a couple of which she gave to me. One was a little navy velvet evening fitted cap/hat with peacock/blue sequins and the other was a black horsehair sweeping number with black velvet. I think I still have them locked away in a trunk somewhere - I must try and find them!
Now to nominate 3 other bloggers with the award :
The wonderful A Refocused Life - always gorgeous, inspiring photos!
Amanda at Small Acorns - she has the most fabulous boutique in NZ and her photos make you want to go there, right now!
And the incredible Heidi of 101 Cookbooks who doesn't only give you recipes, she feeds your soul with her outlook on food and her mouthwatering photos.
