So now, you may have noticed we’ve never featured a Woodpecker before. Well, all that changes today. You’ll no doubt be familiar with what a Woodpecker’s all about: they’re birds that peck wood. They spend their days slamming their faces into branches — what a life. But not all Woodpeckers peck wood for the sameContinue reading “Bird 133 – Acorn Woodpecker”
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Bird 132 – Wren-like Rushbird
Could this be the last week of lockdown? Who can say? Either way, while we keep holding down the lock your double weekly dose of birdie thoughts and feelings keeps circling like a Vulture in an updraft. Anyway, readers who have been with me for a while may remember the numerous Wrens we’ve featured. ThereContinue reading “Bird 132 – Wren-like Rushbird”
Bird 131 – Spix’s Macaw
I feel the time has come to meet the famous Spix’s Macaw (Cyanopsitta spixii). How famous are we talking? Ever seen the film, Rio? No, neither have I. Apparently that’s a Spix’s though. They’re a beautiful blue Macaw from the jungles of Brazil. Macaws are famed for being some of the biggest parrots getting around, butContinue reading “Bird 131 – Spix’s Macaw”
Bird 130 – False Knees
It’s a Friday, bonus, lockdown, Bird of the Week double. That’s right, we’re back with something a little different to help you finish your week in the world of corona. Today I would like to introduce you to the work of Joshua Barkman, author of one of my favourite web comics, False Knees. He does theseContinue reading “Bird 130 – False Knees”
Bird 129 – White-winged Chough
This is one for all my fellow Canberrans. There is a bird that you’ve probably seen getting around the suburbs of Canberra; it’s black, but it isn’t a Raven; it has a splash of white on its wing, but it isn’t a Magpie or a Currawong. No, no, this bird is the White-winged Chough (CorcoraxContinue reading “Bird 129 – White-winged Chough”
Bird 128 – John & Elizabeth Gould
Lock down is still with us, so this week another bonus bird that’s a bit different. Today I would like to introduce you to the 19th Century ornithology power couple, John and Elizabeth Gould. John Gould (1804-1881) is probably the most famed ornithologist of all time. He was the first to document many species ofContinue reading “Bird 128 – John & Elizabeth Gould”
Bird 127 – Secretary Bird
After last week’s Bearded Vulture, it seemed like a good time to feature another misfit from the Raptor family. Please check your socks are firmly affixed, for they are about to be knocked off by this week’s bird, the Secretary Bird (Sagittarius Serpentarius). Most famed for being the answer to what would happen if you crossedContinue reading “Bird 127 – Secretary Bird”
Bird 126 – Bearded Vulture
Birds flying on a Wednesday, birds flying on a Monday. What’s even going on these days? Time has no meaning during lock down, where every week feels like a month, every day feel like a second and last year is now Thursday. My haphazard schedule aside, today we’re going to take a little look atContinue reading “Bird 126 – Bearded Vulture”
Bird 125 – Musician Wren
I get that given the stressful times we’re in we could all use a bit of relief. So while lock down continues I’ll try to bring you the occasional additional bird that’s a little different from the usual fare to (maybe) brighten your day. This week’s bonus bird is brought to you by Emily Dickinson.Continue reading “Bird 125 – Musician Wren”
Bird 124 – Lilac-breasted Roller
Today I’d like to introduce you to what is probably the most photogenic bird of all, the Lilac-breasted Roller (Coracias caudatus) When I get a bird like this I think the only thing I need to do is show you pictures of it. I mean, when was the last time you saw a bird thatContinue reading “Bird 124 – Lilac-breasted Roller”
Bird of the Week 