Tawny Frogmouths Thrive in Elwood Park Despite Habitat Changes

In the Elwood suburb of Melbourne, a pair of tawny frogmouths have become a beloved part of the local community. These shy, nocturnal birds have nested in a copse of trees in Elwood Park for several years, with residents eagerly watching the chicks hatch and grow.

The tawny frogmouths first caught the attention of the community when the area's new residents, a couple, spotted them in the park shortly after moving in six years ago. The birds, known for their mottled grey plumage and large, saucer-like eyes, quickly became a source of fascination and delight for the neighborhood.

For several years, the tawny frogmouth pair nested in the same location, with locals often spotting them perched on their favorite tree branches. However, tragedy struck when one of the birds was found dead in the park, leading to a long period where the species seemed absent from the area.

Fortunately, the remaining tawny frogmouth eventually found a new nesting site in a nearby clump of cypress trees. When those trees were felled to make way for wetland construction, the pair moved back to their original preferred location in the park. They have been there ever since, and the community has welcomed their return with open arms.

As of October 2025, the tawny frogmouths have yet to build a new nest in their familiar copse, but locals expect them to do so any day now. The rhythms of the birds' lives have become intertwined with those of the community, and their presence continues to delight and captivate the residents of Elwood Park.