Home Topics Wildlife Photographer’s incredible images of budgie bonanza

Photographer’s incredible images of budgie bonanza

Image credit: Angus Newey

THE RESIDENTS OF Alice Springs have sighted plenty of small flocks of budgies in recent months. Now, reports of flocks up to 5,000 strong, darkening the skies over local water sources, have been confirmed.

Budgies normally travel in flocks of around 100, but they have been breeding prolifically this year due to good rain. This is a normal part of the boom-bust cycle of central Australia.

Related: Budgerigars: Australia’s colourful, clever and much-loved avian gift to the world

When the rains dry up, the inflated population goes in search of water and massive numbers converge on available sources – often manmade dams and bore holes – creating an impressive spectacle. Residents report that they haven’t seen anything quite on the current scale for over a decade.

Photographer Angus Newey, who works for the Alice Springs Desert Park, was in a perfect position to capture the incredible event.

Read Next

Nest of endangered coastal emu found in northern NSW

A coastal emu nest has been discovered on the NSW North Coast, where the population of the endangered species is estimated at fewer than 40 individuals.

Plot twist: giving old graveyards new life as parks can improve cities

Old graveyards and cemeteries are a forgotten land asset that can find new life as urban parks in crowded cities.

Colour and song most at risk as birdlife declines due to poor urban design

The birds that fill our mornings with songs and our parks and gardens with colour are disappearing from our cities, a new study has found.