Esther's photos with the keyword: ratite

At the Curaçao Ostrich Farm. The ostrich's brain is smaller than its eye. AIMG 9155

At the Curaçao Ostrich Farm AIMG 9157

Cassowary - Wild Life Sydney AIMG 8208

Emu - Taronga Zoo, Sydney, Australia "The soft-feathered, brown, flightless birds reach up to 2 metres (6.6 ft) in height. They have long thin necks and legs. Emus can travel great distances at a fast, economical trot and, if necessary, can sprint at 50 km/h (31 mph).[9] Their long legs allow them to take strides of up to 275 centimetres (9.02 ft)[8] They are opportunistically nomadic and may travel long distances to find food; they feed on a variety of plants and insects, but have been known to go for weeks without food. Emus ingest stones, glass shards and bits of metal to grind food in the digestive system. They drink infrequently, but take in copious fluids when the opportunity arises. Emus will sit in water and are also able to swim. They are curious birds who are known to follow and watch other animals and humans. Emus do not sleep continuously at night but in several short stints sitting down." en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emu AIMG 7961

I spent two nights in the Daintree Rainforest in Queensland Australia. I had very much wanted to see the elusive forest bird, the southern cassowary. Despite their large size (5-6 feet tall), they are well hidden in the forest. They have a large central claw that has been known to inflict severe damage in an attack and a brightly colored neck. After two days of wandering about, I had seen their popular food sources including the blue quandong berry, their tracks in the mud and even several signs proclaiming their presence, but I had not seen a single cassowary. As evening approached, I went down to the beach at Cape Tribulation. I brought only my point and shoot because I did not want to carry my heavier gear and the lighting was too low for great shots. Wouldn't you know that a cassowary chose that time to come out of the forest and walk on the beach? I raced towards it and photographed it as best I could. The shots are not my best, but they are fine memories of the mysterious cassowary. AIMG 2068

I spent two nights in the Daintree Rainforest in Queensland Australia. I had very much wanted to see the elusive forest bird, the southern cassowary. Despite their large size (5-6 feet tall), they are well hidden in the forest. They have a large central claw that has been known to inflict severe damage in an attack and a brightly colored neck. After two days of wandering about, I had seen their popular food sources including the blue quandong berry, their tracks in the mud and even several signs proclaiming their presence, but I had not seen a single cassowary. As evening approached, I went down to the beach at Cape Tribulation. I brought only my point and shoot because I did not want to carry my heavier gear and the lighting was too low for great shots. Wouldn't you know that a cassowary chose that time to come out of the forest and walk on the beach? I raced towards it and photographed it as best I could. The shots are not my best, but they are fine memories of the mysterious cassowary. AIMG 2081

I spent two nights in the Daintree Rainforest in Queensland Australia. I had very much wanted to see the elusive forest bird, the southern cassowary. Despite their large size (5-6 feet tall), they are well hidden in the forest. They have a large central claw that has been known to inflict severe damage in an attack and a brightly colored neck. After two days of wandering about, I had seen their popular food sources including the blue quandong berry, their tracks in the mud and even several signs proclaiming their presence, but I had not seen a single cassowary. As evening approached, I went down to the beach at Cape Tribulation. I brought only my point and shoot because I did not want to carry my heavier gear and the lighting was too low for great shots. Wouldn't you know that a cassowary chose that time to come out of the forest and walk on the beach? I raced towards it and photographed it as best I could. The shots are not my best, but they are fine memories of the mysterious cassowary. The photos can be seen at www.ipernity.com/doc/304817/23942373 and www.ipernity.com/doc/304817/23942367 AIMG 7460

I spent two nights in the Daintree Rainforest in Queensland Australia. I had very much wanted to see the elusive forest bird, the southern cassowary. Despite their large size (5-6 feet tall), they are well hidden in the forest. They have a large central claw that has been known to inflict severe damage in an attack and a brightly colored neck. After two days of wandering about, I had seen their popular food sources including the blue quandong berry, their tracks in the mud and even several signs proclaiming their presence, but I had not seen a single cassowary. As evening approached, I went down to the beach at Cape Tribulation. I brought only my point and shoot because I did not want to carry my heavier gear and the lighting was too low for great shots. Wouldn't you know that a cassowary chose that time to come out of the forest and walk on the beach? I raced towards it and photographed it as best I could. The shots are not my best, but they are fine memories of the mysterious cassowary. AIMG 7445

I spent two nights in the Daintree Rainforest in Queensland Australia. I had very much wanted to see the elusive forest bird, the southern cassowary. Despite their large size (5-6 feet tall), they are well hidden in the forest. They have a large central claw that has been known to inflict severe damage in an attack and a brightly colored neck. After two days of wandering about, I had seen their popular food sources including the blue quandong berry, their tracks in the mud and even several signs proclaiming their presence, but I had not seen a single cassowary. As evening approached, I went down to the beach at Cape Tribulation. I brought only my point and shoot because I did not want to carry my heavier gear and the lighting was too low for great shots. Wouldn't you know that a cassowary chose that time to come out of the forest and walk on the beach? I raced towards it and photographed it as best I could. The shots are not my best, but they are fine memories of the mysterious cassowary. AIMG 7546

Emu - Cleland Wildlife Park near Adelaide, Australia The emu can grow to over 6 feet tall and is one of the largest birds in the world - second only to the ostrich. It is flightless and has strong legs for speed and protection. A typical nest would contain 11 green eggs that are about 5 1/2 inches long by 3 1/2 inches tall. AIMG_6219