Australian nature meets science and art. By Paula Peeters
The mangrove kingfisher looked thin – its feathers were flattened against its body. It sort of drooped on the branch. Tail down, beak open, wings held away from the body. And see the wobbly end of its beak? That’s not … Continued
This morning, I’m feeling a bit sad that I’m not in Freemantle, Western Australia. The opening sessions have just started at the Ecological Society of Australia‘s annual conference, with a buzz of ecologists: old and young; enthusiastic and weathered; well-published … Continued
Many people consider themselves animal-lovers. Every day, strangers in the street exclaim at how gorgeous my two dogs are, and ask for a pat. Cat videos easily go viral on social media. Baby farm animals in petting pens are often … Continued
This story starts and ends with a duck. It also includes volcanoes, subtropical rainforest, an idyllic lake and a team of dedicated scientists. But let’s begin with the duck. I met the duck in Germany, in 2008. The lovely … Continued
Forty-two years ago, Nonie Metzler’s property at Jones Hill (near Gympie) was a cleared paddock where cattle grazed. Since that time, the eucalypt grassy woodland that once graced the site before clearing has been making a steady comeback. Firstly, through … Continued