Wildlife at McLaren Vale's Cube
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Two Little Ravens land in the long dry grass just a few metres from where I am walking. Often incorrectly referred to as
Crows , they have shiny black plumage and bright blue eyes. Despite being the same size, it soon becomes obvious this pair are adult and juvenile. The younger bird harasses its parent who searches its surrounds for some suitable food. Eventually, the adult finds something to shovel down the youngster's ever open beak. This is not uncommon behaviour as many young birds stay with adults for several weeks while they are taught to forage.
I have come to meet some friends for lunch at the
d'Arenberg Cube , to taste a little wine and explore the rather surreal interior and associated Salvador Dali art display. This extraordinary building was the brainchild of Chester Osborne whose family established the surrounding vineyards in 1912. The cube is bounded by a small stand of eucalypts, vineyards, d'Arry's Verandah Restaurant as well as a lawned area dotted with sculptures and wonderful views across the McLaren Vale precinct. What I had not expected was to encounter such a wide variety of birdlife in this essentially rural setting.
I have arrived early as I want to walk around the grounds before exploring the Cube and enjoying lunch. Leaving the ravens, I follow a path to the stand of gum trees. I can hear Adelaide Rosellas calling and scan the treetops in search of the birds. After a few minutes, I spot an Adelaide Rosella perched on a branch and not far away a White-cheeked Rosella is nibbling tiny Lerps on the gum leaves.
The rosellas and ravens have been a treat to watch and photograph. However, I always look for variation in the wildlife of any destination and talking to the staff I am assured that kangaroos are not uncommon in the area and the occasional Koala has been sighted. As I turn towards the vines and more open country, I notice some creatures at the opposite end of the classification spectrum, invertebrates, in the form of butterflies and moths. A Common Brown on the vines (an uninspiring name for such a beautiful animal) and the aptly named
Grapevine Moth.
At this point, lunch with friends and a stroll through The Cube's art displays beckon. I'm told their smoked salmon and capers on rye or a Rueben are the way to go. Washed down, of course, with any one of the fine wines produced at d'Arenberg. Afterwards, if time permits, I'll take another walk around the grounds and see what other natural wonders I can find. Perhaps enough to provide a follow up to this article!
Additional notes
This is an easy walk/drive which is suitable for families and seniors with lifts, public toilets, parking and other facilities nearby.
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#fleurieu_peninsula
#art
#animals_wildlife
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#wineries
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214066 - 2023-06-16 07:01:16