Unfortunately everything is not quite peachy on top of The Nut at Stanley. You would think this isolated plateau peninsula would be relatively protected from invasive species, but gorse and hemlock have over-run about a third of the area each!
Prickly Gorse above is quite prolific and spread in patches over most of the agricultural/rural areas of Tasmania, despite many failed campaigns over the years to keep it in check.
I was surprised also to see so much more Hemlock spreading over The Nut compared to our last visit only a few years ago. Hemlock is a lethal toxin, apparently Socrates was sentenced to death by hemlock poisoning in 399 B.C.
Signs posted indicate that they are trying to eradicate the encroaching weeds, but it is complicated by the presence of “Moonbird” burrows … Confused what Moonbirds were, I looked them up, we used to call them “Mutton Birds” 40 odd years ago and are probably better known as Sheerwater, a long distance migratory bird which uses the same burrows every year and have already been hit hard by climate change as it is affecting their food supply in the ocean. The indigenous name for them is Yolla.
Anyway, on with that magic view …
Looking East towards Table Cape, way in the distance – and zoomed in @ 300mm below.
Another shot of the ever changing light across a calm Bass Straight.
Westward toward the seal colony and Highfield House again.
MUSIC: This time a little light hearted jig on the demands of life and our time, as we get pulled and coerced by pressures around us. Released in 2018 by Californian Ska-Punk band Real Big Fish, scream it at the top of your lungs “You can’t have all of me!” … I need a little for myself 😀
I didn’t think I’d publish this post tonight, a LONG day! Off to bed early. Even more chunky Nutty goodness next post. Night 😀
TasView 
tangible textures, wow
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, the sky and calmness really enhanced the morning!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Amazing photos, Tone. It’s sad that an invasive specie is taking over your natural plants, and the poor birds are caught in the middle of it all. I hope that somehow this can be repaired. 🙏🏻🇦🇺
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks John, I remember being taken Mutton bird hunting when I was a kid – pulling fluffy chicks from the nest, I didn’t enjoy it, but they did taste good grilled. We also shot wallaby and rabbits for food, but even then I’d rather have shot them with a camera. Times have certainly changed. Hopefully they can get on top of the weeds – including Foxglove running rampant everywhere, but it is a massive task that our government seems happy to ignore.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Governments everywhere love to ignore truths! I detest our so-called president. I grew up around deer hunting and have seen a few deer gutted when I was a kid. It doesn’t bother me at all but I was never a hunter. It’s weird to watch the gut pile steam in the frigid Michigan winter air. 😂
LikeLike
A very magickal view! Invasive species are everywhere. 😦 At least the birds still have their homes.
Reel Big Fish is definitely Mermaid-approved! 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Morgaine, I have this fun picture in my head now of you slapping your mermaid tail around to Reel Big Fish 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
😀
LikeLike
Gorgeous yeah
LikeLiked by 1 person