Cassowary Encounter

Recently travelled to far North Queensland up to Cape Tribulation. Was travelling back down to Cairns and my wife had my 40D sitting on her lap. We'd passed quite a few Cassowary signs (first pic above), came round a bend and down in a small creek line was a Cassowary out on his morning walk. Val shrieked and started snapping away. Unfortunately for us, I'd left the 17-55 f/2.8 IS on. Didn't have a chance to switch lenses so had to go with it. Best I could manage is above. Had about 15 seconds with this living dinosaur. Was a definite highlight of our trip. The tea fields that I shot soon after didn't really have the same 'thrill'.

C&C (taking into account all of the above) always welcome.

HOSTED PHOTO
please log in to view hosted photos in full size.

HOSTED PHOTO
please log in to view hosted photos in full size.

Last one.

HOSTED PHOTO
please log in to view hosted photos in full size.

Wow....what an unusual looking bird and congratulations on at least capturing it...seeing it with your own eyes must have been an experience you'll never forget.

Damn cool! Stories of those things disembowelling people always put me off going looking too far for one as a kid

Thanks guys for not smashing us on the blurry background although you can clearly see the main focal point!

Jim, I'm Army and my boss was telling me that the only time he was given live ammunition on an Army exercise was when they were patrolling up in Tully. The only reason was that the cassowary's attack if threatened so they were allowed to defend themselves. For those that don't know, they have large talons like a raptor on their feet and can slice a stomach open in one slash. People have actually been killed by these things! Yet here I was, outside the car in shorts and no shoes, taking the cam from Valerie and trying to get closer. He just wandered off like I didnt exist. Cool experience!

wow that is so cool looking. i be happy to see one too. congrats on just getting of a shot of it. never mind it being blurry

Bill