Monday 21 September 2015

Eat Flowers for Breakfast...





The "Twenty-eights" have taken nearly 2 years to come back to my garden after a neighbour's cat caught and ate one, then vomited the remains on my porch. They march up and down my fence when I am outside doing things and sit and chatter while I work. When taking early morning splashes in the birdbaths,  I would see the magnificent, iridescent colour display of their outstretched wings and tails. These birds are prone to being hit by cars and get sucked underneath, releasing a cloud of green feathers so the dead ones are regularly seen lying on the side of urban roads. The main bird in the group calls for them every hour or so and they do a quick count before going back to feed and play. Despite being incredibly intelligent, curious and sensitive, these birds are often shot by farmers. Recently, I was informed of a conversation where 2 farmers in Pingelly had shot some Wedge-tailed eagles...to me, this is inconceivable. The continent struggles for water, yet many exquisite and unique birds have survived these harsh conditions. The Wedge-tails are rarely seen but have, somehow, managed to co-exist with us.