On our recent photographic  journey through Western Australia, we came across a few of these amazing birds and the first thing for a wildlife photographer to learn is ‘do not mess with an Emu’ they are fast, taller than most basketball players and can down a fence with one kick from their massive feet.

Emu in Western Australia

Mum Emu lays her emerald green eggs and disappears, leaving dad to do everything else.

When the chicks are born they are striped and it’s this colouration that helps camouflage them against the forest floor.

Even as they grow up the young stay close to dad.  There are plenty of predators such as Dingoes and Wedge-tailed Eagles for whom a young Emu is a tasty snack.  When attempting to photograph these birds you need to be up-wind from them, very quiet and not trying to venture too close.

Thirsty work for the Emu