Nature's gentlefolk

Here in far North Queensland, we seem to have greater numbers of curlews than other states, where they are becoming rare. Known as the Bush Stone Curlew, these little guys are the epitomy of grace and elegance.

They glide daintily about on long, slender legs, which do all the work, keeping their bodies completely level. They also have large heavy-lidded eyes that stare soulfully at you when you approach.



Also known as the Screaming Woman Bird, curlews are mostly active at night, calling loudly and mournfully to eachother (much like the loons in On Golden Pond), as they scratch around for insects in the grass.

We recently had a pair of curlews lay their eggs in our yard (they lay two eggs on open ground). The chicks have since hatched and are now almost as big as their parents.



They prefer to walk (and run when necessary) rather than fly, which is possibly the reason they are becoming scarce in southern states due to predation.

Curlews are nature's true gentlefolk and they will always have a special place in out hearts (and our photo albums).