Look, up in the sky! It\u2019s a bird, it\u2019s a plane, it\u2019s …<\/p>\n
Actually, it\u2019s both. A bird and a plane, and two of them \u2013 courtesy of Villawood sculptor Folko Kooper.<\/p>\n
The hybrid plane-birds are perched five metres above the ground at Armstrong\u2019s Aviation Drive park \u2013 the latest additions to the raft of Folko\u2019s works peppered throughout the community there.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey\u2019re inspired by the local birdlife and the fact Armstrong used to be an airport,\u201d Folko says.<\/p>\n
Other Armstrong works by the Tasmanian-based artist include giant pelicans, wedge-tailed eagles, parrots and birdhouses.<\/p>\n
The squadron of pelicans, in wetlands beside the birdhouses, are headed by a triumvirate of elegant creatures perched high above the ground; one in a maternal clutch with her chick, one at rest and another in a laughing fit.<\/p>\n
They\u2019re gorgeous artistic additions to the riparian surroundings of reeds, H2O, ducks, coots and some 60 species of birdlife in the area.<\/p>\n
Spying fish, diving for fish, scoffing fish or squatting fat and full after the job, these pelicans are glorious russetcoloured fixtures in the Armstrong precinct.<\/p>\n
They\u2019re great exploring missions for kids on school holidays at the moment.<\/p>\n
Armstrong\u2019s resident club is looking good right now, too, for owners corporation members looking to keep the little ones busy.<\/p>\n
The pool is just perfect, with the water temperature a balmy 25 degrees. The gym is fully equipped, the caf\u00e9 is relaxing and a tastebud tempter, while the adventure park is loaded with challenges and erg-burning swings, tunnels, climbing frames and giant flying fox.<\/p>\n
And stay tuned for a special birdlife database Villawood will soon be getting together with the Armstrong community.<\/p>\n
It will look at all the species in the area with special information about bird activities.<\/p>\n
So keep an eye and an ear out for what tweets and squawks on your patch.<\/p>\n
Species we know already include fantail cuckoos, sulphur-crested cockatoos, galahs, parrots, red-rumped parrots, rainbow lorikeets, royal spoonbills, and dotterels. And there are lots more.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Look, up in the sky! It\u2019s a bird, it\u2019s a plane, it\u2019s … Actually, it\u2019s both. A bird and a plane, and two of them \u2013 courtesy of Villawood sculptor Folko Kooper. The hybrid plane-birds are perched five metres above the ground at Armstrong\u2019s Aviation Drive park \u2013 the latest additions to the raft of […]<\/p>\n