An interesting snap, Robin, but I am interested in the _expression_ “cattle grid”. This, I take it, refers to the structure beside the gate consisting of parallel timber beams 30cm or so above the ground beside the normal gate. This has been known in the past as “the horse crossing”, which I had assumed was for the purpose of allowing the horse and rider to pass through the fence without dismounting. I believe, although at this stage I am not absolutely confident of my memory, I have seen riders picking their way across this, in the course of traversing the advertised horse-riding route. Your raising of this matter brings two questions to my mind. The first is the proper name for the structure. It seems “horse crossing” is not a term that enjoys wide currency. (In a vain search I have come across “Horsegate”, being a current label in the British media for the involvement of their Prime Minister in a curious affair involving an ex-police horse.) My second question concerns the purpose of the structure in a strategic or overall management sense. Why not just a gap in the fence, or, logic immediately compelling the further question, why any fence at all? In any event I am unaware of any relevant cattle, seeking egress from either side, that might justify such a barrier, if that is what is intended to be.
From: Robin Hide [
Sent: Thursday, 29 March 2012 6:28 PM
To: Canberra Birds
Subject: [canberrabirds] WTE in Campbell Park
On a short walk in Campbell Park just before 6pm, when a gaggle of magpies and currawongs pursued a Wedge-tailed Eagle through the trees and it perched briefly on a tree just in front of me (just 200 m in from the cattle grid). After it flew off, I looked for prey on the ground but could'nt find anything.
Robin Hide
