What is she holding in her hands? It seems that she cherishes its value so much

You should read the complete report.

Why is a story about Australia tagged "The Face of America?"

Good question, Set.
If Donald Trump's difficult countenance can be called the Face of America, why is there less reason to call this loving Australian girl (who's a park ranger) the Face of America? Anyone can be the president of the United States, after all, if only you make the People of America happy.

I'm reading...

Have you found the answer? I've read it through and found no clue there.

Looks like a lazy bird's fragile nest, or perhaps just incomplete.

I was going to say that it looks like a dove nest. They are usually merely a few interwoven grass stems and just enough to hold a clutch win a secure notch of brnches .
Doves are funny nest builders , I think its because theyve only recently jumped the "grassland to tree" niche.
Just a guess. Id like to know

It is unlikely that this smart girl would have held a lazy bird's cheap nest so dear. Doesn't it look like some valuable herb?

I think you're imagining things.

She's just plain holding it out in her hand so the camera can take a picture.

There's no particular "way" she's holding it.

Well I'm glad to see that you've broken through the pariah designation you previously earned, but then there are plenty of people that just can't help themselves... they have to be heard.