Michael Morcombe, a passionate bird enthusiast since high school, transitioned from bird photography to studying birds themselves, recording their behaviours and habitats.

His career as a photographer and author flourished with over forty titles, including renowned works like Birds of Australia. Encountering challenges in capturing perfect shots, he honed his skills in sketching and painting birds while refining his ideas for an authoritative bird guide.

His dedication culminated in the creation of the Field Guide to Australian Birds, praised for its ease of use and comprehensive coverage. Morcombe's contributions earned him accolades such as the NSW Royal Zoological Society’s Whitley Award and the 1969 C.J. Dennis award.