Last weekend, we took the kids to see black swans.
No, not that one.
That one.
Did you know black swans are native to Australia? Neither did we. Man, we are learning so much here. And thanks goodness for Google. And Wikipedia.
So upon learning about yet another one-of-a-kind Australian native fauna, we had to see one. We actually saw a couple from afar while on the Great Ocean Road (they like those coastal saltwater flats), but we are lucky enough to have them much closer here. Albert Park, which is almost downtown, us full of them. They actually got rid of all the white swans a few years ago, so the black swans are a big deal there. So we grabbed our now-stale loaf of sourdough bread, buckled in, and headed to the park. The swans did not disappoint - there were tons of them, all over the lake, as well as lots of ducks. And seagulls. I really cannot stand those birds.
The boys had a great time feeding the waterfowl.
Did you know black swans are native to Australia? Neither did we. Man, we are learning so much here. And thanks goodness for Google. And Wikipedia.
So upon learning about yet another one-of-a-kind Australian native fauna, we had to see one. We actually saw a couple from afar while on the Great Ocean Road (they like those coastal saltwater flats), but we are lucky enough to have them much closer here. Albert Park, which is almost downtown, us full of them. They actually got rid of all the white swans a few years ago, so the black swans are a big deal there. So we grabbed our now-stale loaf of sourdough bread, buckled in, and headed to the park. The swans did not disappoint - there were tons of them, all over the lake, as well as lots of ducks. And seagulls. I really cannot stand those birds.
The boys had a great time feeding the waterfowl.
Hank was unsure, to say the least, especially when we came upon a family with three cignets.
Okay, he was downright freaked out.
Until he realized the swans weren't all that scary. Sure, they were bigger than either of the boys, but once Hank saw that kicking at the birds would cause them to run away, it became a big game (and don't worry - foot never contacted feather).
Especially when the swan family decided to chase back. Hilarity ensued.
The bread was all consumed. Nobody got pecked (too hard). And there was plenty of random stuff to keep Abe happy and occupied once the bird part of the adventure was over.
Another adventure on the books.
3 comments:
I love the pictures of Hank. His face says everything! And what IS the deal with all of the sea gulls? We see them flying around the stadium when we watch footie. Isn't that a bit distracting?!
I always thought the same thing about the seagulls during the footy games - it can be very distracting to the spectator, but honestly, at the game itself, you hardly notice them. But yeah, they are abundant because we're right on the bay. There's a flock of hundreds that roosts on top of a building in our neighborhood. YUCK.
The Ugly Duckling by Donna Jo Napoli is based in Australia and the main "duck" was a black swan. I was so confused while reading it (It's a chapter book.) because i kept thinking America and wombats, kangaroos and such were in it. Anyway, that is my random story for you. I am glad you are enjoying your experience there.
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