This photo, taken not far from my home, captures, for me, the essence of much of what I love about Australian eucalyptus forests. A Swiss friend once described Australian bush as “..a mess.” And it is unlike the forests of Europe; it is not orderly or tidy. The trees are surrounded at their base by “scrub”—small bushes and clumps of grasses. As a whole, it provides a complete ecosystem for the unique wildlife we find in Australia. This forest is home to the red-necked swamp wallaby, which is capable of moving through this land with amazing grace and speed; the trees provide sanctuary to a large assortment of birdlife and possums; the ground cover protects the small birds and reptiles.
This specific photo was taken early one winter’s morning, as the fog lifted, providing a soft backdrop for the trees, wet with the overnight rain.
