The wild life

 

    There is something fundamentally fantastic about walking around somewhere and not recognizing any of the wild life.  Kookaburras,  Ibis, Kerloos, Bush Turkeys, Wallabies, Kangaroos, Geckos, Lorikeets, and Cane Toads are all quite common and completely new to my North American trained eye.  Lorikeets have a piercing scream that sound like a child in danger; Kerloos spread their wings when they are about to attack; Bush Turkeys root around in the dirt, spraying passers-by. Wallabies and Kangaroos graze on the lawn outside my window, tucking their joeys into their pouches and bolting at the slightest noise.  Kookaburras forage, hunting for unwary diners from which they can steal "chips"; the Ibis search among reeds and lilies, hunting for just the right bug; and the Geckos hide on walls, eating disturbingly large moths and other insects. 
    The unfamiliarity adds an air of excitement that makes one want to carry a camera at all times so it can be documented, and later shoved in the face of an innocent bystander who cares little about the "cool leaf looking bug on my neighbors door this morning".   Though my family and friends seem quite worried, the animals that could kill me keep a blessedly large distance.  During a hike, a friend and I were paralyzed by the sound of a snake moving in the tall grass, and the threat of Dengue Fever from the numerous mosquitoes, though we were assured, we need not worry.  The wildlife which so defines this area tends to stay under the radar unless directly threatened, save the birds which are blatant picture nuts.   It is exciting to learn what each new track is from and by which animal each new sound is made.  I can hardly wait to see what is under the waves.

Kerloo















                                                                                         Kookaburra

  Wallabies

two Wallabies duking it out. 

                          Lorikeet

Thank you to http://people.hws.edu/mitchell/cards01/UQFloraFauna.html for all pictures except Wallabies and Leaf bug