Silver eye, Bunbury Wetlands, Western Australia
I’ve returned home after a few days in the South West. No trip, of course, is complete until I visit the Bunbury wetlands if I’m in the town and I never tire of my experiences there.
One evening work finished a bit earlier than planned and I rushed to the wetlands with my camera just before dusk. I was alone there. Well, not quite. The air it would seem was alive with birds but I couldn’t see them. The tiny silver eye were there in flocks. My prayer each time I’m out with my camera is a simple one. “Show me something beautiful so I can share it with others”. I was not prepared for what was to follow …
I heard them before I saw them. The clickety clack of a bike on the wooden bridge alerted me someone was approaching. I stood behind a shrub and observed, friend or foe, the area being lonely before dusk. She was a young mother, slender as a reed, she parked her bike and lifted her blond haired boy from the seat to the ground. They came around the corner and saw me. They were as surprised to see someone there as I was. We made polite conversation, she being from further south and I, from the city, north of Bunbury. Knee high to me, he was silent as mother and I pointed to the invisible birds to share our delight with him. In a random moment, I got one photograph. “Ohh! look!” I exclaimed and shared with his mother. As we laughed at my fluke shot I remembered him at my knee. Silent and barefooted, his tiny pink toes, gripping the grey footpath, he waited patiently as adults talked and laughed above his head. His patience more impressive as he is not yet two. I bent down and showed him the photograph. His face lit up. He smiled. His chocolate brown eyes shone like stars. As I drew myself to stand up, he made eye contact with me and said, “More”.
I went back to my hotel knowing, prayers do get answered, so I share this story with you.
In response to RDP – Saturday – Eyes
A Shared Space 
Such a lovely story, Dawn. A future birder there for sure. Happy day.
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He was too cute, Tracy! I was even more delighted that he responded to the bird the way he did! Definitely a future birder!
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A lovely story, thanks for sharing.
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Thank you Heather. My pleasure. It was a lovely moment at the end of a day.
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A lovely heartwarming story, Dawn! And that pic…wow! That fluff ball looks adorable.
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Thanks, Punam! Such a lovely encounter that I had to share.
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Absolutely!
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Lovely tale of connection, Dawn. Hope you are well!
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Thank you Eliza. He was a sweetie! Yes, I’m well thank you. It’s been very busy returning to work. Hope all is well with you too.
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Yes, same here in our little oasis. 😉
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Keep safe!
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Refreshing story Dawn. The weir has been overflowing at the southern corner, it is great because this year the wetland will flush a little.
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It was a lovely visit. I missed the company of the blue wrens though.
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They do seem less active in July, especially this year with so many storms about, same at Augusta too.
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Yes I thought the storms may keep them away from the open. Hope you’re well.
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I am well, no winter bugs, enjoying the rain lots of orchids, spiders and birds to bring joy. I hope you are well and in good spirits Dawn.
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That’s great to hear, Paul. Sounds like a good year for nature! I’m well and busy even though I lost a fair bit of business. Life otherwise continues as is. Would love to have a cuppa with you one day!
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I look forward to that day. So sorry you’ve lost business, I have no idea how that would look or feel, but you seem resilient, hopefully that’s true?
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Thank you, Paul. One only knows what one is when tested, I guess. It’s been a period of adjustment in many ways. I will definitely make contact when I’m in the South West again. Would love to hear some of your wisdom.
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