Mound-builders

Darryl Jones

Darryl Jones is a behavioral ecologist primarily engaged in urban and road ecology, exploring the multifaceted ways in which humans interact with and perceive nature. His journey began with the study of parrots as pests in crops, sparking my fascination with their behavior. This interest evolved into a Ph.D. focused on the behavioral ecology of Australian brush-turkeys, eventually leading him into the intriguing and largely unexplored realm of urban ecology.

His research delves into the dynamics of well-known urban species such as magpies, ibis, crows, and, of course, brush-turkeys, navigating the complexities of human-wildlife interactions. While some species evoke conflict, others are admired and even revered. The practice of attracting birds to backyards through food provision, a contentious topic, became the subject of two popular science books: "The Birds At My Table" (Cornell UP, 2018) and "Feeding The Birds At Your Table" (NewSouth, 2019).

Expanding his scope, he delved into the field of road ecology, exploring the subject in the first popular science book of its kind, "A Clouded Leopard in the Middle of the Road" (Cornell UP, 2022). Additionally, "Curlews on Vulture Street" (NewSouth, 2022) recounts my career as an urban ecologist at Griffith. His latest work, "Getting to Know the Birds in Your Neighborhood" (NewSouth, 2023), serves as the first field guide to Australian urban birds, specifically tailored for beginners. It marks his tenth book in the field.