Daniel O'Meley, Flight to Rocky Hill (ENTRIES CLOSED - December theme: Your favourite shot of '25)

This image captures a moment of pure chance on the outskirts of Goulburn. While observing the landscape, a passing flock of Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoos (Zanda funerea) appeared unexpectedly, making their transit from the Goulburn Wetlands toward the timbered slopes of Rocky Hill. The photograph freezes a split-second of this encounter, catching a single bird with its golden tail feathers fanned wide against the afternoon light—a display often associated in Indigenous tradition with spiritual messages or the coming of rain. In the background, the soft silhouette of the Rocky Hill War Memorial provides a sense of place and history. This landmark stands on a site of deep cultural significance, once serving as a historical 'bora ground' for First Nations people. "Flight to Rocky Hill" is a testament to the sudden beauty of the natural world and the enduring flight paths that connect Goulburn’s modern landmarks with its ancient environment.

Images have been resized for web display, which may cause some loss of image quality. Note: Original high-resolution images are used for judging.