Both species have very similar habitats in that wintering period. One day, I went for a drive down to Sydney, and on my way back, I'd heard there were some Swift Parrots in the area.
Now, I'd never seen them before. I've lived in Tasmania for a number of years. I bought a conservation block just outside of Hobart, that is, with Swift Parrot habitat, but I'd never seen one. And I stopped into this site, just south of Newcastle, and I saw my first Swift Parrot. But it wasn't one, it was 200! This was about 2017 or 18, and it's probably one of the largest flocks that's been seen for that species in a number of years.
They were very low, they were feeding on Swamp Mahogany, and just chattering away and roosting for the night. It was one of the most amazing experiences I've seen for a long time.
Then on a morning in 2023, I came to Bruny Island, and I saw 16 or so Swift Parrots looking around in search for hollows just on the northern side of Bruny, and that's the first time I've seen Swift Parrots here in Tasmania. And that's one my special experiences with nature, but I've got plenty more. I do love Parrots, and I have to say, they are amazing, amazing birds.
Both species have very similar habitats in that wintering period. One day, I went for a drive down to Sydney, and on my way back, I'd heard there were some Swift Parrots in the area.
Now, I'd never seen them before. I've lived in Tasmania for a number of years. I bought a conservation block just outside of Hobart, that is, with Swift Parrot habitat, but I'd never seen one. And I stopped into this site, just south of Newcastle, and I saw my first Swift Parrot. But it wasn't one, it was 200! This was about 2017 or 18, and it's probably one of the largest flocks that's been seen for that species in a number of years.
They were very low, they were feeding on Swamp Mahogany, and just chattering away and roosting for the night. It was one of the most amazing experiences I've seen for a long time.
Then on a morning in 2023, I came to Bruny Island, and I saw 16 or so Swift Parrots looking around in search for hollows just on the northern side of Bruny, and that's the first time I've seen Swift Parrots here in Tasmania. And that's one my special experiences with nature, but I've got plenty more. I do love Parrots, and I have to say, they are amazing, amazing birds.
The forty-spotted pardalote is one of Australia's most endangered birds and is only found in tiny pockets of white gum woodland on Tasmania's east coast. Ecologically, it's probably one of the most remarkable birds on the planet, says wildlife ecologist Dr Sally Bryant. That's because it farms its own food.
Tasmania offers some of the world’s most wonderfully wild, raw and remote multi-day walking. Tasmania’s multi-day walks range from well frequented, well maintained and well-marked walking tracks for ‘entry level’ walkers, through to remote hiking on rarely frequented or unmarked trails.
Biologist and Pulitzer winner E.O. Wilson's proposes a bold plan to preserve the world’s biodiversity: set aside half of the entire planet for natural habitats.
For writer Tim Winton, it's no secret the World Heritage-listed Ningaloo coast in his native WA is a place he feels intrinsically linked to, and duty-bound to protect. Here, he describes the power of eco-tourism over big industry and why we should leave our wild special places as we find them.
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