Curlews on Vulture Street

Book excerpt: In Curlews on Vulture Street, acclaimed urban ecologist Darryl Jones reveals the not-so-secret lives of the most common birds that share our towns and cities. Despite the noise, heat, dust and fumes, the ceaseless movement, light and toxins, many birds successfully live their lives among us. And not just furtively in the shadows. Ibis steal our lunch, brush turkeys rearrange gardens and magpies chase us screaming from near their nest. From his childhood in a country town noticing blackbirds and sparrows to studying brush turkeys in the suburbs, Jones shares a fascinating story of curiosity, discovery, adventure and conflict, played out in city streets and backyards. He also provides rare insights into the intimate lives of some of our most beloved and feared, despised and admired neighbours. You'll never see magpies, curlews, ibis, lorikeets and cockatoos in the same way again. 'Jones's enthusiasm for his avian subjects and the thrill of scientific discovery should appeal most to fellow bird lovers, watchers and counters -- or anyone who dabbled in the habit during the long pandemic lockdowns.' -- Kim Thomson, Books+Publishing