TERN FRENZY: GRASS POINT TRACK, BRUNY

We set out for a quiet wander along the Grass Point Track at Adventure Bay on Bruny Island, looking for robins and bush birds. Then we heard a cacophony of raucous calls which when we approached the shore turned out to be the razzle dazzle of a tern rookery amid a feeding frenzy.

We had packed up our digs on South Bruny (today was the day we were off to Inala!) and enjoyed a last encounter with our local birdlife - a couple of canoodling silvereyes, a perky New Holland honeyeater, and a "bomber squadron flyover" of yellow-tailed black cockatoos. A very good start to the day.

But before heading further south to Bruny, we decided that Adventure Bay deserved a more thorough visit, so we headed round the island to revisit this picturesque area and to have a gentle amble along the Grass Track Point walk. Conditions weren't quite as spectacular as the previous day, but still...absolutely lovely.

After a quick cuppa at the Bruny Island Cruises cafe (and a little bit of store strolling among their woollen wear), we headed along the beach to the start of the track.

It really was a lovely walk, with waterbirds and yes, robins, appearing with reasonable frequency. A black-faced cormorant was a new bird for us, and robins always gladden the heart.

It was particularly enjoyable to have the gentle lapping ocean on our left, and the peaceful woodland on our right. A few minor challenges negotiating the tree roots on the path but nothing too taxing.

We were almost out to the point where you can clearly see nearby Penguin Island that the peace was shattered. Out there where the waves were more boisterous, we encountered a rookery with gazillions of crested terns nesting, feeding, preening - and fishing. With fellow walkers, we stood and watched, quite mesmerised. Then, almost as if there was a signal that only terns could understand, off they went - large flocks whooshing into the air and flying in what seems like every direction. We wondered if the cry had gone out that a certain school of fish was nearby in a happy hunting ground. The action went on - it was a very busy place, with babies clearly being attended to.

Having filled a few SD cards with images, we headed back, returning to the more reflective pace of walking and seeking out robins. They rewarded us at the end of the track - several were waiting for us as we reached the end of this delightful walk. Life really can't get much better!