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CoolMcCool

@Coolmccool.mastodon.au.ap.brid.gy
12 followers 1 following 40 posts

Born in N. Ireland, now living in Australia. Into bush camping - see slowcamping.com.au and a new holistic view of how we integrate with our natural […] 🌉 bridged from ⁂ mastodon.au/@Coolmccool, follow @ap.brid.gy to interact

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CoolMcCool @coolmccool.mastodon.au.ap.brid.gy · 01/10/2026
This pretty looking cactus is Hudson Pear (Cylindropuntia pallida). It is an invasive species in Australia, where it's barbed spines present danger to wildlife and stock, causing injury and even death. It is difficult to control as it is so tough and easily […] [Original post on mastodon.au]
Hudson Pear Cylindropuntia pallidaHudson Pear Cylindropuntia pallidaHudson Pear Cylindropuntia pallidaHudson Pear Cylindropuntia pallida fragment stuck to a 4x4 tyre.
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CoolMcCool @coolmccool.mastodon.au.ap.brid.gy · 01/10/2026
Seascape near Cooktown, far North Queensland. #australia #photo #nature #landscape #landscapephotography #photography
Seascape near Cooktown, far North Queensland.
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lonely extrovert @rothko.beige.party.ap.brid.gy · 25/09/2026
@Coolmccool omg weirdest bird ever. it's like an egret or a cormorant except with short legs and silly duck feet!!! lovely plumage.
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CoolMcCool @coolmccool.mastodon.au.ap.brid.gy · 24/09/2026
Australasian Darter at remote Jardine lagoon, in outback Queensland. In the background are Cattle Egrets and unfortunately, feral pigs. #birds #nature #photography #photo #australia #wildlife
Australasian Darter at remote Jardine lagoon, in outback Queensland. In the background are Cattle Egrets and unfortunately, feral pigs.
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CoolMcCool @coolmccool.mastodon.au.ap.brid.gy · 24/09/2026
Australasian Darter at remote Jardine lagoon, in outback Queensland. In the background are Cattle Egrets and unfortunately, feral pigs. #birds #nature #photography #photo #australia #wildlife
Australasian Darter at remote Jardine lagoon, in outback Queensland. In the background are Cattle Egrets and unfortunately, feral pigs.
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CoolMcCool @coolmccool.mastodon.au.ap.brid.gy · 16/09/2026
Black-necked Stork, Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus. This amazing bird landed down on the banks of Jardine lagoon in Far north Queensland as I was sitting there watching a Whistling Kite nest. The amazing colours on its head and neck shimmered in the sunlight, as it […] [Original post on mastodon.au]
Black-necked Stork Ephippiorhynchus asiaticusBlack-necked Stork Ephippiorhynchus asiaticusBlack-necked Stork Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus
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CoolMcCool @coolmccool.mastodon.au.ap.brid.gy · 16/09/2026
Black-necked Stork, Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus. This amazing bird landed down on the banks of Jardine lagoon in Far north Queensland as I was sitting there watching a Whistling Kite nest. The amazing colours on its head and neck shimmered in the sunlight, as it […] [Original post on mastodon.au]
Black-necked Stork Ephippiorhynchus asiaticusBlack-necked Stork Ephippiorhynchus asiaticusBlack-necked Stork Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus
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CoolMcCool @coolmccool.mastodon.au.ap.brid.gy · 11/09/2026
Cressida cressida, the clearwing swallowtail or 'big greasy' butterfly. Large and conspicuously coloured - it is toxic to potential predators. Toxins are absorbed from the food that it eats as a caterpillar. Seen in Cape York. FNQ. #nature #photography […] [Original post on mastodon.au]
Cressida cressida, the clearwing swallowtail or big greasy.Cressida cressida, the clearwing swallowtail or big greasy.
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CoolMcCool @coolmccool.mastodon.au.ap.brid.gy · 11/09/2026
Cressida cressida, the clearwing swallowtail or 'big greasy' butterfly. Large and conspicuously coloured - it is toxic to potential predators. Toxins are absorbed from the food that it eats as a caterpillar. Seen in Cape York. FNQ. #nature #photography […] [Original post on mastodon.au]
Cressida cressida, the clearwing swallowtail or big greasy.Cressida cressida, the clearwing swallowtail or big greasy.
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CoolMcCool @coolmccool.mastodon.au.ap.brid.gy · 10/09/2026
Golden-headed Cisticola, Mareeba, far north Queensland. Seen near dry season grassland, with several individuals about in the early morning. Singing from tall grasses and also from the wire fence. Photos taken with Canon R10 and RF200-800 lens. Comments on how I […] [Original post on mastodon.au]
Golden-headed CisticolaGolden-headed CisticolaGolden-headed Cisticola
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CoolMcCool @coolmccool.mastodon.au.ap.brid.gy · 10/09/2026
Golden-headed Cisticola, Mareeba, far north Queensland. Seen near dry season grassland, with several individuals about in the early morning. Singing from tall grasses and also from the wire fence. Photos taken with Canon R10 and RF200-800 lens. Comments on how I […] [Original post on mastodon.au]
Golden-headed CisticolaGolden-headed CisticolaGolden-headed Cisticola
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CoolMcCool @coolmccool.mastodon.au.ap.brid.gy · 06/09/2026
Misty morning, Mareeba, far north Queensland. #silentsunday #photography #monochrome #blackandwhite #australia #phonephoto #pixelpro10
Misty morning, Mareeba, far north QueenslandMisty morning, Mareeba, far north QueenslandMisty morning, Mareeba, far north QueenslandMisty morning, Mareeba, far north Queensland
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CoolMcCool @coolmccool.mastodon.au.ap.brid.gy · 06/09/2026
Misty morning, Mareeba, far north Queensland. #silentsunday #photography #monochrome #blackandwhite #australia #phonephoto #pixelpro10
Misty morning, Mareeba, far north QueenslandMisty morning, Mareeba, far north QueenslandMisty morning, Mareeba, far north QueenslandMisty morning, Mareeba, far north Queensland
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CoolMcCool @coolmccool.mastodon.au.ap.brid.gy · 21/08/2026
According to iNaturalist, this is a specimen of ***Catacanthus punctus***. And according to what I can find out, it is a type of Shield Bug. Visitor to our campsite in Cooktown, Far North Queensland. Absolutely incredible colours. Went on its way unharmed, after […] [Original post on mastodon.au]
Catacanthus punctusCatacanthus punctus
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Jay :iwate: @jasohill.famichiki.jp.ap.brid.gy · 25/08/2026
@Coolmccool A great example of Batesian mimicry. No one will eat them if they look toxic or dangerous.
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CoolMcCool @coolmccool.mastodon.au.ap.brid.gy · 28/07/2026
Asian Magpie Moth, Nyctemera baulus, Tully Heads N Qld. Canon R10, RF100-400 lens handheld, natural light. Minimal editing in #darktable Suggestions on how I could improve my #photos welcome. #australia #wildlife #moths #canon #mothtodon #insect #insects […] [Original post on mastodon.au]
Asian Magpie Moth, Tully Heads N Qld.Asian Magpie Moth, Tully Heads N Qld.Asian Magpie Moth, Tully Heads N Qld.
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Rüdiger von Finckendorff @finckendorff.bsky.social · 23/08/2026
@cassandroid.substack.com nice bug
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This Old Hiker @patrickoldhiker.ohai.social.ap.brid.gy · 21/08/2026
@Coolmccool The shape and legs are similar to the introduced brown marmorated stink bugs that have become common in the Eastern US in the past decade.
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Snapt Photography @snapt.mastodon.ie.ap.brid.gy · 21/08/2026
@Coolmccool Nice!
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CoolMcCool @coolmccool.mastodon.au.ap.brid.gy · 21/08/2026
According to iNaturalist, this is a specimen of ***Catacanthus punctus***. And according to what I can find out, it is a type of Shield Bug. Visitor to our campsite in Cooktown, Far North Queensland. Absolutely incredible colours. Went on its way unharmed, after […] [Original post on mastodon.au]
Catacanthus punctusCatacanthus punctus
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CoolMcCool @coolmccool.mastodon.au.ap.brid.gy · 20/08/2026
Disappearing post reply thread? I know that some kind folks replied to my post on #photography yesterday... But these replies - and my response to them - are now invisible to me. What happened? They were visible for a while... But have now disappeared! Anybody have a fix for this? #mastodon […]
mastodon.au
Original post on mastodon.au
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CoolMcCool @coolmccool.mastodon.au.ap.brid.gy · 19/08/2026
What Makes A Good Bird Photo? There's more to bird photography than just capturing the subject in perfect detail and maximum sharpness - and it's not about the gear, either. Although I've only been photographing birds for just over a year, I've come to realise […] [Original post on mastodon.au]
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CoolMcCool @coolmccool.mastodon.au.ap.brid.gy · 19/08/2026
What Makes A Good Bird Photo? There's more to bird photography than just capturing the subject in perfect detail and maximum sharpness - and it's not about the gear, either. Although I've only been photographing birds for just over a year, I've come to realise […] [Original post on mastodon.au]
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CoolMcCool @coolmccool.mastodon.au.ap.brid.gy · 18/08/2026
Natal grass, Melinis repens. Sad to see this invasive pest growing on a vacant plot right across from the museum in Cooktown. Looks pretty in the evening sun, but it shouldn't be there. This imported grass has spread right across N Australia and is now a serious […] [Original post on mastodon.au]
Natal grass, Cooktown, Qld.
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CoolMcCool @coolmccool.mastodon.au.ap.brid.gy · 13/08/2026
(2/2) Female Sahul Sunbird (Cinnyris frenatus) working at nest. Possibly getting it ready for egg-laying later in the season? Male was nearby. Cooktown, FNQ. This pair return year after year to nest right outside a permanent caravan site where people live […] [Original post on mastodon.au]
Female Sahul Sunbird (Cinnyris frenatus) working at nest.Female Sahul Sunbird (Cinnyris frenatus) working at nest.Female Sahul Sunbird (Cinnyris frenatus) working at nest.
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CoolMcCool @coolmccool.mastodon.au.ap.brid.gy · 13/08/2026
(1/2) Cooktown, FNQ, is a top spot. Where else would you see an incredible Sahul Sunbird battering itself against your wing mirror, protecting his territory from what he thought was a rival? Female with nest, was nearby. After his exertions against the car, he […] [Original post on mastodon.au]
Sahul Sunbird Sahul Sunbird Sahul Sunbird
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CoolMcCool @coolmccool.mastodon.au.ap.brid.gy · 13/08/2026
(1/2) Cooktown, FNQ, is a top spot. Where else would you see an incredible Sahul Sunbird battering itself against your wing mirror, protecting his territory from what he thought was a rival? Female with nest, was nearby. After his exertions against the car, he […] [Original post on mastodon.au]
Sahul Sunbird Sahul Sunbird Sahul Sunbird
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CoolMcCool @coolmccool.mastodon.au.ap.brid.gy · 12/08/2026
Very large specimen of a Lace Monitor (Varanus varius). Beautiful creature just ambled into our campsite in Cooktown, Far North Queensland and had a sniff around and ambled out again. A real privilege to see such a beauty so close up. Stunning. #nature #wildlife […] [Original post on mastodon.au]
Lace Monitor Varanus variusLace Monitor Varanus variusLace Monitor Varanus varius
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CoolMcCool @coolmccool.mastodon.au.ap.brid.gy · 12/08/2026
Very large specimen of a Lace Monitor (Varanus varius). Beautiful creature just ambled into our campsite in Cooktown, Far North Queensland and had a sniff around and ambled out again. A real privilege to see such a beauty so close up. Stunning. #nature #wildlife […] [Original post on mastodon.au]
Lace Monitor Varanus variusLace Monitor Varanus variusLace Monitor Varanus varius
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CoolMcCool @coolmccool.mastodon.au.ap.brid.gy · 05/08/2026
This photo of a Bush Curlew (Burhinus grallarius) at Tully Heads in N Queensland was taken with a vintage Minolta Rokkor 135mm telephoto lens which I found in an Op shop - and which is at least 50 years old. Completely manual, but it works well with my Canon R10 […] [Original post on mastodon.au]
Photo of a Bush Curlew (Burhinus grallarius) at Tully Heads in N Queensland
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CoolMcCool @coolmccool.mastodon.au.ap.brid.gy · 29/07/2026
Updated. This church is actually closer to Tully than Ayr.
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CoolMcCool @coolmccool.mastodon.au.ap.brid.gy · 29/07/2026
Church in the sugar cane fields, near Ayr, N. Qld. Canon R10 with TTartisan manual 10mm f/2 lens. #canon #photo #photography #landscapephotography #Australia #monochrome #blackandwhite #darktable #australiangothic
Church in the sugar cane fields, Ayr, Qld.
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CoolMcCool @coolmccool.mastodon.au.ap.brid.gy · 29/07/2026
Updated. Location is Tully, Qld, not Ayr. It sat among the cane fields of the wet tropics, not entirely abandoned - as it was clear that someone was still managing the grounds.
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CoolMcCool @coolmccool.mastodon.au.ap.brid.gy · 29/07/2026
Church in the sugar cane fields, near Ayr, N. Qld. Canon R10 with TTartisan manual 10mm f/2 lens. #canon #photo #photography #landscapephotography #Australia #monochrome #blackandwhite #darktable #australiangothic
Church in the sugar cane fields, near Ayr, N. Qld.
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Francis-Photography @francis-photography.art · 29/07/2026
nice BW - god will love it :)
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CoolMcCool @coolmccool.mastodon.au.ap.brid.gy · 29/07/2026
Church in the sugar cane fields, near Ayr, N. Qld. Canon R10 with TTartisan manual 10mm f/2 lens. #canon #photo #photography #landscapephotography #Australia #monochrome #blackandwhite #darktable #australiangothic
Church in the sugar cane fields, Ayr, Qld.
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CoolMcCool @coolmccool.mastodon.au.ap.brid.gy · 29/07/2026
Church in the sugar cane fields, near Ayr, N. Qld. Canon R10 with TTartisan manual 10mm f/2 lens. #canon #photo #photography #landscapephotography #Australia #monochrome #blackandwhite #darktable #australiangothic
Church in the sugar cane fields, near Ayr, N. Qld.
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Jon Sullivan @joncounts.mastodon.nz.ap.brid.gy · 28/07/2026
@Coolmccool Neat. Nice photos. *Nyctemera baulus* is quite a bite paler and stripier than our *Nyctemera annulata* (mokarakara) in New Zealand. flic.kr/p/DiVJXj #mothodon #nz
flickr.com
2016-01-22 at 07-20-30
This male magpie moth eclosed today from the pupa of one of the caterpillars we collected from Burwood Plantation.
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CoolMcCool @coolmccool.mastodon.au.ap.brid.gy · 28/07/2026
Asian Magpie Moth, Nyctemera baulus, Tully Heads N Qld. Canon R10, RF100-400 lens handheld, natural light. Minimal editing in #darktable Suggestions on how I could improve my #photos welcome. #australia #wildlife #moths #canon #mothtodon #insect #insects […] [Original post on mastodon.au]
Asian Magpie Moth, Tully Heads N Qld.Asian Magpie Moth, Tully Heads N Qld.Asian Magpie Moth, Tully Heads N Qld.
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Gfrun @fenyizi.bsky.social · 25/07/2026
A butterfly's wings are a petal. On the flower, the butterfly comes home.😄
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jendefer @jendefer.dice.camp.ap.brid.gy · 25/07/2026
@Coolmccool Galahs were the first birds I ever saw feeding their young. There was this super loud bizarre sound, and when I eventually saw where it was coming from, I found a Galah parent regurgitating for their kid. #birding #WildOz
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CoolMcCool @coolmccool.mastodon.au.ap.brid.gy · 24/07/2026
These two young Galahs were quiet when photographed, resting between feeding visits from their parents, but were usually atrociously noisy. Seen near Bowen, Qld. #birds #nature #photography #australia #wildlife #parrots
Two young Galahs (parrots).Two young Galahs
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CoolMcCool @coolmccool.mastodon.au.ap.brid.gy · 24/07/2026
These two young Galahs were quiet when photographed, resting between feeding visits from their parents, but were usually atrociously noisy. Seen near Bowen, Qld. #birds #nature #photography #australia #wildlife #parrots
Two young Galahs (parrots).Two young Galahs
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Mairead D @maireadd100.bsky.social · 23/07/2026
Wow, what a beauty 😍
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CoolMcCool @coolmccool.mastodon.au.ap.brid.gy · 23/07/2026
Beaut beetle which I noticed flying and which then landed in the grass at my feet. Managed to get some reasonable shots as it moved quite slowly and let me get quite close before flying off. Seen at Glen Erin near Bowen, Qld. Canon R10 and RF100-400 lens. Hand […] [Original post on mastodon.au]
Colour photo of beetle Rhipicera mystacina, with branched antennae. Colour photo of beetle Rhipicera mystacina, with branched antennae.
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CoolMcCool @coolmccool.mastodon.au.ap.brid.gy · 23/07/2026
Beaut beetle which I noticed flying and which then landed in the grass at my feet. Managed to get some reasonable shots as it moved quite slowly and let me get quite close before flying off. Seen at Glen Erin near Bowen, Qld. Canon R10 and RF100-400 lens. Hand […] [Original post on mastodon.au]
Colour photo of beetle Rhipicera mystacina, with branched antennae. Colour photo of beetle Rhipicera mystacina, with branched antennae.
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CoolMcCool @coolmccool.mastodon.au.ap.brid.gy · 16/07/2026
Sugarcane burn-off near Ayr, Qld. Taken with Canon R10 and TTartisan 35mm f/1.4 manual lens. SOOC jpgs. #australia #photography #environment #fire
Sugarcane burn-off near Ayr, Qld.Sugarcane burn-off near Ayr, Qld.Sugarcane burn-off near Ayr, Qld.
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CoolMcCool @coolmccool.mastodon.au.ap.brid.gy · 08/07/2026
Spangled Drongo. #birds #nature #australia #monochrome #blackandwhite #photography #australiangothic #gothic
Monochrome image of a Spangled Drongo (bird) on a dead branch.
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CoolMcCool @coolmccool.mastodon.au.ap.brid.gy · 08/07/2026
Spangled Drongo. #birds #nature #australia #monochrome #blackandwhite #photography #australiangothic #gothic
Monochrome image of a Spangled Drongo (bird) on a dead branch.
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CoolMcCool @coolmccool.mastodon.au.ap.brid.gy · 07/07/2026
"I found this jawbone at the sea's edge..." Burrum Heads, Qld. #fish #nature #australia #ocean #monochromemonday #blackandwhite #photography #monochrome #australiangothic #gothic
Head of a Needle fish, found on the beach at Burrum Heads, Qld. Reminded me of the Ted Hughes poem, 'Relic'.
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