Friday, June 19, 2009

The Lyrebird

Apollo holding a Lyre
(God of Music, Poetry and Oracles)
2AD Roman Statue
The Lyrebird
John Gould (1804-1881)
British Museum 1840-48


The Superb Lyrebird
Menura novaehollandiae
Winter is the time when the male Lyrebird turns into the 'dancing queen' of the local bushland. I have yet to see one doing his version of shake-a-tail-feather up close but I did see two today beside the Jamberoo Mountain road. What an extraordinary bird , as it not only performs a dance but includes mimicry in its song repertoire The sound of a baby crying or a chainsaw in action could be included in its vocal antics and interwoven with its magnificent mellow song.

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