Discover the beauty of Australian birds through nature, art and creative exploration.
There is something truly special about taking the time to stop, look and listen to the birds around us. Whether it’s a colourful visitor in your backyard, the call of a bird in the rainforest, or the sight of a bird soaring overhead, our feathered friends have a wonderful way of connecting us with the natural world.
As an artist and designer living in Canungra, Queensland, I have always been inspired by the beauty of nature and the endless possibilities it offers for creativity. This October and November, I’m delighted to be celebrating our Australian birdlife through two wonderful initiatives: BirdLife Australia’s National Bird Count Week and O’Reilly’s Annual International Bird Week.
Count the Birds, Discover Your Backyard
From 19–25 October 2026, bird lovers are encouraged to take a closer look at the birds around them and discover more about the wildlife sharing their local environment.
BirdLife Australia offers a fantastic way to begin your birdwatching journey through its bird identification resources and apps. Using your phone to help identify birds can turn an ordinary walk, a morning coffee in the garden or a visit to your local park into an exciting discovery.
You don’t have to be an experienced birdwatcher to get involved. Start by noticing the birds visiting your backyard, listen to their calls, observe their colours and markings, and record what you see using the appropriate BirdLife Australia resources.
For me, observing birds is also an opportunity to gather inspiration for my artwork. Their shapes, colours, movements and patterns provide an endless source of ideas that can be translated into sketches, watercolours and contemporary surface pattern designs.
From the Backyard to the Rainforest: O’Reilly’s International Bird Week
Just a week after the National Bird Count Week celebrations, I’ll be heading to the beautiful Lamington National Park for my eighth year as a resident artist and art teacher at O’Reilly’s Annual International Bird Week, running from 1–8 November 2026. I will be teaching on the 3rd 4th and 5th November @oreillys.com.au
Nestled in the spectacular subtropical rainforest of the Scenic Rim, O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat provides an inspiring setting where bird enthusiasts, nature lovers, photographers, researchers and creative minds come together to celebrate the extraordinary world of birds.
For me, this annual event is always a special opportunity to combine two of my greatest passions: art and nature.
Over the years, I’ve welcomed participants of all ages and artistic abilities into my workshops, encouraging them to explore watercolour, mixed media, drawing, colour mixing and this year, the fascinating world of pattern design.
Sometimes the smallest detail — a flash of colour on a bird’s wing, the delicate pattern of a feather or the curve of a leaf — can become the starting point for an entirely new artwork.
Where Birdlife Meets Art
Lamington National Park is a remarkable place to experience Australia's natural beauty. Its rich subtropical rainforest, ancient trees and diverse habitats provide a home for an extraordinary variety of birdlife.
For birdwatchers, every outing brings the possibility of a memorable sighting. Keep your eyes and ears open for the distinctive calls of the Albert’s Lyrebird, the brilliant colours of the Regent Bowerbird and the many other fascinating species found in this region.
You may even discover a new favourite bird along the way!
As an artist, I find that spending time in nature encourages us to see the world differently. We begin to notice the subtle variations in colour, the repetition of shapes, the textures of feathers and foliage, and the beautiful relationships between birds and their surroundings.
These observations can become the foundations of an artwork, whether it’s a loose watercolour sketch, a mixed-media painting or a repeat pattern destined to become a textile design.
Come and Say Hello!
Whether you’re counting birds in your backyard with BirdLife Australia, planning a visit to Lamington National Park or joining the celebrations at O’Reilly’s International Bird Week, I hope this season inspires you to slow down, look around and appreciate the wonderful birdlife we share.
If you’re visiting O’Reilly’s during Bird Week, please call in and say hello. Tell me about the birds you’ve spotted on your travels, share your favourite sightings, or let me know which birds have inspired you.
I would love to hear your stories.
After all, every bird has a story to tell — and sometimes, all it takes is a little observation, a splash of watercolour and a curious mind to turn that story into art.
Happy birdwatching, and I hope to see you in the rainforest!
Tamlyn Geiger | TamlynG
Artist, Designer and Art Educator
Canungra, Scenic Rim, Queensland