EPOW - Ecology Picture of the Week

Bush Stone-curlew (Bush Thick-knee) (Burhinus grallarius)
Queensland, Australia

Explanation:  How funny is this bird?  It spotted me skulking around a shrub to take its photo, so it suddenly stiffened and stood perfectly still, as if playing a game of "statue," thinking it couldn't be detected.  For me, it made for a great opportunity for some close photography.  

This is a Bush Stone-curlew, a rare to locally common, large bird found throughout parts of Australia.  It is neither a bush nor a stone, and actually not a true curlew for that matter.  

Its previous name was Bush Thick-knee, which I find to be more appropriate, as it more accurately descriptive of its appearance.  Its native Australian name is Willaroo, which is likely an onomatopoeia of its call.  

Bush Stone-curlews are usually active at night, when they cry a mournful and eerie "wee loo" in the dark.  Like some owls of the world, I have to wonder if that has ever given rise to myths or stories of spirits of the night.  

I was lucky enough to observe this pair during an overcast afternoon as I played "statue" along with them.