User Profile

Ewan Auld

I am a 22 years old and currently undertaking a PhD at the University of Wollongong focusing on the ecology and conservation of Australian frogs. Growing up in the Illawarra, I have always had a keen interest in nature, and enjoy bushwalking, birdwatching, and wildlife photography.

Science & Nature

Bird of the Month: Buff-banded Rail

Buff-banded Rail (Gallirallus philippensis) The Buff-banded rail is May’s bird of the month. This rail species is found sparsely throughout eastern and coastal areas of Australia, inhabiting wetlands, swamps and other vegetated waterways. In the...

Ewan Auld

May 2025

Science & Nature

Bird of the Month: Golden Whistler

The bird of the month for April is the Golden Whistler (Pachycephala pectoralis). This common whistler species mainly occurs in south-eastern Australia. It is abundant in the Illawarra and can be seen in a range of habitats, including eucalypt...

Ewan Auld

April 2025

Science & Nature

Bird of the Month: Azure Kingfisher

March’s bird of the month is the Azure Kingfisher (Alcedo azurea)

Ewan Auld

March 2025

Science & Nature

Bird of the Month: White-faced Heron

The White-faced Heron (Egretta novaehollandiae) is February’s bird of the month. This waterbird is common across most of Australia and is a familiar sight in wetlands and along coastal rock platforms. However, their adaptable habitat preferences...

Ewan Auld

February 2025

Science & Nature

Bird of the Month: Topknot pigeon

The bird of the month for January is the Topknot Pigeon (Lopholaimus antarcticus), a unique-looking large pigeon species occurring along the eastern coast of Australia. This species is frequently seen in large flocks feeding on fruiting trees high...

Ewan Auld

January 2025

Science & Nature

Bird of the Month: Crimson Rosella

The bird of the month is the Crimson Rosella (Platycercus elegans), a colourful member of the parrot family found throughout south-eastern Australia. In the Illawarra, they favour woodland and forested areas dominated by eucalyptus trees but will...

Ewan Auld

December 2024

Science & Nature

Bird of the Month: Sooty Oystercatcher

Sooty Oystercatcher (Haematopus fuliginosus) The bird of the month for November is a shorebird species that inhabits rock shelves and rocky beaches and is found along almost all coastal areas of Australia. They can typically be seen in the Illawarr...

Ewan Auld

November 2024

Science & Nature

Birdwatchers, grab your binocs

Noisy Pitta (Pitta versicolor) The Noisy Pitta is a rainforest-dwelling species found along eastern Australia and southern New Guinea. The Illawarra is close to the southern extent of their range, and although rare can be occasionally observed on...

Ewan Auld

October 2024

Science & Nature

Bird of the Month: Rufous Fantail

The bird of the month for September is the Rufous Fantail. This species occurs along eastern and northern Australia and will migrate south in early spring becoming common in rainforest areas of the Illawarra from September through to autumn. They...

Ewan Auld

September 2024

Science & Nature

Bird of the Month: Eastern Yellow Robin

August’s bird of the month is the Eastern Yellow Robin (Eopsaltria australis). This species inhabits a broad range across eastern Australia and is the most common robin in the Illawarra. They typically live in woodland and rainforest areas and are...

Ewan Auld

August 2024

Science & Nature

Bird Watch: Look out for the Green catbird

Words and photos: Ewan Auld July’s bird of the month is the Green catbird (Ailuroedus crassirostris), a species commonly found in rainforests from south-east Queensland to south-east New South Wales, including the rainforest areas around the...

Ewan Auld

July 2024

Science & Nature

Bird of the Month: Kelp Gull

The Kelp Gull is a large gull species inhabiting coastal areas of the southern hemisphere, including south-eastern Australia. Although being far less abundant in the Illawarra than their counterpart, the Silver Gull, Kelp Gulls can still be...

Ewan Auld

June 2024