Australian desert reaches peak budgie as thousands dazzle wildlife photographer

Steven Pearce captures up to 10,000 birds swooping for a drink at an outback water hole in rare display he describes as a marvel of agility

A wildlife photographer has captured stunning images of budgerigars in a murmuration of up to 10,000 birds near a water hole outside Alice Springs.

Steven Pearce said the display was rare, unique and relatively short-lived - lasting for only about 10 minutes. Pearce was able to shoot dozens of photos displaying the birds' agility and dazzling splashes of colour in the middle of the desert.