Wings of the West

Explore the Artwork

Watch the Skies – the Wedge-tailed Eagle is Nearby!

Location: Station Place, Werribee

The Wedge-tailed Eagle is Australia’s largest bird of prey, with a wingspan of up to 2.8 metres! Easily recognised by its long, diamond-shaped tail, it soars high above open landscapes, using sharp eyesight to spot food from kilometres away.

The Werribee plains are part of their hunting grounds, and you might even glimpse one circling above the river or grasslands. Their slow, graceful flight makes them a striking sight against the big sky of Wyndham.

Here at Station Place in Werribee City Centre, the artwork celebrates the strength and spirit of the Wedge-tailed Eagle — a bird that has watched over this land for thousands of years. Next time you look up, take a moment to see if you can spot one riding the wind.

Meet the Orange-bellied Parrot!

Location: Hoppers Junction, Old Geelong Road, Hoppers Crossing

This tiny, colourful parrot flies more than 1000 km from Tasmania to southern Victoria every winter! With fewer than 100 left in the wild, it’s one of Australia’s rarest birds. The Orange-bellied Parrot spends time at the nearby Western Treatment Plant — a perfect spot with water, food, and space to rest. It’s also one of the best birdwatching places in Victoria, home to hundreds of bird species.

You’re standing at Hoppers Junction, not far from where these little travellers spend their winter holidays! So next time you’re hopping off the train at Hoppers Crossing, think of the tiny parrots flying across the sea — you might be closer to a bird adventure than you think!

It’s the Sulphur-crested Cockatoo!

Location: Woodville, Shopping Centre, Hoppers Crossing 

This big white parrot with a bright yellow crest is one of Australia’s most famous birds! You might hear its loud screech before you see it — these cheeky cockatoos love to make noise. They often fly in large flocks and can live a long time — up to 80 years in captivity! Look for them foraging on the ground or high in trees, flashing their yellow underwings.

Here at the Woodville Shops, you might spot a few cockatoos in nearby trees or flying overhead — they enjoy visiting neighbourhoods like this one. These clever, social birds are always up to something — and they love to be seen and heard!

Look! A Black Swan!

Location: Soho Village, Point Cook

Black Swans have shiny black feathers and bright red beaks. They are strong swimmers and usually stay in pairs because they are best friends for life! They build nests and take care of their baby swans called cygnets.

You’re at Soho Village, near the Alamanda Wetlands — a special home for Black Swans. The wetlands have calm water and plants they like to eat.

Black Swans live all around Point Cook, so next time you visit, see if you can spot a pair swimming together. Just remember — as tempting as it might be, please don’t feed them. Feeding wildlife can make them sick and harm their environment.

Meet the White-plumed Honeyeater!

Location: Williams Landing (Near Post office Box)

This fast-moving little bird has yellowish feathers and a fluffy white stripe on its neck — that’s its “plume”! Just like the aircraft that once soared over Williams Landing during its time as a major air force base, this bird is always on the move — darting from tree to tree in search of insects and sweet nectar.

You’ll often spot them near water, flowering plants, and in local parks and wetlands. Keep your eyes (and ears!) open next time you’re out exploring nature in the area.

Meet the Barn Owl!

Location: Truganina Shopping Centre, Truganina

With its pale face and wide dark eyes, this heart-faced hunter is one of the most widespread owls in the world — found on every continent except Antarctica. These birds are night owls in every sense, silently gliding through open farmland and grasslands in search of their favourite snack: mice! 

Don’t expect a hoot — Barn Owls are famous for their long, eerie screeches and raspy hisses, especially during mating season (which can be any time the food supply is good).

You probably won’t spot one during the day — they prefer to keep a low profile in tree hollows, caves or quiet buildings. Next time you’re out after dark in Wyndham’s open spaces, listen carefully — you might hear that haunting screech and know a Barn Owl is nearby!

Harbour Gliders

Location: Wyndham Harbour, Werribee South 

With the longest bill of any bird in the world, the Australian Pelican is an unmistakable sight! These striking waterbirds are often seen gliding gracefully over rivers, lakes, and bays, or gathered in large groups along the coast. Their huge throat pouch is perfect for scooping up fish, and they’re known for their playful dives and spectacular landings on water.

Wyndham Harbour is one of their favourite places to rest and feed, and it’s not unusual to see a flock perched on the marina or cruising over the water in perfect formation. Next time you’re by the shore, look to the sky or sea — a pelican parade might be waiting for you!

Artist Bio: Ulla Taylor

Ulla is a pavement artist, street painter, muralist and Fine Art painter based in Melbourne. Ulla’s original street art has been enjoyed by thousands of people on city sidewalks, around the globe, for over 30 years. 

Ulla loves her work, touring and making art at a "grass-roots" level and has even won prizes in competition pavement art!