E is for Emu!

 

emu and emu chick walking down the road
This adorable pair walked right past us down the road! Dad emu raises the chick(s) and this one is doing a great job. We first spotted them about 70 yards away. Then they just walked down the road and by us (within 1 yard). I wasn't at all sure how well this was going to go but figured staying still was good. Scott continued taking pics as they wandered past. 

The little one got a little upset at dad once or twice and let his feelings be known.

emu chick with beak open

Dad and chick both snacked on the fresher greens in the area:

emu eating greens while chick watches

emu chick eating greens

The emus were brought to the region by the man who owns Horse Island. Access to the island is off Potato Point Road. Apparently, he was unaware that, while emus can't fly, they can swim. Most swam off the island and took up residence in the scrub around Potato Point. We were over visiting someone who lives across the inlet from Horse Island. Another flock of emus was happily grazing on the island - at least for now.

We are at another sit -  this one in a suburb of Sydney. It is for Groot, a greyhound who never made it to the track. Groot is the most chill dog ever. He does get excited for meals and walks but he calms down quickly and naps about 20 hours out of the day. He doesn't countersurf and doesn't attempt to get on the furniture. Easiest sit ever! We head to Lithgow (old mining town next) to sit with an 11 mo old pup. We think this will be a major difference in activity level! We will be there for a good week and then back to PP for a week or so before heading back this way!

man and dog going for a walk

The current owners of the farm we want did accept our bid and we have put down earnest money to hold it. Now trying to get all the moving parts together. Real estate sales work a bit differently here - no real buyers agent but each side gets a specialized legal agent to look over the contracts. We found one and so are ready for next steps. We also met with accountants that will help us with taxes for the first couple of years or so. Next up is to talk to our financial advisors to move money over here to pay for the house. [Retirement funds don't move as we would pay taxes on them twice. This also means we can't manage the funds since you have to be in the US to do that; we pay someone else to do that bit.] 

Two more E-birds

Eastern rosellas - found in the forested regions (not common on the coast)

colorful small parrot on a branch

Eastern spinebills (tiny little honeyeaters that flutter a bit like hummingbirds)

Hopefully can post more readily once we are situated in Lithgow. For now, wishing you a gentle goodnight
emu and chick walking away




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