Happy New Year! Hope you’ve had a great start to 2026. If you’re already a follower of my Bird’s-eye view calendar, thank you for being here. If this is your first time with my calendar, welcome!
Our pin up for January is an adult male Spotted Pardalote (Pardalotus punctatus). A key difference between the male and female is the adult male has a bright yellow throat whereas the female has a cream or pale-buff coloured throat.
This photo is special to me so I thought it would be a nice way to start the year. It represents one of those magical moments in life and birding! We were visiting Girraween National Park for the first time and exploring one of the flatter tracks, the ones that appear to be crushed rock that make a loud sound every time you take a step. Zero possibility of walking quietly so as not to disturb the birds.
I stopped to listen for any sounds that might suggest a bird was nearby and I felt and heard something whiz past my ear, and then a second time. It took me a while to figure out that the sound was a male and female spotted pardalote taking turns flying back and forth across the track to collect nesting material. It took me even longer to locate where they were landing so I could move out of their path and take a photo (at a distance of course)! If you have never seen a spotted pardalote before, they are tiny birds – 15 grams or less – amazing that I managed to spot them (pun intended). I hope you love the photo as much as I do.
You may notice that there are quite a few photos in the calendar this year from a place called Ballandean which is five minutes from Girraween NP. One of these photos is the front cover of the Laughing Kookaburra.
In 2026 I hope to share some new bird-themed products and a new children’s book! Pet portrait commissions are opening Monday Jan 5th, 2026 and I have spaces available if you would like to book.
I also have lots of exploring planned for this year so stay tuned for bird photos from some different locations!
Enjoy your January!