Embedded Files
Visited: Autumn and Winter
Recommendation: These gardens have a combination of captive animals and birds which provide great photographic opportunities and walks through wild areas with parrots, honeyeaters and other bush birds.
I headed initially towards the Botanical Gardens as they are always promising. It was a wide open space around the car park and while I didn't really see many exotic plants, there were plenty of birds and it was very pleasant.
At the far end of the gardens, I saw a cafe next to a playground and then just behind them some dingo running about. After a swift double take, I saw that there was a mini zoo within the gardens. I had a look and saw there was a free flying aviary in there. I don't really like birds in captivity but I couldn't help having a look. I guess it is a tricky situation with rescued and injured birds and this is a compromise for all.
The aviary was large and very tall, probably the best I have seen and despite my misgivings, I loved it. The Galah, Cockatiel and Regent Parrots sat on my shoulders and head (glad I wore the hat). Some of my shots were taken with a parrot sitting on the lens! All in all, it was a good way to educate people about the local birdlife. Here are some of the highlights.
Bourke's Parrot (Neopsephotus bourkii)
The Bourke's Parrot, also known as the Bourkes Parakeet, Blue-vented Parrot, Sundown Parrot, Pink-bellied Parrot or Bourke, is a small and adorable parrot native to Australia.
These are relatively small parrots, measuring around 18-23 cm in length. They have a dusty brown body with a pink or rose-coloured abdomen and chest. Males can be distinguished by a blue forehead band, while females lack this feature and are generally duller in colour.
Bourke's Parrots are found in arid and semi-arid regions of inland Australia, inhabiting areas with mulga scrubs, acacia woodlands, and cypress woodlands.
These mellow birds are known for their calm and gentle temperament. They are sociable creatures, living in pairs or small flocks in the wild. Unlike many other parrots, they are relatively quiet during the day, becoming more active at dawn and dusk.
Budgerigar (Melopsittacus undulatus)
Cockatiel (Nymphicus hollandicus)
Regent Parrot (Polytelis anthopeplus)
The Regent Parrot has two subspecies: the eastern subspecies (Polytelis anthopeplus monarchoides) and the western subspecies (Polytelis anthopeplus westralis). Their habitat preferences differ slightly.
The Eastern Regent Parrot is found in southeastern Australia, particularly along the Murray-Darling basin region of South Australia, New South Wales, and Victoria. They prefer river red gum trees for nesting and mallee woodlands dominated by eucalypt species like red and yellow mallee for feeding grounds.
The Western Regent Parrot is found in a smaller area in southwestern Australia and they prefer open forests and woodlands, particularly those dominated by Salmon Gum for nesting and feeding.
Dingo (Canis lupus dingo)
Out of the aviary, I went to look at the Dingo. They were in a big enclosure and had lots of stimulation. They looked very fit and happy. Despite a wire fence, I was pretty happy with this shot.
Outside the zoo I heard some rosella and went in search of them. I saw the brightly colored Eastern Rosella but I knew I had heard the Crimson as well. To my delight, it was a yellow morph Crimson Rosella. Try explaining that to the non-birder who thought all the parrots were budgies in the aviary!
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse