Birds You Might Spot from the Balloon
One of the quiet joys of a hot air balloon flight over Melbourne or the Yarra Valley is how close you feel to nature.
As you drift peacefully through the morning air, you’re not just seeing the landscape from above — you’re sharing the sky with its true residents: the birds.
From elegant swans on the river to colourful parrots flashing through the treetops, every flight offers a new chance to spot wildlife in its element.
1. The Graceful Locals
Australian Magpies
You’ll often see (and hear) magpies gliding below the basket, their distinctive warbling songs echoing across the fields.
In the soft morning light, their black-and-white plumage looks especially striking.
Sulphur-Crested Cockatoos
Large, loud, and unmistakable, these white cockatoos are some of the most common companions during a flight.
Their yellow crests catch the sunlight beautifully as they gather in flocks across open farmland and vineyards.
Galahs and Corellas
Pink and grey galahs and playful little corellas are often spotted in pairs or small groups, swooping gracefully between trees and powerlines.
They bring a cheerful burst of colour to the morning sky.
2. Water and Wetland Birds
Black Swans
In the Yarra Valley, look down and you might see black swans gliding across quiet lakes or reservoirs, their curved necks mirrored in the water.
They’re elegant, calm, and perfectly at home in the stillness of dawn.
Egrets and Herons
These long-legged birds often appear near creeks and dams, standing motionless as they hunt.
From above, their slow, measured movements look almost choreographed.
Ducks and Geese
Flocks of ducks or the occasional group of farm geese can be seen paddling below or crossing fields in neat formation — small details that make the countryside come alive.
3. Birds of Prey
Wedge-Tailed Eagles
If you’re lucky, you might catch sight of Australia’s largest bird of prey.
They soar effortlessly on rising air currents, sometimes at the same height as the balloon.
Their broad wings and long tails make them easy to recognise, even from a distance.
Kestrels and Hawks
Smaller raptors, such as nankeen kestrels, hover in place as they scan the ground for movement.
It’s fascinating to watch their precision and focus from above.
4. Songbirds and Parrots
Rainbow Lorikeets
These dazzling, multi-coloured parrots often streak across the sky in small flocks, calling loudly to one another.
They’re especially common around suburban Melbourne and the edges of the Yarra Valley.
Rosellas
Eastern rosellas — with bright red heads and patterned wings — are another favourite.
You’ll often spot them darting through orchards or resting on fence posts in pairs.
Swallows
In early morning light, swallows skim the air around the balloon, their fast, looping flight a reminder of how alive the sky really is.
5. The Peaceful Companionship of the Sky
One of the most memorable things about ballooning is how quietly you share the air with wildlife.
There’s no engine noise, no rush — just the occasional sound of the burner and the rhythm of the morning.
Birds rarely startle; instead, they glide alongside or continue their routines, as if welcoming you into their world.
6. Tips for Bird Lovers
Bring binoculars or a zoom lens if you’re keen on photography.
Ask your pilot about local wildlife — they often know which areas attract different species.
Look for patterns — water means swans and ducks, while forest edges bring parrots and cockatoos.
Stay present — sometimes the best moments are when you simply watch the sky together in silence.
A Flight Shared with Nature
A hot air balloon ride isn’t just about seeing the view — it’s about feeling part of it.
From graceful eagles to tiny songbirds, every creature you spot adds to the wonder of the morning.
So next time you fly, keep an eye out for the feathered locals who share the sunrise with you.
They’re the quiet companions that make every flight feel truly alive.
✨ Ready to experience Melbourne’s morning skies?
Book your Hot Air Balloon Flight and see not only the landscape, but the incredible wildlife that calls it home.