event

Blackbutt Reserve

Since I was unable to visit Gap Creek Falls the other day, I decided I might pop in to have a look at the new animal enclosures at Blackbutt Reserve near Newcastle. I will say straight off the bat that I do have something of a prejudice against Blackbutt Reserve, as I see the place as nothing like a natural bush setting, it being far too ‘corrupted’ by human activity, weeds and the like. Having said that it is a good place for a family or group outing/event. It certainly has its place, but it is not a true nature reserve (in my opinion).

ABOVE: Visitor Centre

I do think that some well designed animal and bird enclosures at Blackbutt could lift the value of the reserve dramatically and make it a really great place for families, especially young families. There are opportunities for educational visits for kids, possible environmental activities and the like there. So the potential is certainly there for Blackbutt.

The enclosures of my youth are giving way to those that are much better and up to a more modern standard, which is great to see. Certainly the improvements I saw are great and some of them are outstanding. The Quoll enclosure, with nocturnal habitat viewing was brilliant. Some of the other enclosures are getting there also, though I was disappointed with the size of some of the aviaries and poor vegetation choices they appeared to have. They didn’t look to great for the birds, which I think is not a good look. Still, they are a major improvement on what had been there before.

Some of the other enclosures for snakes and amphibians were really good also I have to say and overall the place is going ahead and improving all of the time. So I think it has a place into the future, if it can continue to improve along the way. Just some thoughts…

ABOVE LEFT: Modern Enclosures ABOVE RIGHT: Koala BELOW: Nocturnal Quoll Enclosure

Capsule

I have been having some problems with Internet connectivity over the last few days, so my attempts to return to daily posts are suffering a few setbacks at the moment. Hopefully this will all be sorted soon.

Today’s post is a link to a new social network called ‘Capsule.’ It is a place for setting up a private place for event planning and groups. I have started to use the site and will see how it goes over the longer term, but at the outset it seems to be a very useful private social network type site for small groups and the like. It is in beta development and you need to request an invite to be able to join.

Have a look for yourself at:
http://trycapsule.com/

Entering the Harbour

A ship is entering Newcastle Harbour in today’s photo. This picture shows Nobby’s from Fort Scratchley in New South Wales, Australia. This is the scene of the 2007 Pasher Bulker grounding during a major storm event.