We spent today (12 full hours) on a birding trip with a local guide. We visited bush land, wetlands and mountainsides on the outskirts of Adelaide. We saw 85 species of birds, as well as koala, and 2 types of kangaroo: Eastern Gray and Red. The Red Kangaroos are typically found in the central dry bush country. Where we saw them is on the very eastern edge of their range. Unlike the dry year being experienced in southern New Zealand, southern Australia has had a very wet spring and early summer. This has enabled many migratory bird species to delay their migration, as their winter homes are less inhospitable than usual. This was a disappointment to our guide, but of course we were happy with what we did get to see.
We also learned more about specific species and the threats to them. For example, the population of a very cute and tiny bird named the Diamond Firetail has been decreasing for years. These birds eat seeds of grasses; the native meadow grasses bear seeds all year long, but the invasive grasses only bear seed in one season, so the birds are starving. I had never thought about this aspect of invasive plant species before.
We also learned an interesting historical fact about the green space surrounding Adelaide. The city was laid out by Colonel Light, who wanted open space encircling the city for defensive purposes, to prevent an attacking army from sneaking up on the city. At the time, the Australian settlers were concerned that the French might try to expand their colonies into Australia. While this perceived threat never materialized, the green space was retained and converted to parks and gardens.
Pictured: Chestnut Teal, Australian Ringneck (parrot), Spotted Pardalote
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