Not far from the Murray River, on a large suburban block, surrounded by imaculately tended gardens and taking up better than half the back yard, E Orix's aviaries would be the envy of most of us, not to mention the birds they contain! The aviary complex comprises one very large aviary, surrounded on three sides by a series of smaller aviaries, all attractively and judiciously planted with a mix of exotic and native shrubs, reeds and seeding grasses. On one side, between the big aviary and the smaller ones, a service area has been built which includes a kitchen area with a large window looking out into the big aviary, a series of small holding flights, a live food room and a sitting area with another large window looking out into the big aviary. A fabulous innovation which allows the birds to be observed in great comfort and in all weather. The big aviary contains a surprising mix of species, including Saint Helena, Cordon Blue and Orange Breasted Waxbills, Painted Firetails, Blue-faced Parrotfinches, Yellow Star Finches, Red Faced Pytilias, Tri-coloured Munias, Red-billed Firefinches, Orange Bishop Weavers, Pin-tailed and Red-shouldered Wydahs, Red Crested Finches, a few Gouldians and Goldfinches and a Crimson Chat. The smaller aviaries contained such gems as Golden Song Sparrows, Red-faced Parrot Finches, Madagascar Weavers, Melba Finches, Grenadier Weavers, Silver-headed Munias and Napoleon Weavers.
Now the bad news. On the day of my visit, the weather had turned decidedly ordinary, with low dark clouds that were intent on spoiling my fun with intermittent bouts of drizzle. Despite this, I still managed to get a few good shots of the birds and managed to salvage a few more with some heavy post-production. I did however completely neglect to get a wide-angle lens out of the car and so have no shots of the aviary complex itself to share. I apologise for this oversight, and promise not to do it again.
Orange-breasted Waxbill Cock:
Orange Bishop Weaver Hen:
Orange Bishop Weaver Cock:
Painted Firetail Cock:
Pin-tailed Wydah Cock:
Red Crested Finch Hen:
Red Crested Finch Cock:
Red-cheeked Cordon-blue Cock:
Red-faced Parrot-finch:
Red-faced Pytilia Pair:
Saint Helena Waxbill:
Tri-coloured Munia:
My thanks to E Orix for his generosity and hospitality in opening up his aviaries to a relative stranger. You are an asset to the forum and a credit to all the best values of aviculture. Thanks again mate.
