Edinburgh goes to the birds

Raucous Corellas have overstayed their welcome at RAAF Base Edinburgh. Photo by ACW Diana Schneider

By WGCDR Janice Elvin and
LACW Simone Liebelt

Cheeky, playful, noisy and very destructive, the feathered residents of RAAF Base Edinburgh have made their mark – in more ways than one.

Descending on the base by thousands late last year, the Corella population have made Edinburgh their home – and play ground – because of the drought.

During their stay they’ve cut through power lines, trimmed trees, destroyed rose bushes, dug up lawns, chewed through flag pole ropes, and frayed flags and pennants while swinging merrily from them.

Their playtime involves fighting, performing aerobatics, charging magpies, and joining in a deafening family chorus that would drive even a bird lover mad.

On warm days, they take a ride on a spinning sprinkler or suspend from a tree branch in the flow of water, spreading their wings for some cool relief. Pools of water on the road require motorists to dodge the excited flock of white bathers.

The bird’s latest antics involve attacking motor vehicles, pulling apart windscreen wipers, bending antennas, and destroying any small plastic items within reach.

Base personnel hope winter comes early this year so that the mischievous birds will fly elsewhere.

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