Today I walked a small part of the trail that runs from Manly to Spit Bridge, on the east coast of Australia near Sydney. It was a lovely calm morning, early enough to avoid the late-autumn heat promised for the rest of the day. I came across a magpie perched on a tree. The early morning light combined with a recent burn in the area make for a nice moody, naturally monochrome shot:

Common name: Australian Magpie

Scientific name: Gymnorhina tibicen

Approximate length: 40 cm

Date spotted: 24 March 2019 (late summer)

Location: Reef Beach Track, Balgowlah Heights, near Sydney: 33°48’29.7″S 151°16’27.4″E

Just a few minutes’ walk further along the track, I saw this magnificent view. The front stretch of water is part of Sydney Harbour. In the distance is Manly wharf. The thin strip of land is Manly town centre, with the Pacific Ocean in the distance beyond the town:

I wonder if the magpie was enjoying the view as much as I did.