For the full interview by ABC Open producer Larissa Romensky go to: https://open.abc.net.au/explore/46pl6ka
Young Grey Butcherbird tries to keep cool
Note the bulging eyes, wings splayed and open panting mouth…signs of wildlife in distress on a hot summer day in Central Victoria (over 44 degrees Celsius)
Image shot through wire door so as not to disturb the bird.
Grey Butcherbirds’ behaviour in the Heatwave
Currently the resident Butcherbird family has increased to four and the parents are kept very busy caring for their two young chicks.
The adults have been showing them places where there is shade and food (our front door step area) and water holes (buckets we have put out during this heatwave.) When we are home we also add the odd ice cube to freshen and cool the water. It is the least we can do when the summer daytime temperature is 45.3 celsius under the verandah.
Sharon Greenaway 