Southern Right whale by jix3

Southern Right whale

Southern Right Whale

What started out as a report of a stranded whale with a calf still in the shallows, turned out to be a single Southern Right Whale!  He made his way from beach to beach until dusk when we couldn't watch him anymore!  It is so amazing how close these whales come in, and we were lucky enough to hear this one *trumpet*....  enjoy the slideshow!

Southern Right Whale - Kiama - Sunday 11th July 2010

ORRCA Whale Census Day

Wendy, Vicki and keen members of the public counting Humpback whales from the Ruined Lighthouse Booderee National Park, Jervis Bay.

Although it was a very, very cold day, we had over 400 guests visit the park. 

We were also lucky to have the privilege of spending the day with Julie, Marley and other members from Booderee National Park.  Not only do they serve tea, coffee, hot milo and Barry's wonderful damper, but they provide an informal cultural talk on indigenous people and their connection with whales.

Trust me when I say that you have never experienced damper until you try Barry's!

Three Humpback whales.

Each animal's dorsal is unique.

This particular whale will be easily identified by, not only his unique dorsal fin, but also the large white marking on his flank.

If you look closely, this whale has what appears to be rake marks (from an Orca perhaps) or maybe marks from a propeller injury?  Can you spot the second whale?

Thank goodness for a 400mm lens!  The top right hand corner of this pic is where we would initially see the first blow or blows! 

If you are an avid bird watcher, you can see numerous species, and we are always lucky to see a number of sea eagles!

Birdhouse Necklace

Well, after catching up with Jen I have managed to get back into the studio and create something! Helps that I am not working so have plenty of time on my hands - in between trying to find a job that is!

I started playing with copper 10 years ago and we had a Collaborative book swap and I did the covers in copper.... then went on to do a couple of other items... then... nothing....

So here are a few pictures.... love copper and heat, brass, swarovski crystal and freshwater pearls!

These have a gorgeous perfume!

Puppy pics

Baillie has discovered the top of the lounge! A lot of others who have CKCS have said that their dogs sit on top of the lounges all the time. Looks like Baillie figured it out last week. I came out into the lounge to see him here... and I am sure he is laughing at me.... lol

Probably one of the better pics I have been able to get of Harley... he just doesn't like having his photo taken.

I really love cows

With all the recent rain, the grass is so green over in the valley. Sometimes it actually looks like someone has coloured it in with a green highlighter pen!

Random Pics

I have been trying to take a photo a day, but that isn't really working out! This is a Buddha that sits next door to our office.... may just have to buy him and bring him home.

Foods that are Hazardous to your pet

The following 'human foods" can be toxic and should be avoided at all costs.

Alcoholic beverages

It is often sweet - attracting dogs and cats, but can cause serious and fatal intoxication. Don't ever offer this to your pets.

Here are some of the signs and side effects:

- Incoordination/ataxia

- Excitement

- Depression

- Excessive urination

- Breathing rate is slowed

- Cardiac arrest and death

Avocado

Avocado leaves, fruit, seeds and bark contain a toxic principle known as Persin. The Guatemalan variety is most toxic - but all have toxic potential. They cause vomiting/diarrhea - primarily gastrointestinal distress.

Chocolate (all forms)

Chocolate contains theobromine, a compound that is a cardiac stimulant and a diuretic.

Signs:

Initial excitation.

Increased drinking and urinating.

Vomiting and Diarrhea.

Theobromine causes an increased heart rate and arrhythmia -.

Seizures can then be seen.

Death is then possible.

ACTION PLAN: Induce vomiting, give activated charcoal, and go to the Vet if depression and seizures begin. Baker's chocolate and high cocoa content chocolate is the most toxic; the toxic dose is

2 baking squares for a 10lb dog. Regular chocolate bars have little real chocolate and are seldom toxic.

Coffee (all forms)

Coffee contains dangerous components called xanthines, which cause nervous system or urinary system damage and heart muscle stimulation

Fatty foods

The primary concern here is severe gastrointestinal upset- and in some cases Pancreatitis.

This can be fatal in some pets- and it is ALMOST always triggered by a High Fat Meal, such as gravy or bacon.

Macadamia nuts

Macadamia nuts contain an unknown toxin, which can affect the digestive and nervous systems and muscles of dogs. This has lead to paralysis. A small number of nuts and even the butter can cause this.

Moldy or spoiled foods

Many molds contain a type of toxin called an Aflatoxin. This is thought to be a common cause of "compost toxicity". Signs include GI (Vomiting/Diarrhea), muscle tremors, in-coordination, elevated temperature, excessive salivation, and liver damage. Avoid feeding ANYTHING moldy to your dog or cat.

Onions, onion powder

Onions contain the toxic ingredient thiosulphate.

Pets affected by onion toxicity will develop anemia. 1 Onion can cause this. Fortunately ALL dogs recover once they are stopped from ingesting onions.

Raisins and grapes

As few as 6 grapes and raisins have caused acute kidney failure in some dogs.

The toxic ingredient is not yet known.

There is no treatement.

AVOID feeding ANY grapes or raisins to your dogs.

Yeast dough

The yeast dough/uncooked bread dough will rise in your pet's stomach causing severe gastrointestinal distress (vomiting/diarrhea), bloating, and signs of alcohol toxicity.

Xylitol

Xylitol is a artificial sweeter found in "SUGAR FREE" Products, such as gum, candy etc.

Signs relate to a sudden drop in glucose (blood sugar), in-coordination, collapse and seizures.

Avoid feeding any gum/candy to your pets.

Apples, Apricots, Cherries, Peaches and Plums.

Ingestion of large amounts of stems, seeds and leaves of these fruits can be toxic.

They contain a cyanide type compound and signs of toxicity include apprehension, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, hyperventilation and shock.

Note - it's the seeds and stems that contain the toxic component, not the fruit itself.

Potato peelings and green looking potatoes

Potatoes and other Solanum species, including the tomato, are members of the nightshade family of plants.

These plants contain solanine and other toxic alkaloids which, if eaten in large enough amounts, can produce drooling, severe gastrointestinal upset, including vomiting and diarrhea, loss of appetite, drowsiness, central nervous system depression, confusion, behavioral changes, weakness, dilated pupils and slowed heart rate.

Nutmeg

High levels of nutmeg can be toxic, even fatal.

The toxic component is unknown.

Signs of toxicity include tremors, seizures, nervous system abnormalities or death.

Tomato leaves & stems (green parts)

The green parts of the tomato plant are considered toxic because they contain solanine, which has the potential to produce significant gastrointestinal and central nervous system effects.

Source: Dr. Andrew Jones

Doors, Windows, Portals etc - Italian Adventure

I am still working my way through all my photos but thought I'd share some of the many pics of entrances - doors, windows, portals and various door knockers too!

Venice

After a long flight, I arrived in Venice, booked into hotel, showered and dressed and went to explore!

P!nk Sydney Concert

Well, what a fabulous concert! P!nk is a wonderful performer..... so here are a few pics from last Friday night!

Whale watching on Dolphin Watch Cruise

Today we went out on Tekin III - The Spirit of Jervis Bay. Not only did we encounter a couple of fur seals, but spent quite some time watching humpbacks. If you are ever going to be in Huskisson I would urge you to go out with these guys! To view larger images, just click on one of the pictures which will take you to another page and you can then select full screen.

Whale Census Day

Well, was up at 5am .... and out at Cape St George Lighthouse in Booderee National Park at 6.45am..... It was such a glorious morning..... and it wasn't long before I spotted our first whale for the day, a Minke.... We had 46 whales, sea eagles, dolphins and a couple of seals! Glorious sunrise, and the historic light house remains were great, as well as a few heart shaped rocks I found when going for a walk!

2009 Humpback Whale Migration

Has started.... if you are near the coast, head for the headlands and if you are lucky you may encounter a humpback or three!

For those of you visiting the South Coast, head down to Huskisson and go out on a whale watching trip with Dolphin Watch Cruises, you may not only enounter the local resident dolphins but other species as well!  In October and November we do encounter many mother and calf humpbacks too! 

Take care

Janine

Help needed from Animal Lovers

As a lot of you know, the very talented Bernie Berlin has a shelter she is trying to finish and needs our help.  A Place to Bark  is the place to visit as Bernie will be starting her yearly art auctions / fundraiser.  

In her crusade to help the animals, Bernie has been assisted by her friend Joe Frazz.
Joe is a canine photographer, dedicated to helping dogs in shelters. He donates his time and energy by helping every chance he can.   Bernie and Joe are going to be working on collaborative projects in the upcoming months.  

At this present time Joe is in a photo contest and needs the help of all animal lovers everywhere!

If you are an animal lover, would you please be so kind to pop over to   

The Day The Dogs Stood Still, A photographic journey of Life & Hope

If you love dogs, please help by taking a moment to vote.  There is no monetary cost involved, just your time.  By taking the time will make a world of difference to an animal in need.

Please spread the word!! If you have children, they too could help and together we could all make a difference!  As Bernie email says....  

"Because Life is Worth Saving at All costs.."

I've voted.... it would be great if you could too!

xo

Introducing Jessie

Jessie a 15 year old Lab X - was rescued when she was 16 weeks old...  went to live with my ex with her older adopted *sister* Corky.   Sadly, Corky is no longer with us.

Jessie has come to live with me again, and although Baillie and Harley don't mind her, they are not too sure what too make of it all!  

Jess has been an outside dog for the past 3 years, having to sleep outside ....  as she can fit through the doggy door, she now has a bed made up in the living room!  I am going to have to make some changes so that the old girl can live out the rest of her life in a home filled with love.

I have also included some photos taken many, many years ago when I visited Wolf Mountain Sanctuary in Lucerne Vallery, California.....  The first wolf is Apache Moon and the 2nd and 3rd is Dakota.... they are such huge creatures...  but it was an experience I will cherish...  if you get the chance.... go and meet the wolves.....

Kangaroos in the garden

After dropping off a friend last Saturday after being out on Jervis Bay monitoring a dolphin, these little guys were scattered throughout the yards in the cul de sac!  

More Koalas - Victorian Bushfires

One World One Heart Draw

Firstly, a big thank you to everyone who visited my blog during this fabulous event.  

Earrings were drawn by Donna of World of Joy

Pendant was drawn by Marsha of Tumble Fish Studio

Kindest regards

Janine