Dawn and Dusk at Katoomba 1 – 2 January 2018

Posted on January 5, 2018 by Dave Noble

I had been thinking of heading up to Katoomba for a fair while for some dawn photography of the Three Sisters. On a trip last year to Juliets Balcony, I noted that it seemed to be the only lookout where you can view the Three Sisters in profile with the sky behind. I was after a photo with the Sun rising behind the Three Sisters. On the trial i had used an app on my phone to check what i.e. of the year would be best for this – and the only chance seemed to be close to the summer solstice when the Sun rises at its most southerly position. The other requirement was for an atmospheric morning.

This visit was close to the solstice – but the Sun rose a few degrees too far north and the dawn was far from atmospheric. But is was still a nice trip. Continue reading →

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Taronga Zoo – 31 December 2017

Posted on January 5, 2018 by Dave Noble

I had been feeling a bit off colour during the post Christmas period, and thought that something not too strenuous would be a good way to get outdoors. Taronga Zoo provides a good venue here.

I had no real focus this visit. On my way up the path from the lower entrance, I spotted a large chick wandering around. It was a young Brush Turkey. It is interesting that the parents of these birds do not help their young at all. On  they day they hatch from their egg, hey can fly and find food by themselves. Continue reading →

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Yileen Canyon – 23 December 2017

Posted on December 24, 2017 by Dave Noble

This was a pleasant outing with a large group of friends on quite a hot day. In the party were Su Li, Brent, Martin, Steffy, James, David W, Col, Sam, Stacey, Murray and myself.

We parked on the Bell Road at the Mount Wilson turnoff after leaving a car at the lower carpark at Pierces Pass, and then set off along the track to the canyon. Continue reading →

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Koombandah Canyon – 21 December 2017

Posted on December 22, 2017 by Dave Noble

Bob was back from a few months working in USA and was keen to get out in the bush. He suggested a canyon. The forecast was for cooler weather and perhaps with some showers, so we chose to visit Koombandah Canyon near Bell.

Bob parked at the turn off to the old coal mine at Hartley Vale on the Darling Causeway. We then set off along the railway access road on the eastern side of the line. We soon arrived at the heath covered knoll. There we left the road and climbed up onto the knoll and then descended to our creek on the east. It was mainly easy going.  Continue reading →

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Local Nature – Wolli Ck and Tempe Wetlands – 19 December 2017

Posted on December 20, 2017 by Dave Noble

I headed to Wolli Creek in the mid afternoon and wandered down the Two Valleys Track from Girrahween Park to Turrella Reserve. I wanted to see what was out. It was a hot day – and there were not that many birds visible.

At and near Girrahween Park there were still quite a few Blotched Hyacinth Orchids out –  Continue reading →

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The SUBW Christmas Walk to the Coxs River 16 – 17 December 2017

Posted on December 18, 2017 by Dave Noble

Each year, not long before Christmas, a walk in organised by Sydney University Bushwalkers to the Coxs River. This year, the walk was organised by Ashley Burke.

I had gone up to Blackheath with Wendy, and we had first made a quick trip through the Grand Canyon. We then went to the village for lunch and then headed down to Megalong. Wendy parked at the Six Foot Track, and we set off for the river.  Continue reading →

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The Grand Canyon – 16 December 2017

Posted on December 18, 2017 by Dave Noble

I was heading up the mountains with Wendy to attend the SUBW Christmas Walk to the Coxs River. Since it was a very hot day, we thought it would be nice to visit the Grand Canyon at Blackheath before walking to the river.

We headed down the track at Neates Glen and soon reached the abseil point. A large SUBW party led by Ashley had almost finished the abseil. By the time we had got our harnesses on they were all down. Continue reading →

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Burning Palms and The Figure Eight Pool – 14 December 2017

Posted on December 18, 2017 by Dave Noble

A very hot day was forecast and David Hufton was keen on a walk that involved some swimming. We had originally intended to go to some pools near Campbeltown – but the forces there was for temperatures around 40°C – a bit too hot for walking. So we settled on something closer to the coast.

We decided to walk down to Burning Palms. Checking the tide charts showed that there was a low tide in the middle of the day – so we could also visit the nearby Figure Eight Pool if we wanted to do something more. Continue reading →

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Cooks River and Tempe Birds – 13 December 2017

Posted on December 18, 2017 by Dave Noble

I went down in the afternoon to the Cooks River at Gough Whitlam Park to see if there was any activity at the Striated Heron Nest. I didn’t see any birds in their nest, but I did spot a Striated Heron lurking near the pool.

Striated Heron

I then continued on to the Tempe Wetlands. There I spent some time watching the Willie Wagtail nest. The parents were quite busy getting food for their chicks –  Continue reading →

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Karloo Pool Walk – 12 December 2017

Posted on December 15, 2017 by Dave Noble

This was a very enjoyable half day walk to the Karloo Pool in Royal National Park. The walk was organised by Brian Everingham for the National Parks Association of NSW, As well as Brian, there was Theo, Ken, Peter, John and myself on the walk.

The Karloo Pool

We met outside Heathcote Station and started walking to the track. Continue reading →

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