Emus are a weird bird. Their shaggy brown-grey plumage gives them a natural camouflage in the Australian bush, they are fast and most of their body weight is at car bonnet height, not a good thing to encounter on a highway. These groups were photographed on a treacherous stretch of road between Menindee Lakes and Broken Hill, outback New South Wales. Treacherous not only for the emus, but kangaroos, goats, sheep, and extremely large birds making the most of recent roadkill.
The aim of this series was to combine a few Australian icons, the emu, the outback terrain, a corner shop, a burnt-out roadside car, a “hat” tree, and an old 60’s retro green weatherboard church. This stretch of highway also had a “bra” tree and a “beer” tree, though the beer tree was a very new addition but no doubt by now it would be well and truly “sprouting” its delights.
The skies were photographed from an approaching storm over the salt lakes of Lake Tyrell, Victoria, another area highly populated with emus.
This is one of a series of three.
Images come with a white border, digitally signed along bottom (usually RHS of print) and a certificate of authenticity.
Emus on a Sunday
This old church in 1960’s classic retro green, has seen better days. It now resides just outside Broken Hill, welcoming the curious wildlife to climb the steps and wander inside, respite from the scorching sun or chilly desert winter mornings.