Tag:birds
Magpies are some of the most recognisable birds in Australia, famous for their intelligence, beautiful songs, and, let’s be honest, their occasional swooping! These black-and-white characters are often seen in backyards, parks, and even making friends with people. If you love having magpies around and want to give them a little treat, it’s important to know what’s good (and bad) for them to eat.
Magpies Are Super Smart!
Magpies belong to the same bird family as crows and ravens, which means they’re incredibly intelligent. They can recognise human faces, remember people who are kind to them, and even figure out tricky puzzles. Some magpies have even been known to mimic human speech! With brains like that, it’s no wonder they’ve adapted so well to life alongside us.
What Do Magpies Eat in the Wild?
Magpies aren’t fussy eaters—they’ll snack on just about anything they can find! Their natural diet includes:
- Insects like beetles, grasshoppers, and caterpillars
- Small animals such as lizards and frogs
- Seeds and grains
- Fruits and berries
- Carrion (dead animals)
Because they’re such great foragers, they don’t actually need to be fed by humans, but if you want to give them a little extra, it’s best to stick to healthy, natural foods.
What’s Safe to Feed Magpies?
If you want to leave out some food for your feathered friends, ensure it’s something nutritious and good for them. Here are some of the best options:
Good Foods for Magpies:
✅ Raw or lean cooked meat – A great protein boost, but don’t overdo it, and avoid anything salty. ✅ Cooked or raw eggs – Full of nutrients and easy to digest. ✅ Insects and mealworms – These mimic their natural diet and are a great snack. ✅ High-quality dog or cat food (meat-based, not grain-heavy) – If you’re out of other options, a little wet or soaked dry pet food can work. ✅ Unsalted nuts and seeds – Good for variety, but shouldn’t be their main food source. ✅ A little bit of cheese – Adds calcium, but only in small amounts.
Foods to Avoid:
❌ Bread and crackers – No real nutrients, just empty calories. ❌ Processed meats (like bacon, ham, and sausages) – Too salty and full of preservatives. ❌ Sugary or salty foods – Can upset their digestion. ❌ Avocado and chocolate – These are toxic to birds! ❌ Dairy (in large amounts) – Magpies aren’t built to digest lactose, so keep cheese minimal.
Why Mince and Bread Aren’t Good for Magpies
Many people think feeding magpies mince or bread is a kind gesture, but these foods can actually harm them. Mince, especially if given in large amounts, lacks essential nutrients like calcium, which can lead to weak bones and poor health. It also contains too much phosphorus, which can interfere with calcium absorption. Bread, on the other hand, is just empty calories—filling but nutritionally useless. Birds that eat too much bread can become malnourished, as it replaces healthier food sources in their diet. If you want to help magpies thrive, it’s best to offer foods that mimic what they would eat in the wild.
Feeding Magpies the Right Way
While feeding magpies can be a fun way to interact with them, it’s important to do it responsibly. Here are some tips to keep them happy and healthy:
- Don’t overfeed – A little treat now and then is fine, but magpies should still find most of their food naturally.
- Stick to natural foods – The closer to their wild diet, the better!
- Give them water – A shallow dish of fresh water is super helpful, especially on hot days.
- Avoid hand-feeding – It might make them too reliant on humans or even aggressive.
- Enjoy from a distance – Magpies are amazing to watch, so observe without interfering too much.
Why Magpies Matter
Magpies aren’t just fun to have around—they’re also important for the environment. They help control insect populations, clean up carrion, and even spread seeds. Their presence keeps nature in balance, so giving them a little support (without overdoing it) is a great way to appreciate their role in the ecosystem.
Final Thoughts
Magpies are clever, cheeky, and full of personality. Feeding them can be a great way to connect with these amazing birds, as long as you do it the right way. By offering safe, nutritious food in moderation and respecting their wild instincts, you can enjoy their company without causing harm.
So next time you hear that iconic magpie warble, take a moment to admire these incredible birds and maybe even offer them a healthy snack!
Nestled in the scenic Gold Creek Village, Canberra’s Walk-In Aviary is a spot that’s perfect for nature lovers and bird fans. Located in Nicholls, ACT, this aviary is a must-see if you want to get up close and personal with a bunch of different bird species in a beautiful, natural setting. With over 600 birds from more than 60 species, you’ll find everything from colourful parrots to graceful finches.
A Unique Immersive Experience
Canberra’s Walk-In Aviary’s immersive design sets it apart from other bird sanctuaries. Rather than viewing birds from behind enclosures, visitors are invited to enter the aviary, creating an intimate and interactive experience. As you walk through the large, open space, birds fly freely around you, often perching on branches or landing on you to feed from your hand.
As soon as you step into the aviary, you’ll be given a small dish of delicious bird food—usually a mix of seeds, fruits, and even mealworms! This tasty treat encourages the birds to come up close and personal. Many of these feathered friends are quite comfortable around people and will happily nibble from your dish or even your hand. It’s a fantastic chance to snap some amazing photos as colourful parrots, lorikeets, and other lovely birds gently land on your arm or shoulder. Enjoy the experience!
A Diverse Range of Birdlife
One of the most appealing aspects of the Canberra Walk-In Aviary is the diversity of bird species that inhabit it. With over 60 species from Australia, Asia, and beyond, visitors have the opportunity to see a wide range of birds. Some of the most notable residents are:
- Rainbow Lorikeets: Known for their striking, multi-coloured plumage, rainbow lorikeets are a favourite among visitors. These playful and curious birds love to interact with guests, often flocking around those carrying food dishes. Their vibrant colours and cheeky personalities make them a highlight of any visit.
- King Parrots: Native to Australia, these birds are known for their bright red and green feathers. The males boast a brilliant red head and breast, while the females display a more subdued green. King parrots are often shy but can be lured out with patience and a food offering.
- Zebra Finches: With their delicate size and intricate patterns, zebra finches add a charming touch to the aviary’s landscape. These small birds can often be seen flitting between the foliage or resting on low branches. Their cheerful, melodic chirps create a serene backdrop to the aviary experience.
- Eclectus Parrots: Another standout species, Eclectus parrots are known for their dramatic sexual dimorphism. Males are a vivid green, while females are strikingly red and blue. These parrots are known for their intelligence and can be seen exploring the aviary with keen curiosity.
In addition to the popular species, the aviary is home to a delightful variety of doves, cockatiels, budgerigars, and even some exotic birds! For bird lovers, spending time here to watch and learn about all these amazing creatures in their natural habitat is truly a rewarding experience.
The Aviary’s Tranquil Environment
Canberra’s Walk-In Aviary is designed to mimic a natural habitat with lush vegetation. It has cascading water features and strategically placed perches and feeding stations. The environment is beautiful and provides the birds with plenty of places to rest, explore, and hide if they desire more privacy.
Walking through the aviary feels like stepping into a green oasis. The tall trees provide shade, while the smaller shrubs make perfect little hideouts for the birds. You can hear the leaves rustling, birds chirping, and the soft sound of water trickling from the fountains—it all adds up to a really chill vibe. It’s a great spot to kick back and enjoy nature.
The aviary is also carefully maintained to ensure the well-being of its avian residents. It’s kept clean, and the birds can access fresh water and a diet that meets their needs. This attention to detail ensures that the birds remain healthy and active, providing visitors with a lively and engaging experience.
Practical Information for Visitors
If you’re planning a visit to Canberra’s Walk-In Aviary, there are a few things to remember to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. The aviary is open daily, typically from 10 AM to 4 PM. However, it’s always a good idea to check their website or call ahead in case of special events or closures. Admission fees are reasonable and help support the care and maintenance of the birds and their habitat.
Wear comfortable shoes, as you’ll be walking on natural terrain. Consider bringing a hat and sunscreen during the warmer months, as parts of the aviary are open to the sun. It’s also worth noting that while the birds are friendly, it’s best to approach them calmly and gently to avoid startling them.
Many visitors love spending an hour or two in the aviary. It’s a wonderful chance to explore, feed the birds, and soak in the peaceful atmosphere. Plus, you’ll find several cosy cafes and shops just a short stroll away in Gold Creek Village. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy a leisurely lunch or do some local shopping after your visit!
Located at 18 – 26 O’Hanlon Place, Gold Creek Village
Nicholls ACT 2913
Entry:
Children 4-16 $13
Adults $18
Concession and seniors $16
Australia is renowned for its extraordinary biodiversity and hosts a fascinating array of Australian bird species, each with unique behaviours, colours, and sounds. Attracting these birds to your garden can enrich the local environment and provide endless delight. However, creating a bird-friendly garden in Australia involves understanding and catering to the specific needs of native species.
Feeding wild birds is a highly contentious issue, particularly in Australia. While it is actively promoted in some countries, official advice from councils, environment departments, and conservation and wildlife rescue groups in Australia unequivocally warns against the risks of feeding wild birds. In Western Australia, it is strictly illegal to feed native fauna, including birds, without obtaining a license.
In an ideal world, people wouldn’t feed wild birds at all – but with as many as 30 to 50% of Australian households feeding birds, it’s important that people are aware of the risks of wild bird feeding and how to avoid harming the same wildlife they want to help.
Birdlife.org.au
Providing Food: Catering to Varied Diets
Birds have diverse dietary requirements. Providing an assortment of foods can help you attract various bird species. Key elements to consider when supplying food for Australian birds:
Native Plants and Trees
Native plants in your garden are the best food sources for local birds as they offer familiar and nutritionally appropriate diets:
- Nectar-Producing Flowers: Planting grevilleas, bottlebrushes (Callistemon), banksias, and kangaroo paws can attract nectar-feeding birds like honeyeaters, lorikeets, and wattlebirds. These flowers are rich in nectar and bloom at different times of the year, providing a continuous food supply.
- Fruit-Bearing Trees and Shrubs: Trees and shrubs like Lilly pilly, blueberry ash, and native cherry (Exocarpos cupressiformis) produce fruits that attract species like figbirds, bowerbirds, and silvereyes.
- Seed-Producing Plants: Grasses and forbs like kangaroo grass and native daisies can draw seed-eating birds such as parrots and finches.
Bird Feeders
Supplementing native plants with bird feeders can increase food availability, especially during scarce times:
- Nectar Feeders: If native nectar sources are limited, specially designed nectar feeders can provide additional sustenance for nectarivores. Ensure the nectar solution mimics natural concentrations (four parts water to one part sugar).
- Seed Feeders: Fill these with seeds suited to Australian birds, such as millet, canary seed, and sunflower seeds. Avoid generic seed mixes that contain non-native ingredients.
- Fruit Feeders: Offer slices of fruits like apples, pears, and grapes to attract fruit-eating birds. Never offer citrus fruits or avocados, as these are toxic to birds.
Regularly clean feeders to prevent mould and the spread of diseases and keep them stocked during peak feeding times.
Omnivores and Carnivores
Many people feed magpies and kookaburras mince meat, thinking it’s a healthy treat. However, mince lacks the nutrients that carnivorous and omnivorous birds need from their natural diet of insects, fur, and small mammals’ bones. Feeding mince meat to adult birds can cause health problems for their young, leading to brittle bones from insufficient calcium. Additionally, minced meat can stick to the beaks of birds like kookaburras and tawny frogmouths, which can cause bacterial infections. If you are feeding kookaburras or magpies, offer them dry dog food, crickets, or mealworms.
Providing Water: Essential for Hydration and Hygiene
In our dry Australian climate, water is especially vital for Australian birds, not only for drinking but also for bathing to maintain their plumage. Offering water significantly increases the attractiveness of your garden to birds:
BIRDBATHS: A birdbath, whether store-bought or homemade, can become a central feature:
- Design and Placement: Choose a shallow birdbath with gently sloping sides. Place it in a shaded area to keep the water cool and near shrubs or trees to provide cover from predators. Ensure the birdbath is stable and at a safe height.
- Maintenance: Clean birdbaths regularly to prevent algae buildup and mosquito breeding.
PONDS & WATER FEATURES: Integrating ponds or water features can offer a more naturalistic water source:
- Benefits of Running Water: Fountains, drippers, or small waterfalls are beautiful, and the moving water catches birds’ attention and stays fresher for longer.
Providing Shelter
Shelter is fundamental for protection, nesting, and roosting. Here’s how to ensure your garden offers safe havens:
NESTING SITES: Birds have varying nesting preferences. Providing diverse nesting opportunities can attract different species:
- Nest Boxes: Install nest boxes to cater to cavity-nesting birds like parrots, kookaburras, and pardalotes. Ensure boxes have appropriately sized entrance holes and are placed away from direct sunlight and predators.
- Dense Shrubberies and Hedges: Shrubs like callistemons, melaleucas, and wattles can provide excellent shelter for small birds like fairy wrens and thornbills.
LAYERED VEGETATION: Creating layers of vegetation can mimic natural habitats, promoting biodiversity:
- Ground Layer: For birds that forage on the ground, such as quails, red rump parrots, galahs, etc., use grasses, ground covers, and fallen leaves.
- Mid-Layer: Integrate mid-height shrubs and small trees ideal for perching, nesting, and foraging.
- Canopy Layer: Tall trees offer vantage points and nesting sites for larger species like eagles, cockatoos, and ibis.
Additional Considerations for a Bird-Friendly Garden
- Avoid Pesticides and Herbicides: Chemicals can harm birds directly or contaminate their food sources. Embrace organic gardening practices to ensure a safe environment.
- Minimize Environmental Hazards: Birds are susceptible to window collisions. Implement visible cues like decals, external screens, or bird-safe glass to reduce such incidents.
- Control Pets: Domestic pets, particularly cats, pose significant threats to birds. To minimise predation, supervise pets or create outdoor enclosures.
- Support Conservation Efforts: Participate in local bird conservation programs and citizen science projects like BirdLife Australia’s Atlas or the Aussie Backyard Bird Count. These initiatives support bird monitoring and conservation.
Attracting Specific Australian Birds
Different strategies may be required to attract specific groups of birds to your garden:
- Honeyeaters: Include nectar-rich flowers and low-branching shrubs for easy access.
- Parrots and Lorikeets: Plant eucalypts, wattles, and grevilleas for seeds and nectar, and install sturdy nesting boxes.
- Waterbirds: If you have the space, create larger water bodies with reeds and aquatic plants to attract ducks, swans, and herons.
- Small Songbirds: Dense shrubs and a mix of seeds and insects will encourage species like robins, flycatchers, and fairy-wrens.
Creating a bird-friendly garden in Australia involves nurturing an environment that harmonizes with local ecosystems. By providing diversified food sources through native plants, bird feeders, and favourable habitat structures, ensuring fresh water, and offering safe shelter, you can attract and sustain various Australian bird species. These actions enrich your garden’s biodiversity, enhance the local ecosystem, and add a dynamic natural beauty and activity layer. By fostering appreciation and conservation of native birds, you contribute meaningfully to the sustainability of Australia’s unique avian diversity.
Whether you are an ardent birdwatcher or a gardening enthusiast, a garden that welcomes birds can be a source of continuous joy and a testament to harmonious coexistence with nature.
Black Swans (Cygnus atratus) are native to Australia and are an iconic species. They are so revered that they serve as the official emblem of Western Australia, appearing on the state flag and coat of arms. In fact, you can find their image on stamps, sports uniforms and even public buildings around Western Australia (WA). The Swan River in Perth was named after this beautiful bird when the British established the Swan River Colony in 1829. In addition, Black Swans have also been introduced to New Zealand.
Description
The male black swan, also known as ‘cobs’, can grow up to 110 to 142 centimetres in length and weigh between 3.7 to 9 kilograms. They have a wingspan of 1.6 to 2 meters and a unique “S”-shaped curving neck, which is the longest among other swan species. Male swans also have a longer and straighter bill than females, also known as ‘Pens’, and are slightly larger. These large birds have predominantly black plumage, broad white wingtips when in flight, and a vibrant red bill. They require a clearance of forty meters to take off and can reach flying speeds of up to 80 km/h. Black swans have a lifespan of 40 years. Immature swans are known as Cygnets, which have greyish-brown feathers with pale edges.
Black Swans are nomadic, with erratic migration patterns that depend on climatic conditions. Their migration follows no set route or pattern but is in response to drought or rainfall, always hunting for wet areas. Outside of the breeding season, they can travel vast distances, flying mostly at night.
Habitat
Their preferred habitat is the fresh, brackish and saltwater of lakes, swamps and rivers with the underwater vegetation they need for food and nesting materials. They prefer permanent wetlands, including ornamental lakes. However, they can also be found in flooded pastures, tidal mudflats and ornamental lakes.
Diet
Black Swans are vegetarians. They consume algae and weeds, which they obtain by plunging their long necks into the water at depths up to 1 metre deep. While they will also occasionally graze on land, they are ungainly walkers.
Breeding
Black Swans are mostly monogamous breeders. While older swans generally mate for life with one partner, younger swans are known to pair up for a short time, breed and then desert the nest. Thus, leaving the partner (of either sex) to care for the young. Breeding occurs mainly from February to May in the north and May to September in the south.
Near the water, the female swan constructs a nest using sticks, dead leaves, and debris. She lays one egg each day, which usually amounts to five or six eggs, but can sometimes reach nine. Despite the varying laying times, the parents only sit on the eggs and do not warm them, ensuring that all the eggs hatch together. Incubation lasts between 35 to 48 days, and both parents share the duty. After the breeding season, the adult swan goes through a moulting period during which it sheds its feathers and is unable to fly.
The babies, known as cygnets, are able to fly at six months. However, they often remain with the family for up to nine months. They reach sexual maturity between 18 and 36 months of age.
Predators
Black swans and fledglings are at risk from ravens, eagles, hawks and rats. However, the species is not endangered and are protected under the Australian National Parks and Wildlife Acts (1979). They are listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
The Cape Barren goose (Cereopsis novaehollandiae) is a large, flightless goose native to Australia. It is one of the rarest of the world’s geese, found only in southern Australia, with a large population on Phillip Island. The name comes from Cape Barren Island, where European explorers first sighted the geese. Their distinctive call is loud, deep, pig-like grunts or honks. The male makes a noisy, harsh ‘ark, ark-ark, ark-ark’ while their young make reedy whistles.
Appearance
Their unique grey plumage bears rounded black spots. The tail and flight feathers are blackish, with pink to deep red legs and black feet. In addition, the stubby triangular beak and green cere (skin above the beak) give it a very peculiar expression. Males of this species are slightly larger than females. While the Cape Barren goose has webbed feet, they are significantly less webbed than ducks, allowing them to spend long periods on land.
The Cape Barren Goose can be found across southern Australia. Their preferred habitat is water, such as lakes, dams, lagoons, swamps and rivers. Being herbivores, they graze predominantly on common tussock grass, spear grass, herbs, succulents, pasture grasses, barley, clover, and legumes. Like many seabirds, Cape Barren Geese can drink salty or brackish water; this allows them to remain on offshore islands all year round.
Breeding
The Cape Barren Goose breeds on the offshore islands of Australia and can be aggressive during the July to September breeding season. They lay their eggs in a nest in the tussocks of open grasslands. The male builds the nest from grass and twigs and lines it with feather down. Each breeding pair establishes its territory in autumn, prepares the nest and defends it noisily against other geese. They are monogamous and bond for life. The female lays four to six eggs and incubates them for 35-40 days. Once hatched, both parents share the brooding duties.
Conservation Status
During the 1800s, the Cape Barren Geese were hunted for food and eggs. By the 1950s, the Cape Barren Goose numbers were so low that biologists feared they might be near extinction. As a result, initiatives were taken that since then have increased the goose population to a level where they are no longer considered endangered. However, they remain one of the world’s rarest geese and have been protected since the 1970s.
The Phillip Island population of 3000 cape barren geese started from six birds, introduced in 1984. Tasmania serves them in restaurants, while permits to shoot and eat them were made available in South Australia in 2000.
The Yea Wetlands is a 32-hectare flood plain adjacent to the Goulburn Valley Highway and a short walk from High Street. Home to many Australian marsupials, birds and aquatic creatures, the wetlands are a haven of peace and tranquillity encompassing natural bush and riverine floodplains. The Discovery Centre opened in August 2014 due to the dedication of the community and volunteers. Also added were the suspension bridge and raised boardwalks.
A neighbouring property owner graciously agreed to relinquish a crown land license. This enabled the construction of a track between the Centre and the suspension bridge. Native trees, endemic to the area, replaced the willow trees and noxious weeds that were choking the waterway.
Walking trails
Wetlands are areas of land that are saturated with water, either permanently or seasonally. They are characterized by unique hydrological, chemical, and biological characteristics and are typically classified as marshes, swamps, bogs, or fens. Wetlands can be found in various environments, including coastal areas, river deltas, and the edges of lakes and ponds. Accordingly, they provide essential habitats for many plant and animal species and play critical roles in water management and carbon sequestration. They also provide various ecosystem services, such as water purification, flood control, and shoreline stabilization.
Grade 2: Distance: 2 Km. The walk begins at the Franklin Track and crosses the Yea River via a suspension bridge. Keep a lookout as you cross the bridge; Platypus and Rakali (native water rat) regularly forage along the river bed. The walk features information boards along the route and a bird hide overlooking a pond. A leisurely 45-60 min stroll allows you to come across Koalas and Sugar Gliders as well as Azure and Sacred kingfishers, spoonbills, Platypus and Rakali.
Discovery Centre
The Yea Water Discovery Centre is a multi-purpose facility incorporating an accredited Visitor Information Centre and an Interpretive & Educational Centre. They offer visitor information in the form of maps and brochures as well as accommodation and travel guides. There is also a gift shop, free wi-fi, public toilets and meeting room hire.
Upgrades to the Wetlands
In July this year, the Yea wetlands successfully received a grant of $375,000 from the Victorian Government’s Regional Tourism Fund. The funding will go towards an upgrade of the precinct. The upgrade will include a 700m extension of the existing walk, named Yea River Kayigai Trail. In addition, the Cummins Lagoon will be extended to include a Riparian Zone.
A new bird hide and a sculpture trail will be added, focusing on the Taungurung people and their connection to the Country, and the exhibits in the Discovery Centre will be refurbished. Works are expected to be completed by mid-2024.
Preserving wetlands is essential for maintaining the ecological, economic, and societal benefits they provide. Some preservation strategies include:
- Protecting existing wetlands through regulations and laws such as Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.
- Restoring degraded or destroyed wetlands through reforestation, re-vegetation, and other management practices.
- Creating new wetlands by constructing artificial ponds, marshes, and swamps.
- Implementing conservation programs and policies to protect wetlands and their associated species and educating the public about their importance
- Collaborating with local, state and federal government and other organizations to protect and implement conservation plans.
It’s important to note that preserving wetlands requires an integrated approach involving different stakeholders and a long-term commitment to ensure the sustainable use and protection of wetland resources.
Bird photography is a challenging but rewarding genre of photography that involves capturing images of birds in their natural habitats. It can be an exciting and rewarding pastime. Conversely, it can be the most frustrating experience and akin to threading jelly through a needle. Where to find them, what time of day are they most active, which lens to use, and what settings to use? Of course, you can follow all the advice and still come home with no images. I have often struck this problem, mainly because they are too high in the trees or just not around.
Bird Hotspots
For me, the biggest problem with bird photography is finding the birds. Of course, birds are all around us in streets, gardens, and parks, but they are sparrows, crows, magpies etc. Twitchers (bird watchers) post their sightings all the time. But finding the robins, hawks, rosellas, parrots, and cockatoos (apart from the prolific Sulpher crested) can be a skill in itself. Not to mention finding them within the range limits of your lens.
The Cornell Lab of Ornithology runs a great website called eBird. On there, you can search for bird hotspots, submit your findings, or find where a particular species are. For your mobile, there is Merlin. Merlin also has free bird packs to download to your phone, giving bird information, calls, locations etc. It’s a great starting point.
Learning the bird’s behaviour is also a great help in predicting what it will do. It is equally important to know the time of day they are most active, what months they are in what area, etc. Behaviour-wise, for example, birds always fly off in the direction they face, and if they raise their tail and release faecal matter, they are about to take off.
Equipment
For bird photography, you must have a camera with a long lens. The longer, the better. On my Olympus micro-four-thirds, I have the Olympus 40-150mm with a 2x extender giving me 600mm. A 300mm lens will work ok (esp on micro four-thirds, where it translates to 600mm or a crop sensor, where it’s around 450mm). If you have a full-frame camera – you need something that’s at least 400mm, preferably up to 600mm. You can get away with less, but most of the time, it will require heavy cropping.
Heavily cropped and enlarged backup with Topaz Gigapixel
One way around that is using Topaz Gigapixel – it will make your cropped image up to 6x larger without losing quality. (they have a free 30-day trial too)
Camera modes
Firstly, shoot RAW. It gives you a higher-resolution image and more flexibility in editing, including the ability to change your white balance. Exposure compensation is also convenient to use when you are trying to balance shutter speed and light. You can adjust the exposure via the + to deliberately overexpose a bit if your subject is very dark. Consider putting the camera on silent mode so as not to startle the bird. Always use high-speed continuous and fire off short bursts of shots.
Camera Settings
Manual Mode
For perched birds, either nesting or on branches, go for ISO 100-200 in good light or Auto ISO on cloudy or low-light days. It helps to know how high an ISO your camera can handle before the image becomes noisy. You can then set the maximum ISO on your camera and use Auto ISO for birds. Select auto white balance and an F-stop of F4-5.6 to separate the bird from the background. Then, focus on the bird’s eye. For perched birds, go for a shutter speed of 1/500 to 1/1000
For birds in flight – you need a much faster shutter speed and continuous-servo autofocus (CAF). The shutter speed will also depend on how fast the bird flies. Birds like pelicans lumber along and are easy to catch in flight; smaller birds such as swallows, terns or the peregrine falcon are swift flyers. For these birds, you need a superfast shutter speed.
- Use a fast lens with a long focal length: A fast lens with a long focal length, such as a 70-300mm or a 100-400mm, will allow you to capture birds in motion from a distance.
- Choose a fast shutter speed: Start with a shutter speed of at least 1/2000th of a second or faster to freeze the motion of the birds in flight.
- Use continuous autofocus mode: Switch to continuous autofocus mode to ensure that the camera is continuously tracking the bird as it moves.
- Track the bird’s movement: Anticipate the bird’s movement and follow it with the camera, keeping the bird in the centre of the frame.
- Experiment with burst mode: Use burst mode to capture a series of images in quick succession, increasing your chances of capturing a sharp, in-focus shot.
- Pay attention to the background: Make sure the background is simple and not distracting, as it will draw the viewer’s eye away from the bird.
- Be patient and persistent: Birds in flight can be elusive and difficult to capture, so be patient and persistent in your pursuit of great bird flight images.
Shutter Priority Mode
Shutter priority mode (also known as “Tv” mode) is a useful setting for bird photography as it allows you to control the shutter speed while the camera automatically sets the aperture to achieve the proper exposure. This mode is particularly helpful in capturing fast-moving birds, as you can set a fast shutter speed to freeze the motion.
- Choose a fast shutter speed: Start with a shutter speed of at least 1/1000th of a second or faster. A fast shutter speed will help freeze the motion of the bird and reduce the risk of camera shake.
- Use a tripod or bean bag for stability: Since you will be using a fast shutter speed, it’s important to have a stable platform to minimize camera shake and improve image quality.
- Experiment with different shutter speeds: Try different shutter speeds to see the effect on the final image. Slower shutter speeds can create a sense of motion, while faster shutter speeds will freeze the motion.
- Watch the aperture: The camera will automatically adjust the aperture to achieve the proper exposure, but keep an eye on the aperture value and adjust the ISO if necessary.
- Use burst mode: using burst mode to capture a series of photos in quick succession, increases your chances of getting a sharp shot.
- Be mindful of the lighting conditions: Keep in mind that you may need to adjust the shutter speed or ISO based on the lighting conditions. In low light, you may need to use a slower shutter speed or increase the ISO.
By using shutter priority mode and following these tips, you can capture sharp, dynamic bird images that show the beauty and grace of these creatures in motion.
Focus Points
Finding the subject in the frame is often tricky when using a long zoom lens. Spot metering and a centre focus point is usually the most sensitive and accurate focus point, making it a good choice for bird photography. However, experiment and try different focus points to see which one works best for your camera and the situation. I always use back-button focus: as it allows me to separate the focus and exposure functions of the camera. This will allow you to focus on the bird and lock the focus, allowing you to recompose the shot without the camera refocusing. Another point to remember – keep the bird’s eye in focus: When photographing birds, it’s important to keep the bird’s eye in focus as this is the most critical part of the bird to keep sharp.
Approaching birds
Research your subject: Learn about the birds you want to photograph, including their behaviour, habitat, and preferred food sources. This will help you anticipate their movements and get the shots you want. Getting close enough to get the shot is one of the most challenging parts of bird photography. Some birds will allow you to get quite close. Others are skittish and maintain a considerable distance (hello, long lens).
Try to blend in with your surroundings by wearing neutral-coloured clothing and using a camouflage cloth for your gear. Do not wear white, red or bright clothing; you need to blend into the surroundings. I have seen some very dedicated photographers wearing full camo clothing, including camo coverings on their cameras and lenses. That’s a bit extreme for me, so I dress in blues or khaki/tans. Avoid feeding birds or using bait to lure them, as this can lead to unnatural behaviour and negatively impact the birds’ health.
Walk quietly without chatter to minimise disturbance. If you spot a bird, walk slowly towards it. Try not to approach it when the bird is watching you, and walk forward slowly at a zig-zag angle. When you raise the camera to take a shot, do it slowly—no sudden movements. If possible, let the birds come to you. If you learn their behaviour and habitat, you can take a chair, bottle of water or thermos and settle down and wait for them. Then they aren’t taking off and fleeing when you suddenly appear on the scene.
Practice
Start with the ducks and magpies if you are a beginner at bird photography. Take a bag of seeds for the ducks (never feed them bread). Ducks and Pelicans are usually acclimated to human interaction. On one lake, I visited all the ducks, geese and swans swarmed toward any newcomer arriving as they were used to people feeding them. Photographing them will give you experience in getting the settings and compositions right. Next, look for walkthrough aviaries; you are guaranteed to get shots there. In Melbourne, both Melbourne Zoo and Serendip Sanctuary have walkthrough aviaries. Healesville Zoo has a daily bird of prey show.
Ten top tips
- Use a fast lens with a long focal length to capture birds in motion.
- Use a tripod or bean bag for stability.
- Keep a fast shutter speed to freeze motion and avoid camera shake.
- Use a high ISO to achieve faster shutter speeds in low light.
- Pre-focus on a specific spot where you expect the bird to fly or perch.
- Make use of continuous autofocus mode to track moving birds.
- Experiment with different perspectives, such as shooting from above or below the bird.
- Use natural light or flash to create proper exposure and add depth to your photos.
- Pay attention to the background to avoid distracting elements or unwanted clutter.
- Patience and persistence are key, as birds can be elusive and take time to observe and capture.
One last bit of advice
Get up early or stay out late: The best light for bird photography is often found in the early morning or late afternoon. Make a point to learn from the experts, look for bird photography workshops or classes, or study the work of professional bird photographers. YouTube holds a wealth of information and tutorials on bird photography.
Globally there are 250 species of owls; of this, 11 species are found in Australia. They are the Barn Owl, Barking Owl, Powerful Owl, Rufous Owl, Masked Owl, Morepork, Greater Sooty Owl, Lesser Sooty Owl, Eastern Grass Owl, Southern Boobook and Christmas Island Boobook.
Owls have long sparked our imaginations; their haunting night calls, silent flight, extraordinary hearing and deadly eyesight has seen them embedded in different cultures as symbols for magic, wisdom and mystery.
Bush Heritage
Characteristics
Owls are masters at silent flight. Their soft, uniquely structured feathers are serrated, affecting the movement of air over the wings. Additionally, the velvety surface of the feathers absorbs any sound made by flapping wings. Their silent flight allows them to pounce on prey with no warning. Owls have incredibly superior eyesight and hearing, and their forward-facing eyes grant them excellent depth perception, which is necessary for low-light hunting.
They can rotate their head 270 degrees, a vital asset when their eyes are fixed and cannot move within their sockets. In addition, their ears are asymmetrical on their head (at different heights on the side of their face), so the sounds reach each ear at different times, aiding them in identifying the exact location of their prey. Owls also have a facial disk around their eyes; this helps focus sounds to their ears, so they hear even the quietest sounds.
Behaviour
Owls are nocturnal (hunting only at night) though some are active at dawn and dusk. They are found in every state of Australia and vary significantly in size; they range from the smallest (Southern Boobook at 36cm tall and around 175g) to the largest (Powerful Owl at 60cm tall and 1.5kg). They live in various habitats, from snowy mountainous areas to deserts, from open wet forests to woodlands and grasslands. The Powerful Owl is territorial and has been known to attack humans, though most are solitary and shy.
Diet
Owls live on a diet of small to medium-sized mammals, birds and insects. Like most birds, they cannot chew and eat their prey whole or will tear off pieces with their powerful, sharp beaks if unable to do so. Some owls, such as the Sooty Owl, eat mainly tree-dwelling mammals such as sugar gliders and small possums. Others prefer land-dwelling lizards or mammals. Like other raptors, owls regurgitate the non-nutritious party of their prey. Several hours after eating, they will produce a pellet from their gizzards of fur and bone. They will then be ready to eat again.
Threats
Habit loss is the biggest threat to Australian owls as they rely on old-growth trees with hollows for nesting and breeding. These hollows take hundreds of years to form. Sadly, land clearing and bushfires are wiping out the hollows at an alarming rate. Another significant threat is secondary poisoning from eating prey such as foxes, feral cats, rabbits and rodents that have taken the bait. Poachers are also a concern, both as live specimens and eggs.
Status
No Australian owl species is on the national threatened species list. Some populations, however, such as the Powerful Owl in Victoria, are vulnerable, and the Masked owl is endangered in SA, Tasman and Victoria.
The Little Eagle is one of the smallest species of Eagle found worldwide. They are a small to medium-sized, stocky yet powerful birds native to Australia. Due to their size and colouring, they are often confused with the Whistling Kite.
Little eagles have short, broad heads with moderately long tails, square-cut at the tip when closed. They have two ‘phases’ in their colouring – a light and a dark phase. During the light phase, when in flight, they are often mistaken for the Whistling Kite. They have heavily feathered legs, and when perched, they have a short crest. The plumage varies from light to dark brown, with a pale broken ‘M’ on the upper parts, easily visible from a distance. The underside of the wing also has a pale M-shaped band. The broad wings have a span of one metre with dark tips.
Flight
The Little Eagle has a distinctive flight pattern of soaring in tight circles with flat wings. They advertise their territory by a soaring, undulating flight display and conspicuous perching and calling.
Habitat and Distribution
The habitat of the Little Eagle is dry eucalypt, sheoak or acacia woodlands, forests and open country. They tend to avoid rainforests and the densely forested area of the Great Dividing Range. Their distribution is widespread across mainland Australia and central and eastern New Guinea.
Diet
The Little Eagle is a raptor (bird of prey) and, as such, is a carnivore. They hunt for their prey on the wing or from a high, exposed perch, taking their prey on the ground or in the tree canopy. Their prey includes rabbits, other live mammals and insects and occasionally carrion. The Little Eagle originally ate a diet of small birds, mammals, and reptiles, sometimes supplementing with insects; however, their diet changed with the introduction of foxes and rabbits. As rabbits quickly became abundant across Australia, and they found them an ideal prey source, becoming their primary diet. However, the release of the Calicivirus in 1996 caused a sharp 65% to 85% decrease in the rabbit population. At the same time, the foxes were taking their traditional prey of mammals and reptiles. With rabbits now less abundant, they also have to compete against foxes for their traditional prey.
Breeding
Little Eagles breed annually. They make their nest in mature living trees in open woodland or alongside rivers and will rarely nest in isolated trees. Instead, they create a nest in an open bowl shape constructed of twigs and branches lined with leaves. The pair will build the nests in winter, and the female lays two to three eggs in spring. The female incubates eggs for the 37-day incubation period and then feeds the hatchlings while the male hunts for food. The male, however, will hatch the chicks while the female eats the food he has brought her. The chicks will fledge in summer.
In 2009 only three breeding pairs were recorded in the ACT. However, in the 2017-2018 breeding season, a minimum of nine nesting pairs of Little Eagles were confirmed in the ACT, with four more breeding pairs just over the border in NSW. Of those eight pairs, just one chick was raised. A Currawong destroyed one nest, another breeding pair lost their egg in a storm, and the other pairs either lost eggs to unknown means or did not lay.
Threats
The main threats to the species are secondary poisoning from rabbit baiting, plus fragmentation and degradation of its habitat. The habitat loss also causes the little Eagle to compete with the larger, more dominant Wedge-tail Eagle. Once common in the ACT, they have significantly declined by over 70% in the last 20 years.
Status
They are listed on the IUCN Red List as of least concern. The conservation status of the Little Eagle is secure in NT, Qld, SA, Vic and WA. However, it is considered vulnerable throughout NSW, with only a single population. The Little Eagle is not present in Tasmania. In NSW, the Environment Dept. has added the Little Eagle to the ‘Save our species‘ program. Among other measures, they plan to raise land managers’ awareness of the risks of secondary poisoning from using Pindone or second-generation rodenticides. Instead, they encourage alternative poisons and control techniques such as warren ripping.
The Tawny Frogmouth is a species of Frogmouth native to Australia. Their species name, Strigoides, means owl-like. However, while nocturnal and carnivorous, Tawny Frogmouths aren’t owls. They are, in fact, more closely related to Nightjars.
Appearance
The Tawny Frogmouth is a stocky bird with a large head, rounded wings and short legs. They measure from 34cm for females to 53cm tall for males and weigh 680g. There are three distinct colour morphs, grey, chestnut and rufous, with grey being the most common in both sexes.
Grey males have silver-grey upperparts with black streaks and slightly paler underparts with white barring and brown mottling. Females of the grey morph are often darker with more rufous mottling. The eye is yellow, and the broad, heavy bill is olive-grey to blackish and hooked at the tip. It is topped with distinctive tufts of bristles. Southeastern Tawny Frogmouths are larger than their northern counterparts. The name Tawny Frogmouth came from their diet of frogs. They can live up to 14 years in the wild.
Differences to Owls
The Tawny Frogmouth is not an owl. It’s a night-jay or nighthawk. They have wide forward-facing beaks for catching insects, whereas owls have narrow downward-facing beaks used to tear prey apart. Their eyes are to the side of the face, while owls have eyes fully forward on the front. Owls have curved talons, but Tawny’s do not. However, like owls, they have soft feathers for stealthy, silent flight.
Camouflage
The Tawny Frogmouth exhibits one of the best examples of camouflage and visual mimicry of Australian birds. They perch low on a tree branch during the day, and their silver-grey plumage patterned with white, black and brown streaks, and mottles allow them to freeze into the form of a broken tree branch, rendering them practically invisible. They often sit on broken branches and thrust their head up at an acute angle to emphasise the resemblance to the broken branch.
Habitat and Distribution
The Tawny Frogmouth can be found in almost any habitat except dense rainforests and treeless deserts. They are common across forests, woodlands, and urban and rural areas throughout Australia, including Tasmania.
Diet
The bulk of the Tawny Frogmouth’s diet is nocturnal insects, worms, slugs and snails, small mammals, reptiles, frogs and birds. They take their prey by pouncing from an elevated perch to the ground. They catch flying insects such as moths while the insect is in flight.
Breeding
Tawny Frogmouths have a regular breeding season from August to December, and both sexes incubate the eggs. The male will sit on the eggs during the day. However, both sexes share the egg sitting duty at night. Once the chicks hatch, the whole family can be seen roosting on the same branch, side by side. The nest of the tawny frogmouth is a loose platform of sticks in a forked tree branch. As a rule, only one clutch of 2 to 3 eggs is raised per season. However, southern Tawny’s may have two. The breeding pair will mate for life and often stay in the same territory for ten years.
Threats
Carpet Pythons take Tawny Frogmouths while they are roosting. When hunting prey on the ground, they can be taken by feral cats, dogs or foxes. The biggest threat to them, however, is habitat loss. They are reluctant to move on even once their habitat is destroyed, whether through land clearing or bushfires. Secondary poisoning from pesticides used in termite control and rat poison also impact their numbers, especially in urban areas. In addition, being nocturnal, they are vulnerable to vehicle collision as they have been known to fly after insects illuminated by headlights.
Status
The Tawny Frogmouth is considered of least concern on the IUCN Red List of threatened species.
The Wedge-tail Eagle, known colloquially as a ‘wedgie’, is the largest Australian raptor (bird of prey), standing at a metre tall. A truly magnificent bird, the Wedge-tail Eagle has an average wingspan of 2.3 metres though it can be up to 2.8 metres. They are Australia’s biggest bird of prey and one of the biggest eagles in the world and are similar in size to the American Bald Eagle. The Wedge-tail Eagle has a pale pink to cream beak, dark brown eyes, off-white feet and a wedge-shaped tail. They have a lifespan of 20 to 40 years. Males are 3.2 to 4 kg, while females are a slightly paler colour, larger and heavier at 4.2 to 5kg. Both sexes become progressively darker for the first ten years of their life.
Habitat & Distribution
The Wedge-tailed Eagle prefers wooded, forested land and open county. However, they can also be found in the mountains, near the sea, soaring in the air, or high in trees surveying their territory. The Wedge-tail is located in mainland Australia, Tasmania, and New Guinea. However, the Tasmanian Wedge-tail eagle is a distinct sub-species with genetic testing revealing the two species separated 200 to 1000 years ago. The Tasmanian population was established by mainland individuals flying across Bass Strait. Tasmanian Wedge-tails are darker in colour, have larger bodies and produce only one egg per clutch.
Diet
The Wedge-tails’ primary food source is carrion, preying on ground-dwelling animals and attacking with a fast swooping motion. Their diet consists of rabbits, mammals, lizards, possums, foxes, feral cats and carrion, and the eggs of other birds. They can carry prey up to 5kg in weight in their talons.
Eyesight
The Wedge-tail has binocular vision in which they can see their prey from great distances and in 8 times more detail than humans. In addition, their uniquely adapted eyes allow them to squeeze and extend their eyeball, enabling them to use their eyes similar to the zoom lens on a camera. Eagles have a third eyelid called the nictitating membrane. This eyelid is translucent and sweeps quickly across the eye from the inside corner. The eagle will sweep the nictitating membrane across the eye every few seconds to moisten and lubricate it. While it’s not completely clear, it still allows them to see.
Breeding
The breeding season occurs from June to October. They are monogamous, mating for life. Both the male and female groom each other during the breeding season. They build the nest together from sticks and leaves in the tallest tree in their area. The nest measures up to two metres wide and three metres deep. They often reuse the same nest year after year. A breeding pair usually only lays one clutch of eggs a year.
The female Wedge-tail lays a clutch of between 1 to 3 eggs over several days. Because of this, the eggs also hatch at different times. The female primarily incubates the eggs, while the male lines the nest daily with fresh leaves. The eggs hatch after 45 days, and chicks emerge covered in white downy feathers. The first chick that hatches is always the largest and sometimes kills the other chicks. The chicks are dependent on their parents for food for the first five weeks. The young Wedge-tail eagle leaves the nest after 12 weeks. However, they are not fully mature for six to eight years.
Threats
Wedge-tail Eagles are very common in Victoria. Sadly, farmers once considered them a menace. Convinced that the eagles carried off lambs, thousands of eagles were shot or poisoned. Subsequent research has found this false, as they rarely attack healthy lambs and never full-grown sheep. Current threats to Wedge-tails are loss of habitat due to clearing land and secondary poisoning from eating animals that have died from pesticides and baits. Road vehicle accidents also account for many deaths, with cars hitting the eagles while they are on the road eating roadkill. Additionally, wind farms also have an impact on their numbers.
Status
Wedge-tail eagles are protected in Victoria. Their status in Victoria is ‘secure’, and fines of up to $8000 apply to anyone found “killing, harassing or disturbing” the eagles.
The Rainbow Lorikeet is one of seven species of lorikeet and is native to Australia. They can be found all along the east coast of Australia, from northern Queensland through to South Australia. While they are similar in size to the Eastern Rosella, their brightly coloured plumage makes them easily distinguishable.
Habitats
The habitat of the Rainbow Lorikeet is coastal bushland, woodland, mangroves, rainforests and urban areas. They are communal roosters and join up into large, noisy flocks in the evening and early morning. However, they travel mainly in pairs. They are territorial birds, and each pair will aggressively defend its nesting and feeding area against all other birds. This aggression extends to larger birds as well as other Rainbow Lorikeets. They roost in treetops and rarely come to the ground.
Diet
Rainbow Lorikeets are herbivores and feed mainly on fruit, pollen and nectar. Their unique tongue is adapted to their diet and is long and flexible, allowing them to reach the nectar deep inside the flower. The tip of the tongue features a ‘bristle brush’ that helps lap up the nectar. Rainbow Lorikeets are the only birds in the world with this type of tongue. In addition, their muscular gizzard and intestinal tract are shorter than most birds. This makes consuming nectar highly efficient but ineffective at digesting seeds. While nectar forms most of their diet, they will also consume soft fruits such as apples, grapes, pears or figs, grains, insects, or larvae.
Breeding and lifestyle
Rainbow Lorikeets are monogamous and generally mate for life. They nest in tree hollows of eucalypts, paperbarks, honey myrtles and tea trees, choosing deep hollows from three to thirty metres off the ground to provide a safe nest away from predators. The female will lay 1-2 white, oval eggs up to three times a year. While their habitat includes rainforests, they prefer open country for nesting and generally don’t nest in rainforests. In Australia’s South and Eastern parts, they nest from August to January. In all other parts of Australia, nesting occurs year-round except for March. When the chicks hatch, they have no feathers and closed eyes. The fledgelings leave the nest after 54 to 57 days and join the communal roost. The Rainbow Lorikeet lives up to ten years in the wild and twenty-five years as pets.
Lorikeets as Pests
The Rainbow Lorikeet is considered a feral species in Western Australia (WA) after being accidentally released in 1968 from the University of WA campus. It is estimated there are now over 40,000 Rainbow Lorikeets in the wild in WA. The Department of Agriculture in WA has declared the Rainbow Lorikeet a ‘declared pest’ due to its behaviour of damaging fruit crops and bullying native birds out of their nesting sites. Consequently, they are considered a significant threat to declining birds species in WA, such as the Red-capped Parrot, Western Rosella, Australian Ringneck. The Rainbow Lorikeet is also a threat to the endangered Carnaby’s Black Cockatoo, Forest Red-tailed Black Cockatoo and Baudin’s Black Cockatoo.
Illegal releases of aviary birds in New Zealand in the 1990s resulted in a feral population of 150 to 200 birds. Subsequently, a live capture initiative from 2000 to 2002 eradicated them from the wild. However, they are also emerging as an invasive threat in Tasmania, where they compete for food and nests with the Musk Lorikeet, Swift Parrot and Green Rosella. Flocks of up to 100 birds have been spotted around the state though exact numbers in Tasmania are unknown. This has prompted authorities to trial a trapping program.