Project Description

This project, while focusing on birds, was about much more. The year was about experiencing a new country and culture, half way around the world. I used the pursuit of birds and photography, two truly cross-cultural activities, as a way to experience both Australian culture as well as to see as much of the country as possible. It was both a wonderful and challenging year and I look forward to the opportunity to return one day in the near future.

To learn more about my plans and goals look through the other sections above.

Project Goals

During the 14 hour flight from Los Angeles to Sydney, I put together a list of goals that I hoped to complete during my year of travels. The list wasn't simply a to do list but more of a list of ideals I wanted to keep in mind during my travels and keep on task. So here is the list.

Learn the story of endemism and try to relate this through photography.
Go beyond the birds to experience the wildlife, landscape, people, and culture.
Keep an open mind. Be flexible. Keep it simple.
Live to experience life.

For more input on the basics of this project and my goals, please read the Introduction article posted on the Nature Photographer's Network on the article page.

Australian Birds

Australia is home to a wide variety of birds, more than 700 species are regularly seen in the country each year. Of these 700 species, over 300 are found nowhere else on Earth and are therefore classified as endemics. These endemics are spread across 49 different families and are found throughout the entire country. Many are found in the tropical rainforests of the north while others are found throughout the remote deserts of the central region. It is these endemic species that I sought out and in the process traveled much of the Australian continent.

During my travels, I saw 585 different species, 297 of which were classified as endemics. Of those 585 species, I photographed 377 total species and 214 endemics. My goal was to see 600 total species and photograph half of them. As far as endemics are concerned, I wanted to see 300 species and photograph two-thirds of them. I didn't quite get to my total species goals but I was thrilled with what I did accomplish during my travels.

For a complete list of the species I saw and photographed, please go to the following links.

Complete Species List - Click HERE

Photographed Species List - Click HERE

Travel Plans

During my travels I covered over 40,000 miles which led me all over the country. I started and completed my trip in Sydney, New South Wales.