Test post - down in the Mangroves.

 I needed to draw some New Zealand mangroves for some artwork - and was finding that getting good reference pictures from books and the internet unsatisfactory. After scouring the various State and local library system imagine my satisfaction at finding that the same species grows a two hour train journey from my home city, Perth.

So with Mum and husband in tow, armed with sketchbook and cameras, we caught the Australind, got to our hotel - the Quest is a short walk or cycle to the mangroves. Now these are not huge tropical mangroves, but some of them are quite wide in the trunk.

The boardwalk is in good condition. There are good information signs and shelters have interesting carvings. It looks like there's development next to the mangroves for parkland - the other side of the bike path has been fenced off.  When you get to the mangroves, move quietly along the boardwalk. Wheel your bike or leave it locked at a shelter. Take some time to lean up against the rail and look at the pneumataphores poking weirdly up through the mud. Watch for fish - mangroves are the cradles of many fish species and listen for birds. Move carefully around the bends, keeping quiet - you may, as we did come face to face with a Great Egret who won't mind you if you are quiet and move slowly. If you can possibly manage it go at low tide when the mud is exposed.

We were 'fortunate' that dawn was close to low tide at 5:30am - I'm not a morning person but I really wanted to see it then and I was not disappointed.

This is a place to take your time. Breathe. Put your phone away. How many bird calls can you hear? If you can manage dawn or dusk (take mosquito repellent) the place can be alive with Crested Pigeon and Zosterops and whatever else might be in the mixed species feeding flocks. 

Watch for schools of fish. Feel the mangrove leaves and see if the trees are in flower - they were just getting ready when we visited.

This is an ancient and moving place with great natural beauty and importance to the habitat and environment and Bunbury is to be commended in recognising that the mangroves should be protected.