Speaking with my tourist hat on, the birds that most blew my mind when I first
came to Australia were the Rainbow Lorikeet and the Galah. The Rainbow Lorikeet
is possibly the most colourful bird in the world, and the Galah just has the
most amazing plumage - it reminded me of coconut ice. Both these birds are also
very accessible and do cute things!
Then we went to Lamington and Wow!!! King Parrots and Crimson Rosellas!!!!
Amazing. Not to mention Regent and Satin Bowerbirds which not only look
fantastic they do interesting things too such as build bowers.
I would also include Cassowary. Kookaburra, Superb Lyrebird and a really bright
fairy wren e.g. Splendid.
That's 10 then - shame about the Wedgie and the Brolga! And what about
Budgies????? They are a real high point for someone who has only previously
seen them in cages. And then the Spinebills are pretty cute ...... And I just
love Gang Gang Cockatoos (that hairdo and that creaking noise!) and the Black
Cockatoos and of course Major Mitchell's - what a crest! ...... And don't
forget the Sulphur Crested Cockatoo - to someone who has only seen pictures of
one in the Famous Five books (was it the Famous Five???) it's great to see them
in the flesh. And to experience exactly how loud they are!
So I think you can see that for me Australia is really the land of parrots -
Yes, they have them in other countries but yours are bigger, brighter and
better (with the possible exception of the south American macaws) and they are
also MUCH easier to see.
Rosemary Royle
Wales, UK
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