I’m sharing some favourite shots of this year’s top three birds in the Birdlife Australia/Guardian Australian Bird of the Year poll – in reverse order, drum roll…
In third place is the magnificent Gang-gang Cockatoo. These small cockatoos are truly stunning birds. They visit lower altitudes during winter and have the most fascinating creaky-door call. Like most parrots this bird is left handed/footed. This a female Gang-gang with her exquisitely barred feathers and gentle expression. The male is more easily spotted as he has a bright red head. They form close, monogamous relationships, using large hollows for nesting and sharing incubation and feeding duties.
In second place is the iconic, adorable, amazingly camouflaged Tawny Frogmouth. Even Costa Georgiadis shared one of my tawny shots on his page – they are a very captivating species. I had a wonderful experience with an orphaned tawny, in a large flight aviary, that decided to adopt me. It was a magical experience that I wrote about in an earlier post: Tawny Frogmouth babies
There is something comical about this species that appeals to just about everyone. The way they hide in plain sight is pretty awesome, and their muppetish cuteness means they made it to second place two years in a row.
And the winner is the iconic, smile-making, totally gorgeous Superb Fairywren! These little guys are just perfect. This male is in his full breeding plumage though most of the offspring he helps to raise won’t be his. A male and female bond for life but the females sneak off on pre-dawn visits to other males that have taken their fancy. I’m concerned that the species is dwindling in some areas due to roaming cats (including my place). These fairywrens nest on or close to the ground which puts their eggs and nestlings within easy reach of feral predators. I’m hopeful that increasing numbers of cat owners will invest in catios for their pets, which are a brilliant way to keep their cats and our wildlife safer and happy. Now there’s a great idea for Christmas gifts!
Happy birding, stay safe, Kim
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Guess I have to admit the little fairy Wren is adorable, still love the Kookaburra though. your pictures are just so perfect that one has to love them all. right?
I agree Dona, it would be super hard to choose. Kookaburras were in the top ten, they came in 8th this year I think, which is pretty good when there are over 800 species to choose from.
They are ALL such cuties I wouldn’t know which to pick!!!
I totally understand that feeling Tess!
Gorgeous photos, thanks Kim! Happy to see the superb fairy-wren win, they are such delightful characters.
Thanks Chrissie! I hope you get to see lots of fairywrens in your garden and on your wanders. They haven’t been to my place for a while which is really sad as they’ve been permanent residents for years. I hope they come back soon.
So many of our birds fill my heart with joy. I refuse to chose a favourite but DO adore each and every one of the birds you have featured today.
I think my favourite is often the one I’m lucky enough to be looking at 🙂
Beautiful pictures! Diaan will love the ‘Tony Frogmouth’. I love the term catio!
‘Tony’ Frogmouth is hilarious!