Emu's and Emu Eggs

Did you know that the Emu's are sitting on their eggs at the moment? An Emu usually lays between 6 - 10 eggs. It takes almost 2 months for the eggs to incubate. It is also the job of the male Emu to sit on the eggs for this period of time. He is also the chief carer of the chicks once they are hatched. An Emu nest is usually built in a small depression in the ground, and surrounded by sticks, bark and grass.

During August, it is quite a common sight to see the small, stripey chicks being led around the countryside by their father. Emu's are the second largest bird in the world and are very inquisitive animals. However, do not get too close to an Emu as they have a deadly kick and use their feet with keen accuracy to protect themselves. Stay behind them!

Check out these Emu's enjoying the fabulous season that Western Queensland is enjoying in 2010.

Australia's Largest Emu

Did you know there is an Emu in the night skies? Whilst we might find our largest Dinosaur under the ground, you will find our largest emu in the night sky during this month. The Emu appears in May each year. So what is this Emu?

Our Australian Aboriginals have their own night sky objects that they have always identified. In Western European society, night sky constellations are identified by linking stars to create a pattern eg Southern Cross, Scorpion, Orion the Hunter etc. Indigenous Australians use the very black, dark patches in the sky to create objects. These pitch black areas are dust lanes near nebulas where stars are formed.

The Emu is found in the Milky Way. It is easiest to find if you start looking for its head first..........also known as the coalsack. Now trace back and form the neck, body, tail and legs of the Emu. This emu will be around for a month or so........and is clearly visible on nights when there is not a moon. The Western Rivers Carer loves this time of the year when the Emu is in the sky - which coincidentally is the same time of year as when the Emu's are sitting on their eggs. The images accompanying this come from a book titled "Emu Dreaming" by Ray and Cilla Norris.