Feathers and Flights: Discovering the Avian Wonders of Mount Victoria

Perched majestically at the highest point of the stunning Blue Mountains, the charming town of Mount Victoria offers more than just breathtaking vistas and historic charm. For those with an eye to the sky, it’s a vibrant, open-air aviary, a daily spectacle of colour, calls, and captivating feathered friends. If you’re a bird enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates nature’s dazzling artistry, prepare to be amazed by the incredible array of birds you’ll encounter here.

Mount Victoria’s unique altitude and diverse native bushland create a perfect habitat for a flourishing avian population. It’s not uncommon to step out your door – or even look out from the window of the Victoria & Albert Guesthouse – and be greeted by a symphony of squawks, chirps, and the distinctive laughter of our resident kookaburras.

Leading the charge in this daily aerial parade are the magnificent Black and Red-tailed Cockatoos. These striking birds, with their glossy plumage and flashes of brilliant crimson, are truly a sight to behold. Their powerful presence and unmistakable calls add a wild, untamed beauty to the mountain air. Just as iconic, but perhaps a little more playful, are the ever-present Galahs. With their dusty rose and grey feathers, they are the clowns of the sky, often seen tumbling and squawking in joyful flocks.

And speaking of flocks, prepare for what feels like an army of parrots and cockatoos! The skies and trees around Mount Victoria are a kaleidoscope of colour, dominated by an astonishing variety of species. You’ll spot the vibrant greens and blues of Crimson Rosellas and Eastern Rosellas, the dazzling multi-hued splashes of Rainbow Lorikeets, and the bold yellows and whites of the highly intelligent Sulphur-crested Cockatoos. Keep an eye out for the truly regal Major Mitchell’s Cockatoo, with its unmistakable pink body and a crest that looks like it’s been hand-painted with splashes of red and yellow.

Our avian cast also includes the distinct calls of the Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoo and the more elusive Glossy Black-Cockatoo. The playful smaller cockatoos like the Little Corella and Long-billed Corella add to the aerial acrobatics, while the energetic Musk Lorikeet and tiny Little Lorikeet dart through the canopy. Adding to the rich tapestry are the grand Australian King Parrot, and the beautiful ground-feeding Red-rumped Parrot and Turquoise Parrot. These birds aren’t shy; they often perch on branches close by, seemingly posing for your admiration.

Then there are the beloved Kookaburras, Australia’s unofficial feathered ambassadors. Their hearty, bubbling “kookaburra sits on the old gum tree” laugh is an undeniable soundtrack to life in the Blue Mountains. Seeing one perched stoically, scanning the ground for its next meal, before letting out that iconic chuckle, is a truly heartwarming experience.

The beauty of birdwatching in Mount Victoria is its accessibility. You don’t need special equipment or a remote location; these stunning creatures are an integral part of the town’s daily rhythm. Whether you’re enjoying a morning coffee, taking a stroll down a historic street, or simply relaxing on a verandah, you’re likely to witness nature’s vibrant show.

So, when you visit Mount Victoria, look up, listen closely, and let yourself be captivated by the incredible feathered residents. It’s an experience that truly adds another layer of wonder to this “historic and unexpected” corner of the Blue Mountains.