The three-week campaign to select Australia’s bird of the year has been bitterly fought out on social media, and Monday’s result provoked another round of celebration and recriminations.
Swooping in with an incredible 19,926 votes, of a total of almost 150,000, the Australian magpie took the title, having quietly gained ground over the white ibis (19,083), which had a commanding early lead.
The campaign was notable for fierce opinions both for and against the ibis, and many illustrations of its controversial urban habits.
i saw a magpie attack a bush turkey yesterday. the #BirdOfTheYear competition is real and getting nasty
— Nick Evershed 🦃 (@NickEvershed) December 5, 2017
This ibis has brought a friend dumpster diving #TeamBinChicken pic.twitter.com/6uxq0uz4TY
— Emily BurdfieldSteel (@MothPostDoc) November 23, 2017
The competition was complicated by attempted vote-rigging, drama and political intrigue.
On the morning of 21 November hundreds of suspicious votes were recorded for the powerful owl. Further investigation identified automated voting, forcing a large number of votes to be removed.
We regret to inform you that there has already been a voting scandal in the 2017 #BirdOfTheYear poll, with suspicious #TeamPowerfulOwl 🦉 activity https://t.co/qbSUqhIUhV pic.twitter.com/FdLSLcCCKF
— Guardian Australia (@GuardianAus) November 21, 2017
Another attack occurred two days later. The powerful owl again surged close to the top of the leaderboard before the fraudulent votes were identified and removed.
Politicians, musician and actors also weighed in throughout the campaign, again with divided opinions on the ibis.
Toss up between the Wedgetail Eagle & Azure Kingfisher. Pls vote so the Bin Chicken does not win. https://t.co/4ej8XjLaod
— Sally McManus (@sallymcmanus) November 20, 2017
why is everyone hating on the ibis #TeamBinChicken
— Scott Ludlam 🌈 (@Scottludlam) November 20, 2017
Many commentators argued for a fairer voting system in future, given the limitations of first past the post.
Galahs were my pick but I’ll admit I might have been overwhelmed by the politics of the moment rather than focussed on the birds. Next year I’d like to see preferential voting. （＾∇＾）#BirdoftheYear
— Donna Weeks (@psephy) December 10, 2017
I demand preferential voting next year and for the ability for the public to nominate! BotY should be run like Australian elections - could serve as part division lesson!
— Sarah Davis (@sarahdaviscc) December 10, 2017
.@GuardianAus should run the #BirdOfTheYear poll again next year and start breaking down results by collecting demographic data. Which birds are preferred by conservative electorates? Is the Ibis the spirit animal of Australian millenials? There’s potential here!
— Andrew McVittie (@Andrew_McVittie) December 10, 2017
The result proved disappointing, to say the least, for the pro-ibis and anti-magpie factions, who shared the blame widely.
Pretty outraged by the #BirdOfTheYear result tbh. Yet another election with a disappointing outcome.
— Ms Mouse (@tlmouse) December 10, 2017
EVIL TRIUMPHS #BirdOfTheYear @GuardianAus
— Katharine Murphy (@murpharoo) December 10, 2017
Disgraceful. Notice how the Graun announced this the week after Parliament rose for the year...
— Stephen Murray (@smurray38) December 10, 2017
WHERE QUESTIONS WOULD BE ASKED! https://t.co/Lmaj1OZiWG
wild scenes in Brisbane following a shock #BirdOfTheYear result pic.twitter.com/EQlrHTGjUY
— Matt Dennien (@mattdennien) December 10, 2017
#teambinchicken walks forlornly into the sunset, robbed of #BirdOfTheYear title #shattered pic.twitter.com/suwMZFUWGT
— bronya (@BronyaLipski) December 10, 2017
My old bike helmet would agree that the magpie makes quite an impact on society - and gives us all a (adrenaline) buzz when we see them (especially in September/October) #BirdoftheYear #jerkoftheyear https://t.co/RcM2aFSZy3
— David Beattie (@dabeattie99) December 10, 2017
i've never been swooped by an ibis... #BirdOfTheYear
— maddison connaughton (@madconnaughton) December 10, 2017
Magpie this is certainly Australia's "trump moment" I blame you @firstdogonmoon for orchestrating it
— Henry Cook (@Manic_Henry) December 10, 2017
I, for one, welcome our new murderous Prime Minister, and look forward to magpies forming government. Good government starts now, Australia. #BirdOfTheYear pic.twitter.com/IuN0OIO6Fm
— 🏳️🌈 neolithic skeleton embrace 🏳️🌈 (@rennemiles) December 10, 2017
The opposition leader, Bill Shorten, found himself on the wrong side of the polls by dissing the magpie.
I barrack for the Magpies but I don't like getting swooped by them. I voted for the Emu
— Bill Shorten (@billshortenmp) November 21, 2017
Malcolm Turnbull is yet to break his silence.
