Wandering Budgerigar of the Australian Outback

Before the red sun rises beyond the horizon, you open your eyes on a dry eucalyptus branch. Your feathers have become ruffled by the dry wind that raged all night, and your throat is parched as if burning. Hundreds of your companions are holding their breath around you, preparing for their first flight. "Chirp, chirp." The signal of the leader comes from somewhere. As the flock takes flight in unison, the air vibrates with thousands of wingbeats. You have only one goal: to reach a small waterhole tens of kilometers away. If you get tired on the way or fall behind the flock, all that awaits you are the sharp talons of predators. Now, spread your wings. The wind of the vast outback pierces your chest feathers. Will you survive today to see tomorrow's sun?