Little Brown Bird

What a week it has been.

I’ve officially registered for an ABN, chosen a business name, and opened a business bank account. A huge step — and one that feels deeply personal.

But why Little Brown Bird?

It only recently dawned on me…….. it’s always been about the bird. 

In the early days after Coop died, Beth sent me a video – a small, precious moment from Phillip Island. In it, Coop is playfully mocking our love of birdwatching (I know right, who would have thought we’d ever get into bird watching?). With his best David Attenborough impressions, he says “Look at these birds, so rate, only found at Phillip Island”. It makes me smile every time l watch it and l’m so grateful Beth shared it with me. It’s a reminder of his humour, his voice, and his joy.

Not long after that, a bird call started visiting me every morning. A yellow-tail honeyeater — its call sounded like it was saying “get up, get up.” Like a message from beyond. For months, it came, calling me out of bed, reminding me to keep going.

Then came the little brown bird.

Every day it would appear. Sometimes when I opened the curtains at the front of the house, sometimes at the back door, often on the woodshed roof. Other times, if I hadn’t seen it, I’d wonder where it was — and like magic, it would appear. It followed me quietly, gently, hopping along fences, flitting across the garden, unconcerned by the dogs or my presence. Just… there.

That’s when I realised — the bird had always been with me. Watching. Comforting. A companion on this path I never asked to walk.

Little Brown Bird felt like the only name that made sense.

It also connects to Bunjil, the creator in Indigenous culture — a presence I deeply respect, especially through my friend Murrundindi. I’ve been lucky enough to witness Bunjil circling above us more than once — an experience that felt powerful and sacred.

So here I am, starting something new, with the quiet strength of that little brown bird beside me. A small, steady guide. A comfort. A symbol of something greater.

Thank you for being part of this journey with me, little brown bird!🐦