Fig loving lorrikeet

sallysetsforth sent me this wonderful photo of a Scaly breasted lorrikeet feeding on figs in her Melbourne garden.

Normally scaly breasted lorrikeets are found further north than Melbourne, in coastal areas of NSW and Queensland, Australia. But according to Pizzey and Knight Field Guide to the Birds of Australia the Melbourne colony was established from some aviary escapees.

Here in Perth we see the Rainbow Lorikeet which was somehow introduced and is fast expanding its range. But that's another story.

Nankeen night heron will eat goldfish

This photo was sent to me of a beautiful Nankeen night heron in breeding plummage, taken in a Melbourne garden. What attracts it to come into gardens you may wonder? Why a supply of tasty goldfish.

In Perth these birds are normally found around lakes, e.g. Lake Joondalup, or the Swan River, where they come out to feed in the evening. the Birds in Backyards website has more information.