It is reported that there are only about 500 Swift Parrots in the wild. In our last trip to Chiltern on 9 May 2024, there were about 20 to 30 of them at the watering hole we visited. Seeing so many parrots in one spot gives one a false impression that these parrots are common. I have been told that the 500 figure is very credible.

These parrots breeds in Tasmania and migrate to the mainland in Winter. The lost of habitant and predation by introduced species have contributed to their decline. Hopefully, these magnificent creatures can recover from this predicament.

Nikon Z 9, Nikkor Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S, Nikon Z TC-1.4X @ 1120mm 1/800s f/9 ISO4000 (left) ISO1800 (right)