Look to the skies near Rhyll and you may be lucky enough to see a White-bellied Sea- Eagle. Words and paintings
by Patsy Hunt
In Wordsworth's poem, which I quoted at the start of this series, he is telling us that we are too much concerned with material things and worldly cares that stop us seeing the beauty of nature. Although this poem was written in 1802 (published in 1807) as a comment on the effects of the industrial revolution, it rings true today in this age of technology.
The final group of birds that provide cheer, comfort and inspiration to me are those that fly overhead. Sadly, I have noticed that many people do not look up at the sky, except perhaps to check the weather!
by Patsy Hunt
In Wordsworth's poem, which I quoted at the start of this series, he is telling us that we are too much concerned with material things and worldly cares that stop us seeing the beauty of nature. Although this poem was written in 1802 (published in 1807) as a comment on the effects of the industrial revolution, it rings true today in this age of technology.
The final group of birds that provide cheer, comfort and inspiration to me are those that fly overhead. Sadly, I have noticed that many people do not look up at the sky, except perhaps to check the weather!
 Straw-necked Ibis |  White Ibis |
Looking up into a clear sky one group of birds you are likely to see are ibis. There are two kinds here - the White Ibis (formerly the sacred ibis) with a white body and tail, black head and reddish legs, and the Straw-necked Ibis, with black head back and tail, white body and yellow straw-like breast plumes.
Ibis, with their long curved beaks, are known to fly at very high altitudes and can be seen circling on thermals - possibly just enjoying themselves. Then, when they are seriously travelling from place to place a group, sometimes quite large in number, form a V shape creating a skein of ibis. The skein is beautifully organised to reduce wind resistance and is a very efficient way to travel.
Another bird that is spectacular to watch flying high is the Australian Pelican. This large majestic bird, white with black and white wings, long pinkish beak and yellow around its eye, can also fly at high altitudes and a group of pelicans is wonderful to watch as they move gracefully across the sky with slow wing beats.
 |  The majestic Australian Pelican in flight and at rest. |
So look up to the heavens sometimes and you too may feel uplifted.
Of course there are many other birds out there to watch and enjoy but the species I have described are those that I can observe from my own home.
On a wider scale we need to learn to live with wildlife and appreciate it. All over the country many bird species face extinction. As you watch and listen to the birds, imagine what a different world it would be without them.
Sadly, modern living has tended to remove us from the natural world, probably at the cost of our health and happiness. Residential areas with an abundance of concrete, small blocks with overly large houses, small "low maintenance" gardens and little room or desire for even a few trees is creating a depressing soulless lifestyle for some inhabitants. We can surely do better!
In the meantime, I will continue to enjoy the birds in my immediate environment, and find solace in their presence.
This is the final part of The Solace of Birds, Patsy Hunt's six-part series on the birds that call Phillip island home.
Of course there are many other birds out there to watch and enjoy but the species I have described are those that I can observe from my own home.
On a wider scale we need to learn to live with wildlife and appreciate it. All over the country many bird species face extinction. As you watch and listen to the birds, imagine what a different world it would be without them.
Sadly, modern living has tended to remove us from the natural world, probably at the cost of our health and happiness. Residential areas with an abundance of concrete, small blocks with overly large houses, small "low maintenance" gardens and little room or desire for even a few trees is creating a depressing soulless lifestyle for some inhabitants. We can surely do better!
In the meantime, I will continue to enjoy the birds in my immediate environment, and find solace in their presence.
This is the final part of The Solace of Birds, Patsy Hunt's six-part series on the birds that call Phillip island home.