A flying visit from a Budgerigar

Budgerigar

I has been quite a while since my last post here, and I certainly haven’t posted much in recent months. I’ve been very busy completing my thesis paper for my Master of Arts (Creative Writing). That’s now done and dusted, printed and bound and sent off to the examiners. You can read all about the journey – and how I went about writing my children’s novel here.

The week before last I took a short break from my writing and sat outside with a refreshing coffee. I needed to clear my head from all that editing, proofreading and rewriting on my book. I’d only just sat down and a brilliant flash of green landed in a tree in our back garden, just a few metres from where I sat enjoying my cuppa.

A solitary Budgerigar parrot had come to visit. Over 26 years living in the same house, this was only the second time we’d had a wild budgie in our garden. They are far more common much further north than where we live. Sadly, it was but a flying visit. It gave a couple of hearty chirps and flew off. It hasn’t been back.

There is some chance that it could have been an escaped bird from someone’s aviary; this species is commonly kept as a pet. It’s behaviour suggested otherwise – it was very nervous and flew off quickly, even when I whistled to attract its attention. Still, a flying visit is better than no visit at all.

And it’s certainly better than missing it completely while stuck in front of my computer.

Good birding.

Further reading:

Southern Boobook Owl

Southern Boobook Owl, Murray Bridge

Southern Boobook Owl, Murray Bridge

Just as we were heading off to bed last night we heard a Southern Boobook Owl calling. It was calling persistently, even when I went up close to it with a torch. I raced back inside for the camera and managed two reasonable photos before it silently flew off again.

This owl species is wide spread throughout Australia where suitable habitat exists. Its call is familiar to many people but the bird is not as often seen. It has been quite a while since we last had one calling in our garden.

Other nocturnal species I have recorded in our garden over the years include:

  • Barn Owl
  • Australian Owlet-nightjar
  • Spotted Nightjar
  • Tawny Frogmouth
Southern Boobook Owl, Murray Bridge

Southern Boobook Owl, Murray Bridge

Happy Birthday Trevor

Pied Imperial Pigeon

It’s my birthday today.

Am I allowed a moment of self indulgence – and wish myself a Happy Birthday?

Why not take a moment out of your busy day and leave a greeting in the comments section?

I’d be mighty pleased if you did – and you would make my birthday a memorable one.

Happy Birthday – and happy birding.

Oops – I forgot my blog’s 5th birthday

Australian Pelican

Oops – I forgot a significant event in the life of this site – its 5th birthday. This site has been going now for over 5 years. I wrote an article about this event and back dated it here.

Further reading:

Guest speaker about Australian birds

White-headed Pigeon

Last week I had the privilege of talking about Australian birds to two community groups here in Murray Bridge, South Australia.

At the first meeting, a church group, I had an audience of eight. Despite the small number, my talk was well received and the photos shown much enjoyed.

On the following morning I spoke to the Mobilong Ladies Probus Club, this time to 108 ladies. Again the talk and photos were well received, and they laughed at my jokes which is a bonus. On the down side, I went a little over time so there was no time for questions.

I have done this presentation to nearly a dozen community groups now so I’m getting a name for myself. I’m prepared to speak to any group about my passionate interest.

I’m even prepared to travel interstate – if a plane ticket is provided! (Hey – no harm in hinting!)

Good birding.