Red Wattlebirds are large honeyeaters, often seen diving through the foliage and chasing other birds away from a prized source of sugar. This one was making a lot of noise crashing through the branches. Probably on a sugar high. I think the white fuzzy stuff attached to its beak is lerp – crystalised honeydew exuded by bugs as a protective covering. A sweet treat for a bird. Red Wattlebirds get their name from the red wattles hanging below each cheek.

Common name: Red Wattlebird

Scientific name: Anthochaera carunculata

Approximate length: 35 cm

Date spotted: 11 November 2018 (Spring)

Location: Manly Dam National Park, New South Wales, Australia: 33°46’36.6″S 151°15’17.9″E