Wandering like a Whistling Duck — David Taylor - Master Jeweller

late May 2022

Plumed Whistling Ducks, Hastie’s Swamp, May 2022.

The last two months have been all about the seasonal waterfalls of Barron Gorge. At times however I needed a break from that subject matter so I wandered away from the Gorge a little.

On the way back from watching a customer bull ride at Mt Garnet Rodeo I dropped in to photograph the start of the annual return of the Plumed Whistling Ducks at Hastie`s Swamp.

Plumed Whistling Duck, Hastie’s Swamp, May 2022.

By now they will be there in the thousands and will soon be joined by their cousins the Wandering Whistling Ducks. It is a great place to practise your bird in flight photography if that is your thing…..talking to you Phillip!

Another place very close to me in Cairns and dear to my heart is Behana Gorge/Creek. Last week, rather than chase waterfalls, I decided to go for a walk in Behana Creek which is something I used to do very often.

I always go with the full intention of getting soaking wet. I find it safer to walk in the water than to slip over rock hopping.

For most of the Creek length the banks are lined with trees very similar to the one above. Trying to find a photo in them can be a challenge.

Those huge root structures grow over and around the rocks/boulders that line the creek with the trees. I find it fascinating how these trees grow.

Even in Barron Gorge there are things I can turn to when I have had enough of chasing those seasonal waterfalls far up the hillside. This mushroom I had photographed previously two times before noticing the sun lighting it up as I ventured to the river for a sunset.

That day when I did arrive down at the river I perched myself up on some rocks to wait for sunset. As I sat I noticed this interesting native grass/plant, so I killed some time playing around to see if I could get an interesting photo.

That day the sunset was worth the wait. During the week I had seen the sky light up red as I made my way down the hillside and Mother Nature did not let me down on this day.

I have photographed from this spot many times in the past. It is a favourite to make a cup of coffee high up on the rocks looking down on the kayakers as they make their way past.

I will have one more update of photos for the seasonal waterfalls of Barron Gorge and then unless we get more rain most will be dry by the time you read this. Many were already last weekend when I ventured up the hillside.

The upside of them drying up is that the larger all year round waterfalls flow a bit slower, which I find is nicer for photos. This year I have also discovered many new areas to explore in the Gorge in preparation for next year when the hillside flows again.