The Superb Parrot - An Aussie Under Threat

Superb Parrots like this male feed on a range of foods such as seeds, fruits and flowers

The largely green Superb Parrot is a swift flyer that like many Australian species is under continued pressure at the hands of man and faces continued pressure from introduced species. This long-tailed Australian native that occupies parts of NSW, the ACT and Victoria has a federal threat listing of vulnerable.

In search of Bourke's

Bourke's in the early morning light

I made a field trip recently with the main aim of viewing, studying and photographing Psephotus and Neopsephotus grass parrots. One species of Psephotus, the Red-rumped Parrot can be seen if I travel around one to two hours from home. However for this trip I was aiming to see the Bourke's Parrot and the Mulga Parrot. 

Paradise and Softbills

Rainbow Pitta with a meal worm in the beak

I went for a visit to the home of Jeff Bray and Rod Leys recently. Jeff has long been one of Australia's finest Softbill breeders and since retirement from work Jeff and Rod's collection has steadily increased. I always enjoy visiting and what makes it that much more enticing is that the home and aviaries are surrounded by superb gardens tendered too by Jeff and Rod. It is a true paradise.