Night parrot: In search of one of the world's most elusive birds

By Bridie Smith
Updated May 23 2016 - 10:23am, first published April 17 2016 - 9:16am
Ecologist Steve Murphy among the spinifex, searching for the elusive night parrot's call. Photo: Justin McManus
Ecologist Steve Murphy among the spinifex, searching for the elusive night parrot's call. Photo: Justin McManus
A night parrot spotted among the spinifex.  Photo: Steve Murphy
A night parrot spotted among the spinifex. Photo: Steve Murphy
Bush Heritage's vast Pullen Pullen Reserve in Queensland. Photo: Justin McManus
Bush Heritage's vast Pullen Pullen Reserve in Queensland. Photo: Justin McManus
John Gould's 1867 illustration of the night parrot.  Photo: Australian Museum
John Gould's 1867 illustration of the night parrot. Photo: Australian Museum
Dr Steve Murphy holds a rare night parrot. Photo: Rachel Barr
Dr Steve Murphy holds a rare night parrot. Photo: Rachel Barr
A night parrot from the collection of the Australian Museum in Sydney. Photo: Australian Museum
A night parrot from the collection of the Australian Museum in Sydney. Photo: Australian Museum
Dr Steve Murphy examines a night parrot.  Photo: Rachel Barr
Dr Steve Murphy examines a night parrot. Photo: Rachel Barr
John Read with the "grooming trap" he designed to control feral cats. Photo: Justin McManus
John Read with the "grooming trap" he designed to control feral cats. Photo: Justin McManus

The sun is setting in a remote corner of outback Queensland. As light fades, the drone of determined flies will soon be replaced by the hum of mosquitoes.

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