The many posts in this blog dedicated to birds show how Australia’s birdlife has captured and held my interest during the eleven months Vilis and I have spent in this country. More than that, I’ve been enthralled. My species total now stands at 275; it may yet increase, and it may not. I’m curious as to how many kilometres I’ve walked, cycled, and driven in pursuit of birds. Memorable first sightings include green rosellas and yellow wattlebirds in Tasmania, spectacularly gorgeous male splendid and variegated fairy-wrens near Alice Springs in the Northern Territory, and huge, flightless southern cassowaries and emus in very different habitats here in Queensland. Sighting a new species is always a thrill, yet I’ve gained a tremendous amount of satisfaction from observing Townsvillian birds on a nearly daily basis, which has enabled me to see beyond distinguishing fieldmarks into the intriguing world of avian behaviour and life history. Today’s post of avian photo portraits is the first of three in which I salute the birdlife of Australia. Enjoy!