Well I am back in the UK, having survived the rigours of a warm, even hot at times, Christmas in Melbourne and Hobart, compared to the icy blasts, rains and winds of the UK with I am habituated.

Of course, though it was primarily a social visit, I did take a few photographs; about 3000 … oh how I love digital; and will publish some images based on these over the next few days. But not yet, the jetlag has dulled the brain and the creative instinct. So instead, an Australian image from a previous trip that I had already processed.

Now though I am not primarily a wildlife photographer, opportunities do sometimes present themselves and this swan was standing by the side of the water in St Kilda harbour in Melbourne. Swans are actually quite vicious and aggressive creatures but they look cute and I took the opportunity presented. As often espoused in these pages, from time to time we all need to step outside our normal way of thinking; in so many ways of life.

Well I am back in the UK, having survived the rigours of a warm, even hot at times, Chrstmas in Melbourne and Hobart, compared to the icy blasts, rains and winds of the UK with