Saturday 17 March 2012

Watching them watching us


This blackbuck antelope was very interested in what we were up to, standing and glaring from across his compound.

Those distinctive horns can have up to four twists and reach an impressive 79cm in length. The female is fawn coloured and has no horns at all. She obviously doesn't feel the same need to show off. 
He is quite handsome though.

Unfortunately, he is also less common than he once was, his species having been classified as 'near threatened' by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature. Plain dwellers, the blackbuck are now confined to much smaller pockets of India than was once the case.



Another one watching us with more than a touch of suspicion, was this rather large and powerful looking emu. Inhabitants of Australia, emus live in the plains, deserts and woodlands, feeding on vegetation topped up with fruit and the odd tasty insect to add a bit of protein.

As he was looking as though he'd like to add us to his menu, we moved on to admire the Dalmatian pelican, made famous by the limerick

A wonderful bird is the pelican,
His bill will hold more than his belican.
He can take in his beak
Food enough for a week,
But I'm dammed if I see how the helican.



Actually, it expands, coming ready fitted with a convenient pouch.

And, talking of expanding, its wings are also deceptive, reaching a span of up to 9 feet; necessary when you consider that it is one of the heaviest birds with the ability to fly.

As for me, I'm beginning to feel decidedly watched!



7 comments:

  1. This series has been a really interesting tour! That cat looks much like mine. Thanks. ~ Maureen

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  2. We saw Emu and Pelicans in the wild when visiting Australia a few years back.
    We were surprised how big the Pelicans were.

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  3. That antelope has the most defiant stare - reminded me of some boys I have taught over the years.

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  4. Great photos! I always think that pelicans look like prehistoric birds and I find them a bit unnerving when I see them. That curious antelope looks like a force to be reckoned with too:)

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  5. The zoo on both sides ? Beautiful pictures ! what a face has this antilope, lol !

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  6. I love the pelicans but I think my favourite bird there is the Cassowary - they really do look like dinosaurs!

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  7. The antelope horns are magnificent. The details about the pelican I found quite interesting too :)

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