lirralirra

I wanted to share something uplifting this week, and wings fit that criteria, literally and figuratively.

Female Spotted Pardalotes aren’t as brightly coloured as the males but they are exquisitely beautiful. The reds and yellows fit perfectly with the soft warmth of their underparts, contrasting with the black accents and the soft yellow spots on their heads.

I was rapt to capture this tiny bird as she raised her wings – I feel like that’s what I need to do this year, metaphorically speaking. The past year has been challenging for most of us, but there have been many things to be grateful for, so many kindnesses, so much community spirit and the mere thought of those post-lockdown hugs gives me goosebumps.

Over the years I’ve served on dozens of committees but that has lapsed recently as life had different plans. I find I’m missing that kind of purpose, working with like-minded people, striving to improve things for people and for the environment. I’ve been busy working on my small Land for Wildlife property but hopefully soon I’ll get things under control here and be able to work on some other projects. I’ll keep sharing images for conservation purposes, I’m passionate about that!

New Year’s Eve has always been a favourite day for me but this year was different. There was no party; instead a friend helped me oil my new deck, it looks so good. As the year drew to a close, I sat on the wide veranda steps, patting my dogs and watching the full moon as it gracefully crossed the sky.

In the words of David Attenborough (whose hand I was lucky enough to shake when he visited Melbourne), ‘Our planet is unique. A living world of diversity and wonder. It’s also fragile. With the new year comes the opportunity for change. And if we act in 2021, we can make a world of difference. Together, we can turn things around. Together, we can restore our fragile home and make it a happy new year for all the inhabitants of planet Earth.’ 

Happy birding, Kim

NB I’ll rescue comments from spam

~ Facebook page Kim Wormald – lirralirra
~ Facebook group  Ethical Bird Photography