Archive for the 'Adelaide Hills' Category

River Angus, Strathalbyn, South Australia

River Angus, Strathalbyn, South Australia

River Angus, Strathalbyn, South Australia

Strathalbyn is a popular destination with tourists and locals. There are many fine historic buildings to be seen on a gentle stroll around town. Many cafes and specialty shops cater for those who enjoy shopping. Seekers of antiques will find several good outlets catering for their interests.

River Angus, Strathalbyn, South Australia

River Angus, Strathalbyn, South Australia

I have different interests. Yes – I enjoy some of the shops too, especially the interesting second hand bookshop where I try to keep the wallet zipped up in my pocket. I really enjoy having a picnic down by the River Angus. This gently flowing river wends its way through the centre of town. I enjoy having a few relaxing hours in this picturesque park because it enables me to relax while also doing some birding. No exertion needed – the birds come to you.

Picnic area, River Angus, Strathalbyn, South Australia

Picnic area, River Angus, Strathalbyn, South Australia

Paris Creek, Mt Lofty Ranges, South Australia

Pine forests, Paris Creek district, South Australia

Pine forests, Paris Creek district, South Australia

Two of the important industries in the Paris Creek district are dairying and forestry. There are many dairy farms in this part of the Mt Lofty Ranges in South Australia.The pine forests in this area are also important industries.

Paris Creek, Mt Lofty Ranges, South Australia

Paris Creek, Mt Lofty Ranges, South Australia

Paris Creek, Mt Lofty Ranges, South Australia

Paris Creek, Mt Lofty Ranges, South Australia

Paris Creek, Mt Lofty Ranges, South Australia

While travelling the southern Mt Lofty Ranges last year I was delighted with the few photos I took in the Paris Creek area which is just north west of Strathalbyn. Thispart of the Adelaide Hills is great farming land with reasonably reliable rainfall most years. When I took these photos the pastures were still quite green despite the few really hot days we had already experienced.

Paris Creek, Mt Lofty Ranges, South Australia

Paris Creek, Mt Lofty Ranges, South Australia

One of the main agricultural pursuits in this district is dairying. Quite near to where I took these photos is the well known BD Farm, an organic dairy produce factory. There is quite a few fruit orchards in the district too, and further west one can visit extensive pine forest plantations.

Paris Creek, Mt Lofty Ranges, South Australia

Paris Creek, Mt Lofty Ranges, South Australia

In some of my photos you might see a purple haze in the paddocks or on the hills. This is colour comes from the flower of the introduced weed, Salvation Jane, also known in parts of Australia as Paterson’s Curse. Most farmers do not like this pest plant because it taints to meat of sheep. Apiarists don’t mind it because their bees produce good honey from the flowers, and artists, photographers and tourists enjoy seeing the amazing hues it brings to the hills.

Paris Creek, Mt Lofty Ranges South Australia

Paris Creek, Mt Lofty Ranges

Paris Creek, Mt Lofty Ranges

Last year I had a few week’s work based at Strathalbyn, about a half hour’s drive from my home. The job involved doing a courier round delivering parcels and papers in the district.

Paris Creek, Mt Lofty Ranges, South Australia

Paris Creek, Mt Lofty Ranges, South Australia

Part of my daily rounds involved driving through the beautiful Paris Creek district just north west of Strathalbyn. At that time of the year the rolling hills of the southern Mt. Lofty Ranges were lush and green. I couldn’t resist taking along my camera and getting a few shots to share here on this blog.

Click on the photo to enlarge the image.

Paris Creek, Mt Lofty Ranges, South Australia

Paris Creek, Mt Lofty Ranges, South Australia

Some Birds of Strathalbyn, South Australia

Australian Wood Ducks

Australian Wood Ducks

Last year I had a few weeks of work based at Strathalbyn in the Adelaide Hills. This delightful little town is about a half hour drive from my home in Murray Bridge.

During the time I was working there I usually had my lunch in a small park near the river. Previously we had enjoyed several picnic lunches in this park. The bird life there was always of interest. The trees had many Little Corellas, Galahs and Sulphur Crested Cockatoos. Along the river I often saw and heard the Clamorous Reedwarbler. In the park the Willie Wagtail would come and visit while I had my lunch.

Dusky Moorhen

Dusky Moorhen