The Emu, Australia’s largest bird, needs no introduction as it is widespread across the Australian mainland (the sub species once found in Tasmania is now extinct) and is very familiar to most Australians and even features prominently, along with the Kangaroo, on the Commonwealth Coat of Arms. They can be found in a large variety of habitats from our coasts to alpine country and are very well adapted to arid Australian habitats but are largely absent from intensive farming areas.
While travelling in central west outback Queensland to visit six national parks (1) we saw Emus in many locations including some groups containing up to 40 birds on Mitchell Grass plains.
In Currawinya National Park we had a close encounter with four immature birds as we slowed on approach to a road intersection. The young Emus were probably as surprised by us as we were by them. Instead of running away into moderately dense vegetation they milled about for a minute or so as I stopped the car, wound down the driver’s window and got my camera ready for some photos. With a 600mm focal length lens they were already too close for full body shots and as I tried to decide on which bird to focus on, they became curious and slowly approached our vehicle.
Within seconds they were so close I was dealing with head shots of moving birds. I managed about a dozen photos and then put the camera down and watched the birds as they moved about showing clear curiosity. Unexpected close encounters with birds like this are a real joy. Eventually I started the car and at the sound of the engine the group bolted into the bush.
Looking at the photos later I could see they were all immature and at slightly different ages based on the amount blue skin developing on the side of the head and neck.
Please click on photos to enlarge.
Note (1) The National Parks in order of our visits were, Mariala, Hell Hole Gorge, Idalia, Lochern, Welford and Currawinya.
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