Bush Stone Curlew Family
I walked around the other side of the carpark this morning to get some fence free shots of the Bush Stone Curlews and their Chick.
The parents were none too pleased about my pressence, turning to face me and making a kind of low growl (as much as birds can growl).
I didn't stick around long, not wanting to distress the birds anymore than strictly necessary.
You can see the unimpressed parent here quite clearly.
Common Names: Bush Stone Curlew, Southern Stone-curlew, Bush Curlew, Bush Thicknee, Willaroo, Weeloo
Scientific Name: Burhinus grallarius
Habitat & Range: Open forest, plains and paddocks throughout Australia.
View all photos taken: Monday, 6th November 2006, This photo: 7:49am
And to think, they are living beside a railway station carpark! Amazing!
Great shot, hon :)
Shame about the fence, but its better than through it, that's for sure!
(What a beady eyed old woman she is!)
There wasn't much room for framing, you can see in the bottom right corner some blurred out car bumper. I couldn't go up to the next car along and shoot back due to a tree being in the way. But yes, it is pretty amazing that they nested there, on the ground in a railway carpark garden.
It made the oddest little birdy growl whenever I moved.
Great shot and so sharp too. I think the fence gives emphasis to the story -- a family of birds trying to have a life in a parking life.
It's definitely an odd place to nest, that's for sure, but then they're odd birds. ;)
Amazing shot, David.... nicely journalled too.... I love hearing all the details. Maybe you could add it to the 'Pictures with stories" pool.
I'm not sure it has enough story for that Alison, but thanks anyway :)
It's very cool being able to watch these guys from courting through nesting and now to the hatchling stage. I do wonder how many of the other people who catch the train have noticed them, or do they just walk hurriedly to the train ignoring their surroundings....
Beautiful shot. I love their eyes
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Seen in Australian Birds (?)
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Thanks Alexandra !!! :)
we have stone curlews in the uk, they like to nest right out in the open where they can see trouble coming. They tend to run off rather than fly for some strange reason as well.Might be because they are more active at dawn, dusk and at night, hence those big eyes !
I like them, ours come over from Africa
I guess so, but I wonder what happens if trouble approaches when they have young ? I know this one "growled" at me, but beyond that and an intense stare, nothing else (but I didn't press closer to find out, best not to annoy them).
Interesting! It's sad to think that there would be people who haven't even noticed them. They are beautiful.... what a special thing to be able to watch their life cycle in action!! Thankyou David for seeing it, capturing it, sharing it with us and describing it, for us to enjoy it too! :)
Your welcome Alison. 8D
Wow, she looks even cooler when you see her long legs.
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Seen in your Bush Stone Curlew Family set. (?)
Thanks stellaretriever - they're pretty cool, if unusual birds :)
Hi my name is Beth,
I am a student in year Seven and i am wondering if i can use this photo for a school project.