When you’re next out exploring Barton Gully at Kingston Park, be aware that you’ll be sharing the space with a Tawny frogmouth family.
Not commonly seen in urban settings, two babies can be seen in the photo, which was taken with a long lens camera, with an adult sitting behind them. Another adult bird was seen close by but is not in the photo.
The young birds are estimated to be a few weeks old but will stay with their parents for quite some time, even after they can fly.
Frogmouths are nocturnal carnivores and eat centipedes, worms, spiders, snails, and sometimes larger prey like frogs and small birds.
While they look similar to owls, Tawny frogmouths are more closely related to the Australian Owlet-nightjar, which is one of the most common and widespread of Australia’s nocturnal birds.
The recent spotting of the Tawny frogmouth family is good timing with the 2023 Aussie Bird Count just a few weeks away.
Between 16-22 October, all Australians are being encouraged to take part in the bird count which involves observing and counting the birds that live near you – whether that’s in your garden, the local park, a beach or even your town centre.
Recording the birds you see within just 20 minutes, you will help BirdLife Australia develop an understanding of local birds while getting to know the wildlife on your doorstep.
