I’m filled with heartache by the ongoing fires that are ravaging Australia, filled with anger by a government that pays lip service to climate change, and filled with admiration for the firefighters, the teams supporting them and everyone who is supporting affected people and wildlife.
Australian Magpie (Cracticus tibicen)
1/1000, f/6.3, ISO 1600
Canon 5DsR, Canon 200-400
I was about to write that this hungry young Australian Magpie is oblivious to the crisis but I took the image on Phillip Island and perhaps the birds can see the Gippsland fires as they fly and perhaps they are aware of smoke in the air.
Here are some ways you can help, with clickable links:
Victoria Warriors for Wildlife
Knitting and sewing ideas – please check with the organisation before making joey pouches, koala mitten, flying fox ‘mumma wraps’ etc
Wildlife Rescue and Protection
I was hoping to find organisations relevant to other states also impacted by bushfires but my internet is slow. Please let me know if I’ve missed an organisation important to you.
And, on top of all this, the Victorian Government is about to make a decision regarding this year’s duck shooting season. If you have a moment to send a brief email to Dan Andrews and your local MP it would be welcome and timely support for the Ban Duck Shooting campaign. We don’t need more wildlife deaths to add to 500 million believed lost to the current disasters.
Happy birding, seriously happy birding. I find comfort in the little things at times like this and I hope you do too. Seeing thornbills taking a bath, or hearing kookaburras laugh, or watching as a bedraggled Wedge-tail Eagle soared above me as I filled the bird baths.
Take care out there
Kim
~ Facebook page Kim Wormald – lirralirra Facebook group Ethical Bird Photography
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Baby Magpies are so comical. They’re the size of the adult and stand next to them while squawking for mum/dad to pick up that morsel and drop it in my mouth! I am privileged to hear their beautiful song both at home and work every day. Hard to find something more Aussie, and yet the fire grounds must be eerie in their silence, as if waiting with bated breath.
I have delivered several joey pouches to rescuers to aid in the recovery. We all have something we can contribute and there’s so many people doing so much.
You are so right about young magpies! It’s great that you’ve delivered pouches to rescuers, it’s good to think of the vulnerable little joeys that will be snuggling in them.
Must have slipped off the email.
There was a glitch for a few weeks Margot, so sorry. I hope you enjoy catching up with missed posts 🙂
My heart aches. And breaks.
To read of birds crashing to the earth with their feathers burned away…
I worry too for the birds/animals who survive (though they may be injured) and face extreme difficulties in finding food and water.
Huge thanks for the links, and the beautiful magpie.
It’s drizzling here at the moment EC, after a day in the low 30s, and yet there is still so much smoke in the air that I can’t see the nearby hill. I’ve been researching about food and water for wildlife and will hopefully have enough information to share for this week’s post.
PS I think the issue with subscriber emails and follow up comments has been fixed (thank you Joy!)