Click on the Book Cover below to make your selection:

Targets a reading age of 8 years to adult
Targets a reading age of 16 years to adult

NOTE: Both books were written, published and printed in Australia.

Or Click Below to Purchase BOTH books in

The Two Book Set Special:


“What Birds Teach Us”

Second Edition: Improved & Enlarged


 ISBN: 978-0-646-81347-9

To go directly to our Secure Online Check-Out: Click Here

To purchase from a select bookstore and not here online: Click Here

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⇒ A beautiful introduction to our Australian birds and the fascinating way they live their lives.

The book assists the reader to identify and learn about the interesting lives of our most popular native Australian birds.

⇒ The book features over 150 colour photographs with some very rare captures to help explain the text.

⇒ Simple easy reading text targets a reading age of 8 years to adult. 

⇒ Helpful life lessons are shared from each bird, encouraging the reader to make wise life choices. 

Learn to be a faithful friend like the Rainbow Lorikeet.
Learn to be a good listener like the Superb Lyrebird.

⇒ Is a book all ages can enjoy, and especially targets the Primary School aged child in their formative years.

⇒ If you would like to know more about the Author: Click here.

 Check Out Some of the Reviews of the Book “What Birds Teach Us”

Click on this link to read an independent review from another Australian wildlife blogger who purchased this book here on this website.

Click on this link to read a review from an American blogger who has purchased the book here online from this website.

Learn to deal with bullies like the Noisy Miner.

In Summary: The author has been told by parents and teachers, how this book has been a wonderful learning tool for their children, teaching them about our native birds as well as helpful ways to improve their lives. Children naturally gravitate to this book, as it stimulates creativity, as they trace, draw and colour bird images from the book, as well as, develop a desire to search for and identify their local birds using the book as a guide. It is often purchased as an enjoyable addition to Primary School libraries.

This is the Most Helpful Gift You Can Give 


Secure Online Checkout

  • Postage and packaging is included in the one price.
  • Check that your current residential address is the Shipping Address when asked during the billing process so your purchase can be posted to you by Australia Post.
  • If you are sending it to a different address to your Billing Address: during the payment process there is an option you can choose to include a different Shipping Address to your Billing Address.
  • Click on one of the following options to purchase more than one book in one transaction to be posted to an Australian Postcode. OR An address Outside of Australia
  • Click on the Credit Card image to pay with your Credit/Debit card OR click on the Pay with PayPal option to use your PayPal account to make your purchase.

For purchases to be mailed to Australian addresses and Postcodes.

‘What Birds Teach Us’ book

Purchase one copy of What Birds Teach Us to be posted to an Australian address/Postcode (postage is included in the one price)

A$30.00


For purchases to be mailed to addresses Outside of Australia to countries other than Australia. (e.g. USA)

‘What Birds Teach Us’ book

Purchase one copy to be posted to an address in another country Other than Australia (e.g. USA) (postage is included in the one price).

A$48.00

The prices are in Australian Dollars (AUD).
Click here to convert from Australian dollars to your currency.

Please allow 10 – 14 days for delivery.

If you would like to communicate directly with the author to share a review or comment on the book:


Learn more about our Australian birds and Follow the Author’s Weekly Birding Blog and receive a weekly email: Click here and enter your email address at [Follow this Blog] found at the top right hand side of the Blog page..


Privacy Policy: No personal information submitted either via secure PayPal or by other forms of contact is shared with any other party, but kept in strictest confidence and only used for the purpose it was submitted (i.e. contacting client and mailing purchases).


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“Flight of a Fledgling”

Growing Up and Leaving Home.


ISBN: 978-0-646-83070-4

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⇒ Over 150 beautiful photos of Australia’s fascinating birds and their interesting life stories are used to draw upon important life issues adults experience,  assisting the reader to navigate a happier healthier life.

The book’s aim is to assist readers to better understand themselves, improve their relationships, while offering practical ways to deal emotionally with the various unforeseen circumstances one encounters in life as an adult, while at the same time, enjoy learning about our fascinating Australian birds. The book also includes many recent research findings.

The author, who holds an Advanced Diploma in Counselling and Family Therapy, combines  his counselling skills with his knowledge and study of bird behaviour, to bring together a light, easy reading, non judgmental approach which is easy to understand and receive.

To learn more about the author Click here.

There are two pages of citation references at the rear of the book to assist the reader in  finding out more information on relevant issues raised in the text. 

“How do I get my teenager to read this book, when you can’t tell them what to do?”: Teens and young adults mistakenly think they know all they need to know about life. Teens may feel defensive at this stage in life when they are told they need to do something, while they are attempting to assert their ability to decide for themselves. Also when they are confronted with doing something that is not cool to their peers they will resist. One of the ways of introducing this book to resistant teens we have found is to leave the book on the coffee table in the lounge room, or in a place where family gather, and not even mention it is there. You can mark where you have placed it, and check over time to see if it has moved. They are most likely to pick the book up and peruse it, when you are not around, and possibly also their friends and other adults in the household. Let them mention the book,for that will be a sign that it has had a positive impact. However, if your teen is receptive you may just show them the book or give it as a gift, suggesting they may find some wisdom for their future.

In summary: When the reader has read this book they will know more about their Australian birds, and will also have learnt useful tools to assist them to navigate their way to a healthier and happier life. 


Secure Online Checkout


  • Postage and packaging is included in the one price.
  • Check that your current residential address is the Shipping Address when asked during the billing process so your purchase can be posted to you by Australia Post.
  • If you are sending it to a different address to your Billing Address: during the payment process there is an option you can choose to include a different Shipping Address to your Billing Address.
  • Click on one of the following options to purchase more than one book in one transaction to be posted to an Australian Postcode or to one Outside of Australia.
  • Click on the Credit Card image to pay with your Credit/Debit card OR click on the Pay with PayPal option to use your PayPal account to make your purchase.

For purchases to be mailed to Australian addresses and Postcodes.

‘Flight of a Fledgling’ book

Purchase one copy of ‘Flight of a Fledgling’ to be posted to an Australian address/Postcode (postage is included in the one price).

A$30.00


For purchases to be mailed to addresses Outside of Australia to countries other than Australia. (e.g. USA)

‘Flight of a Fledgling’ book

Purchase one copy of ‘Flight of a Fledgling’ posted to you address Outside of Australia (e.g. USA) (postage is included in the one price).

A$48.00

The prices are in Australian Dollars (AUD).

Click here to convert  from Australian dollars to your currency.

Please allow 10 – 14 days for delivery.


If you would like to communicate directly with the author to share a review or comment on the book:

Learn more about our Australian birds and Follow the Author’s Weekly Birding Blog and receive a weekly email: Click here and enter your email address at [Follow this Blog] found at the top right hand side of the Blog page..

Privacy Policy: No personal information submitted either via secure PayPal or by other forms of contact is shared with any other party, but kept in strictest confidence and only used for the purpose it was submitted (i.e. contacting client and mailing purchases).


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Purchasing Both Books in One Secure Online Transaction

Secure Online Checkout


  • Postage and packaging is included in the one price.
  • Check that your current residential address is the Shipping Address when asked during the billing process so your purchase can be posted to you by Australia Post.
  • If you are sending it to a different address to your Billing Address: during the payment process there is an option you can choose to include a different Shipping Address to your Billing Address.
  • Click on the Credit Card image to pay with your Credit/Debit card OR click on the Pay with PayPal option to use your PayPal account to make your purchase.

For purchases to be mailed to Australian Postcodes.

‘What Birds Teach Us’ and ‘Flight of a Fledgling’ Both Book Special

One copy each of ‘What Birds Teach Us’ and ‘Flight of a Fledgling’ posted to your Australian address and Postcode (postage is included in the one price).

A$55.00


For purchases to be mailed Outside Australia to countries other than Australia. (e.g. USA)

‘What Birds Teach Us’ and ‘Flight of a Fledgling’ Both Book Special

One copy each of ‘What Birds Teach Us’ and ‘Flight of a Fledgling’ posted to your address Outside of Australia (e.g. USA) (postage is included in the one price).

A$70.00

Click here to convert  from Australian dollars to your currency.

Please allow 10 – 14 days for delivery.


If you would like to communicate directly with the author to share a review or comment on the book:

If you would like to learn more about our Australian birds and what we can learn from them, why not Follow the Author’s Weekly Birding Blog and receive a weekly email: Click here and submit your email in the [Follow this Blog]  Button at the top right hand side of the page.

Privacy Policy: No personal information submitted either via secure PayPal or by other forms of contact is shared with any other party, but kept in strictest confidence and only used for the purpose it was submitted (i.e. contacting client and mailing purchases).


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About the Author

‘Ashley’ Hewson resides in Sydney, Australia as a husband, father and grandfather, and has spent most of his life working in medical science laboratories, from which he has recently retired. Ashley’s wife also shares his love of observing and studying bird behaviour as well as  photographing Australia’s beautiful birds. They often go out together on birding dates, which he shares in his weekly blog posts on his website.

Ashley has united his birding passion and his photography with his passion for lifestyle and family counselling (Adv. Dip. of  Counselling & Family Therapy) to author two unique books in which he integrates his photography with helpful life skills learnt from the behaviour of  popular  Australian birds.

Ashley is aware, from his own childhood experiences, of the need to encourage and assist the healthy development of our young people in making wise life choices. He hosts a website and  weekly blog  which also complements his book and shares additional information.

Due to the sell-out success of his first edition of “What Birds Teach Us” he was asked to produce an even better second edition which is both improved and enlarged, addressing the current concerns of the child in its formative years. This book has received many positive reviews and comments and continues to be his legacy, originally written for his four grandchildren and now for all young people.

Ashley has also written a second book “Flight of a Fledgling” Growing Up and Leaving Home, dedicated to his three adult children. This book was published in early 2021, and addresses important personal and relational considerations for teens and young adults, as they prepare to leave The Nest and navigate their lives in the world.  There is also a third book which was recently written and may be published toward the end of the year.


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 Check Out Some of the Reviews of the Book “What Birds Teach Us”

Click on this link to read an independent review from another Australian wildlife blogger.

Click on this link to read a review from an American blogger who has purchased the book from this website.


If you would like to learn more about our Australian birds and what we can learn from them, why not Follow the Author’s Weekly Birding Blog and receive a weekly email. Learn more about our interesting birds and how we can learn from them. This will supplement your purchase of the book :  Click here and submit your email in the [Follow this Blog]  Button at the top right hand side of the page.


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Places Where You Can Buy The Beautiful Bird Books

Listed below are the current places where you can purchase these books,  should you choose to not purchase them on this website.

Be aware that though the Recommended Retail Price (RRP) is $30 AUD the price may vary between stores.


  ⇒ NSW National Parks Visitor Centres 

>>> There is no Online purchase facility for NSW National Parks shops.

The Royal National Park Visitor Centre, Audley, NSW. [see above photo]

Sea Acres Rainforest Centre, Port Macquarie, NSW.

Minnamurra Rainforest Centre, Jambaroo, NSW.

Dorrigo Rainforest Centre, Dorrigo, NSW.

The Pilliga Forest Discovery Centre, Baradine, NSW.

The Blue Mountains Heritage Centre, Blackheath, NSW.

Fitzroy Falls Visitor and Information Centre, Fitzroy Falls, NSW.

Snowy Region Visitor Centre, Jindabyne NSW 

Warrumbungle Visitor Centre, Warrumbungle NSW (near Coonabarabran)


  ⇒ Bookshops, Gift Shops, Local Visitor Information Centres

      and Miscellaneous Businesses.

>>> Towns are listed in alphabetical order for easier  accessibility.

>>> Stores with ONLINE purchase facilities are marked with an asterisk [ * ].

Acton ACT * The Botanical Bookshop, Australian National Botanic Gardens

Armidale NSW * The Reader’s Companion

Batemans Bay NSW Eurobodalla Regional Botanic Gardens

Bondi NSW Harry Hartog Bookseller – Bondi

Bourke NSW Back O’ Bourke Information & Exhibition Centre

Broome, WA *  Broome Bird Observatory

Bulli NSW Southern Gateway Centre (Destination Wollongong).

Byron Bay NSW  Collins Booksellers

Canungra, QLD O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat Gift Shop

Collector NSW Olive View Cafe and Restaurant

Cowra NSW Cowra Japanese Garden

Dubbo NSW  * The Book Connection

Dungog NSW Sassafras Dungog

Eden NSW Eden Visitor Information Centre

Forbes NSW Forbes Visitor Information Centre

Forster NSW Forster Visitor Information Centre

Goulburn NSW Argyle Book Emporium

Hurstville, NSW Ormonde Dental Surgery

Kiama NSW Kiama Visitor Information Centre

Kotara NSW Harry Hartog Bookseller – Kotara

Lake Cargelligo NSW Lake Cargelligo Tourist Information Centre

Leeton NSW Leeton Visitor Information Centre

Leura NSW Megalong Books

Lightning Ridge NSW Lightning Ridge Visitor Information Centre

Lithgow NSW A Reader’s Heaven

Maitland, East NSW Harry Hartog Bookseller – Green Hills

Marrickville NSW Harry Hartog Bookseller – Marrickville

Miranda NSW Harry Hartog Booksellers – Miranda

Mittagong NSW Destination Southern Highlands

Mona Vale NSW   Berkelouw Books – Mona Vale

 Mudgee NSW Mainly Mudgee Gifts

Narrabri NSW Narrabri Visitor Information Centre

Parkes ACT The National Library Bookshop

Parkes NSW Parkes Visitor Information Centre

Port Stephens NSW Port Stephens Visitor Information Centre, Nelson Bay

Tuggeranong ACT Harry Hartog Booksellers – Tuggeranong

Wagga Wagga NSW Gateway Bookshop

Wagga Wagga NSW Wagga Wagga Visitor Information Centre

Walgett NSW Walgett Shire Visitor Information Centre

Warringah NSW Harry Hartog Booksellers – Warringah

Woden ACT Harry Hartog Booksellers – Woden

Privacy Policy: No personal information submitted either via secure PayPal or by other forms of contact is shared with any other party, but kept in strictest confidence and only used for the purpose it was submitted (i.e. contacting client and mailing purchases).

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To introduce people to our amazing Australian Birds

To learn from them better ways of living a healthy happy life

Adv. Dip. of Counselling and Family Therapy

© W. A. Hewson 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023


4 Comments »

  1. Hi Ashley,
    Would you and Robyn mind writing in the book to Tom and Sadie.
    I know they will get great pleasure from your book.
    It was wonderful sharing the trip with you both as you enriched my knowledge of birds.
    My binoculars will be a companion when I sit on the back deck and when I travel.
    Many thanks,
    Elaine

    Liked by 1 person

    • Thanks so much Elaine for purchasing my book. We hope Tom and Sadie enjoy it. I will be mailing it off today with signing as you requested. Enjoy your week. A great idea to carry binoculars with you, my wife does when ever we go out, as you never know what you might find.

      Like