Gouldian Finch Recovery

Endangered Species
There was a beautiful item on ABC TV News in Adelaide this evening about Gouldian Finches, a highly endangered species of northern Australia. This stunning bird has been in decline both numerically and in distribution for some time. It is also one species I have yet to see in the wild. A friend used to keep some in an aviary; they are one of the world’s most beautiful birds.

Large flocks
The item on the news suggested that the Gouldian Finch is making a recovery. Evidently it has been seen in some localities for the first time in over 15 years. Colleen O’Malley, from the Threatened Species Network said that flocks of 200-400 are being seen which is vastly larger than in recent years. This is still far short of the sightings of flocks in the thousands in earlier days.

For the full story click here.

For more information, and photos which do not do the species justice click here.

A better photo can be found here.

I just hope the species not only survives – but thrives. I’d like it to be easy to find and photograph when I finally get to Kakadu, Arnhem Land or other parts of northern Australia.