Orthrosanthus multiflorus

This is a colourful small Australian native plant that is sometimes called "morning iris".  The flowers only last a day or two and they need full sun to open but there seems to be a succession of them (hence "multiflorus").

Ducklings at Wittunga Botanic Garden

Wittunga Botanic Garden is on Shepherd's Hill Road, Blackwood.

Dodonea viscosa - sticky hop bush

Dodonea viscosa

Dodonea in Blackwood Forest Reserve.

Australian Admiral butterfly

Australian Admiral - Vanessa itea

Taken at a distance on a phone camera so the image is somewhat blurred.

Further details about Australian Admiral butterflies in South Australia.

It's orchid time!

Cymbidium

Dendrobium

Dendrobium

Dendrobium

A selection of orchids currently in flower in our garden.

Donkey orchid at Wirrapunga

This is an Australian ground orchid, Diuris pardina (Donkey or Leopard orchid) growing at Wirrapunga garden near Mylor, today.

Afternoon light through new Mulberry leaves

Last day of winter Camellia

Pink Iceberg Rose

Superb Fairy Wren (Malarus cyaneus)

In the past few days a family of Superb Fairy Wrens has visited our back garden.  There's a male and 2 or 3 females or immature males.  Today I managed to catch this fuzzy photo of the male as he hopped amongst some pots in the shade.  The photo (apart from being out of focus) doesn't do justice to the blueness of the markings.  The specific name "cyaneus" (like cyan) is quite an accurate descriptor.

For sharper photos, more information and the distinctive bird song of the Superb Fairy Wren go to the Birds In Backyards entry.