Next Sunday marks two weeks since I moved into my "uni" (Aussie slang for university) housing, and what a whirlwind it's been! While I’ve been settling in, I decided to go for a run last weekend—and that’s when I stumbled upon Australia's birds of a park in Bentley.
To my surprise, the park was alive with birds I had never seen before! As someone who loves wildlife photography, I couldn’t resist capturing these feathered locals. Here are some of the fascinating birds I spotted!
The first bird I came across was the New Holland Honeyeater—a striking little bird with black, white, and vibrant yellow markings. These guys are found throughout Southern Australia and even here in Perth! They’re quick, energetic, and always on the move, darting from flower to flower in search of nectar.
Next up, the Purple Swamphen—and let me tell you, these birds are hilarious. The moment I stepped closer to take a picture, it bolted across the grass like it was late for an important meeting! While they can fly short distances, they mostly prefer running and wading through wetlands. Their deep purple-blue plumage and bright red beaks make them impossible to miss.
I also came across a group of ducks near the water, including one of their adorable ducklings. There’s something about Australian ducks that makes them stand out, perhaps it’s the way their feathers catch the light or the striking contrast of colors. One feature that particularly caught my eye was the bright green patch of iridescent feathers on their wings.
Ah, the Galah—one of Australia’s most recognizable cockatoos! These cheeky birds travel in large, noisy flocks and are instantly recognizable by their soft pink bellies and grey wings. A fun fact: Galahs form lifelong pair bonds, but if one partner passes away, the surviving bird will eventually find a new mate. Both parents take on the responsibility of raising their young, making them some great bird parents!
Birdwatching at Yanchep National Park
A few days later, I took a trip to Yanchep National Park, where I was lucky enough to spot even more incredible birds.
While grabbing a quick bite at the Yanchep Inn (which was actually not quick at all as they were busy on a Saturday), I noticed a group of Australian Ringnecks hanging around the restaurant. These parrots have striking green, yellow, and blue feathers, and they seem to have mastered the art of charming visitors into sharing their food! But don't do it, as there are signs to keep the wild life... wild!
This pictures depicts most likely a Superb Fairywren which are recognized by its black and blue feathers. I found this little guy hoping around the grassy area near the Kangaroos!
Lastly, I spotted an Australian Magpie perched on a branch right next to a sleeping koala (More pictures coming soon!). It seemed almost curious about me, striking a confident pose as I took its photo. Magpies are known for their intelligence, beautiful flute-like calls, and, of course, their swooping habits in spring! Luckily, this one was more interested in people-watching than attacking unsuspecting passersby.
Sources & more information:
ChatGPT
Birds in Backyard: https://www.birdsinbackyards.net/species/Phylidonyris-novaehollandiae
Comments