Figbird, Adelaide Zoo
Figbird (female), Adelaide Zoo
The Adelaide Zoo has a very strong collection of Australian birds, including some that are rare and endangered. It also includes a number of species I have yet to see in their natural environment. Observing these birds in the zoo’s aviaries is a good way to become familiar with these birds before heading out to see them. The two walk-through aviaries are also a great opportunity to hone my photographic skills. Being able to get close to the birds is a great advantage.
One species in the collection which I have yet to add to my Australian list is the Figbird. There are two races: the Green Figbird (shown here) and the Yellow Figbird. It is a bird of the rainforests and woodlands in northern and eastern Australia where it is common. It also occurs in PNG and Indonesia. Its preferred food is fruit, hence the name.
The top photo is a close-up of a female who later sat on her nest – shown in the photo below. The third photo is a very poor, out of focus shot of the male. I only include it to show the difference in plumage colours between the male and the female. Next time I walk through that aviary I will try to get a photo which is in focus.
Further reading:
- Adelaide Zoo – articles from my archives
Figbird (female) on nest, Adelaide Zoo
Poor photo of a male Figbird, Adelaide Zoo
Call for ban on duck shooting
I try not to be too controversial or political on this site. My main purpose in writing this blog is to showcase the beauty and wonder of Australian birds, often through my photographs. This site is also filling an educational role in helping people to understand more about this country’s avifauna.
On special occasions I do make some controversial statements, like when I speak out about the damage domestic cats do to the Australian wildlife, including birds, mammals and reptiles.
Duck shooting
Another topic that can get me annoyed and angry is the matter of duck shooting. Here in Australia each state has its own regulations and laws concerning recreational shooting. I believe it is much tighter here than in other countries, including the United States where many of my readers reside. Shooters are far more actively into lobbying for their “rights” in other countries, but it concerns me that strong lobby groups are gaining momentum here in Australia. And they seem to have a growing political clout with the decision makers.
Conservation and birding groups have been trying to get recreational shooting – especially duck shooting – banned for some years. A newly elected government in the state of Victoria has been pressured into extending the hunting season, and increased the number of ducks that can be shot. I find it abhorrent that people take pleasure in killing wildlife in the name of “sport” or “fun”. We have severe penalties for harming almost all of our native species of birds and animals; why should ducks be any different?
You can read a passionate and informed article on the Birds Australia website here. It includes the email address of the premier of Victoria if you wish to complain.
Further reading:
- The problem with cats
- Birds and cats do not mix
- Why do baby birds disappear?
- Foul political decision is a lame duck – article on the Birds Australia site
Pacific Black Duck, Adelaide Botanic Gardens
Flamingos, Adelaide Zoo
Chilean Flamingo, Adelaide Zoo
The Adelaide Zoo has only two flamingos in its good collection of birds. The one shown in the photo above is the Chilean Flamingo.The other one is the Greater Flamingo, shown below.
The Chilean Flamingo is found in many parts of South America, while the Greater Flamingo is found in parts of Africa, Asia and Europe.
Further reading:
- Chilean Flamingo – read more about this species on the zoo’s site
- Greater Flamingo – more information on the Adelaide Zoo site
Greater Flamingo, Adelaide Zoo