At our neighbour’s gate is a grass tree, also known as a Xanthorrhoea. These slow-growing succulents are native to Australia, and there are 30 species. They produce spectacular flower spikes that drip with nectar, attracting birds like this little wattlebird, butterflies, and native bees. I’ve photographed this tree for a decade, but with never more than two spikes. This year was a great one for rain, and the tree responded with 5 spikes. As I drove out our gate each morning, I passed an exact point where they lined up beautifully. The car, with a towel draped across the window, provided a perfect hide. What you can’t see just below the edge of the photo is the house of the next neighbour along. It took some explanation to convince him that I hadn’t set up covert surveillance on his front door.
Canon EOS R5 with Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary lens. 347mm; 1/1,600s; f/14; ISO 1,600.