Sat/Sun October 12th &13th, 2024

[Rich]

Work is progressing on the murals. 
One of the "new" 7 Wonders of the World. Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro. 
Included a wide shot showing our City Mascot Cornileus. Lots of photos taken of it. The Chamber has an employee dress up in a costume for special events.

[Man From Ironbark]

It really is quite fascinating and artistic. The people doing it all must be busy beavers.
I wonder though, don't birds ravage the seeds?

[Rich]

Yes, Peter, they do keep busy. Years ago the 9 murals were all done by the middle of Sept. Now they start in August and work all winter, weather permitting, to get done before May, the start of tourist season.
Yes, the birds do a lot of damage. That is why they are new each year. A couple of times in this century we had to have the same murals for two years because of drought and not enough corn. They looked pretty bleak because of birds eating the corn.

[Man From Ironbark]

Hope they are all native birds rather than imported pests.



The grey black swan cygnets can be seen in this image also. distinguishable in the far backgrond and closer by their colour and their longish necks.



Some of the birds to be seen in this small local wetland are regular international visitors. Making this a Ramsar site.

[Dave]

Rich, I agree with MFI that the mosaic is very artistic. My compliments to the talented srtistss.

MFI, those black swans are handsome birds.

Nice captures, gentlemen.

It's been pretty gray here with the seasonal overnight haze sometimes hanging around until mid-afternoon so close to the coast.

Sorry for breaking the nice mood of sunny outdoor photos, but here's one I just finished working on; part of this year's Halloween display by a neighbor.

1) First, the SOOTC version...

   

2) And 2-1/4 hours and about a dozen layers later...

   

I'll cross-post the finished version to the new challenge thread "Picture October."

[Rich]

Peter. yes native birds, pigeons, sparrows etc.

Interesting wetlands and black/grey swans.

Dave, excellent manip work! Wouldn't want to meet her on a dark street!

[Man From Ironbark]

Excellent manip is correct but I still don't get the whole Halloween thing.