Up Close and Personal

Here is an Australian Emu, a flightless species, commonly regarded as the second largest bird in the world. The largest specimens can reach 190cm in overall height and can run considerable distances at up to 48 kph. They can be found in most parts of the country, even in relatively arid areas. Their numbers vary somewhat in response to climatic conditions. Recent population estimates are somewhere around three quarters of a million

It appears that they easily adjust to the presence of humans. This one and his slightly larger mate live on a property in the Hartley Valley and have grown very used to people, often coming to greet curious sightseers by the fence. This one seems to understand that, "If I parade up and down a little, go over to the fence and look appealing, I might get something to eat."