Jonah Lafferty shares why Cairns is kingfisher heaven - from Little Kingfishers at the Botanic Gardens to Buff-breasted Paradise Kingfishers up on the Tablelands - plus his favourite local hotspots for birdwatching in Far North Queensland.

🎧 All links here - https://www.weekendbirder.com/podcast/136-kingfishers-in-cairns

📸 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/weekend.birder

🦆 More at - https://www.weekendbirder.com

Birds mentioned in this episode: Blue-faced Parrot-Finch, Buff-breasted Paradise Kingfisher, Double-eyed Fig Parrot, Little Kingfisher, Sacred Kingfisher, Silvereye, Yellow-billed Kingfisher

Bird illustration: Little Kingfisher

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From its eyebrow to its shimmering wing panel, there is lots to learn about the Pacific Black Duck. Scientist and conservationist Jason Graham does a deep-dive (pun intended) into this impressive bird and provides insights into a large conservation story unfolding in Tasmania.

🎧 All links here - https://www.weekendbirder.com/podcast/135-pacific-black-duck

📸 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/weekend.birder

🦆 More at - https://www.weekendbirder.com

Birds mentioned in this episode: Little Wattlebird, Pacific Black Duck, Mallard

Bird illustration: Pacific Black Duck

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Artists Jane Rusden and Bridget Farmer share the story behind The 700 Birds Project - a long-term plan to travel in short trips and draw every bird they encounter. From Gluepot to Hattah-Kulkyne and Chiltern, they talk birding misadventures, advice about field sketching and why birds keep pulling them back into new places.

🎧 All links here - https://www.weekendbirder.com/podcast/134-the-700-birds-project

📸 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/weekend.birder

🦆 More at - https://www.weekendbirder.com

If you want to help the people and wildlife affected by the 2026 Victorian bushfires:

Trust for Nature Bushfire Recovery Appeal - https://trustfornature.org.au/campaign/bushfire-support/

Harcourt Progress Relief Fund - https://www.gofundme.com/f/harcourt-progress-relief-fund

Zoos Victoria Emergency Wildlife Fund - https://www.zoo.org.au/donate/emergency-wildlife-how-we-help/

Birds mentioned in this episode: Gang-gang Cockatoo, Regent Parrot

Bird illustration: Regent Parrot

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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.