Brumbies, Jabirus and Waterfalls

Middle Rock Lake Cathie

Last day of Winter here in Australia and another wonderful sunrise this morning on the Mid North Coast of NSW.

The swell has dropped off a little but there was still a few blokes out making the most of what was to offer.

After sunrise I did my normal rounds to my favourite spots with the hope of capturing some wildlife.

Word is that a Jabiru had been seen and also a pair of Black Swans with five signets in tow.

The wildflowers are starting to bloom throughout the coastal heathland and with a little more warmth the grasses will recover on the recently submerged islands and banks throughout the lake system.The grasses are a main food source for the Eastern Grey Kangaroo and the Feral Deer who have established in the area.
The Roos and the Deer get along quite well, often seen grazing together.


Lake Cathie is a popular destination for tourists and adventurers travelling around Australia. I cant say I see a lot of fish being caught but the locals seem to know whats going on.

Click on images for full page view.

 

This visitor certainly had the gear to catch fish.

Early surfers at Middle Rock

 

Whats all this got to do with Brumbies and Waterfalls?

 

Well I had often thought how great it would be to photograph wild Brumbies in The Snowy Mountains. During a couple of days away with my daughter we went horseriding at Vallery Trails near Bellingen.
 

Well having only ever been on a horse once before this was quite an experience for me and my not so nimble bones. Everything went quite well until my trusty steed sensed he was nearly home and went into a gallop. Well the old crown jewels copped a caning and according to my three female companions the look on my face said it all. If that wasnt enough when we arrived back I was given instructions on how to vacate my ride and with the knowledge of an expert I lept. After two hours in the saddle I was legless when I hit the ground and went "Ar.. over T.." There was pursuing laughter by my audience!!

Talking with my youthfull guide, she informed me that her own horse was a Brumby, and that there are wild Brumbies in the Guy Fawkes River National Park inland from Bellingen. With that in mind I later researched online and found an Open Day was to be held by "Save the Brumbies" at a sanctuary near Guyra on The New England Tablelands. In the early hours one Sunday Morning of November 2011, I left for Guyra and the following YouTube Slideshow is a record of that memorable trip. The previous week there had been flooding rains on both the coast and on the tablelands, and the decision to go was clear skies at 4.00am that morning. My first stop was Long Flat at sunrise followed by Apsley Falls near Walcha. As you will see the falls were raging and sunrise was breathtaking.

Best viewed in HD

 

 

Here is the link to "Save the Brumbies" where you will find comprehensive information about Australias Heritage Horses and the Guy Fawkes Brumbies. http://www.savethebrumbies.org/

An article I wrote on the Brumbies and was published in New England Focus Magazine. http://focusmag.com.au/ne/featured/save-the-brumbies

 

My SLR camera tip for the day is when photographing in Manual adjust your speed setting low for low light and high for bright light.Try Spot Metering for backlit subjects and Experiment.

 

Fair Dinkum!!