The 'big and grey' turned out to be a pair of brolgas. They were aware of the car and the photographer lying across luggage on the front seat but were more interested in digging up bulbs and other nosh from the mud. They peered at me a couple of times but went straight back to feeding. Although brolgas are much more abundant in the north than they are in the south-east, it's still a privilege to see them.
I hope to see our other crane species — the sarus — on the Atherton Tablelands, where they are regular visitors. Sarus cranes are distinguished from brolgas by the extent of the red coloration on the head. Brolgas sport a scarlet cap but sarus wear a scarf as well. (That's how I remember the difference, anyway!)
