Fairy Fabulous: The Secret Lives of Fairy-wrens

Led by ornithologist Dr Jenny Evans, this walk in our Queer Trails and Tales program will take participants through the Australian National Botanic Gardens in search of some extra-special superb fairy-wrens.

We’ll explore how and why local researchers have been studying these tiny birds for more than 30 years, and what they’ve discovered along the way. How long do fairy-wrens live? Why do the blue ones disappear over winter? How do you catch such a tiny bird, and why put bands on them? And how did researchers discover that they are serial cheaters?! Learn all this and more as we spot some of these flamboyant little birds and stroll through the beautiful surrounds of the Australian National Botanic Gardens.

Canberra Environment Centre's Queer Trails and Tales is a series of six guided nature walks celebrating Canberra’s landscapes, wildlife and biodiversity through a queer lens. Led by local experts, each walk brings together science, storytelling and community to explore the fascinating diversity of the natural world.

Numbers are capped at 15 people, so be sure to book before it's too late!

Queer Trails and Tales is proudly supported by the ACT Government’s Capital of Equality Grants Program.

Read more about the whole program here: https://www.canberraenvironment.org/queer-trail-tales

Learn about Dr Jenny Evans

Dr Jenny Evans is an ecologist and evolutionary biologist focused on conservation genetics and long-term studies of wild animal populations. She completed her PhD at the Australian National University, studying the consequences of inbreeding in two iconic Australian species: the superb fairy-wren and the endangered purple-crowned fairy-wren.

Her passion for sharing the world of ecology and genetics has taken her on many adventures, including science festivals, podcast appearances, conference presentations, and ecology and genetics workshops. Here in Canberra, she has been involved in the outreach program at Mulligans Flat Woodland Sanctuary, a nature-based learning program helping people discover the biodiversity on their doorstep. She currently works in environmental regulation, combining science and policy to better protect Australia’s environment.

Accessibility considerations

The walk will take place on paved or gravel pathways throughout the Australian National Botanic Gardens. The planned route should be accessible, and we can be flexible with the route on the day.

We will work to accommodate accessibility requirements wherever possible. If there is anything we can do to support your participation, you can provide further information when you register.

Equipment needed

Binoculars, if you have them; they’ll be handy for spotting the fairy-wrens! Otherwise, just bring your questions and curiosity.

Safety considerations

Please bring a bottle of water and wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and footwear. A first-aid kit, including a snake bandage, will be carried by the guide during the walk.

Inclement weather

In the event of unsuitable weather, the walk will be postponed to 14 November 2026.

Light refreshments will be provided following the walk. Dietary requirements will be requested when you register.