As swift parrots are arriving in their wintering grounds in Victoria and southern New South Wales, conservationists who have been studying them in their nesting areas across Tasmania during the past summer have issued a bleak assessment of the little bird’s chances of survival. Things, it appears, are only going from bad to worst for our lovely parrots and if urgent action is not taken to save them they could become extinct before we know it. Former environment minister … [Read more...] about Swift parrot future looks bleak
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Silvereyes bid farewell
A flock of silvereyes passed through the Waterworks Valley on dainty, jerky flight, heading north. Even without seeing them, I could hear their muted melody, a soft twitter which enables small flocks to keep in contact with each other while they are on the move. The song at this time of the year carries a melancholy air, but perhaps that was just me, lamenting the passing of summer and the passing of the silvereyes through my garden on the first stage of a migratory journey … [Read more...] about Silvereyes bid farewell
Goshawks out in force
The songbirds of the southern suburbs of Hobart had to be on their guard this summer – the brown goshawks and collared sparrowhawks had returned in force. I’ve never seen such numbers of this winged army intent on causing mayhem and panic in the bottlebrushes and grevilleas. I know the dark secrets of birds which prey solely on the fairy-wrens, robins and silvereyes so beloved of our gardens can appear cruel but the raptors are only going about the business they were … [Read more...] about Goshawks out in force
The Falconer of Central Park
Although written more than 30 years ago, The Falconer of Central Park has remained popular ever since, with one of its chapters included in Central Park: an anthology published by Bloomsbury America in 2012. The success of that book has prompted Donald Knowler to republish The Falconer of Central Park as an ebook, with an updated introduction. For an entire year, in 1982, Knowler visited Central Park daily to record not only its wildlife but the fascinating variety of … [Read more...] about The Falconer of Central Park
Striated pardalotes fall silent
Autumn had arrived and I could feel it in my bones, in my soul, and the striated pardalotes could feel it, too. All spring and summer their incessant “pick-me-up” triple-syllable song had bounced across the garden and through my home. Now the pardalotes had fallen silent and were on their way to wintering grounds on the other side of Bass Strait. Autumn always arrives quietly, almost imperceptibly. There’s no fanfare as in spring, when the sun suddenly shines strong and … [Read more...] about Striated pardalotes fall silent