Willow Bottlebrush

The Willow Bottlebrush (Melaleuca (Callistemon) salicina): New growth emerges as red leaves. It is Spring.

This is a small tree I have growing in my backyard. It has white papery bark and spikes of flowers which are creamy in colour. Some species have white flowers and there is also a red one.

Footnote:

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© Fred O’Donnell Photography

Preening Crimson Rosella

As I stood on the front veranda, this Crimson Rosella or Platycercus elegans moved close to me and began preening. and stretching its wings.

Crimson Rosella or Platycercus elegans stretching its wings

Crimson Rosella or Platycercus elegans stretching its wings

Crimson Rosella or Platycercus elegans stretching its wings

Footnote:

Please Note:
I am the copyright holder of all photographs that appear on this blog. Please respect my copyright.

© Fred O’Donnell Photography

Australian King Parrot (Alisterus scapularis)

Male Australian King Parrots are the only Australian parrots to have a completely red head.

A male Australian King Parrot (Alisterus scapularis)

Footnote:

Please Note:
I am the copyright holder of all photographs that appear on this blog. Please respect my copyright.

© Fred O’Donnell Photography

Prickly Paperbark Tree

The Prickly Paperbark Tree (Melaleuca styphelioides) is a small to medium size tree native to eastern Australia. The following photographs are of the flowers of the Prickly Paperbark Tree I have growing in my backyard.

Prickly Paperbark (Melaleuca styphelioides) Victoria, Australia

Prickly Paperbark (Melaleuca styphelioides) Victoria, Australia

Prickly Paperbark (Melaleuca styphelioides) Victoria, Australia

Acknowledgements

I respect and acknowledge the Gulidjan people as the First Peoples and Traditional custodians of the land and waterways on which I live.

I acknowledge Elders past, present and emerging.

Please Note:
I am the copyright holder of all photographs that appear on this blog. Please respect my copyright.

© Fred O’Donnell Photography

Visiting Brisbane Gardens

A couple of months ago, I had the opportunity to visit the Brisbane Botanic Gardens.

This tree grabbed my attention for two reasons. The first being the brilliant flowers it was displaying; the second, the noise that was emanating from it. It was the cacophony of Rainbow Lorikeets (Trichoglossus haematodus) feeding on the nectar contained in the flowers.

The tree was a Colville’s Glory (Colvillea racemosa) a native legume of Madagascar.

Colville’s Glory (Colvillea racemosa) at the Brisbane Botanic Gardens

Colville’s Glory (Colvillea racemosa) at the Brisbane Botanic Gardens

Rainbow Lorikeet (Trichoglossus haematodus) at the Brisbane Botanic Gardens

Rainbow Lorikeet (Trichoglossus haematodus) at the Brisbane Botanic Gardens

Rainbow Lorikeet (Trichoglossus haematodus) at the Brisbane Botanic Gardens

Rainbow Lorikeet (Trichoglossus haematodus) at the Brisbane Botanic Gardens

Please Note:
I am the copyright holder of all photographs that appear on this blog. Please respect my copyright.

Australian Native Plants

The following photographs are of some of the Australian native plants I have growing in my garden. Planted many years ago, I chose those plants to attract birds to the garden, and they have not disappointed me. 

King’s Park Special Callistemon – commonly known as a Bottlebrush

King’s Park Special Callistemon – beautifully back-lit by the late afternoon sun

Bottlebrush Mauve Mist Callistemon

Bottlebrush Mauve Mist Callistemon

Bracelet Honey Myrtle (Melaleuca armillaris)

Red Flowering Gum Tree (Eucalyptus ficifolia)

Captain Cook Bottlebrush (Callistemon viminalis)

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I am the copyright holder of all photographs that appear on this blog. These images are protected by copyright laws and all rights are reserved. To purchase a print please contact me by leaving a comment below with your order and contact details. I will then get back to you.

This Week

These photographs are a pictorial of the past week in my backyard.

 

 Crimson Rosella, Platycercus elegans

Crimson Rosella, Platycercus elegans

Crimson Rosella, Platycercus elegans

Am Immature Crimson Rosella, Platycercus elegans

Australian King Parrot –
Alisterus scapularis

Galah –
Eolophus roseicapillus

Galah –
Eolophus roseicapillus

 

Galah –
Eolophus roseicapillus

Please Note: All photographs appearing on my blog were taken by me. They are copyrighted and all rights are reserved. If you would like to purchase a print please contact me by leaving a comment below with your order and contact details. I will then get back to you.

 

 

 

Misty Morning

On the Easter long weekend, we stayed near Dunkeld on the edge of the Grampian National Park. The first morning of our stay was a misty one.

Please Note: All photographs appearing on my blog were taken by me. They are copyrighted and all rights are reserved. If you would like to purchase a print please contact me by leaving a comment below with your order and contact details. I will then get back to you.

National Eucalypt Day

Today is National Eucalypt Day. A day to celebrate the magnificent trees we Australians call Gum Trees.

The following photos are of Eucalyptus regnans commonly known as Mountain Ash, also Swamp Gum, or Stringy Gum. Mountain Ash trees are native to Tasmania and the state of Victoria in south-east Australia.

Eucalyptus regnans is the world’s tallest flowering plant and is also the world’s second tallest tree.

I remember when I was in primary school, my teacher told the class that trees were the lungs of the world. I can clearly remember my thoughts: “Then why are we cutting them down?”

I still ask that question decades later.

Please Note: All photographs appearing on my blog were taken by me. They are copyrighted and all rights are reserved. If you would like to purchase a print please contact me by leaving a comment below with your order and contact details. I will then get back to you.

Lagoon

Almost in the middle of the Central Queensland town of Emu Park, there is a lagoon. My Grandfather’s house was near this lagoon and it was visible from his backyard. It features prominently in my boyhood memories.

This lagoon also has a magnificent plantation of Melaleuca trees.

Please Note: All photographs appearing on my blog were taken by me. They are copyrighted and all rights are reserved. If you would like to purchase a print please contact me by leaving a comment below with your order and contact details. I will then get back to you.