Spur-winged Plover
This little nest was in the paddock below our house. These birds make their nest anywhere in the paddocks with very little nesting material and blend in with the surroundings. The only reason I found this one was because it was chirping.
The first chick was on his way out.
These 2 pictures are of the parents. There are a few of them on the farm, they live here all year round and breed here. I couldn't get close enough for a clear shot so had to zoom from a distance.
I checked back in a few hours and found this little guy still drying off and stumbling around on his big feet. Once they hatch the family keeps moving so I haven't been able to photograph them again.
The Australian Magpie-lark which we spotted in lots of the parks on our trip to Western Australia.
First thing this morning, with a light frost on the ground, the dogs and I headed off on our walk.
The sun was just starting to rise.
Holly is on the lookout for a rabbit breakfast.
Luke is enjoying the sun, and he's always keen on having his photo taken.
The cows are up and grazing. It was so quiet, the birds calling to each other was the only sound.
Back home in the orchard and Toby is waiting for me - or waiting for breakfast!
A collection of birds, spotted on our trip to Western Australia
Kookaburra in the Tuart Forest.
Magpie-lark at Kings Park in Perth.
Australian Raven watching me from a park tree in Bunbury.
A peaceful looking Pelican spotted on a nature walk in Bunbury.
Also saw these 2 Black Swans doing some synchronized swimming in the same little inlet.
A beautiful summer day on the farm.
Luke's checking the pond for anything worth chasing and I'm watching the clouds go by.
The Oxeye Daisy has decided to make its home in this paddock. Its related to the Chrysanthemum family and originated in Europe.
It's not very nutritious for the cows but the sheep will eat it.
It's a beautiful sight when out in bloom.
The dogs love running around in the daisy field following rabbit trails and tracking them down.
A happy Holly, ready to go home.
I spotted this bird at the far end of the bull paddock.
I'd never seen one on the farm, but after some research found out it was a Cattle Egret. They fly over from Australia in autumn to over-winter and are usually found around cattle and sheep.
A small stocky egret similar in size to a white faced heron, with a shorter neck and hunched posture. This is the smallest egret found in New Zealand and their numbers are dwindling after poor breeding seasons in Australia.
Another visitor to the farm is this white goose. We don't know where he came from but he seems to be enjoying the bull paddocks too.
Spring is a busy time with everything looking super green and growing fast.
Babies of all kinds are arriving. These chicks were born last month.
And I spotted this mother duck with her 2 ducklings this week.
Calving has pretty much finished. This group are enjoying a snooze in the sun.
And lastly our pet lamb Hilda, who only stands still for a nano second, so this was the best shot I could get!
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Its been a week of rain, wind and calves.
They are arriving at a steady pace despite the weather (or maybe because of it).
The paddocks are waterlogged and muddy but the cows don't seem to mind.
Today was the 1st sunny day for a while so I took my camera out and made the most of it.
This little fellow was running around enjoying the new paddock but stopped to pose before he was off again.
This little lady is one week old. My son had to help deliver her because she was a huge baby and the mother was having difficulties. He named her Hilda (because she was born on a hill).
The mother abandoned her afterward so we now have a pet to raise.
My daughter has been the surrogate mother this week but she is back to University tomorrow, so I will be sheep mother from now on.
It's that time of the year when the lambs start arriving.
One week in and there are lots running around.
Only 2 days old and these 2 are already practicing their moves.
Just born, a nice set of twins learning how to work those legs.
This lady won't be rushed, although I can't imagine her holding out much longer.
What a beautiful week we've had. Cold frosty mornings don't worry Luke and Ted.
They become beautiful blue sky days.
And the only cloud to be found is this one hanging around the top of the hill. I can feel spring coming.
We're well into winter here and feeding out hay to the Bulls is one of our morning jobs.
The wet, muddy look is popular, especially with the younger ones.
And then there was this one. My photo of the day!
It was a cold one this morning with a white frost covering everything.
This is an up close and personal shot of the frost on top of the wooden gate.
Our little white Silkie, posing for the shot.
There's always one who wants to get in on the action.
I was trying to get a picture of my very pregnant ladies when this one photo-bombed me.
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