Wild Emus at The Lilly Pilly Tree

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Think back, campers, to when Undersized Emu and her consort and Limpy Chick and Offsider were here. We know what U.E.’s night-time calls sound like.



It’s of note then, for our thoughts about what breeding-pairs might or might not be doing, that we haven’t heard night-time calls for some time.



For example, if U.E. and her consort have, in recent weeks, roosted hard by after their bit of dusk wheat, we’d very likely have heard her vocalizing. Certainly wind and rain are a factor – it’s winter! – but we’ve had quiet nights, and would likely have heard some calls.



SE

 

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And mating?

One: we assume that the middle day of next month is Big Green Eggs Day.

Two: we assume that matings/female begins laying begins about ten days before that.

Three: bear in mind that the literature says that females may mate with more than one male, and a male may incubate eggs that are not his.

Four: so it's only about a week before the matings/layings may start.

 

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Observations in the dark and cold.



Bush and Haystack turned up early early. At least one wild emu was vocalizing to the north.



B and H had their wheat, and did indeed do a sort of ‘perimeter sweep' – much like a pair seeking to command the house-clearing. Let’s watch and wait.

 

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Both breeding-pairs here at deep dusk yesterday. Bush and Haystack seem to be getting territorial. Photos to come.



Didn’t hear any vocalisations last night.



Bush and Haystack were here very very early. Then U.E. and consort turned up. Bush and Haystack are hilarious in that they sit patiently and peck up every grain of wheat in one sitting.



This morning, after their wheat, they again showed some mild territorial behaviour, quietly nudging U.E. and her consort off the clearing.



And we are counting down! Early matings might happen at any moment.



And if Limpy Chick really is out there, he’s getting peeps and wiggles from his eggs, as he has only three weeks to hatch.



SE

 

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https://vimeo.com/1097382403/1bf6aa8bf1?ts=0&share=copy

Still struggling with Vimeo on noo computer. White-Tailed Black Cockatoos over the house-clearing.