“They all had really distinct personalities.”
Tucked away beside the Chichester River in New South Wales, Australia, Wangat Lodge is surrounded by 50 acres of protected subtropical rainforest. The peaceful setting attracts visitors from all walks of life, including many local artists who take part in the lodge’s Gumnut Artist’s Retreat — a program designed to give creatives the time and space to work while immersed in nature.
During a recent retreat, textile artist Estelle was busy dyeing fabric for a tapestry when she noticed something unexpected: a tiny pair of eyes peering down at her from the trees.
Moments later, a flash of red swooped from above. A small bird landed right beside her work area, watching intently as if curious about what she might do next.
“He seemed completely fascinated by what I was painting,” Estelle shared in a video with The Dodo.
The visitor turned out to be an Australian king parrot, a striking bird known for its vivid red feathers and long tail. Estelle continued working carefully, hoping not to scare him away. Before long, another parrot appeared — then another, and another. Soon, she found herself surrounded by a small gathering of curious parrots.
“I guess I passed some sort of vibe check,” Estelle joked.
The parrots returned every day throughout the week as Estelle worked on her tapestry. As time went on, she began to recognize individual differences among them.
“They all had such distinct personalities,” she said. “Some were bold and confident, while others were much more reserved.”
The connection felt especially meaningful given the nature of Estelle’s project. Her tapestry was created using sustainable methods, including secondhand fabric that she dyed with natural materials she foraged herself, such as mushrooms, tree bark, and leaves.
“Was it ambitious to attempt a tapestry with my not-so-perfect sewing skills? Absolutely,” Estelle wrote on Instagram. “But I’m incredibly grateful that I did.”
By the end of her stay, Estelle left with a beautiful finished artwork, a group of unexpected feathered companions, and a deeper sense of connection to the environment around her.
“This experience reminded me how deeply connected we are to the natural world,” she reflected. “It felt grounding — like we were meeting each other on equal terms, simply sharing space and learning from one another.”