Adult Male Turquoise Parrot at Kurringai Cottage photography by Simon Starr
Birds This two-acre native garden, replete with low, dense, and prickly shrubs, boasts an impressive variety of birds. The late Jill Rossiter, who owned the property, meticulously recorded and observed over 120 bird species during her 30-plus years of residence.
These handwritten notes and observations remain preserved in hard copy. Regular visitors Leonie and Trevor Robbins have compiled a bird list from these records for use on this site. Additionally, other guests have contributed their daily sightings to the Kurringai Cottage diary.
Jill, a field naturalist and avid birdwatcher, traveled extensively to document species for the RAOU Atlas of Australian Birds. Along with her cousin Doreen Nason, she welcomed ornithologists and birdwatching enthusiasts to share in photography and expand their ornithological knowledge.
Guests can comfortably engage from the verandah, both listening and observing. It’s common to see a variety of parrots, honeyeaters, and bush birds, with the Superb fairy-wren often spotted. Seasonally, Turquoise Parrots gather in the garden to feed on grass seeds in the fall and breed on the property from spring to summer. For further details, refer to “Conserving the Turquoise Parrot in the Warbys”
For further details, refer to Conserving the Turquoise Parrot in the Warbys
Eastern Spinebill. Photograph by Mike Gage at Kurringai Cottage.
BIRDWATCHING Kurringai Cottage offers exceptional birdwatching experiences. Further observations can be made on foot, strolling along the tranquil rural lane towards Glenrowan or by passing through the gate into Warby-Ovens National Park. Moreover, the grounds of Kurringai alone provide abundant entertainment for any nature lover, with special hides available on the property for use. The attached list showcases an array of impressive bird species, identified monthly, observed in or from the Kurringai Cottage Garden.
*Updated Bird List coming soon!
Additional recommended birdwatching locations include Brien’s Gorge, the neighboring Jubilee Golf Club, Sunrise Track, Dell’Oro Road, Lake Mokoan, Killawarra Forest, Wenham’s Camping Area, and Horseshoe Lagoon along the Ovens River.
Currently, in 2024, a diverse array of interesting species has been observed. The avian population is particularly thriving, with the decline in rabbit numbers leading to the emergence of several grass species previously unseen on the property. Notably, Turquoise Parrot numbers have surged, with approximately 60 individuals spotted, these parrots, along with Diamond Firetails, are frequently seen drinking near the Jim Bennett Hide, strategically placed at the pond’s northern edge.
The Diamond Firetails also feed on the seeding grasses encircling the pond. Additionally, three juvenile Yellow Rosellas, White-bellied Cuckooshrikes, and a host of regulars including Red-rumped Parrots, Peaceful Doves, White-browed Babblers, Striated Pardalotes, Yellow-tufted, New Holland, and White-plumed Honeyeaters are observed drinking at the hide in the mornings. Near the house, Diamond Firetails and Double-barred Finches gather for an afternoon drink. New Holland, Brown-headed, and White-plumed Honeyeaters, along with Superb Fairy-wrens, Willy Wagtails, and White-browed Babblers, are also regular visitors. The Yellow-footed Antechinus can be spotted near woodpiles around the house and at the eastern water points of the cottage during early mornings and late afternoons.
The Kurringai Cottage offers a delightful experience with its diverse array of birdlife, plants, native grasses, reptiles, insects, and amphibians, making it a haven for bird watchers and nature lovers. The ever-growing list of species adds to the thrill of spotting unique and rare wildlife, a cherished treasure. Chris Farrell takes immense pride in this eco-tourism gem and is excited to share his passion for Kurringai Cottage, having invested considerable effort into its wonderful enhancements and additions, all fueled by his deep affection for the wildlife and the cottage itself.
