We’ve got one of those. We got a humane trap. We caught it a couple of months ago … But my partner said it was too cold to be left outside, so it got released back into the broom cupboard, after a nice meal.
Good job you didn’t have a cat, Bhante!
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I went for a walk around the park, which doubles as a breeding ground for several varieties of birds, and took some more pictures.
I hadn’t seen this bird before. Unfortunately, anything farther than 2 meters away looks exponentially farther away in my camera. I zoomed in, but it doesn’t look good.
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I see a long thin crest and looks like a type of plover…
Looks like a Northern lapwing to me.
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Looks about right! It had a distinctive call. I don’t remember hearing it before.
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Interestingly, the Eurasian Coot is cosmopolitan, very common in wetlands in Sydney, such as Sydney Olympic Park and Centennial Park. The Northern Plover/Lapwing is from the same family (Charadriidae) as Masked Lapwing which is common in Sydney. That bird nests in most unlikely places, open grassy play fields. But is seems to thrive, thanks to very mindful rangers and local birders, who help protect its eggs and chicks, and the visitors as well. That bird has prehistoric claws in its wings and is very vigilant and can attack. I was attacked once at Sydney Olympic Park and that was enough to learn my lesson.
You might be interested in seeing White-bellied Sea Eagles nesting at Sydney Olympic Park (via 24 hr live-cam). They just about finished renovating their nest and will be laying 2 eggs soon. The nest is in the forest behind Birdlife Discovery Centre where I volunteer.
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I always love seeing all the Buddha Beings in this thread 
Here’s Bahn Mi, a rather excited little beastie I met yesterday. This was the best photo I could get. 
And here’s a more placid pup soaking up some of Bhante Sujato’s metta.
It’s easy to love animals when they are obedient and do what we say but it’s a better test of our metta when they are a bit naughty and have minds of their own, like Bahn Mi!
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This reminds I need to start the sculptures I’ve been planning to make for a while. I want to make the scene of the Buddha teaching the 5 ascetics, but everyone is animals.
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Greetings on this Vesak 2021!
I think this might be a good time and place to share some happy news 
May it bring some joy to your day 
There is a new little patch of earth that is dedicated to the harmlessness of all Beings, with the Karaniya Metta Sutta as guiding principle. It has been a long time coming, but is finally realised LOL it’s official now, with the sign on the gate!
Khemavara Buddhist Sanctuary
Here is Bhante Sujatos translation
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Wonderful 
!🥲
Great day for the official announcement as well 
May all beings who find sanctuary there share in your merit on their journey to ultimate happiness 
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Thank you 
Yes the timing was just a ‘coincidence’ with a momentum of its own. I wondered whether to share or not, in such a public place, but seeing the posts here this morning, pushed it over the line. How could I not share with all of you, who love all creatures so much…
With much Metta 
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Sadhu! Sadhu! Sadhu!
I see a long- held. Dream come to actuality.
I’m so very happy for you.
And for the animals that there is a refuge for them.
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George the Blue Front Amazon (who is trying to learn chanting in Pali) and I wish to all of you a joyful and peaceful Vesak.
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Awww I love this! 
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I hope Bhante that if you do not mind to come to Berowra you can meet my friends there are lovely places for walks and meditation in nature here
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Khemavara Buddhist Sanctuary - a beautiful place and sign!
Can you please share with us some photos of animals and flowers? Thanks. 
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