Meet Wattle & Willow

Willow and Wattle are two Red Wattlebirds (Anthochaera carunculata) that have been in care since they were tiny. Initially, they were supposed to be moved to their release site, but upon examination, it was found that the cage they were in was too small, resulting in improperly grown feathers and some pecking behavior. They were brought to my aviary to allow their feathers to grow correctly and to strengthen their flight ability.

Although I initially thought this environment might not be suitable to release them, my neighbor mentioned seeing many Red Wattlebirds in her garden, feeding off the flowers of the grass trees (Xanthorrhoea spp.). After about six weeks of rest, care, and plenty of nectar juice, along with a variety of flowers including banksia cones, grevillea, and the Australian Christmas Tree (Nuytsia floribunda), Willow and Wattle were successfully released. It was such a joy to be in the presence of these beautiful birds. They started by sitting on my hand or shoulder, but as time progressed, they became more and more detached from human interaction. I loved watching them extract nectar from the flowers and cones with their beaks made just for that purpose. It was heartwarming to witness their successful release and know they had a chance to thrive in the wild. I have lots of flowering grevillea in my garden, so food will always be available. They have been seen and heard since their release.  

It's moments like these that remind us of the importance of care, patience, and dedication in nurturing our native wildlife. Rehabilitating these beautiful birds was not just about helping them recover; it was about being part of their journey back to the wild, where they truly belong. The whole experience left a lasting impression on my heart

Please remember, when rehabilitating birds, ensure you have a large enough cage for them to develop correctly. Providing ample space is crucial for their proper growth and well-being.