POND

One of the ponds in the Darebin Parklands, on an Autumn morning.

This post is part of the Roentare’s Water Meme

and also part of the Nature Notes meme

AUTUMN FRUIT

This post is part of the Mosaic Monday meme

and also part of the Seasons meme.

BY TRAIN

This post is part of the My Sunday Best meme

DUCK AND CREEK

A Pacific Black Duck (Anas superciliosa), a common and adaptable dabbling duck found throughout Australia, New Zealand, and surrounding islands.They are identified by their mottled dark brown plumage and a characteristic head pattern featuring a dark brown line through the eye, bordered by cream stripes above and below.Their diet is largely vegetarian, consisting of seeds from aquatic plants, but they also consume aquatic insects, crustaceans, and mollusks.

These ducks are widespread in Melbourne's creek and river habitats, in this particular instance, at the Darebin Parklands, through which flows the Darebin Creek. A quite clean and unpolluted waterway, home to many native species of flora and fauna.

This post is part of the Roentare’s Water Meme

and also part of the Nature Notes meme

INNER SUBURBIA

Johnston St looking east in Abbotsford. One of the older Melbourne suburbs, typical working class in the 19th century. Abbotsford now has a mix of industrial architecture and green spaces, and is popular with both families and creative types. Converted factories, hip cafes and cool bars line Johnston Street, while Abbotsford Convent hosts artsy workshops and is home to markets, cafes and artists’ studios.

This post is part of the Travel Tuesday meme

MUSHROOM SEASON

Macrolepiota procera, the parasol mushroom, is a basidiomycete fungus with a large, prominent fruiting body resembling a parasol. It is a fairly common species on well-drained soils. It is found solitary or in groups and fairy rings in pastures and occasionally in woodland. It is widespread in temperate regions of Eurasia and possibly North America. It is a well-regarded edible mushroom.

This was found on our lawn here in Melbourne, so obviously it has also been introduced to Australia. Take care as it resembles some toxic species! Notably, Chlorophyllum molybdites, which causes the largest number of annual mushroom poisonings in North America due to its close similarity to Macrolepiota. Never eat any mushrooms found in the wild that you are unsure of their edibility!

This post is part of the My Sunday Best meme

CLOUDY SUNSET

This post is part of the Skywatch Friday meme

DAREBIN CREEK

Darebin Creek is a waterway that runs through the northern suburbs of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. It is the main watercourse of the Darebin Valley and a major tributary of the Yarra River. For tens of thousands of years it was used as a food and tool source sustainably by the Wurundjeri people, Indigenous Australians of the Kulin nation alliance, who spoke variations of the Woiwurrung language group.

The creek rises on the northern urban fringe of Melbourne north of the suburb of Epping, following a general southerly route and meeting the Yarra at Alphington. The creek forms much of the municipal boundary between the City of Darebin and City of Banyule. Formerly an intermittent stream, increased stormwater runoff with urbanisation of the Darebin Creek catchment has resulted in permanent water flow. 

The creek runs through Darebin Parklands, a large nature reserve one or two kilometres northwest of the junction at which the creek meets the Yarra. The Darebin Creek Trail runs along the banks in the lower reaches of the creek. This is the creek at the Darebin Parklands in Fairfield.

This post is part of the Travel Tuesday meme,
and also part of the Roentare’s Water Meme,
and also part of the Nature Notes meme.

DROUGHT

This post is part of the My Sunday Best meme

I'M NOT A SHEEP!

A Labradoodle, which is a popular hybrid breed known for their friendly temperament. These dogs are often sociable and highly intelligent, making them popular family pets.

This post is part of the Saturday Critters meme

GOOD MORNING, SUN!

This post is part of the Skywatch Friday meme

WOOF!

This handsome fellow belongs to a neighbour and is a Chocolate Labrador Retriever. The Labrador Retriever is one of the most popular dog breeds in the world, known for being a friendly, confident, and highly intelligent companion. Labs are famously social, eager to please, and playful, making them excellent family pets. They are high-energy dogs that typically love outdoor activities like running, hiking, and swimming.

This post is part of the Saturday Critters meme

RAIN

We are now well into Autumn and rain is with us rather frequently, while the cool weather necessitates the comforting reassurance of a heater warming the room...

This post is part of the My Sunday Best meme

BLACK COCKATOO

This post is part of the Saturday Critters meme

AT THE MARKET

A bit pricey, but they're organic...
This post is part of the Travel Tuesday meme

GOOD FRIDAY

This post is part of the Skywatch Friday meme

AT THE GREENGROCER'S

This post is part of the My Sunday Best meme

HONEYBROWN BEETLE

This insect is a Honeybrown Beetle (specifically Ecnolagria grandis), also commonly known as a Brown Darkling Beetle.  These beetles are native to south-eastern mainland Australia and Tasmania. They are identified by their golden-brown bodies covered in very short hairs and a thorax that is noticeably narrower than their wing cases (elytra).

They typically have a golden-brown or coppery color, though some individuals may appear slightly more violet or metallic. Adults are slow fliers and are often found resting motionlessly on leaves or hiding among dry fallen leaves and grasses. They primarily feed on dead plant matter and fungi. These beetles are commonly found in forests, woodlands, heaths, and urban gardens.

This post is part of the Saturday Critters meme

FLOWER SHOPPER

At the Preston Market.

This post is part of the My Sunday Best meme.

EQUINOX SUNSET

It is the Autumnal Equinox here in Melbourne and we are now officially into Autumn.

This post is part of the Skywatch Friday meme