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Long-billed Corellas are a magnificent sight in the wild, often flying in large flocks, filling the sky with their presence and their loud wavering and screeching calls.

Today’s portraits are of Kevin, the Long-billed Corella who features as part of Healesville Sanctuary’s Spirits of the Air program. As much as I loathe the thought of birds being caged the sanctuary birds are rescues that would not survive in the wild. They’d either be humanely euthanised or some, like Kevin, live out their lives in spacious flight aviaries and become part of a team that educate and inspire the general public to take more interest in our beautiful birds.

I love the intense look in the image above, as though he is intelligently surveying the audience – which I’m sure is true.

These corellas are easily confused with Little Corellas but can be identified by their long upper bills and the reddish-orange markings on their faces and upper breasts. I’m fascinated by the texture of the bare skin around their eyes.

I took a few portrait shots of Kevin on my recent visit to the sanctuary. He is a huge crowd pleaser as he dances, laughs, growls, says ‘wings’ and turns around on his perch. Part of the show implores everyone to use recycled toilet paper, such a simple, vital request that would make a huge difference to our forests. Bamboo is also a choice in my local shops.

These social birds are sometimes shot if deemed to be causing issues, especially on golf courses, despite there being many successful deterrents available. If you’re interested in supporting the efforts of the Australian Native Parrot Protection Association please visit and like their Facebook page either by searching or by clicking this link: www.facebook.com/AusNativeParrotProtectionAssociation

I love the shot above, it looks as though he’s saying listen to me, listen to nature. If we do the world will be a better place for all us.

Stay safe, happy birding, Kim

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