COMING UP:
Presentation (Webinar) on Australian Brush-turkeys. Kindly hosted by the Northern Beaches Council.
Registration is free but you must register to receive login details. Register here: https://events.humanitix.com/living-with-australian-brush-turkeys-presented-by-dr-ann-goeth
UPCOMING EVENTS
See Webinar above
PAST EVENTS
Book launches
The book launch for “Amazing Annoying Birds – Living with Australian brush-turkeys” was held on February 8th 2024 at Five Dock Library, Sydney.
Thank you the 90 people you who joined me there!
“Bush-turkey Needs a Friend” was launched at Concord Library, Sydney, on March 5th, 2024. It was wonderful to see so many children immersed in my reading of the book, and to watch them having fun with brush-turkey craft afterwards.
MOSMAN GARDEN CLUB
Brush-turkeys are not the friends of all gardeners. Thank you to the many members of Mosman Garden Club who joined me to learn more about these birds and how to live more harmoniously with them.
LANE COVE LIBRARY
What a wonderful turnout – a fully booked session to talk about brush-turkeys, why they are returning to the city, why they are fascinating and how we can live more harmoniously with them.
BEROWRA FAUNA FAIR
On March 17th, 2024, I enjoyed talking to the many people visiting this fair to find out more about local wildilfe, including brush-turkeys.
NATURE IS HEALING THEATRE PERFORMANCE
A play just about brush-turkeys, how amazing. Thank you to artists Emma McManus and Emma White for creating such an entertaining play,which showcased this misjudged scrub-dweller and its fight against the gentrification of urban areas. It was a pleasure to watch this at the Brand X Performing Arts Centre in Darlinghurst, and to sell my freshly published books afterwards.
BOOK SIGNING -NATIONAL PARKS VISITORS CENTRES
I feel humbled that my brush-turkey books are now for sale at several visitors centres for National Parks, in NSW and QLD. I always love combining a bushwalk with a signing visit to these places, such as here at Bobbin Head Visitors Centre in Ku-ring-gai National Park.
WOMEN FOR WELLNESS BOOK READING
What a joy it was to talk to these interested ladies about my adventures studying an endangered megapode bird in Tonga, the cultural experiences I had, and the lessons I learnt about resilience and the comfort of Western civilisation.
PRESENTATIONS FOR LOCAL COUNCILS
I am regularly asked by local councils to present about brush-turkeys to their residents, and answer any questions these may have in a Q&A session.
So far, I have presented for Byron Bay Shire, Hornsby Council, Northern Beaches Council, North Sydney Council, Lane Cove Council, Parramatta Council, and Ku-ring-gai Council.
AUTHOR/RADIO INTERVIEWS
July 8th, 2025. ABC Radio Interview, telling listeners that Brush-turkeys can’t bite because they don’t have teeth:). Click below to listen to this 10 min interview.
Radio interview with Richard Glover about brush-turkeys, only four days before he retired. Thank you Richard Glover for spending your precious time on ABC Radio Sydney talking turkey to me.
Click below to listen to this 6 min radio interview, Nov 26th 2024
December 18th 2023: Talking to Simon Marnie on the ABC Sydney Breakfast radio show about my two new brush-turkey books:
To listen, click on play below:
Listen to a 6 min ABC Radio interview about my book “Volcanic Adventures in Tonga”
An Author Interview for “Literary Titan”:
Click here to read about my three reasons for writing the book “Volcanic Adventures in Tonga”, my most and least favourite memory from Tonga, and some of the important concepts in Tongan culture that I wanted to share in this book. The interview ends with a one-sentence answer to the question “What is one thing you hope readers take away from your story?”, which is that all of us can achieve far more than we ever imagine!
An Author Interview for “All Author”:
Click to read my answers to questions about my writing style, conservation efforts, and much more.
An Author Interview for the travel magazine “Globerovers”:
Click here to read about my three reasons for writing the book “Volcanic Adventures in Tonga”, my most and least favourite memory from Tonga, and some of the important concepts in Tongan culture that I wanted to share in this book. The interview ends with a one-sentence answer to the question “What is one thing you hope readers take away from your story?”, which is that all of us can achieve far more than we ever imagine!
PODCASTS
“Weekend Birder” Podcast
6 November 2024. 22 min podcast about why brush-turkeys are fascinating. Listen on their website (click here) or on Spotify, Apply Podcasts or Pocket Casts (links here)
“Amazing Annoying Birds” Podcast:
Listen to a 1hr 50 min podcast about brush-turkeys and people’s relationship with this bird. On Youtube (click here).
“Volcanic Adventures in Tonga” Podcast:
Listen to a 70 min podcast, on Youtube (click here), Apple podcast (click here) or on Spotify (click here)
…in which we talk about my book, the work with the Tongan Megapode, Brush-turkey and Malleefowl, as well as the struggles of PhD students in the environmental fields who are heroically doing field work under often harsh conditions, all in the name of getting data for their thesis. We also brush on the difficulties with settling down in academia, especially as an overseas student, and we touch on the logistics of birding trips to Tonga.
Professional Reviews for
“Bush-turkey Needs a Friend”
“This is charming and beguiling picture book that deftly describes some truly strange features of these remarkable birds found in bush and backyards.”
— Darryl Jones, brush-turkey expert
“A charming, insightful, and sweet story that not only teaches children fascinating facts about bush-turkeys, but also valuable life lessons about resilience, perseverance, and self-acceptance. Told through simple text and beautiful, bold illustrations, Bush-Turkey Needs a Friend will leave readers feeling joyful and inspired. A highly recommended read for children preschool aged and over”.
— Elizabeth Khater, Goodreads 5-star review.
“Göth skillfully weaves a narrative that is both captivating and educational, holding the attention of young readers from the very beginning. The book is adorned with vivid, colorful illustrations that not only enrich the storytelling experience but also visually engage its audience.
An underlying message about the importance of self-acceptance and the beauty of diversity runs through the narrative, providing a gentle yet impactful lesson for children. In addition to the engaging storyline, Göth intersperses the narrative with interesting facts about turkeys, subtly incorporating educational elements that enhance young readers’ understanding and appreciation of these birds. The introduction of Tina, another turkey who instantly bonds with Tom, is a highlight of the story. Their immediate acceptance of each other adds a heartwarming dimension to the tale, underscoring themes of friendship and belonging.
Bush-Turkey Needs a Friend is not just a story about a turkey’s search for companionship, but a tender exploration of identity and diversity, presented in a manner that is both enjoyable and enlightening for young readers.”
— Literary Titan 5-star Gold Award, click here to read
“Bush-turkey Needs a Friend” is a fascinating tale grounded in real science facts, making it an educational story for readers of all ages. I am confident that my students will not only enjoy listening to this unique book but will also find delight in reading it independently. The vivid and colourful illustrations bring the story to life, and the charming animal characters make the journey even more enchanting. As an educator, I wholeheartedly recommend this book to fellow teachers and parents who are passionate about fostering a love for both reading and nature.”
— Carolyn Wild, Teacher, Amazon 5-star review
I really love children’s books written by scientists and researchers in their field. They are able to convey unique and useful knowledge in simple words through pictures and metaphors. I read this book about Tom Turkey with my young daughter and realized that it is very interesting for myself as well.
This children’s story introduces us to the bush turkey as an interesting species, showing us that we are all different and that’s an amazing thing. It also teaches us how to make friends and take care of ourselves, which will come in handy for the rest of our lives.
This is a wonderful beautiful book to read with our little wonders.”
— Amazon Reader, 5-star review
This picture books promises the perfect mix – on one level, it is a delightful story about finding a friend. On other levels, it is about embracing diverse experiences of childhood, about watching the world around us with a curious eye, about appreciating our native Australian wildlife, and about persevering to achieve our goals.
Created by an author-illustrator who is both a science teacher and an ecologist, this picture book taught me a few things about Brush Turkeys (popularly known as Bush Turkeys), too. (The cross-section illustration of Tom Turkey as a chick digging his way out of his mound nest is my favourite!)
— Sally Smith, Author. 5-star review
Even though this book is geared toward kids, I enjoyed reading it as an adult! I know my grand-nieces will love it because they know their great-aunt went to Australia. What I didn’t know beforehand was the breeding habits of the brush-turkey. It was fascinating to learn and knowledge is power. It enjoyed the author’s illustrations and the fun hide-and-seek element of them (be on the lookout for a small animal in each illustration). Dr. Goeth used her knowledge of the birds to create a sweet story of individuality, peppered with amazing bird facts.
— Lisa Baker, Author. 5-star review
Awards
LITERARY TITAN GOLD AWARD
for “books that have astounded and amazed us with unique writing styles, vivid worlds, complex characters, and original ideas.” (for Volcanic Adventures in Tonga and Bush-turkey Needs a Friend)
READERS FAVORITE 5-STAR AWARD
“Every travel enthusiast and conservationist would love this book. I didn’t want to miss a thing!” (for Volcanic Adventures in Tonga).
“All young readers who love animals should read this book; I am sure Tom will become their new friend.” (for Bush-turkey Needs a Friend)
BOOK EXCELLENCE AWARD – FINALIST
A prestigious international book awards competition that recognizes outstanding books for their high-quality design, writing, and overall market appeal. (for Volcanic Adventures in Tonga).
BEST INDIE BOOK AWARD for Ornithology
This annual award recognizes and honors the best independent books published by authors and publishers outside of the traditional, large publishing houses. It is designed to celebrate the achievements of indie authors and their ability to produce high-quality books, despite the challenges they face without the backing of major publishers. (for Amazing Annoying Birds).
Professional Reviews for
“Amazing Annoying Birds”
This is a comprehensive, informative, instructive, attractive, and at times amusing, well-balanced introduction to, and account of, one of the world’s most intriguing and potentially (to gardeners) annoying bird species. Anyone and everyone sharing their habitat with the Australian Brush-turkey should have this delightfully illustrated volume to hand. An appreciation of the bird’s remarkable life history should alleviate much frustration caused by it. — Clifford B. Frith PhD, Order of Australia Medal, author of 2 books on bowerbirds, 2 on birds of paradise and 12 other books.
Every aspect of the strange and fractious relationship between people and brush-turkeys is covered in this delightful book. It is scientifically sound as well as understandable by anyone. Whether you have experienced the impact of these birds or are simply interested in finding out what on earth is going on, this book will not disappoint.— Prof. Darryl Jones, brush-turkey expert & author.
the people for whom Brush-turkeys are a part of their lives.” the generous and enthusiastic credit that Ann gives to all the other people who have studied Brush-turkeys, including indigenous owners.” “I thoroughly recommend this book”. — Prof Stephen Garnett’s (Charles Darwin University) review in the journal “Australian Field Ornithology”, https://afo.birdlife.org.au/…/afo/article/view/2320/2347
Ann’s book is full of interesting and practical information. A great attribute is her humorous and chatty style which makes even the technical parts (which would be the ‘boring bits’ from other authors) so readable that one can’t skip them! The illustrations are superb too. This will be an excellent book to recommend for our rescuers and carers, and the many members of the public who ask for our help with all aspects of living with Brush Turkeys. Thank you Ann, you have made our job so much easier with this long-needed text! — Bev Young, Senior Volunteer and Community Educator with Sydney Wildlife Rescue
What fascinating birds. I remember first seeing them years ago while camping, and a bit too friendly, even in that non -urban area. Ann’s book is readable and fun and should appeal to anyone with an interest in birds. Maybe she can change an opinion or two? — Judy Harrington, BirdLife Australia
After spending half her life studying the enigmatic Australian brush turkey, Dr Ann Göth has finally hatched the egg and put pen to paper detailing her and other peoples’ experience with these iconic birds that have become increasingly common in the urban areas of eastern Australia from Sydney northwards. Written in layman’s language understandable to all, years of research explain the intimate habits of Brush Turkeys and why they have become so numerous in bushland and suburban gardens in and around our cities. Love them or hate them, this is a must-read for any people interested in urban wildlife or simply getting brush turkeys out of their garden! — David Booth, Honorary Associate Professor in Zoology University of Queensland.
I wished I lived in Australia instead of Europe: after reading Ann Göth’s book about the fascinating behaviour of Brush-turkeys and their chicks. I would definitely lure them into my garden and spend day after day watching them instead of getting rid of them. — René Dekker, Author of “The Megapodes” (Oxford University Press), Leiden, Netherlands.
Ann Göth has written a charming little book on the wonders of the Brush Turkey of Australia. It delves into the interesting details of its unique mound-building behaviour, which should bring delight to every reader. Those who live with this bird and currently consider it to be a nuisance may be enlightened enough to welcome it in their gardens. If not, Ann provides advice on how to discourage them. — Roger Seymour, Emeritus Professor, The University of Adelaide
This book contains so much more than I could have imagined, and it really reminded me that we share our city with an amazing animal. It is an entertaining and informative journey into the extraordinary biology of one of Australia’s most unique birds and our relationship with them. While their approach to life means that brush-turkeys are much maligned by some, the tales of their exploits confirm their place as a unique Australian icon: hardworking, unassuming, and self-sufficient. You will look at these birds differently after learning about what they do, why they do it, and how they do it. And why we need to learn to live with them. — Professor Dieter Hochuli, The University of Sydney
Thank you Jerry Coleby-Williams for this wonderful recommendation on your Facebook page!
Professional Reviews for
“Volcanic Adventures in Tonga”
Literary Titan, 5-star review, Click here to read the whole review
“Like any remarkable travel story, her book is an intriguing mix of difficulties and delights… this book was an exciting opportunity for me to learn about the Tongan people. It includes Ann’s vivid account of various things that are common to many tribal societies, such as matriarchy and having few material possessions. The reader gets to experience the rich culture of the Tongan people and the beauty of the natural world on the remote island as if in person. I loved that it reveals a Westerner’s view of a different culture and the author’s honest opinion of the things she found challenging, including language differences and being told that she is not “big fat” enough. Volcanic Adventures in Tonga offers a fun adventure and a profound, memorable travel experience. It’s also a timely reminder to preserve endangered species and be conscious of climate change. Every travel enthusiast and conservationist would love this book. I didn’t want to miss a thing!.”
Foluso Falaye for Readers’ Favorite, 5-star review.
“This is an extraordinary book. If you’ve ever wanted to know what it might be like, as a western person, to be marooned on one of the remotest islands of one of the remotest countries in the world, read this story. The complex relationships between the islanders and this couple who stayed for almost two years contain aspects that people who live in developed countries would never imagine. This is as much a story about human interaction and indigenous culture as it is about volcanoes and saving rare birds. Well written, entertaining and a quick, compelling read.”
Simon Michael Prior, 5-star review, Award-winning travel author. Click here to read
“The narrative is a joyous delight to read; the author’s enthusiasm and devotion to Conservation and Biology is rare in today’s cynical and jaded culture!” and “Narrated with charismatic delight…”
Cobwebby Goodreads reviewer, 5-star review, Click here to read
“I got lost in this interesting, well-written account of island life from the perspective of a conservationist.”
Lisa Benson, 5-star review, Award-winning author of “Where have I been all my Live”. Click here to read
Reviews of “Volcanic Adventures in Tonga” by my readers – thank you for your support!!!
I would appreciate your reviews!!!
If you have already read one of my books: Thank you! I am grateful and hope you found value in reading it. Please consider sharing it with family or friend and leaving a review online, as this would be very valuable in my quest to promote this book to travellers, nature enthusiasts and other adventure lovers.
For reviews of “Volcanic Adventures in Tonga” please go to the links below if you’d like to leave a review:
(you will need to have an Amazon account but you do not need to purchase the book from Amazon)
(you need to sign up to Goodreads or be a member)
The publisher (Austin Macauley)
For reviews of “Amazing Annoying Birds” please go to the links below if you’d like to leave a review:
For reviews of “Bush-turkey Needs a Friend” please go to the links below if you’d like to leave a review: