FLORA AND FAUNA OF NORTH LAKES. My Picture Day.

Thank you @timsaid for hosting MyPictureDay Challenge Round #20

This is my submission.

North Lakes is one of my, "Go To' places close to where I live. And when I want to be at one with nature, to wind down, take a few deep breaths and absorb Australian flora and fauna in its natural habitat, this is where I go. North Lakes is situated approximately 26 km north of Brisbane, Queensland, Australia but it is much closer for me to visit from my place in Scarborough. North Lakes originally developed around one of the focal points in the area; the golf course. Houses, public parks, cafes, children's playgrounds and walking tracks have since been built around Lake Eden which is home to many waterbirds and wildlife.

I usually start my walk on one side of the lake and make my way around the circumference taking images of the wonderful variety of flora and fauna. When I mentioned to my husband a couple of days ago that I wanted to visit the lake he was amazed because it wasn't that long ago that I'd been up there. He said, "Haven't you taken photos of every single flower, bird and animal in the area already?" I just smiled and told him that no matter how many times I walk around the lake there is always something new and interesting to capture.

The boardwalk takes me to a path which leads to all manner of bird and animal life as they go about their business in this beautiful environment. A Welcome Swallow perches on one of the railings and watches me as I slowly approach him for a photo. He is very kind and stays still while I take a couple of shots. He is used to people coming and going along this path.

As I move into a grassy area adjacent to the lake, an Eastern Water Dragon rushes past me when he hears my footsteps. But instead of moving away, he comes directly up to me and pretends he is not there by standing completely still. He looks at me trying to decide if I am friend or foe. While he's deciding, I move my camera into position and take a shot. I am amused at the twigs and dried leaves that are still attached to him after his hasty exit from the undergrowth nearby.

My new dragon friend decides that I am no threat to him and saunters off looking for a more fun loving companion.

I come to a swampy area where I spot a family of geese in the distance.

I see dragon flies and hear the sound of frogs in the lily pond but they are too quick for me. It is not the right time of the year for the pink water lilies to bloom. It is a pity as they do bring a picturesque quality to this scene when they are in flower. There were a few mauve coloured lilies to add a little colour to the distinctive green lily pads, so I shouldn't complain about that should I?

Ducks share their habitat with darter birds and swans but the ducks were no where to be seen on this particular day. A darter bird stood on a large stone enjoying the sun on his back. I love it when they spread their wings out wide to dry.

I pause to gaze across the lakes and admire the view. Purple swamp hens swim amongst the lily pads.

Purple swamp hens are everywhere and most of them will let me get quite close to them. These rail birds have a quirky habit of flicking their tails up and down which reveals their white feathers underneath. They are very good swimmers but spend most of their time wading through swamps.

There are a lot of banksia bushes around the lake. The flowers are spiky and cylindrical and there are many species found throughout Australia. This flower is obviously past its prime but is still a thing of beauty as it rests against its wide glossy leaves.

Yellow wild flowers thrive in this environment and in Queensland's sub tropical climate. They look a little spindly on their bushes but individually they are very pretty.

I cannot resist peering through the trees to capture glimpses of the lake in between the gaps.

I'm sure you'll agree with me that it was worth while stopping to take these pictures.

At one end of the lake there is a viewing platform. I pause for a rest and take in the beauty before me.

I walk on until I come to another path after crossing a bridge.

Further along I see a wonderful splash of purple radiating from a series of tibouchina bushes.

The afternoon sun highlights their beauty.

Around the next bend, two black swans pull vegetation from the lake and enjoy each others company. These swans are native to Australia and last spring I had the pleasure of watching two fluffy cygnets swimming near their parents and mimicking their actions when feeding from the lake. I wonder if these two were the siblings I saw a few months ago?

It doesn't matter in what direction I point my camera...........nature is at its finest as I complete my stroll around North Lakes.

I took many photos and found it difficult to choose which ones to include in this, 'My Picture Day' challenge.

But I will leave you with this final image which was one of my favourite scenes. Nature lays a purple carpet over the swamp. Tree silhouettes cast soft reflections upon the still water and as the sun goes down, shadows fall across this small corner of the lake leaving lasting impressions of beauty, serenity and peace.

I hope you enjoyed walking with me around this lovely lake. Every time I leave this tranquil place I know I will be back, because this is my special place. I may be a casual resident but I don't mind at all, in sharing it with all the fabulous flora and fauna that reside here each and every day.

Thank you for walking with me through this enchanting oasis.

All photos are captured and edited by myself (@trudeehunter) I used a Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ70 Camera.