Late on Sunday afternoon, we drove out to Balancing Rock, which is a short distance south of Chillagoe. We were going to look at the scenery, have a wander around, be tourists for a while before a gin and tonic and an early dinner at the Post Office Hotel. We didn't have great expectations of the wildlife. We knew we'd probably see a wallaroo and maybe some red-tailed black cockatoos on their way to roost, if we were lucky.
But we were more than lucky. We had just turned onto the road to the National Park, when a couple of bustards strutted across the road right in front of us. They didn't hurry, didn't seem at all bothered by us. We got a good look at the birds before they disappeared among the termite mounds at the side of the road. Celebrations all round. (They would have been more enthusiastic if I had brought my camera. But my companion had been sensible enough to bring his, so the moment was recorded.)
Strolling bustards near Chillagoe (Photo by M.)On the same day, we saw another bustard. And on the Monday, either a fourth individual or a repeat viewing of one of the others just north of town. (This time I had my camera.) So, three or four bustards in a weekend. Can't be disappointed by that!
The view through a dusty windscreen. (Top photo by M, lower photo by me.)
