Sulphur-crested cockatoo

In Kakadu I have found myself spending a lot of time with a pair of binoculars in my hand and making the time to sit, relax and enjoy watching the activities of our feathered friends.

I felt quite fortunate to see a family of young whistling ducks, black and white striped rajah shelduck ducklings and a jacana chick bobbing across lily pads to his father.

Comb-crested jacana | Image James Hunt

My heart quickened as whistling kites swooped overhead, darting to catch grasshoppers that were escaping the flames from controlled seasonal burns. Black kites amassed in trees waiting to join the feeding frenzy – causing me to wonder how these birds tolerate such extreme heat.

A sulphur-crested cockatoo graced us with its presence during a lookout talk at Burrunguy (Nourlangie Rock). It was too busy feeding to notice us creeping quietly closer with bated breath. The bird life in the park is so diverse and so apparent you have no choice but to watch in wonder and to feel privileged doing so.

Angela, Seasonal ranger, Kakadu National Park

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