FACTORY

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AEONIUM

These bright yellow, star-shaped inflorescences (clusters of star-like blossoms) are characteristic of a flowering succulent from the genus Aeonium (such as Aeonium arboreum), belonging to the stonecrop family Crassulaceae.

The insect resting on the yellow flowers is a Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens). It has a long, slender black body that mimics the appearance of a wasp to ward off predators, though it lacks a stinger and is completely harmless. As adults, they are important, docile pollinators that feed gently on flower nectar. Their larvae are highly beneficial decomposers used globally to recycle organic kitchen and garden waste into rich compost.

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DAREBIN CREEK

In winter, after rain.

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RAINY NIGHT

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POSSUM

The common brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula, from the Greek for "furry tailed" and the Latin for "little fox", previously in the genus Phalangista) is a nocturnal, semi-arboreal marsupial of the family Phalangeridae. It is native to Australia, and the second largest of the possums.  Like most possums, the common brushtail possum is nocturnal. It is mainly a folivore, but has been known to eat small mammals such as rats.

In most Australian habitats, leaves of eucalyptus are a significant part of the diet but rarely the sole item eaten. The tail is prehensile and naked on its lower underside. There are four colour variations: Silver-grey, brown, black, and gold.  It is the Australian marsupial most often seen by city-dwellers, as it is one of few that thrives in cities, as well as a wide range of natural and human-modified environments.

Around human habitations, common brushtails are inventive and determined foragers with a liking for fruit trees, vegetable gardens, and kitchen raids. This is Fred and he raids our garden every night, having a liking for oranges and grapefruit.

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MOON AND VENUS

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SUNSET SYMPHONY

The birds liked the view.

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TRAIN STATION

In inner suburban Melbourne, Fairfield Railway Station is a well-preserved Federation Style station. The station features large timber weatherboard buildings on both platforms, constructed in the early 1910s (specifically 1911). These buildings exhibit Arts and Crafts architectural motifs. A notable feature visible in the background is the wooden pedestrian footbridge, which opened in March 1914.

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WINTER BY THE CREEK

At Darebin Parklands, where the creek flows all through the year. We haven;t had much rain lately so the water level is down. We are expecting a short, mild Winter and a hot dry Summer this year. The results of a strong El Niño system, the meteorologists tell us.

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WINTER SUNSET

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RAIN

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and also part of the Nature Notes meme

Winter is here after a relatively mild Autumn. It is good to see some rain.

LEARNER DRIVER

"What do you mean I don't drive well?"
(NB: In Australia we drive on the left side of the road and the steering wheel is on the right side)

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AUTUMN FRUIT

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MUSHROOM SEASON

Macrolepiota procera, the parasol mushroom, is a basidiomycete fungus with a large, prominent fruiting body resembling a parasol. It is a fairly common species on well-drained soils. It is found solitary or in groups and fairy rings in pastures and occasionally in woodland. It is widespread in temperate regions of Eurasia and possibly North America. It is a well-regarded edible mushroom.

This was found on our lawn here in Melbourne, so obviously it has also been introduced to Australia. Take care as it resembles some toxic species! Notably, Chlorophyllum molybdites, which causes the largest number of annual mushroom poisonings in North America due to its close similarity to Macrolepiota. Never eat any mushrooms found in the wild that you are unsure of their edibility!

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CLOUDY SUNSET

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DAREBIN CREEK

Darebin Creek is a waterway that runs through the northern suburbs of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. It is the main watercourse of the Darebin Valley and a major tributary of the Yarra River. For tens of thousands of years it was used as a food and tool source sustainably by the Wurundjeri people, Indigenous Australians of the Kulin nation alliance, who spoke variations of the Woiwurrung language group.

The creek rises on the northern urban fringe of Melbourne north of the suburb of Epping, following a general southerly route and meeting the Yarra at Alphington. The creek forms much of the municipal boundary between the City of Darebin and City of Banyule. Formerly an intermittent stream, increased stormwater runoff with urbanisation of the Darebin Creek catchment has resulted in permanent water flow. 

The creek runs through Darebin Parklands, a large nature reserve one or two kilometres northwest of the junction at which the creek meets the Yarra. The Darebin Creek Trail runs along the banks in the lower reaches of the creek. This is the creek at the Darebin Parklands in Fairfield.

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and also part of the Roentare’s Water Meme,
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GOOD MORNING, SUN!

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RAIN

We are now well into Autumn and rain is with us rather frequently, while the cool weather necessitates the comforting reassurance of a heater warming the room...

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BLACK COCKATOO

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AT THE GREENGROCER'S

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