Black-tailed Native-hens form roadblock
I was minding my own business driving along a road in the Mt Lofty Ranges south east of Adelaide, South Australia today when I had to come almost to a complete halt.
Two Black-tailed Native-hens were standing in the middle of the road. It was almost as if they were forming a roadblock, or determined to have a career change and join the local police force. I half expected them to whip out a speed gun. I wasn’t speeding, just casually cruising along quite safely within the normal speed limits in these parts.
As I approached to within a few metres they decided that they had better head off into the undergrowth on the side of the road where they were more at home.
I do not have a photo of this species so click here to see one.
It seems to have been a bumper year for native hens. I saw a few down at Portland — although they were lurking and scurrying rather than exercising their authority!
They seem to be widespread in the Mt Lofty Ranges at present but not in huge numbers – usually 2 or 3 through to about 20 in each place. I haven’t had the chance to check along the Murray River in the last few weeks. They come and go – but when the come it can be in the hundreds.