Hi Folks
I think I have just been threatened by a lyrebird. I was collecting mulch at dusk (spotted gum bark at the base of a large spotted gum) in the bushed part of our property near Central Tilba (South
Coast, NSW), when I was startled by a very loud call close that I did not recognise (the "quiisst" alarm call of The Australian Bird Guide, I presume); I turned around and a few seconds later a lyrebird flew down to the surface about 2 metres away, and did
an open wing display (like the threat display of pigeons, when they are making themselves look bigger), again calling loudly. It then flew up to a low branch, and called and displayed again. I moved off, and it followed for about 10 metres before disappearing
into the gloom (it was almost dark).
I am puzzled. I seem them regularly on our place, but they are very shy and move away quickly (except at the height of drought when they were desperate and foraged in the garden in front of us).
Do they breed in winter? (it was pretty gloomy but I think it was a female or immature male). The only other thing I can think of is that perhaps the spotted gum was its preferred roosting tree; I have noticed that they do seem to have a regular spot.
Any one else seen this?
Kim
