The office for Dejan Stojanovic is perched about 20 metres up a blue gum. It’s not an office at all really, more a clamp attached to a strong rope. All the same, it’s where he goes about his daily, nine-to-five business. Sometimes, he can even be heard on his mobile phone up there in the canopy. Discussing this and that, the everyday detail of a unique occupation, that of saving the swift parrot from extinction. Dr Stojanovic, and researchers like him, are the unsung heroes … [Read more...] about Swift parrots bought a little time
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.
Seabirds make way for boats
Constitution Dock, at the very heart of the Hobart waterfront, might seem an unlikely location to watch birds but over the years it has provided me with some magical birding moments. It seems fitting, therefore, that BirdLife Tasmania volunteers seize the opportunity when the biennial Wooden Boat Festival comes around to take exhibition space to promote the conservation work they do. The emphasis at the information stand this festival earlier in the month was threatened … [Read more...] about Seabirds make way for boats
A raucous urban future
Out on Lygon Street in the oppressive summer-heat of Melbourne I saw what could be the shape of things to come when it comes to urban wildlife. A raven, panting with beak open, tip-toed across a hot tin roof to drink putrid water trapped in a gutter above a restaurant and in the only park within sight, a magpie-lark stabbed at souvlaki wrapping. I forsake the woods around my home In Dynnyrne once a year for the urban environment of inner Melbourne, usually to spend a few … [Read more...] about A raucous urban future
Satin flycatchers lead the celebration of summer
Australian flags flapping in the warm, summer breeze. Australia Day at the Waterworks Reserve but I was not taking part in the celebrations and festivities. In my diary, the priority on the day marking the arrival in 1788 of the First Fleet is not to break out the BBQ snags and steaks. It is the time in late summer when I take stock of the breeding success or otherwise of the birds on my home turf. Although one of the Knowler flock, John Knowler, earned his passage by … [Read more...] about Satin flycatchers lead the celebration of summer
Fruits of the forest
The currawongs found competition for the fruits of the native cherry this summer – I was determined to get to this bounty before them. For years I have waited patiently for the berry fruits of these beautiful trees – with fine, filigree foliage – to ripen so I can sow them in my garden. The currawongs, however, have always beaten me to my favourite tree at a site in the foothills of kunanyi/Mt Wellington. It wasn’t exactly a New Year’s resolution to take on the marauding … [Read more...] about Fruits of the forest