While birding at Oakland Nature Preserve last weekend, I had an unexpected emu encounter.
The property next to the preserve is owned by a ranch that raises exotic animals: zebras, emus, long-horned cows, and several types of antelope. I’d never seen them right next to the fence, though. So it was interesting to watch the emus walking around, foraging under the oak trees for food. My cell phone camera’s not very good, so you’ll have to take my word for it that they were pretty close to me. Pretty neat.
Also, I should add that hearing peacocks calling while birding the swamp by Lake Apopka is an interesting experience.