One unforgettable bird encounter for me happened on an afternoon birding adventure with friends I’d connected with through wildlife photography. We headed out to Plenty Gorge in Victoria with one hopeful goal in mind: finding Gang-gang Cockatoos. After a couple of hours of searching, it felt like it was just one of those unsuccessful days, which happens and that’s ok.

Then we heard it a faint creaking call drifting through the sky. We stopped, turned, and followed the distinctive sound, and what we found still feels unreal.

Perched ahead of us was not one or two, but a flock of around fifty Gang-gang Cockatoos, all feeding quietly on hawthorn berries. We were fortunate enough to observe them for nearly an hour as they nibbled away and moved through the trees. It was my first time seeing Gang-gangs, and witnessing so many at once, especially knowing they’re a threatened species in Australia, made the moment incredibly special. It’s an encounter that deepened my appreciation for these birds and the importance of protecting them.

Keeping it close to home, across the ditch, my golden ticket destination would be the South Island of New Zealand/Aotearoa to see the elusive yet inquisitive Kea. Originally being from New Zealand and growing up surrounded by incredible birdlife, there’s just something about the Kea that makes it so iconic. Returning home with fresh eyes and seeking out a species that is found nowhere else in the world would be pretty darn special.

Kea are intelligent, curious, and full of personality. Sadly, they are currently listed as endangered, with their population continuing to decline due to habitat loss and human related threats. Seeing a Kea in the in the wild wouldn’t just be about ticking a bird off a list, it would be a gentle reminder of how special and fragile New Zealand’s endemic wildlife is.

Birding has become such an enjoyable part of my life, even though it wasn’t something I paid much attention to at first. It all started when I got into wildlife photography in my mid-twenties, and I quickly realised just how fascinating Australia’s birdlife is. Now I often catch movement out of the corner of my eye and can’t help but smile, able to tell the species by a flash of colour or a quick movement. Along the way, I’ve met many new friends who share the same passion for birds and nature, making every outing even more memorable.

Seeing birds in their natural habitat, whether they are grazing, bathing, or just playing around, makes me happy. It’s a great excuse to get outdoors and appreciate the world around us. Birding has become more than a hobby to me, it’s a way to slow down, notice the small details, and connect with nature in a way that feels grounding and endlessly rewarding. It is therapy.