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Salpinctes obsoletus

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Salpinctes obsoletus

The rock wren (Salpinctes obsoletus) is a small songbird native to western North America, Mexico and Central America. They are apparently common and widespread, but this was the first time I’d ever noticed one.

I’ve learned that rock wrens usually build their nests in crevices among boulders or beneath large rock ledges, typically on the ground or just a few inches above it, resting on a foundation of small rocks. Uniquely, they create a “paving” or “front porch” at the entrance of the nesting site, often lined with small stones, bones, and various debris. The purpose of this “paving” remains a mystery, but it is evidently significant, as rock wrens construct it before building the nest itself.

The other fun sighting on this hike was a bobcat, calmly crossing the trail quite close to humans. I’ve seen these gorgeous cats in the same area of the Park on several other occasions; they are clearly habituated to hikers.

south head

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hornbylighthouse

doyles

Last day in Sydney. I caught the ferry to Watsons Bay and walked to the historic Hornby Lighthouse at South Head. Then I enjoyed a late lunch with a distant view of the city skyline before heading back to my hotel and then to the airport. What a wonderful holiday this has been!

yininyadmemi

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hydepark
IMG_0296

My flight home was cancelled and re-booked for 36 hours later, so I suddenly have some bonus time in Sydney.

I found myself in Hyde Park, the oldest public parkland in Australia. After re-visiting the Anzac Memorial—I have childhood memories of this place—I discovered another war memorial nearby. Erected in 2015, YININMADYEMI – Thou didst let fall pays tribute to the courage and sacrifice of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men and women who served their country.

The artwork, created by Sydney-based Aboriginal Girramay artist Tony Albert, draws inspiration from his grandfather, Private Eddie Albert, who served during the Second World War.

In April 1941, Private Albert was captured following a German armored assault in Libya, where he was serving with the 2/15th Battalion. He was among the many prisoners sent to Benghazi before being transferred to a prisoner-of-war camp in Italy. After two years in captivity, Albert escaped in 1943 and joined the local partisans.

In April 1944, his group was recaptured by Italian Fascists. Three of the seven Allied soldiers were executed, while Albert and the remaining captives were handed over to the Germans. He remained in captivity until the war’s end.

The sculpture features four upright bullets, symbolising those who survived, and three fallen shells, representing those who were executed.

grevillea

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Grevillea

After a visit to the markets, a walk around the wetlands, and lunch by the lake, we went to the nursery to select a native plant for my sister’s yard. I love this tradition; checking on “my” trees and shrubs each visit is part of the joy of arrival.

Fare thee well, family and gardens! Till next time!

galambary

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Galambary

Telstra Tower (also known as Black Mountain Tower) is one of the most visually imposing structures on the Canberra skyline, visible from many parts of Canberra and Queanbeyan. It provides important communication facilities for the area. 

Prior to its closure to the public in mid-2021, it was a major tourist attraction, with visitors enjoying 360-degree views of the surrounding city and countryside. Telecommunications giant Telstra is currently considering plans to give the tower a makeover and reopen it to the public, perhaps as a site that celebrates Ngunnawal (local indigenous) culture.

Galambary (Black Mountain) holds deep cultural and spiritual importance for Aboriginal people, particularly as a sacred site for men’s business. Safeguarded by the Canberra Nature Park, it remains largely covered in native bushland—a lovely place to hike. We have happy memories of making the climb with Dad, so it was sweet to do it again.