Big dry driving red-headed strangers south for a wetter life in our backyards

It's got a vivid red head and it's more commonly spotted on the Queensland coast – but you may soon see this beautiful little bird in your Melbourne backyard.

The scarlet honeyeater has been reported in
unprecedented numbers in Victoria this spring. 

That's because the scarlet honeyeater appears to be heading to Victoria to seek refuge from drought in its usual habitat.

And bird experts think it may now decide to call the Garden State home on a permanent basis.

At least that's what preliminary data from the Aussie Backyard Bird Count appears to indicate.

Read Joe Hinchliffe’s story in today’s Melbourne Age - “Big dry driving red-headed strangers south for a wetter life in our backyards.”