52. One in a Million Chillawong

There are a million Pied Currawongs in the forests of south-eastern Australia. I’ve just seen a baby one in a million bird.

51. No Tranquility

A small Peaceful Dove flies by. Its neck is striped like a zebra; its belly creamy white, breast slightly pink. Wings are scalloped with black edges as delicate as wedding cake decorations. 

50. C'mon Rosie

I thought there was something wrong with the bird. With its eyes closed and tail bent underneath it could have been sick.  Parrot tails always extend straight out in line with the body; this one was different. 

49. Peacock Blues: Part 1

Poppy is a peahen that flew in one winter morning and decided to stay. The old girl follows me around the yard every day. She believes I produce food at will; I believe she’s lonely.

48. The Wagtail and the Wallaby

Willie Wagtails are aggressive when breeding. The Willie that’s lived in our front yard for 3 years is nesting now. She wanted a drink and harassed a wallaby to get one.

47. A Goanna and the Double-barred Flock

Bird watching this week, I was getting too hot outside. Dead grass crackled behind me. I turned to see a monster. Its tongue flickered. It froze, glared and considered what to do. 

46. The Rose Hillers

Nearly 200 years ago, an early English settler saw colourful birds near Sydney in a little place called Rose Hill. He called the birds with black, white, navy, green, yellow, red and royal blue feathers a ‘Rose Hiller’, and it stuck. Aussies love dropping the H and shortening names; after a bit the bird became the Rosella.

45. Spring

From September to the end of November is the Australian spring.

44. UNDER A RED ROSE

I had a new job as a commercial radio announcer in north Queensland. Bernie, my pet Budgerigar, was beside me as I drove to the tropics.

43. INTO THE BLUE

The car needs servicing, the annoying reminder to get the oil changed lights up each time the engine is started. Unfortunately, my husband promised I could make it to the city dealership  before 9 am.

42. HOT PINK PARTY BIRDS

41. EAGLE EYES AND EYASSES

Weeks ago, out in the Can-Am with my husband, we saw 2 eagles gorging on a kangaroo. An ear torn off, brains out, intestines strewn on the ground, the kill was so fresh it hadn’t begun to smell.