Kangaroos and Emus

By daz27041 written 2/6/08 2:40 PM, published 2/7/08 9:45 AM
My local park has a great selection of native animals on display. The park is great for families to walk around and have a picnic on. Here are some photos of Eastern Kangaroos, Red Kangaroos and Emus.
The Eastern Grey Kangaroo (Macropus giganteus) is a marsupial found in southern and eastern Australia, with a population of several million. Although a big Eastern Grey male typically weighs around 66 kg (145 lb.) and stands almost 2 m (6 ft.) tall, the scientific name, Macropus giganteus (gigantic large-foot), is misleading, as the Red Kangaroo of the semi-arid inland is larger.
The Red Kangaroo (Macropus rufus) is the largest of all kangaroos and the largest surviving marsupial. It is found across mainland Australia, avoiding only the more fertile areas in the south, the east coast, and the northern rainforests. Red Kangaroo's legs work much like a rubber band. The male Red Kangaroo can leap in full force approximately 9.14 meters in one leap. Males grow up to 1.8m (6 feet) tall and weigh up to 187lbs . Females grow up to 1.1m (3.6ft) tall and weigh up to 77lbs . Tails can be up to 1m (3ft) along.
The Emu, (Dromaius novaehollandiae) is the largest bird native to Australia. It is also the second-largest extant bird in the world by height, after its ratite relative, the ostrich. The soft-feathered, brown, flightless birds reach up to 2 m (6 ft) in height. The Emu is common over most of mainland Australia, although it avoids heavily populated areas, dense forest and arid areas. Emus can travel great distances at a fast, economical trot and, if necessary, can sprint at 50 km/h (30 mph) for some distance at a time. They are opportunistically nomadic and may travel long distances to find food; they feed on a variety of plants and insects.

Eastern_Grey Baby_Red Big_Red Emu_1 Emu_2 Emu_3  



 
  • Candice
    I really enjoyed your post. When our son was in Australia, he told us how the kangaroos would pass him while he was biking! I love your shot of Emu 2!

  • Lidljo
    I also enjoyed your post and the nice clear shots.

    - Flowers are happiness...


  • Penny
    Nice clear shots. I especially love emu 2

    - Smile


  • DSW
    Such cool critters. "Emu2" has beautiful detail, and the bright backdrop really brings out Mr. Emus' features.

    - DSW


  • msjudi
    i enjoyed each photo... they are so cute, each one..

    - Smile ; )


  • CanonFodder
    Very nice photos and educational!

    - My "kids"!


  • daz27041
    This post reminds me of a very popular television series I used to watch as a kid - 'Skippy, the bush kangaroo". Skippy lived a very happy life, the family pet of the rangers of a vast national park. The young boy, Sonny and Skippy had a unique bond. Looking back now, it's ludicrous! Skippy would make these kangaroo sounds and Sonny would be like, "What's that Skip, there's been a car accident on the bridge? What..., they're injured? Maybe a broken leg? Dad's not here, we best go ourselves and help them." And off they'd go through the bush and to the rescue. I loved it. I even had a Skippy cereal bowl, plate and cup. Man, those were the days!

  • kalole0
    Sound like an Australian version of Lassie or Flipper. Enjoyed your post. The Emu is sooo strange. You did great with the focus and comp.

    - togetherness.....


  • Ashton
    I remember skippy and yes just like Lassie, Flipper, and Gentle Ben! Good shooting EMu2 is my fave as well!

    - Say...CHEESE


  • RobinG
    Thanks for such an informative post! I love the baby and emu 2! :o)

  • tbell
    Wonderful shots. Appreciate the tutorial.

    - petercallesen.com


  • BEARPHOTO
    Grand images and imfo. Emu2 so clear and the beak looks like a dinosaur head. Baby red is beautiful and Big Red looks like a powerhouse. Gooday mate.

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