Cycle touring with Australian Birdlife
November 28th 2006 00:58
Australian birds and their reactions to our presence have provided some of the most memorable moments of the trip. They are both curious and wary. I would swear they have a sense of humour.
Eagles often seem to be sizing us up. I have no doubt if I was knocked from my bike and began to bleed, they would happily eat me. We see them without fail near sugar cane fields and were lucky enough to spot an eagle's nest in Northern New South Wales. As their shadows fall across the road ahead, I've often looked up and met their appraising eyes.
Emus are fast. It doesn't matter how hard you pump those pedals, they'll still be faster. This is a problem on roads when the emu gets stuck between you and the fenceline. They feel they can't escape so will continue to weave left and right ahead of you erratically.
We've had lots of gumnuts dropped on our heads by cockatoos. The black cockatoos are quite shy but the white cockies are happy to come begging for handouts.
We are yet to meet the cassowary. We are a bit scared to meet them actually. The warning signs show them to be as large as a car and causing the car heaps of damage too...
Eagles often seem to be sizing us up. I have no doubt if I was knocked from my bike and began to bleed, they would happily eat me. We see them without fail near sugar cane fields and were lucky enough to spot an eagle's nest in Northern New South Wales. As their shadows fall across the road ahead, I've often looked up and met their appraising eyes.
Sea eagle having a feed of fish, Venus Bay
Stalking an Albatross (or large seagull?) for pictures in Elliston
Emus are fast. It doesn't matter how hard you pump those pedals, they'll still be faster. This is a problem on roads when the emu gets stuck between you and the fenceline. They feel they can't escape so will continue to weave left and right ahead of you erratically.
Family of emus flee evil cycle tourer, Coffin Bay
Jeez these Swiss Army Knives are good for sharpening beaks... Rosella, Vic
We've had lots of gumnuts dropped on our heads by cockatoos. The black cockatoos are quite shy but the white cockies are happy to come begging for handouts.
I feel like I'm being watched... Cockies in NSW
You'll always see eagles, hawks and harriers near sugar cane, NSW
Blue faced honey eater considers becoming a cycle tourer, near Mackay, Qld
We are yet to meet the cassowary. We are a bit scared to meet them actually. The warning signs show them to be as large as a car and causing the car heaps of damage too...
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Comment by Adele
Lost Fanatic
Day Break TV
Nice pictures. I think I'll go hiking tomorrow.
Comment by Claire
Slow Cycle Tour
Claire
Comment by Adele
Lost Fanatic
Day Break TV
Comment by Lilla
Enviro Warrior
An Extra Ordinary Life
Dream Herald
Esoteric Bookshop
Beautiful post and photo's... how very magical to me... I love birds and am a bit of a bird freak... in fact I've just finished writing a book about them and found your view of them [at ground level] so to speak, fascinating *l-ing ol* that cockie looks he's well settled in for whatever you're eating...
I think they have a great sense of humour and also feel so very sad, when I see them no more than road kill because of ignorance and arrogance...
Where are you these days...?
Lilla...
Comment by Anonymous
hope you get this so late. you may also want to take a look at my personal blog: http://clairebear1972.blogspot.com where I wrote a piece about beer drinking crows and the like earlier in the year when I was writing about South Australia - may/june?
I have been offline for ages. basically i've been sick since setting foot in indonesia. between us, my partner and i have had just two days of wellness.
hope to be in touch more soon.
claire
Comment by Claire
Slow Cycle Tour
http://clairebear1972.blogspot.com/2006/06/birds-of-eyre.html
Comment by Heath Ling
Conversations from NZ
Kiwi author's short stories
Conversations from NZ
Swept from the Sea (fiction/romance)
Comment by Lilla
Enviro Warrior
An Extra Ordinary Life
Dream Herald
Esoteric Bookshop
Thanks for the link Claire - will check it out.
Sorry to hear of your illness(es), feel well soon, both of you!
*hugs* from Australia,
Lilla
Comment by Dave Smith
Not sure if I have already made a comment...
Love your Blog.... I love Cycle Touring too....
Cant wait to get back in the saddle.... New places... New friends.... New experiences.....
I want to take my dog Maisie with me next time... i am looking into building/buyind a trailer for her....
Anyhow... Better go .... She has to be fed.....