Another of my favourite birds is the Australian Magpie, Gymnorhina tibicen. It is a combination of its dramatic black and white plumage, its beautiful voice and often friendly personality. The one exception to this would be at nesting time when signs are erected in most towns warning people of swooping magpies. They see humans as... Continue Reading →
The local pied butcherbirds were out in force yesterday afternoon gathering worms, grubs and the like in one of the large vegetable allotments kept by an avid local vegie grower. They have the most beautiful melodious call and along with magpies and their call are my favourite local 'birdsingers'.
There is a direct relationship between the decline of the local Richmond Birdwing Butterfly and loss of local rainforest habitat. The butterfly is dependent on the rainforest vine - Aristolochia praevenosa. The birdwing caterpillars only food source is this particular vine. With the loss of the ecosystems that supported this vine so has the Birdwing... Continue Reading →
I have over the last 12months been studying the tawny frogmouth and working on some ideas - drawings and prints - based around these interesting birds. Tawny frogmouths are often mistaken as owls but they have weak feet and as such are not part of the 'owl' family but are 'nightjars'. When confronted they use... Continue Reading →
Wildflowerings - Art Studio Diary 