Book Review
This Bird: Noticing Our Urban Birds
Written and illustrated by Astred Hicks (with bird scientist Dr Holly Parsons)
Reviewed by Amelia (Age 11)
This Bird is an astonishing, non-fiction children’s book that adults can read too. The breathtaking illustrations on the front cover are really something, but it’s when you open the book that the magic really happens. There are multiple birds on each page and the book is very long (over 60 pages!), which can be overwhelming. The humour in the book is next level wordplay and puns. I love it!
Congratulations …
to the Tawny Frogmouth for being voted 2025 Australian Bird of the Year!
Learn more about this nocturnal bird with a knack for camouflage (also featured in This Bird)
| “Only if we understand, can we care. Only if we care, will we help.” Dr Jane GoodallSee the Roots & Shoots guide for quick actions to make a difference |
Go the Royal National Park Platypuses!
Back in 2023 playtpuses were reintroduced into the Royal National Park, south of Sydney (Spring 2023 Nature Kids). The first offspring was discovered in 2024 (Winter 2024 Nature Kids) and now scientists have found some more young platypuses.
Find out how researchers track the platypuses & take a look at some amazing close-up photos.
Watch this space
Things are looking up for koalas after the NSW Government announced the proposed boundary for the Great Koala National Park (GKNP)! Now there’s more good news from Queensland, about the success of a vaccine to protect koalas from disease.
Can you tell a moth from a butterfly?
There are about 22,000 species of moths in Australia compared with about 450 species of butterflies!
Moths are mostly nocturnal and have straight antennae, whereas butterflies typically fly during the day and have “clubbed” antennae (a long thread with a bead at the end).
Did you know?
Moth and butterflies are both from the order of insects called Lepidoptera, meaning “scaly wings”. Their wings are covered in microscopic scales, which give butterflies in particular their amazing colours!
Threats to Lepidoptera include pesticides, climate change and habitat loss. You can help provide food and habitat for moths and butterflies by planting flowers.
Be a citizen scientist to help endangered Bogong Moths