A couple of years ago I travelled to the north coast to stay with a friend for a few days. Jacarandas and flame trees studded the late spring landscape.

One day we travelled to Bellingen, which is about halfway between Sydney and Brisbane. It was famous for its red cedar, and when this had been cleared it became a farming area. These days the town is a vibrant mix of cafes and boutique shops.

We enjoyed lunch at an old dairy. It was repurposed into shops selling goods featuring the work of local artists. There were many temptations but a hanging display of Australian birds caught my eye. Carved out of old wooden palings and painted in soft colours, I kept returning to them. I bought a couple as gifts, and selected this wooden galah for me.

Galahs are a common sight in country towns, and throughout suburbia as well. To see them swoop about or feed on the ground in sociable groups is a cheering sight.

During a trip to Kiama I came across a small family of galahs feeding – they were vocal in their demands for more food.

The wooden galah is outside my kitchen window, and when I see it I am reminded of moments such as these.

This is one of many small things that I’m grateful for. What small things brighten your day?

[Photo: a galah spotted working on a tree hollow at a park in Canberra]