We’d travelled into Perth to see The Choral (well recommended) and were staying over for the night. The hot summer air was oppressive and it seemed that a walk around a body of water to make the most of the cool breeze coming off it seemed like a good idea. Tomato Lake was close to where we were staying and so we went there. There’s nothing like a slow relaxed walk in the evening while watching things going on around you. As we pulled up in the car park it was very apparent that lots of other people had the same idea – families were either set up on picnic blankets or walking around the lake foreshore looking to get some relief from the hot summer sun. It reminded us of being in countries in the Mediterranean, the Middle East and the Indian Subcontinent where people promenade in the evenings.  I’ve never really understood why in a hot country like Australia that our pattern of the day is based upon those in cool northern countries. 

As we pulled up there was raucous honking coming from the island in the middle of the lake. There were dozens of Australian White Ibis and their young were nosily demanding food. Added to that was the grating screeching of Little Corellas looking for a place to roost for the night. Further back from the lake amongst the larger trees Red Wattle Birds were jockeying for the prime locations for the night. They are very combative chasing off other birds with their loud and conspicuous squawking. Meanwhile back on the lake Black Swans and Australian Grebes glided silently and gracefully through the duck weed while feeding. It was all very idyllic.