Flecks of gold glinted in the sun as goldfinches wheeled and danced at Tynwald Park in New Norfolk. The collective noun for a flock of goldfinches is a “charm” but on this occasion I settled for my own term still carrying an essence of poetry, a “chime”. This was the sound of their collective twitter, the many ringing voices that came together in waves in this park on the western bank of the upper River Derwent. There must have been possibly 100 birds, feeding on tiny seeds … [Read more...] about A goldrush comes to the river
On The Wing
Passport to birdland
Birdland is a magical place where it’s possible to escape all the pressures and stresses of the environment of the city created and inhabited by one species – humans – and immerse yourself in a less one-dimensional world. Birdland is nowhere in particular, and does not have to be special or noteworthy. It could be in the wildest of wild forest, or in suburbia. It could be a pristine beach, a few hectares of eucalypt woodland, or a neatly manicured city park. It could be a backyard. That’s the magic of birds; they bring beauty and wonder to every corner of the planet, wild or untamed, and my On the Wing writing is their celebration.
Chipping away for a free feed
When it comes to smart birds, a seagull in Britain called Steven really takes the biscuit. Not a biscuit literally. More packets of chips and anything with a taste of cheese. Steven Seagull has attracted international headlines by raiding a supermarket in Devon for snacks. According to British press reports, Steven has so far munched his way through about $530 worth of such British favourites as Mini Cheddars, Monster Munch and Tangy Cheese Doritos. In all he has consumed … [Read more...] about Chipping away for a free feed
‘Court jesters’ put on a show
The “court jesters” came calling with a song and a dance to brighten my mood on a bleak winter’s day. As soon as a party of 12 black cockatoos arrived I knew I was in for an afternoon of entertainment. A Covid-19 alert had confined me to home after discovering I was a secondary contact with one of my son’s friends who had tested positive for the virus. But the antics of the yellow-tailed black cockatoos saved the day and gave me something to smile about Although the … [Read more...] about ‘Court jesters’ put on a show
Masked owl’s future clouded in fear
Powerful, elegant and beautiful, the Tasmanian masked owl towered over admirers in its giant “cage” on Parliament House Lawns in Hobart during Dark Mofo. The paper-and-wooden owl was roosting before taking flight on silent wings at the end of the winter festival. The owl was the focus of the ogoh-ogoh showpiece at the event, honouring an ancient Balinese-Hindu purification ceremony. In this the “fears” of participants are written on pieces of paper and placed in a basket at … [Read more...] about Masked owl’s future clouded in fear
Swift action need on migratory parrots
The battle to save the critically endangered swift parrot has switched to the forests of the south-east mainland these chilly winter months. Birdwatchers have been fanning out across country Victoria and New South Wales to count numbers of migrating parrots in their wintering grounds. The swift parrot breeds exclusively in Tasmania before crossing Bass Strait as winter grips their home state. The population of the parrot is undergoing a catastrophic decline, with numbers … [Read more...] about Swift action need on migratory parrots