About Us - Cochikens.com

Our Story

Cochikens.com was born from a passionate conversation between three friends in a small Sydney café in 1992. Dr. Emily Harrison, a seasoned ornithologist, Michael Wong, a wildlife photographer, and James Thornton, a conservation advocate, shared a mutual concern about the lack of accessible information on Australia's unique bird species.

What began as a simple bird-watching club quickly evolved into a comprehensive research initiative. Throughout the 1990s, our small team traversed the vast Australian landscape, from the tropical rainforests of Queensland to the arid expanses of the outback, meticulously documenting bird behaviors, habitats, and conservation challenges.

By 2005, we had established Cochikens.com as Australia's first dedicated online platform for bird enthusiasts, researchers, and conservationists. Our name, derived from combining "cockatoo" and "chickens," playfully represents our mission to make ornithology accessible to everyone from serious researchers to casual backyard bird watchers.

Today, with over three decades of field experience and a network of contributors spanning the continent, Cochikens.com stands as Australia's most trusted resource for bird information, conservation news, and community engagement.

Our Mission & Values

Our Mission

At Cochikens.com, we are dedicated to documenting, celebrating, and protecting Australia's extraordinary avian biodiversity through education, research, and community engagement.

Our Core Values

Scientific Integrity: We are committed to accurate, evidence-based information in all our educational resources and research.
Conservation Leadership: We actively promote and participate in conservation initiatives that protect bird habitats and populations.
Inclusive Education: We believe bird knowledge should be accessible to everyone, regardless of expertise level or background.
Community Connection: We foster a supportive community where bird enthusiasts can share experiences and knowledge.
Ethical Observation: We advocate for responsible bird-watching practices that prioritize the welfare of birds and their habitats.

Meet Our Team

Our passionate experts bring decades of combined experience in ornithology, conservation, and education.

Dr. Emily Harrison

Chief Ornithologist

With over 25 years of experience in avian research, Dr. Harrison leads our scientific studies and conservation initiatives. She has authored three books on Australian birds and holds a Ph.D. in Ornithology from the University of Melbourne.

Michael Wong

Lead Wildlife Photographer

Michael's award-winning photography has been featured in National Geographic and Australian Geographic. His technical expertise and patience allow him to capture rare bird behaviors that contribute significantly to our research.

Dr. Olivia Sanderson

Conservation Program Director

Dr. Sanderson oversees our habitat restoration and species recovery programs. With a background in ecological restoration, she has successfully implemented conservation projects across five Australian states.

James Thornton

Community Outreach Director

As one of our founders, James leads our educational programs and community workshops. His charismatic approach to bird education has inspired thousands of Australians to become citizen scientists and conservation advocates.

Our Achievements

Documented over 700 of Australia's 800+ bird species with comprehensive profiles and field guides
Successfully restored 12,000+ hectares of critical bird habitat across Australia
Conducted the first comprehensive survey of night parrot populations in Western Australia
Established Australia's largest citizen science bird monitoring program with 15,000+ active participants
Developed educational resources used in over 2,000 Australian schools
Published 45+ peer-reviewed scientific papers on Australian avian ecology

What People Say About Us

"Cochikens.com transformed my understanding of Australian birds. Their comprehensive guides and community forums have enhanced my birdwatching experience tremendously. The team's passion for conservation is truly inspiring."

Margaret Thompson

Birdwatcher, Brisbane

"As a wildlife conservation officer, I rely on Cochikens.com for accurate, up-to-date information on bird populations and habitats. Their research has directly informed several of our successful rehabilitation programs."

Dr. Nathan Patel

Wildlife Conservation Officer

"The educational resources provided by Cochikens.com have been invaluable for my primary school classroom. My students are now passionate junior ornithologists, actively participating in backyard bird counts and conservation projects."