Katrina Smith had never used TikTok before she began filming the multi-coloured array of feathery native wildlife that visited her verandah in Victoria. Now she’s got over 600,000 followers and 12 million likes on the platform.
Smith escaped the lockdowns of Melbourne by moving down the coast and into a property backed by bushland about a year ago. As she tells the BBC she “wasn’t a big bird person” before observing the playful birds on her balcony.
Deciding to upload them to social media during the lockdown, the birds of Smith’s balcony quickly found huge international fame as people from across the world flocked to her TikTok account.
@birdsofozGood morning gang ☀️♬ original sound – Birds of Oz
Smith has since posted dozens of bird videos, some of them clocking up tens of millions of views. She shares heartwarming content designed to give everyone going through the difficulties of the pandemic a much-needed boost of serotonin.
@birdsofoz🤷🏼♀️♬ original sound – Birds of Oz
Smith showcases the stunning range of native wildlife that we are blessed with on her socials. A regular assortment of pink galahs, king parrots, cockatoos, magpies, and kookaburras visit her balcony.
@birdsofozWobble compilation feat. your fave crew.♬ Maniac (Flashdance Version) (Re-Recorded / Remastered) – Michael Sembello
The birds return to her balcony every day and appear to be pretty comfortable with Smith’s presence. She even manages to interact with them, with some kookaburra’s allowing her to place flowers on their heads and the parrots jumping onto her shoulder.
@birdsofozDistinguished hats my kookaburras wear.♬ 40 Day Dream – Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros
Smith says she’s uncertain whether she’ll return to Melbourne, as the remote working freedom she’s been afforded has meant she’s been able to spend much more time amongst nature. Plus there are the birds to consider.
“It was mean to be temporary. I’m just going to keep creating content and see what happens.”
@birdsofozKisses from watermelon birb 💋##rupert♬ original sound – Birds of Oz
It’s a great reminder of just how lucky we are to live in Australia and be surrounded by all the incredible natural wonders here.
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