It’s early morning on New Year’s Day in the park. The air is still, the crowds haven’t yet arrived. The ducks putter around as only ducks can do.

I’m at Manly Dam park near Sydney. On a quiet morning, the dam water reflects the hills and forest all round. The oranges, browns, and reds in this scene aren’t seasonal, though they do bring autumn to mind. They show the path of a recent fire — a hazard reduction burn conducted to reduce the risk of more damaging fires as summer draws on.

Among the ducks were this Pacific Black Duck:

A male Australian Wood Duck:

A female Australian Wood Duck:

And a female Mallard with a gorgeous yellow-green beak:

For me as watcher, the meanderings of the ducks enhanced the quiet of the early morning scene.

Oh yes, and there’s a Brush Turkey on the right too!