Mesmerising footage captures biggest outback budgie flocks in 10 years
By Lucy Jones 6 August 2021
Watch thousands of birds flock to outback water holes after perfect breeding conditions boost Australia's budgie populations.
It's been another difficult week for Australians with many of us in lockdown across the country. But we have just the thing to lift your spirits on a Friday afternoon: six solid minutes of budgies.
Captured by ABC Outback, the beautiful footage shows giant flocks of budgies drinking water and having a dip in Australia's red centre.
Budgie populations are at an all-time high this year due to perfect breeding conditions across the country. Mark Carter, a bird watcher and trained zoologist from Alice Springs, told ABC News that this has resulted in the biggest outback budgie event in 10 years.
"This event involves huge number of birds across the landscape," he said.
"If you do the maths on how many budgies are out there across the landscape, it's mind-boggling,"
Budgie populations have exploded due to ample rainfall and low cattle numbers, which have given grasses time to seed. At day-break thousands of budgies are flocking to water holes and dams in outback Australia for a drink.
"It's got to be one of the most iconic sights in the outback… one of the great natural wonders of the world is these huge budgie flocks," Matthew said.
Watching the clip below, we wholeheartedly agree. Press play for what we promise will be the six most peaceful minutes of your day.
Positive Environment News has been compiled using publicly available information. Planet Ark does not take responsibility for the accuracy of the original information and encourages readers to check the references before using this information for their own purposes.
Lucy started her career working as a writer and editor in print and digital publishing. She went on to create content for Australia's leading sustainable fashion platform while completing her Master of Cultural Studies. Lucy spends her downtime at the beach, crocheting and hanging out with her cat Larry. She believes words can change the world and is stoked to help Planet Ark spread the message of positive environmental change.
