Penguins and Happy Feet
I took my wife to see the film “Happy Feet” yesterday. What a brilliant film with plenty of fun and entertainment throughout. It is infectiously happy with an excellent portrayal of the grand beauty of Antarctica. And I don’t think I will ever regard penguins in quite the same light again.
Purists could deride the film as the poorer for having thousands of penguins dancing and singing their way across the screen. Penguins just do not do that in reality. Loosen up if you are a critic who thinks this – despite the obvious drawbacks, several things stand out which are a definite plus in my mind:
- From this film the general public will learn quite a number of facts about the life cycle of penguins.
- People will also learn much about life in Antarctica and its delicate ecosystem.
- The heavy environmental message laid on thick near the end will make people think – and hopefully act – for the good of all species, not just penguins.
- Learning about the environment can be packaged in a fast paced, entertaining and fun way.
All the way through I was astonished at how the writers had incorporated so many subtle references and allusions to other things, including other films. In summary, this film could be labelled: “where Sister Act meets Riverdance meets Hillsong* meets calypso.”
Overall rating: 4 stars – a must see film.
*Hillsong: a very large and influential charismatic Christian church in Sydney.
Eagle attack
I always thought that paragliding seemed to be a somewhat dangerous pursuit. Like all extreme sports, the prospect of danger seems to be one of the main adrenalin surging elements.
One paraglider received a little more of an adrenalin rush than normal. Her glider was attacked by a pair of Wedge Tailed Eagles.
Britain’s top female paraglider has cheated death after being attacked by a pair of “screeching” wild eagles while competition flying in Australia.
Nicky Moss, 38, watched terrified as two huge birds began tearing into her parachute canopy, one becoming tangled in her lines and clawing at her head 2,500 metres (8,200ft) in the air.
“I heard screeching behind me and a eagle flew down and attacked me, swooping down and bouncing into the side of my wing with its claws,” Moss told Reuters on Friday.
Read the story in the Melbourne Age here.
Amazing Avian Avionics
No Comments »2nd February, 2007; Category: Bird Behaviour
From time to time I am amazed at the flying abilities of the birds I watch. I love seeing the ponderous jumbos of the Australian bird world, the Australian Pelicans. As they come in to “land” on the water they ski for a few metres before they settle.
Watching several Wedge Tail Eagles soaring on high is nothing short of awe inspiring. At the other end of the scale are the tiny thornbills hovering at the tip of gum leaf, ready to pick off a tasty morsel for lunch. The speed and daring of a Peregrine Falcon in full stoop is well documented and has been filmed. In contrast, the flittering to and fro of the Willie Wagtail as it searches for its sustenance is flight in slow motion.
I get daily emails from several birding forums. From time to time some of the messages can be rather amusing. I’d like to quote from two posts from a few months ago. Both highlight the amazing flying abilities of the Australian Magpie.
Yesterday evening I was standing on the opposite side of the road from a thin traffic sign post. A Magpie swooped from my left side, over my head and continued at high speed downwards across the road, heading straight for the post. At the very last moment it tucked its left wing into its body (keeping the right wing fully extended) and shot past the post with about 2mm to spare.Impressive.
Thanks to John for this observation.
I have been endlessly impressed by Magpie flight. We have a balcony with metal railings at work and the magpies ‘fly’ between that rails at one end with their wings closed put in a few beats, close their wings and ‘fly’ through the rails at the other end. Apart from being impressive it is completely unnecessary, since they could simply fly over the rails.
Thanks to Milburn for the second observation.
Australian Magpie
Caring for a baby honeyeater
From time to time people encounter baby birds that have fallen from a nest or have been abandoned by their parents for whatever reason. Most people are keen to care for the little one but they usually have little idea of how to go about this.
Adelaide writer of crime and romance fiction Kirsty Brooks is one such person. She has had the delight of looking after a White Plumed Honeyeater from early in its life. This bird now brings her much delight, living in her house together with her pet Cockatiel parrot. Her heart warming and humourous account can be read by clicking on the link below.
Link:
- My advice on caring for a baby honeyeater by Kirsty Brooks.
White Plumed Honeyeater
Amusing bird antics
I subscribe to several birding forums. As a result I receive daily emails from birders all over the world. Some of these are quite amusing. Birds do like having fun, it seems. Here is one classic example.
I reckon I once observed a Red Wattlebird being a show-off (of precision acrobatic flying) and exhibiting a sense of humour.
One day, years ago, I had brought my chooks around to the front yard, then I still had a lawn before my native trees grew, for some fresh grass. My rooster, Mucky, (now a 10yo veteran) is a Silver Spangled Hamburg X (for those of you who know your chooks!). A very handsome, gentle, caring and genteel rooster.
On this occasion a Red Wattlebird flew across the front yard and BETWEEN Mucky’s legs. While the poor rooster was trying to come to terms with what unknown indignity had just befallen him, the wattlebird turned and repeated the process from the opposite direction, leaving a rather confused, shaken and disconcerted rooster in its wake.
And an amazed and amused human bystander I could almost imagine the Red Wattlebird having a chuckle in a nearby bush. Sometimes a bird just wants to have fun!
Thanks to Wendy for this observation.
I’d like to hear from my readers about amusing incidents they have had with birds. I invite you to leave your comments below the photo.
Red Wattlebird