As we often say here at the Seniors Discount Club, life is full of surprises, and sometimes, the most ordinary places can reveal the most extraordinary sights. This was precisely the case for shoppers at a famous shopping centre in Cairns, who were treated to a natural spectacle that left them in awe.

Amid the hustle and bustle of trolleys and cars, a tree stood adorned with what seemed like Christmas decorations in the early months of the year. But upon closer inspection, these weren't man-made baubles but rather a stunning display of nature's craftwork.


The tree was festooned with dozens of spherical nests, intricately woven from sticks and grass, each one a testament to the remarkable architectural skills of the metallic starling—a bird native to Queensland, among other regions. As one shopper described them, these' spectacular' orbs prompted many to pause and capture the moment, though with a respectful distance to avoid disturbing the avian community.


The sight was indeed 'pretty cool,' as the photos circulating online show. The nests dangled from the branches, creating a visual symphony of natural artistry that amused and fascinated shoppers. It's not every day that one encounters such a display, especially in the concrete setting of a shopping centre car park.

One local man, familiar with the birds' habits, commented online that nesting was common at this time of year and that the birds could be quite vocal. Another added that sometimes the starlings would descend from the hills in an 'iridescent avalanche,' a beautiful and mesmerising sight.

The Queensland Museum shed further light on the phenomenon, confirming that the birds were metallic starlings. Known for their gregarious nature, these birds travel, feed, and nest in flocks, often returning to favoured trees year after year to build their communal homes. The museum spokesperson explained that in north Queensland, most of the metallic starling population migrates, likely to New Guinea, during the non-breeding season, returning to Australia between August and October.

But the story doesn't end with the starlings. According to a 2016 study published in the academic journal PLOS ONE, these communal nests attract some of the densest animal aggregations ever recorded. The study found that the gatherings in a single tree create fauna 'hot spots', drawing a diverse array of local wildlife that utilises this seasonal resource. Flying invertebrates, nocturnal birds, reptiles, and amphibians were all observed congregating beneath the trees where the starlings nest.


This unexpected discovery in the Cairns shopping centre car park is a beautiful reminder of the proximity of human and wildlife habitats and the wonders that can occur when they intersect. It's a call to all of us to keep our eyes open for the magic in the mundane and appreciate Australia's incredible biodiversity.

So, dear readers, have you ever encountered a natural wonder in an unexpected place? You may have seen something similar or have a story of wildlife making a home in a human-dominated area. We'd love to hear about your experiences, so please share them in the comments below!
And remember, if you come across wildlife, always observe from a distance and respect their space. After all, we're just visitors in their world.