I’m something of a greedy parent. I want my children to be strong but gentle, thoughtful yet bold and big picture thinkers who care about the small stuff (maybe Zoe will one day point her shrink to this post as evidence).
The critically endangered orange-bellied parrot?
I’m a fairly excitable type and nearly crashed into a fence post when I saw this little bird and its mate on the farm because I had only that morning read this description of just such a bird by the Parrot Society:
“Australia’s Orange-bellied Parrot can be ranked with the Giant Panda, Whooping Crane and Siberian Tiger as amongst the rarest and most endangered of the Wildlife. Only 100 to 200 individuals still exist.”
I managed to snap a pic before the timid pair flitted away and breathlessly told the Little Farmer how lucky we were to see it. As an idealistic 20-something, I even trudged through the mangroves down near Wilson’s Prom in a fruitless search back in the 90s.
Having turned to Pizzey’s Field Guide to the Birds of Australia though, my excitement evaporated. I think instead, we have slightly atypical blue-winged parrots. Lovely and thankfully, in good numbers.
Just as Berenson’s Father Bear’s stuff-ups were the makings of a great Baby Bear, though, I hope my enthusiasm counts for something in the parenting stakes.
The Milk Maid Marian 
Oh, my gosh! I’d have crashed for sure! What an amazing sight!
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You are doing a wonderful service to both your children and the world when you instill in them the wonder and excitement of observing and treasuring natural resources, wildlife, and birds. If someone isn’t aware of something there is no reason to value it, but if one has shared family excitement, even over the possibility of a rarity, or the joy of a commoner creature, one will better understand the value.
Our son and a couple of my nieces and nephews are enthusiastic enough about birds to be ready to take over our bird counting territory for the Audubon society here in the USA, when my brothers and I get ready to hang up the binoculars. They will be the third generation. That makes me so happy.
And thanks for sharing the bird shot! It is a delight to me to get to see birds from other regions!
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Sadly my copy of Simpson and Day, and Pizzey and Night both suggest from your photo that you are right in your identification. Looks like it’s a girl.
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Yes, I think so. The confusing thing is the missing blue band. The other bird in the pair was very similar, only more muted in colour. Got a pic of it but unfortunately, it was quite out of focus. By the way, I’ve emailed the pic to BirdLife Australia (formerly RAOU, then Birds Australia) as they will do IDs for people.
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