The name “Red Hill” likely originated with the early European settlers when they saw the reddish soil. Red Hill is made up of very hard metamorphic rock, called hornfels. As it weathers over time, iron oxide is released, accounting for the red color.
On a hill about 2,400 feet high, Red Hill Nature Reserve sprawls over 736 acres. Only five and a half miles south from the center of Canberra, the top of Red Hill offers spectacular views of the city and surrounding suburbs. In late autumn, I went looking for the “red” in Red Hill and found it in some of the most surprising places. The name “Red Hill” likely originated with the early European settlers when they saw the reddish soil. Red Hill is made up of very hard metamorphic rock, called hornfels. As it weathers over time, iron oxide is released, accounting for the red color. The vegetation joins with the soil and rocks in adding touches of red to the environment. Birds provide fast-moving splashes of color as well. Humans, not to be left out, provide their own touches. I can’t think of a better way to spend a morning than enjoying all the reds on Red Hill.
6 Comments
Diane
5/17/2019 11:57:46 pm
Is the Eucalyptus aroma stronger this time of year?
Reply
Rose
5/18/2019 02:39:41 am
No, not unless we've had a good rain. Autumn is the beginning of the dry season here, and we won't get a lot of rainfall now until late winter going into spring. Good question -- thanks for reading and commenting!
Reply
Bob
5/19/2019 02:17:40 pm
Beautiful birds. Do you know what types? One looks like a parrot,
Reply
Rose
5/19/2019 09:52:18 pm
Hello, Bob. The captions for the different birds should appear when you click on the photos or if you hover over the photo with your cursor. However, I'm finding that the captions don't always show up on every device that's used to read the posts. From left to right, the birds are: (first row) white-cheeked rosella, also known as an eastern rosella, and a gang-gang cockatoo. (Second row) a king parrot and a crimson rosella. Thanks for reading and commenting!
Reply
Bob
5/20/2019 08:22:35 am
Thanks for the info. Always appreciate your articles.
Rose
5/20/2019 12:16:26 pm
Thank you. I'm glad you're enjoying them. Leave a Reply. |
AuthorRose Ciccarelli is an American writer and editor living in Canberra, Australia. Archives
September 2020
Categories
|