Garrulous Galahs

Ever watched galahs trying to perch on a power line? It's hilarious. Incidentally, I'm told it's no longer politically correct to call them galahs. From memory they're now pink parrots but if you see them trying to use a power line for a landing zone, they're definitely galahs.

At Mt. Augustus each morning a flock would arrive from a perfectly good perch in nearby gum trees and proceed to land on the only power pole. There was never enough room for them all so some would select the power line. The first brave feather would swoop down, extend its landing gear and grab at the line. Immediately it would over-balance and turn upside down. After much squawking and flapping of wings it would right itself ... just.

Its mate, seeing that success, would then lower its undercarriage and land on the line with the same disastrous results as the first. With the line wobbling from this failed landing, the first bird immediately loses its balance and joins its companion, upside down.

Now we have two birds trying to right themselves. As soon as one gets upright the struggling of the other turns it over, and over and over. It's hysterical! Imagine the chaos when a third and fourth arrive. Tip: If you are having a coffee when the show begins, put it down immediately or you'll wear it!

Talking of galahs and their antics; one consistent observation by fellow nomads is a comparison between galahs and pollys in our Nation’s capital. Very perceptive are our nomads!

Today we took a drive to a tourist lookout on a small ridge. Lyn said it was called Agnew Bluff. Sure had me fooled! 

Composed by John ...!