Living in Alice Springs has the distinct advantage of being very close to nature. It literally invades your backyard. And, should you chose to venture out into the heat, you don't have to go far to find spectacular scenery and wildlife. Even when the temperatures have driven all the mammals into hiding, birds are still relatively easy to find.
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Read MoreUluru (Ayres Rock) and Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) are iconic geological formations of central Australia. I thought it was high time I went to see them, and got the added bonus of seeing a stunning array of wildflowers.
Originally published at http://samlhopley.wix.com/hopleysphotographs
Read MoreThe magic of rain was still working in the desert with flowers appearing everywhere. With the flush of new vegetative growth came an influx of animals, all the way up the food chain. Giant bugs and birds of prey found their way into the garden (and house) and I got to visit a little slice of heaven. A beautiful property on the outskirts of town that had painstakingly eradicated noxious weeds and restored native plants, which in turn encourage native animals to return.
Originally published at http://samlhopley.wix.com/hopleysphotographs
Read MoreA trip south of Alice Springs led to my first (and so far only) sighting of a Thorny Devil in the wild. It was also my first experience in a gibber plain and and we managed to spot two of this type of country's iconic birds. The Channel-bill Cuckoo lifecycle also continued to unfold in the backyard in Alice Springs.
Originally published at http://samlhopley.wix.com/hopleysphotographs
Read MoreMy first experience of the South Island of New Zealand was definitely not enough the whet my appetite. We spent most of our time in Queenstown, with an excellent day trip to Milford Sound, and then fours days on Stewart and Ulva Islands. The scenery was breathtaking, and the birdlife astounding. The confidence of the bird on Steward Island was quite reminiscent of the Galapagos and just as spectacular.
Originally published at http://samlhopley.wix.com/hopleysphotographs
Read MoreBefore heading to New Zealand, there were plenty of adventures to be had in and around Alice Springs. The garden was brimming with insects and birds, and a case of brood parasitism was unfolding in my very own backyard.
Originally published at http://samlhopley.wix.com/hopleysphotographs
Read MoreLike most residents of Alice Springs, we had headed 'home' to visit family over Christmas. But I was excited to actually come home and play int he summer rains of Alice. All manner of critters came out in the wet and with a brand new macro lens, I wasn't about to miss any of it.
Originally published at http://samlhopley.wix.com/hopleysphotographs/
Read MoreUnless otherwise stated, all images are provided by Samantha Hopley. Please ask permission for reuse.
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