Between the Clouds

I am filled with surprise and delight every single time I see a colourful bird land in my yard, a gorgeous sunset peak through the clouds or a butterfly float by on the wind. It really doesn’t matter if I have seen it before, it delights me and fills me with wonder all the same.
Honeyeater gymea original oil painting
Gymea Honey

Cockatoo Wonder

I never knew how many different types of cockatoos there are in the world. We are regularly surrounded by at least 4 types where I live in Nelson Bay.  My favourite are the Salt Crested Cockatoos as they are loud and full of mischief. Along side these big beautiful birds we often have Galahs in their beautiful grey and pink as well as the understated Corella's hanging out with their Salt Crested cousins.  By far the most elusive are the Black Cockatoo and we see these most often flying through the trees on our way out of town. 

More Bird Talk

Many people talk about and reference the stars and the moon as a connection point to family and friends far away.  For me it has always been birds and butterflies.  Perhaps it is something about their ability to migrate long distances, a little bit like my brother and I, but more likely because they connect me to thoughts of my Mum.  She always had her bird feeders full and would send me regular updates on the latest visitors to her yard. What freedom and joy to fly through the air and visit whoever you like. I lost my Mum mid 2023 and now I see her smile in every bird outside my door.